Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Optical fiber/optical fiber cable termination structure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-08
2001-09-04
Spyrou, Cassandra (Department: 2872)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Optical fiber/optical fiber cable termination structure
C385S060000, C385S062000, C385S081000, C385S084000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06283642
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to fiber optic light cables and, more specifically, to a connector for connecting fiber optic light cables together.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known that fiber optic light cables are used for high-speed communication and data transmission. It is also known that these fiber optic light cables are typically connected together with fiber optic connectors, which may be easily coupled and uncoupled. As used herein, the term “connector” means an article which allows connection, disconnection and reconnection of two fiber optic light cables, as opposed to a “splice” which normally connotes a permanent connection between the cables.
An example of such a fiber optic connector is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,321,784. In this patent, a fiber optic connector includes an extended ferrule collar and a surrounding body adapted to be received in one of several different connector shells. The ferrule collar and body form a sub-assembly that can be factory mounted to a fiber optic light cable.
Although the above fiber optic connector has worked, there is a need in the art to provide a fiber optic connector which retains the light cable from moving axially to ensure light transfer efficiency. Also, there is a need in the art to provide a fiber optic connector which prevents environmental contaminants from entering therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is a fiber optic connector for connecting fiber optic light cables together. The fiber optic connector includes a light housing for connection to a first fiber optic light cable and a coupling for connection to a second fiber optic light cable. The coupling includes a cage having a spring for locking the light housing to the coupling to connect the first fiber optic light cable and second fiber optic light cable together into a single light source.
One feature of the present invention is that a fiber optic connector for connecting fiber optic light cables together into a single light source is provided. Another feature of the present invention is that the fiber optic connector retains the fiber optic light cables from moving axially to ensure light transfer efficiency. Yet another feature of the present invention is that the fiber optic connector also seals a joint to keep environmental contaminants out of the connector. Still another feature of the present invention is that the fiber optic connector uses two o-rings to minimize lateral movement as well as providing a seal.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3861781 (1975-01-01), Hasegawa et al.
patent: 4747658 (1988-05-01), Borsuk et al.
patent: 4759600 (1988-07-01), Caron et al.
patent: 5050956 (1991-09-01), Carpenter et al.
patent: 5094494 (1992-03-01), McConnell
patent: 5321784 (1994-06-01), Cubukciyan et al.
patent: 5816626 (1998-10-01), Anderson et al.
patent: 63-64007 (1988-03-01), None
patent: 1-134406 (1989-05-01), None
patent: 2-85808 (1990-03-01), None
Pelino John
Schroeder Fred Georg
Boutsikaris Leo
Shelton Larry I.
Spyrou Cassandra
Visteon Global Technologies Inc.
LandOfFree
Fiber optic connector does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Fiber optic connector, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fiber optic connector will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2516273