Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Optical fiber/optical fiber cable termination structure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-02
2001-10-02
Healy, Brian (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Optical fiber/optical fiber cable termination structure
C385S062000, C385S139000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296399
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fiber optics and more particularly to a fiber optic connection system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,291 granted to William J. Stape et al Aug. 18, 1987 discloses a duplex fiber optic connector that enables mating the fibers of a multi-fiber optic cable with like fibers of a second fiber optic cable or cables. The duplex fiber optic connector comprises a duplex cable connector that plugs into one end of an interconnect member (connector body) that receives a pair of single cable connectors that are plugged into the opposite end. Each connector carries the fibers of a respective cable in individual ferrules. The duplex cable connector includes hermaphroditic covers that snap together to provide a housing for the individual ferrules of the two fiber optic cables at one end. The housing provided by the assembled covers is plugged into the interconnect member with the two ferrules housed inside. The duplex connector is retained in the interconnect receptacle by integral latch arms of the hermaphroditic covers.
Each of the single cable connectors that are plugged into the opposite end of the interconnect member each include hermaphroditic covers that form a housing. Each of the ferrules are plugged into the opposite end of the interconnect member individually and retained by integral latch arms of the hermaphroditic covers. This arrangement results in the need for large receptacles and a large interconnect member because the assembled covers are plugged into the interconnect member. Moreover, the arrangement does not provide any assurance that the ferrules or housings formed by the assembled covers are properly connected to the interconnect member.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,979,792 granted to Robert N. Weber et al Dec. 25, 1990 discloses a duplex fiber optic connector similar to the duplex fiber optic cable connector disclosed in the Stape '291 patent discussed above. This duplex fiber optic connector further includes a cover. However, the connector has the same drawbacks noted above.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,803 granted to Lyle B Suverison et al Feb. 19, 1991 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,071,219 granted to John A. Yurtin Dec. 10, 1991 both disclose electro-optical header connectors that makes optical connections between the fiber optic cables of a plug connector and electro-optical (EO) devices housed in the header connector. These arrangements also have housings for the ferrules that must be accommodated by interconnect member or header connectors.
German Patent DE 32 43 309 discloses an electro-optical header connector that makes an optical connection between the a fiber optic cable and an electro-optical (EO) device housed in the header connector. A ferrule is attached to the end of the fiber optic cable. The ferrule is plugged directly into the header connector. However, this arrangement does not accommodate more than a single fiber optic cable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of this invention is to provide a fiber optic connection system that is compact and that is capable of accommodating a plurality of fiber optic cables.
A feature of the fiber optic connection system of the invention is that the connection system has a connector body that incorporates a spring wire that locks an optical connector in place in the connector body.
Another feature of the fiber optic connection system of the invention is that the connection system has a connector body that incorporates a spring wire that engages a down ramp of an optical connector to lock the optical connector in place and to bias the optic fiber of the optical connector forward into functional engagement with another optic fiber or an electro-optic device.
Still another feature of the fiber optic connection system of the invention is that the connection system includes a ferrule position assurance (FPA) device to insure that the ferrule of the optic connector is properly locked in place in the connector body.
Yet another feature of the fiber optic connection system of the invention is that the connection system includes a FPA that is attached to the connector body in a pre-staged position that allows the spring wire to expand during optical connector insertion.
Still yet another feature of the fiber optic connection system of the invention is that the connection system includes a FPA that is moveably attached to the connector for movement to a final position where the FPA holds down the spring wire to retain an optic connector positively.
Still yet another feature of the fiber optic connection system of the invention is that the fiber optic connection system has a plurality of ferrules that are dovetailed together and plugged directly into the connector body to conserve space.
Still yet another feature of the fiber optic connection system of the invention is that the connection system includes a handle that is attached to the rearward ends of the dovetailed ferrules to facilitate insertion of the dovetailed ferrules into the connector body and to provide a strain relief without any need for increasing the size of the connector body.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the fiber optic connection system of the invention will become apparent in connection with the detailed description of the fiber optic connection system of the invention below.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4687291 (1987-08-01), Stape et al.
patent: 4979792 (1990-12-01), Weber et al.
patent: 4993803 (1991-02-01), Suverison et al.
patent: 5071219 (1991-12-01), Yurtin
patent: 5436995 (1995-07-01), Yoshizawa et al.
patent: 32 43 309 (1988-07-01), None
patent: 0 848 267 A2 (1998-06-01), None
Bungo Edward M.
Halbach Paul Gerhard
Madden William T.
Connelly-Cushwa Michelle R.
Delphi Technologies Inc.
Healy Brian
Jones Richard A.
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