US4201444A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Single optical fiber connector
Assignee: ITT Inc
•
Filing: 1978-02-13
•
Granted: 1980-05-06
•
Expires: 1998-02-13
Abstract
Abstract A connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers is disclosed. The connector comprises a base plate having a V-groove in its upper surface having a transverse cross-section of an equilateral triangle. Two sets of three equal diameter cylindrical rods lay in the groove each defining an interstitial space therebetween which receives an optical fiber. The sets of rods have mating end faces which abut each other in the groove. A compression plate is mounted over the base plate to arrange the rods in the V-groove so that the centers of the rods are disposed at the vertices of the same equilateral triangle so that the fibers in the interstitial spaces between the rods will become precisely laterally aligned. The groove in the base plate may contain a larger number of rods for aligning a plurality of optical fibers within the interstices defined by the rods. The groove may also have the configuration of a truncated equilateral triangle. A flat cable single optical fiber connector is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald L. McCartney
- 👤 Bruce K. Arnold
- 👤 Vaughn C. Hogan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 05:21
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/3809; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3834; G02B6/3841; G02B6/3873; G02B6/3874; G02B6/3878; G02B6/3881; G02B6/3885; G02B6/389
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 61
Claim 1
Independent Claim
221 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers comprising: a base plate having a groove in the upper surface thereof, said groove including a pair of planar sides that intersect below said surface at an angle of 60° and extend to said surface; a pair of like-sets of equal diameter cylindrical rods lying lengthwise in said groove, each said set of rods having adjacent circumferential surfaces providing at least one interstitial space between said rods for receiving an optical fiber; the region of said groove in which said sets of rods lie being continuous; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other in said groove; compression plate means mountable over said surface for arranging said rods of each set in said groove in indentical patterns wherein the centers of any three contiguous rods of each set are disposed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle, whereby fibers in corresponding interstitial spaces in said sets of rods will become precisely laterally aligned; and said sets of rods being laterally removably mounted in said groove and being unattached to said compression plate means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
221 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers comprising: a base plate having a groove in the upper surface thereof, said groove including a pair of planar sides that intersect below said surface at an angle of 60° and extend to said surface; a pair of like-sets of equal diameter cylindrical rods lying lengthwise in said groove, each said set of rods having adjacent circumferential surfaces providing at least one interstitial space between said rods for receiving an optical fiber; the region of said groove in which said sets of rods lie being continuous; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other in said groove; compression plate means mountable over said surface for arranging said rods of each set in said groove in indentical patterns wherein the centers of any three contiguous rods of each set are disposed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle, whereby fibers in corresponding interstitial spaces in said sets of rods will become precisely laterally aligned; and said sets of rods being laterally removably mounted in said groove and being unattached to said compression plate means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein: each said set of rods includes a plurality of upper rods; and the upper surfaces of said upper rods in said groove are at least as high as said upper surface of said plate.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 2 wherein: said upper surfaces of said upper rods extend above said upper surface of said base plate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 2 wherein: said compression plate means has a planar lower surface extending entirely over said groove and mounted flush on said upper surface of said base plate.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 3 wherein: either said base plate and said compression plate means, or said rods, or both, are of a deformable material; and said compression plate means has a planar lower surface extending entirely over said groove and mounted flush on said upper surface of said base plate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 1 including: means providing a hinged connection between said base plate and said compression plate means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein: a flexible sleeve surrounds each said set of rods adjacent to said mating end face thereof.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said rods are formed of the same deformable material; and said base plate and compression plate means are formed of the same deformable material.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
82 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein: each said set of rods includes a plurality of upper rods; the upper surfaces of said upper rods in said groove extend above said upper surface of said base plate; said base plate, said compression plate means and said rods are of a deformable material; and said compression plate means has a planar lower surface extending entirely over said groove and mounted flush on said upper surface of said base plate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said groove has a transverse cross-section of an equilateral triangle.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein: each set of rods includes only three rods.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein: each set of rods includes more than three rods.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said groove has a transverse cross-section of a truncated equilateral triangle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 1 wherein: each set of rods includes a sufficient number of rods to define a plurality of said interstitial spaces.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
