US4708432A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fiber optic connector including automatic wiping mechanism
Assignee: SINTEF AS
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Filing: 1984-08-09
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Granted: 1987-11-24
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Expires: 2004-08-09
Abstract
Abstract A fiber optic connector includes two connector parts provided with respective covers, which in the disconnected condition of the connector, protects interfaces in the light path and which, during mating of the connector parts for mutual coupling therebetween, is adapted to be displaced in order that the interfaces be exposed and that a continuous light path is established through the connector. Each cover has a wiper element adapted to clean the corresponding interface when the cover is displaced. Preferably each connector part has a separate fiber holder which suitably is suspended in a movable manner. The location of the light path in the side-wall of the connector provides particularly good protection and cleaning.
Inventors
- 👤 Arne Berg
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 19:31
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/381; G02B6/3826; G02B6/3827; B; B08; B08B; B08B1/00; B08B1/10; B08B1/16; G02B6/26; G02B6/264; G02B6/32; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3847; G02B6/3849; G02B6/3866; G02B6/3873; G02B6/3885; B08B2240/00; B08B2240/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
In a fiber optic connector comprising two cooperating connector parts each being provided with a cover for protection in a disconnected condition of the connector, whereby the mating of the connector parts for mutual coupling therebetween causes movement of said covers so that there is established at least one continuous optical light path through the connector, the improvement wherein: said at least one optical light path includes optical fibers permanently extended to a surface on each said connector part; said surfaces on said connector parts slide against each other during movement to couple said connector parts thereby forming interfacing surfaces; said covers slide over respective said interfacing surfaces during said movement; and each said cover has a wiper element adapted to clean a tip of said optical fiber at the said interfacing surface of the respective said connector part when said cover is moved.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
In a fiber optic connector comprising two cooperating connector parts each being provided with a cover for protection in a disconnected condition of the connector, whereby the mating of the connector parts for mutual coupling therebetween causes movement of said covers so that there is established at least one continuous optical light path through the connector, the improvement wherein: said at least one optical light path includes optical fibers permanently extended to a surface on each said connector part; said surfaces on said connector parts slide against each other during movement to couple said connector parts thereby forming interfacing surfaces; said covers slide over respective said interfacing surfaces during said movement; and each said cover has a wiper element adapted to clean a tip of said optical fiber at the said interfacing surface of the respective said connector part when said cover is moved.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The improvement claimed in claim 1, wherein said wiper element is a rubber member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
The improvement according to claim 1, comprising at least two said continuous optical light paths, and wherein each said cover is provided with return means for, in the disconnected condition of the connector with said cover in a protective position, retransmitting an optical signal in one said light path back through another said light path.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The improvement according to claim 3, wherein said return means comprises a reflector, preferably in the form of a prism.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The improvement according to claim 3, wherein said return means comprises an optical fiber loop.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
The improvement according to claim 1, wherein each said connector part includes a fiber holder having one surface forming the respective said interface, said fiber holder mounting the respective said optical fibers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The improvement according to claim 6, wherein said fiber holder in at least one of said connector parts is suspended with a certain limited movability, under bias for an exact mutual positioning of said interfaces and said light paths in the mated condition.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The improvement according to claim 7, wherein such positioning is achieved by means of guide pins in one said fiber holder adapted to be automatically depressed into corresponding holes in the other said fiber holder.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The improvement according to claim 8, wherein said guide pins are adapted to be pressed out of said holes in said other fiber holder by means of a lifting mechanism activated by a release arm.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The improvement claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one said fiber holder further mounts at least one lens.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The improvement claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one said fiber holder further mounts a protective glass.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The improvement claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one said fiber holder further mounts a window.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4477146A
Cited
US4530567A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-11-23 | 1991-05-25 | 1991-11-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-11-23 | 1995-05-25 | 1995-11-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-11-23 | 1999-05-25 | 1999-11-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |