Fiber optic module including lens cap

Details Fiber optic module including lens cap Fiber optic module including lens cap

2001-01-08

2001-10-23

Henry, Jon (Department: 2872)

Optical waveguides

Accessories

C385S078000, C385S081000, C359S511000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06307998

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to fiber optic modules for use in cross-connecting fiber optic equipment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The telecommunications and data transmission industries are rapidly expanding their development of fiber optic transmission systems. Historically, telecommunications signals and data have been transmitted over wire lines such as twisted pair or coaxial cables. In order to accommodate higher signal rate speeds, the industry is turning to increased use of fiber optic cables as the transmission medium.
As the use of fiber optic cables increases, the need for peripheral equipment has increased. For example, it is desirable to have access to a fiber optic line for the purpose of either re-routing the line in the event of damage to the line or to have access to the line for purposes of monitoring or testing the line.
Fiber optic peripheral equipment for cable management, cable storage and connection capabilities are well known. The use of modular fiber optic connector modules is known for performing so-called cross-connect applications. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,432,875 and 5,363,465 to ADC Telecommunications, Inc. concern fiber optic connector modules and chassis designs for receiving the modules in cross-connect applications.
PCT WO97/41720 also concerns a fiber optic module for use in cross-connect applications. The document discloses optical signal routing, monitoring, and visual path identification capabilities.
There is a continuing need for fiber optic modules which provide optical signal routing, monitoring, and visual path identification capabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A fiber optic module for mounting to a chassis for holding one or more modules has front and rear access defined by a plurality of connection locations. The connection locations are linked by optical couplers. Two circuits are disposed within the housing of the module. The module is used to cross-connect fiber optic equipment via patch cords on the front connection locations.
In one preferred embodiment, the front of the module includes four adapters for connection to fiber optic connectors, and two visual indicators for visual path identification for the circuits. The front may also include visual signal identification input ports. The rear includes eight adapters for connection to fiber optic connectors.
The rear of the module may include angled linear segments for the connection locations. The front may include adapters in a linear array, each held at an angle to the front of the module by an angled retainer.
The visual indicators may include a lens cap at least partially transparent to visual light connectable to an optical fiber. During injection of an optical signal through the fiber in the visible light range, the lens cap will illuminate.


REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 34955 (1995-05-01), Anton et al.
patent: 4732450 (1988-03-01), Lee
patent: 4782430 (1988-11-01), Robbins et al.
patent: 5214735 (1993-05-01), Henneberger et al.
patent: 5303125 (1994-04-01), Miller
patent: 5363465 (1994-11-01), Korkowski et al.
patent: 5432875 (1995-07-01), Korkowski et al.
patent: 5440468 (1995-08-01), Savage, Jr.
patent: 5448675 (1995-09-01), Leone et al.
patent: 5452124 (1995-09-01), Baker
patent: 5712942 (1998-01-01), Jennings et al.
patent: 5774245 (1998-06-01), Baker
patent: 5965877 (1999-12-01), Wood et al.
patent: 6002331 (1999-12-01), Laor
patent: 6074247 (2000-06-01), Hall et al.
patent: 295 09 381 U1 (1995-10-01), None
patent: 0 443 454 A2 (1991-08-01), None
patent: 0 514 638 A1 (1992-11-01), None
patent: 08146238 (1996-06-01), None
patent: WO 97/41720 (1997-11-01), None
Brochure from ADC Telecommunications entitled “ADC's RF Worx™ RF Distribution and Management Products,” 11 pages, dated Dec. 1996.
Brochure from ADC Telecommunications entitled “Frameworx Value-Added Connector Module System,” 32 pages, dated Jul. 1994.
Brochure from ADC Telecommunications entitled “Fiber Optic Couplers, Splitters and Wavelength Division Multiplexers,” 27 pages, dated Jul. 1997.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Fiber optic module including lens cap 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 module including lens cap, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fiber optic module including lens cap will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2616805