44 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 1 including: an optical fiber in the interstitial space in each said set of rods; and each said fiber having a mating end coplanar with the mating end face of its respective set of rods.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 17 wherein: said rods of each set are joined to its respective fiber.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
187 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers comprising: a base plate having a V-groove in the upper surface thereof, said groove having a transverse cross-section of an equilateral triangle; two sets of three equal diameter cylindrical rods lying lengthwise in said groove, each said set of rods having adjacent circumferential surfaces providing an interstitial space between said rods for receiving an optical fiber; the region of said groove in which said sets of rods lie being continuous; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other in said groove; compression plate means mountable over said surface for arranging said rods of each set so that their centers are disposed at the vertices of the same equilateral triangle whereby fibers in said interstitial spaces will become precisely laterally aligned; and said sets of rods being removably mounted in said groove and being unattached to said compression plate means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
187 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers comprising: a base plate having a V-groove in the upper surface thereof, said groove having a transverse cross-section of an equilateral triangle; two sets of three equal diameter cylindrical rods lying lengthwise in said groove, each said set of rods having adjacent circumferential surfaces providing an interstitial space between said rods for receiving an optical fiber; the region of said groove in which said sets of rods lie being continuous; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other in said groove; compression plate means mountable over said surface for arranging said rods of each set so that their centers are disposed at the vertices of the same equilateral triangle whereby fibers in said interstitial spaces will become precisely laterally aligned; and said sets of rods being removably mounted in said groove and being unattached to said compression plate means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
230 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers comprising: a base plate having a V-groove in the upper surface thereof, said groove having a transverse cross-section of an equilateral triangle; two sets of three equal diameter cylindrical rods lying lengthwise in said groove, each said set of rods having adjacent circumferential surfaces providing an interstitial space between said rods for receiving an optical fiber; the region of said groove in which said sets of rods lie being continuous; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other in said groove; the upper surfaces of the two upper rods of each said set in said groove being above said upper surface of said base plate; compression plate means mountable flush on said upper surface of said base plate, either said base plate and compression plate means, or said rods, or both, being of a deformable material whereby mounting said compression plate means flush on said upper surface of said base plate causes said fibers in said interstitial spaces to become precisely laterally aligned; and said sets of rods being removably mounted in said groove and being unattached to said compression plate means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
230 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers comprising: a base plate having a V-groove in the upper surface thereof, said groove having a transverse cross-section of an equilateral triangle; two sets of three equal diameter cylindrical rods lying lengthwise in said groove, each said set of rods having adjacent circumferential surfaces providing an interstitial space between said rods for receiving an optical fiber; the region of said groove in which said sets of rods lie being continuous; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other in said groove; the upper surfaces of the two upper rods of each said set in said groove being above said upper surface of said base plate; compression plate means mountable flush on said upper surface of said base plate, either said base plate and compression plate means, or said rods, or both, being of a deformable material whereby mounting said compression plate means flush on said upper surface of said base plate causes said fibers in said interstitial spaces to become precisely laterally aligned; and said sets of rods being removably mounted in said groove and being unattached to said compression plate means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
207 words
A fiber optic connector of coupling a pair of single optical fibers comprising: a base plate having a groove in the upper surface thereof, said groove having two sides intersecting at an angle of 60° below said surface and extending to said surface; two sets of three equal diameter cylindrical rods lying lengthwise in said groove; the region of said groove in which said sets of rods lie being continuous; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other in said groove; a single compression plate on said base plate having a flat lower surface extending entirely over said region of said groove defining with said sides of said groove a closed channel of equilateral triangle cross-section, said compression plate engaging said two sets of rods for applying a uniform pressure to said sets of rods; said rods of each set being dimensioned to engage each other and each rod engaging two sides of said channel; and said rods of each set providing an interstitial space therebetween for receiving an optical fiber.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
207 words
A fiber optic connector of coupling a pair of single optical fibers comprising: a base plate having a groove in the upper surface thereof, said groove having two sides intersecting at an angle of 60° below said surface and extending to said surface; two sets of three equal diameter cylindrical rods lying lengthwise in said groove; the region of said groove in which said sets of rods lie being continuous; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other in said groove; a single compression plate on said base plate having a flat lower surface extending entirely over said region of said groove defining with said sides of said groove a closed channel of equilateral triangle cross-section, said compression plate engaging said two sets of rods for applying a uniform pressure to said sets of rods; said rods of each set being dimensioned to engage each other and each rod engaging two sides of said channel; and said rods of each set providing an interstitial space therebetween for receiving an optical fiber.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
106 words
An optical fiber termination comprising: three equal diameter flexible cylindrical rods extending parallel to each other in closely adjacent, but not necessarily engaging, relationship defining therebetween an interstitial space; a base element joining the rear ends of said rods having an opening therein aligned with said space; a light transmitting optical fiber extending lengthwise through said opening into said space; said rods being movable laterally relative to each other so that adjacent circumferential surfaces on said rods may engage each other; and all said rods and said fiber terminating in a generally coplanar mating end face which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said fiber.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
106 words
An optical fiber termination comprising: three equal diameter flexible cylindrical rods extending parallel to each other in closely adjacent, but not necessarily engaging, relationship defining therebetween an interstitial space; a base element joining the rear ends of said rods having an opening therein aligned with said space; a light transmitting optical fiber extending lengthwise through said opening into said space; said rods being movable laterally relative to each other so that adjacent circumferential surfaces on said rods may engage each other; and all said rods and said fiber terminating in a generally coplanar mating end face which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said fiber.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
64 words
A single fiber contact comprising: at least three equal diameter, flexible, cylindrical rods extending parallel to each other in closely adjacent, but not necessarily engaging, relationship defining therebetween at least one interstitial space; a base element integrally joined to the rear ends of said rods; and an opening in said base element aligned with said space and dimensioned to receive an optical fiber therethrough.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
64 words
A single fiber contact comprising: at least three equal diameter, flexible, cylindrical rods extending parallel to each other in closely adjacent, but not necessarily engaging, relationship defining therebetween at least one interstitial space; a base element integrally joined to the rear ends of said rods; and an opening in said base element aligned with said space and dimensioned to receive an optical fiber therethrough.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
A single fiber contact as set forth in claim 21 wherein: said rods have flat front faces lying in substantially a common plane perpendicular to the axis of said rods.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
118 words
An optical fiber flat cable comprising: an elongated, generally flat, flexible insulative member having a plurality of single optical fibers embedded therein and extending lengthwise of said member in generally parallel, spaced relationship; the ends of said fibers extending beyond one end of said member; a set of three equal diameter cylindrical rods carried by said member and surrounding each said fiber end, said rods of each set being movable laterally relative to each other and dimensioned so that adjacent circumferential surfaces on said rods may engage each other; and all said rods of each set and corresponding fiber terminating in a substantially coplanar mating end face which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said fiber.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
118 words
An optical fiber flat cable comprising: an elongated, generally flat, flexible insulative member having a plurality of single optical fibers embedded therein and extending lengthwise of said member in generally parallel, spaced relationship; the ends of said fibers extending beyond one end of said member; a set of three equal diameter cylindrical rods carried by said member and surrounding each said fiber end, said rods of each set being movable laterally relative to each other and dimensioned so that adjacent circumferential surfaces on said rods may engage each other; and all said rods of each set and corresponding fiber terminating in a substantially coplanar mating end face which is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said fiber.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
An optical fiber flat cable as set forth in claim 23 wherein: said rods are flexible.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
An optical fiber flat cable as set forth in claim 23 including: a flexible sleeve surrounding each set of rods.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
35 words
An optical fiber flat cable as set forth in claim 23 including: a bandoller mounted on said insulative member adjacent to said one end thereof; and said sets of rods are joined to said bandoller.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
25 words
An optical fiber flat cable as set forth in claim 23 wherein: said rods of each set are joined together to form a unitary contact.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
28 words
An optical fiber flat cable as set forth in claim 23 wherein: said insulative member contains at least one hole therein for locating said member in a connector.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
165 words
A fiber optic connector for a pair of flat cables each having a plurality of parallel, spaced optical fibers thereon each terminated by a three-rod contact comprising: a base plate having opposite ends and sides; a plurality of parallel grooves in the upper surface of said base plate extending between said ends of said base plate, said grooves being spaced apart a distance corresponding to the spacing of said fibers on said flat cable; each said groove having an intermediate fiber contact receiving area between said ends of said base plate, each said area having a transverse cross-section of an equilateral triangle; a compression plate pivotally connected to one side of said base plate and having a flat surface overlying said intermediate areas of said grooves when said compression plate is pivoted over said base plate; and cable locating means adjacent to said ends of said base plate for locating said flat cables in said connector with the respective contacts thereof in axial abutting relationship.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
165 words
A fiber optic connector for a pair of flat cables each having a plurality of parallel, spaced optical fibers thereon each terminated by a three-rod contact comprising: a base plate having opposite ends and sides; a plurality of parallel grooves in the upper surface of said base plate extending between said ends of said base plate, said grooves being spaced apart a distance corresponding to the spacing of said fibers on said flat cable; each said groove having an intermediate fiber contact receiving area between said ends of said base plate, each said area having a transverse cross-section of an equilateral triangle; a compression plate pivotally connected to one side of said base plate and having a flat surface overlying said intermediate areas of said grooves when said compression plate is pivoted over said base plate; and cable locating means adjacent to said ends of said base plate for locating said flat cables in said connector with the respective contacts thereof in axial abutting relationship.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 29 including: latch means on said plates for releasably holding said compression plate flush against said upper surface of said base plate.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 29 wherein: the cross-section of each said groove between said intermediate area thereof and said ends of said base plate is curved.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 29 wherein: said plates each have windows therein on opposite sides of said contact receiving areas of said grooves.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
196 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling single optical fibers comprising: a pair of like-sets of at least three, generally parallel rods, each said set of rods having adjacent like-shaped cylindrical surfaces providing at least one tricuspid interstitial space between said rods for receiving an optical fiber; each said set of rods including a base element joined to said rods; said base element having an opening therein aligned with each said interstitial space between said rods and being dimensioned to receive a fiber therethrough; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other; and means surrounding said rods for exerting a uniform radially inwardly directed compressive force urging said rods of each set inwardly to cause said adjacent cylindrical surfaces thereof to engage each other so that the centers of any three contiguous rods of each set are disposed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle, whereby fibers in corresponding interstitial spaces in said sets of rods will become precisely laterally aligned.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
196 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling single optical fibers comprising: a pair of like-sets of at least three, generally parallel rods, each said set of rods having adjacent like-shaped cylindrical surfaces providing at least one tricuspid interstitial space between said rods for receiving an optical fiber; each said set of rods including a base element joined to said rods; said base element having an opening therein aligned with each said interstitial space between said rods and being dimensioned to receive a fiber therethrough; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other; and means surrounding said rods for exerting a uniform radially inwardly directed compressive force urging said rods of each set inwardly to cause said adjacent cylindrical surfaces thereof to engage each other so that the centers of any three contiguous rods of each set are disposed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle, whereby fibers in corresponding interstitial spaces in said sets of rods will become precisely laterally aligned.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 33 wherein: each said set of rods comprises three cylindrical rods.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 33 wherein: said rods are flexible.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
A fiber optic connector as set forth in claim 33 wherein: said rods are of a deformable material.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
108 words
A single fiber contact comprising: a body having a front and a rear; at least three generally parallel, laterally spaced, flexible posts extending forwardly from said front of said body; said posts having adjacent like-shaped cylindrical surfaces thereon providing therebetween at least one interstitial space; a bore in said body aligned with said space and extending from said front to said rear thereof, said bore being dimensioned to receive an optical fiber therein; and said posts being sufficiently flexible to deflect inwardly for said cylindrical surfaces to engage each other and a fiber in said space upon application of an inwardly directed compressive force applied to said posts.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
108 words
A single fiber contact comprising: a body having a front and a rear; at least three generally parallel, laterally spaced, flexible posts extending forwardly from said front of said body; said posts having adjacent like-shaped cylindrical surfaces thereon providing therebetween at least one interstitial space; a bore in said body aligned with said space and extending from said front to said rear thereof, said bore being dimensioned to receive an optical fiber therein; and said posts being sufficiently flexible to deflect inwardly for said cylindrical surfaces to engage each other and a fiber in said space upon application of an inwardly directed compressive force applied to said posts.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
A single fiber contact as set forth in claim 37 wherein: said posts are resilient.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
18 words
A single fiber contact as set forth in claim 37 wherein: said posts are equal diameter cylindrical rods.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
A single fiber contact as set forth in claim 37 wherein: said posts are of a slightly deformable material.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
110 words
An optical fiber termination comprising: a support body having a front and a rear; a plurality of closely positioned fiber alignment elements mounted on the front of said body and having adjacent like-shaped circular surfaces defining a cuspid-shaped interstitial space therebetween, said alignment elements being individually movable relative to each other; said elements having a front mating end; a bore in said body aligned with said space and extending from said front to said rear thereof; and a single optical fiber inserted into said bore from said rear of said body and extending forwardly into said space to a position closely adjacent to said front mating end of said elements.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
110 words
An optical fiber termination comprising: a support body having a front and a rear; a plurality of closely positioned fiber alignment elements mounted on the front of said body and having adjacent like-shaped circular surfaces defining a cuspid-shaped interstitial space therebetween, said alignment elements being individually movable relative to each other; said elements having a front mating end; a bore in said body aligned with said space and extending from said front to said rear thereof; and a single optical fiber inserted into said bore from said rear of said body and extending forwardly into said space to a position closely adjacent to said front mating end of said elements.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
An optical fiber termination as set forth in claim 41 wherein: said alignment elements are equal diameter flexible cylindrical rods.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
101 words
An optical fiber termination comprising: a support body having a front and a rear; at least three closely positioned fiber alignment elements fixedly mounted on the front of said body and having adjacent like-shaped circular surface defining a cuspid-shaped interstitial space therebetween; said elements having a front mating end; a bore in said body aligned with said space and extending from said front to said rear thereof; and a single optical fiber inserted into said bore from said rear of said body and extending forwardly into said space to a position closely adjacent to said front mating end of said elements.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
101 words
An optical fiber termination comprising: a support body having a front and a rear; at least three closely positioned fiber alignment elements fixedly mounted on the front of said body and having adjacent like-shaped circular surface defining a cuspid-shaped interstitial space therebetween; said elements having a front mating end; a bore in said body aligned with said space and extending from said front to said rear thereof; and a single optical fiber inserted into said bore from said rear of said body and extending forwardly into said space to a position closely adjacent to said front mating end of said elements.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
160 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling single optical fibers comprising: a pair of fiber optic contacts; each contact comprising a support body having a front and a rear, at least three closely positioned fiber alignment elements mounted on the front of said body and having adjacent like-shaped circular surfaces defining a cuspid-shaped interstitial space therebetween, said elements having a front mating end, a bore in said body aligned with said space and extending from said front to said rear, said bore being dimensioned to slidably receive a single optical fiber cable therein from the rear of said body the optical fiber of which is adapted to extend into said space to a position closely adjacent to said front mating end of said elements; and means axially aligning said contacts with said front mating ends of said elements of said contacts substantially abutting each other, whereby optical fibers in the respective interstitial spaces in said contacts will become precisely laterally aligned.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
