Optical waveguides – With disengagable mechanical connector – Optical fiber to a nonfiber optical device connector
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-29
2001-11-20
Schuberg, Darren (Department: 2872)
Optical waveguides
With disengagable mechanical connector
Optical fiber to a nonfiber optical device connector
C385S092000, C385S078000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06318907
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 a fiber optic light cable to a light source.
2. Description of the Related Art
It is known that fiber optic light cables are used for high-speed communication and data transmission and “piping” or carrying light from a light source. It is also known that these fiber optic light cables are typically connected with fiber optic connectors, which may be easily coupled and uncoupled. As used herein, the term “connector” means an article that allows connection, disconnection and reconnection of a fiber optic light cable to a light source, as opposed to a permanent connection between the cable and light source. As used herein, the term “light source” may be another fiber optic light cable or a light source such as an arc discharge lamp, laser, light emitting diode (LED), filament bulb, etc.
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 that retains the light cable from moving axially and laterally to ensure light transmission efficiency. In addition, there is a need in the art to provide a fiber optic connector that prevents environmental contaminants from entering therein while operating at high temperatures due to proximity to a light source.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention is a fiber optic connector for connecting a fiber optic light cable to a light source. The fiber optic connector includes a light source housing for connection to a light source and a coupling for connection to a fiber optic light cable. The coupling includes a cage having a spring for locking the light source housing to the coupling to connect the fiber optic light cable to the light source housing, thereby allowing light from the light source to be efficiently coupled into the fiber optic light cable.
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 cable from moving axially and laterally to ensure light transmission 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. A further advantage of the present invention is that the fiber optic connector also permits the connection to be disconnected with a simple service tool.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood, after reading the subsequent description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
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
patent: 63-64007 (1988-03-01), None
patent: 1-134406 (1989-05-01), None
patent: 2-85808 (1990-03-01), None
Ince William
Pelino John
Schroeder Fred Georg
Boutsikaris Leo
Schuberg Darren
Shelton Larry I.
Visteon Global Technologies Inc.
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