Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-05
2001-05-08
Lee, John D. (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Structure surrounding optical fiber-to-fiber connection
C385S053000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227718
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention is directed to connector sleeve assemblies or adapters and panels used in optical fiber distribution frames. Typically, the distribution frame acts as an interface between the central office switching equipment and the cable network of subscriber lines, with the sleeve assemblies and panels acting to hold mated optical fiber connectors in the distribution frames. The optical fiber connectors need to be accessible for a variety of reasons, including cleaning and reconfiguration, but the arrangement also needs to be limited in size to allow for a maximum density of connectors in the distribution frames. Prior connector sleeves allowed access to the connectors by pulling the connector sleeves upward, causing the entire connector sleeve and the optical fibers on both sides of the connection to be lifted (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,144). Other features would be beneficial: a connector sleeve that allows only one side of the connector to be lifted, allows for easy access to the connectors and sleeves, increases the density of the connectors and connector sleeves on the panel in the distribution frame, and maintains the connector sleeve in the raised position. Thus, there is a need for a panel and connector sleeve that achieves these benefits.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Among the objects of the present invention is to provide a panel and connector sleeve assembly that allows easier access to optical fiber connectors in a distribution panel at a higher density and without disturbing neighboring optical fiber connectors.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purposes of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention comprises a connector sleeve assembly mountable in an optical fiber distribution panel having a bracket and a connector sleeve disposed in the bracket, the connector sleeve comprising a front end for receiving a first optical fiber connector, a back end for receiving a second optical fiber connector, an extension element adjacent each of the front end and the back end to engage a corresponding track in the bracket, and a spring member disposed between the bracket and the connector sleeve exerting a force on the connector sleeve.
To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purposes of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also comprises a connector sleeve having a front end for receiving a first optical fiber connector, a back end for receiving a second optical fiber connector, and an extension element adjacent each of the front end and the back end, at least two substantially vertical flange members extending upward from the panel, each flange member having at least one track for receiving the extension elements on the connector sleeve, and a spring member disposed between the panel and the connector sleeve exerting a force on the connector sleeve upward between the upwardly extending flange members.
To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purposes of the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention also comprises a base member having a plane, and a connector sleeve mounted to the base member and parallel to the plane, the connector sleeve having a front end for receiving a first optical connector and a back end for receiving a second optical connector, and adapted to be tilted at an angle other than parallel to the base member plane.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5052775 (1991-10-01), Bassard et al.
patent: 5402515 (1995-03-01), Vidacovich et al.
patent: 5511144 (1996-04-01), Hawkins et al.
Harvey John David
McGranahan Danny
Strause Craig
Lee John D.
Siecor Operations LLC
Song Sarah
LandOfFree
Connector sleeve assembly and panel for optical distribution... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Connector sleeve assembly and panel for optical distribution..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Connector sleeve assembly and panel for optical distribution... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2544745