Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector
Reexamination Certificate
2000-11-29
2003-06-03
Lee, John D. (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
C385S060000, C385S058000, C385S056000, C385S055000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06572272
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to optical connectors and, more particularly, to an assembly for connecting optical connectors to each other at an angle relative to another member.
2. Brief Description of Earlier Developments
PCT publication WO 99/36997 discloses a faceplate for connecting an electrical plug and an electrical outlet to each other at an angle relative to a plane of the faceplate. U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,344 discloses an optical connector adapter for connecting optical connectors of two optical conductor assemblies to each other. The adapter has flanges to connect the adapter to another member at a perpendicular through-hole configuration. There is a tendency to make electronic and optical apparatus smaller. However, for apparatus with an adapter and connectors similar to U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,344, there needs to be enough room at the connection site to allow a user to insert and remove the optical connectors from the adapter. This limits reduction in size of electronic and optical apparatus. There also must be enough open area in front of and behind the adapter such that the optical conductors are not kinked or broken. There is a desire to connect optical connectors to each other at an optical connector adapter (attached to another member such as a back plane or back panel) in an arrangement that will allow for a smaller open area in front of and behind the adapter for insertion and removal of the connectors. There is also a desire to allow the optical connectors to be attached to each other at a non-perpendicular angle to a plane of the back plane or back panel. The positioning of the adapter can ensure, for example, that any light transmitted by the connector after unmating is projected towards the floor, protecting the operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a mount is provided for connecting an optical connector adapter to a panel. The mount comprises a first section adapted to attach to the panel; and a second section having an aperture for receiving a portion of the optical connector adapter. The second section is adapted to extend through a hole in the panel. The aperture has a centerline axis which is angled relative to the first section such that the centerline axis of the aperture is angled relative to a centerline axis of the hole when the first section is attached to the panel.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a combined optical connector adapter and mount assembly is provided comprising a mount adapted to be connected to a frame and extend through a hole in the frame; and an adapter connected to the mount. The adapter is adapted to connect at least two optical connectors to each other at an acute angle relative to a center axis of the hole.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, an optical connector adapter assembly is provided for connecting at least two optical conductor connectors to each other at a hole through a planar section of the frame. The improvement comprises a housing of the assembly comprising a receiving section for receiving the connectors which, when the assembly is connected to the frame and the connectors are located in the receiving section, angles the connectors at acute angles relative to a plane of the planar section of the frame.
In accordance with one method of the present invention, a method of connecting an optical connector adapter to a frame is provided comprising steps of connecting the optical connector adapter to a mount; and connecting the mount to the frame with the adapter extending through a hole in the frame. The adapter provides a connection of optical connectors to each other along an axis which is angled relative to a centerline axis of the hole.
In accordance with another method of the present invention, a method of connecting an optical connector adapter assembly to a frame is provided comprising steps of locating a first portion of a housing of the assembly in a hole of the frame, the first portion having a receiving area for receiving ends of optical conductors; positioning a section of the frame, which is proximate the hole, in a recess of the housing; and connecting a second portion of the housing to the frame with a single fastener, wherein the housing is stationarily connected to the frame due to a combination of contact of the housing with the frame in the hole, contact of the housing with the frame in the recess, and connection between the housing and the frame by the single fastener.
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Berg Technology Inc.
Harrington & Smith ,LLP
Lee John D.
Valencia Daniel
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