160 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling single optical fibers comprising: a pair of fiber optic contacts; each contact comprising a support body having a front and a rear, at least three closely positioned fiber alignment elements mounted on the front of said body and having adjacent like-shaped circular surfaces defining a cuspid-shaped interstitial space therebetween, said elements having a front mating end, a bore in said body aligned with said space and extending from said front to said rear, said bore being dimensioned to slidably receive a single optical fiber cable therein from the rear of said body the optical fiber of which is adapted to extend into said space to a position closely adjacent to said front mating end of said elements; and means axially aligning said contacts with said front mating ends of said elements of said contacts substantially abutting each other, whereby optical fibers in the respective interstitial spaces in said contacts will become precisely laterally aligned.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
240 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers comprising: a base plate having a groove in the upper surface thereof, said groove including a pair of planar sides that intersect below said surface at an angle of 60° and extend to said surface; a pair of like-sets of equal diameter, flexible cylindrical rods lying lengthwise in said groove, each said set of rods having adjacent circumferential surfaces providing at least one interstitial space between said rods for receiving an optical fiber; each said set of rods including a base element joined to said rods; said base element having an opening therein aligned with each said interstitial space between said rods and being dimensioned to receive a fiber therethrough; the region of said groove in which said sets of rods lie being continuous; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other in said groove; and compression plate means mountable over said surface for arranging said rods of each set in said groove in identical patterns wherein the centers of any three contiguous rods of each set are disposed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle, whereby fibers in corresponding interstitial spaces in said sets of rods will become precisely laterally aligned.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
240 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers comprising: a base plate having a groove in the upper surface thereof, said groove including a pair of planar sides that intersect below said surface at an angle of 60° and extend to said surface; a pair of like-sets of equal diameter, flexible cylindrical rods lying lengthwise in said groove, each said set of rods having adjacent circumferential surfaces providing at least one interstitial space between said rods for receiving an optical fiber; each said set of rods including a base element joined to said rods; said base element having an opening therein aligned with each said interstitial space between said rods and being dimensioned to receive a fiber therethrough; the region of said groove in which said sets of rods lie being continuous; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other in said groove; and compression plate means mountable over said surface for arranging said rods of each set in said groove in identical patterns wherein the centers of any three contiguous rods of each set are disposed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle, whereby fibers in corresponding interstitial spaces in said sets of rods will become precisely laterally aligned.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
236 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers comprising: a base plate having a groove in the upper surface thereof, said groove including a pair of planar sides that intersect below said surface at an angle of 60° and extend to said surface; a pair of like-sets of equal diameter cylindrical rods lying lengthwise in said groove, each said set of rods having adjacent circumferential surfaces providing at least one interstitial space between said rods for receiving an optical fiber; the region of said groove in which said sets of rods lie being continuous; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other in said groove; compression plate means mountable over said surface for arranging said rods of each set in said groove in identical patterns wherein the centers of any three contiguous rods of each set are disposed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle, whereby fibers in corresponding interstitial spaces in said sets of rods will become precisely laterally aligned; and said compression plate means comprising a single plate having a flat lower surface extending entirely over said groove engaging said two sets of rods for applying a uniform pressure to said sets of rods.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
236 words
A fiber optic connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers comprising: a base plate having a groove in the upper surface thereof, said groove including a pair of planar sides that intersect below said surface at an angle of 60° and extend to said surface; a pair of like-sets of equal diameter cylindrical rods lying lengthwise in said groove, each said set of rods having adjacent circumferential surfaces providing at least one interstitial space between said rods for receiving an optical fiber; the region of said groove in which said sets of rods lie being continuous; all the rods of each said set of rods having front ends lying in a common plane lying transverse to the longitudinal axes of said rods providing a mating end face; said mating end faces of said sets of rods substantially abutting each other in said groove; compression plate means mountable over said surface for arranging said rods of each set in said groove in identical patterns wherein the centers of any three contiguous rods of each set are disposed at the vertices of an equilateral triangle, whereby fibers in corresponding interstitial spaces in said sets of rods will become precisely laterally aligned; and said compression plate means comprising a single plate having a flat lower surface extending entirely over said groove engaging said two sets of rods for applying a uniform pressure to said sets of rods.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-05-06 | 1983-11-05 | 1984-05-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-05-06 | 1987-11-05 | 1988-05-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-05-06 | 1991-11-05 | 1992-05-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |