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Patent US4867523A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4867523A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical fiber connector including serpentine grooved member actuated by longitudinal forces
Assignee: Nokia Bell Labs
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Filing: 1988-10-28
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Granted: 1989-09-19
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Expires: 2008-10-28
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is an optical fiber connector useful for high density arrays. A rotating mechanism is employed around the fiber ferrule in combination with a spring so as to engage one or more tabs on the connector sleeve. The rotating mechanism includes a serpentine type groove configuration which captures the tabs when the ferrule is pushed into the sleeve and releases the tabs when a longitudinal force is again applied to the ferrule.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles W. Scott, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 17:22
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/3887; G02B6/389; G02B6/3891; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3854
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
An optical fiber connector comprising; a ferrule adapted for insertion of at least one optical fiber therein, said ferrule having a forward end and a rearward end; a sleeve adapted to receive said ferrule therein at one end, the surface of the sleeve including at least one tab at each end; and a grooved member rotationally mounted with respect to said ferrule, said member including a serpentine groove with gaps such that a first longitudinal force to the ferrule results in a capture of the tab in the groove to secure the ferrule in the sleeve and a second longitudinal force to the ferrule results in a release of the tab from the groove to permit removal of the ferrule from the sleeve.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
An optical fiber connector comprising; a ferrule adapted for insertion of at least one optical fiber therein, said ferrule having a forward end and a rearward end; a sleeve adapted to receive said ferrule therein at one end, the surface of the sleeve including at least one tab at each end; and a grooved member rotationally mounted with respect to said ferrule, said member including a serpentine groove with gaps such that a first longitudinal force to the ferrule results in a capture of the tab in the groove to secure the ferrule in the sleeve and a second longitudinal force to the ferrule results in a release of the tab from the groove to permit removal of the ferrule from the sleeve.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the grooved member is essentially cylindrical and the groove is formed on the outer surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the grooved member is essentially cylindrical and the groove is formed on the inner surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device according to claim 1 further comprising a stop member mounted adjacent to said grooved member for stopping the rearward motion of the tab with respect to the grooved member in the gaps.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the ferrule is mounted in an essentially cylindrical barrel member which includes a forward section including a relatively larger outer diameter portion and a rearward section including a relatively smaller outer diameter.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 5 wherein the grooved member is mounted around the smaller diameter section of the barrel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device according to claim 5 further comprising a spring mounted on the smaller diameter section of the barrel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device according to claim 3 further comprising an essentially cylindrical housing, where the grooved member is mounted within the housing.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device according to claim 5 wherein the sleeve includes a slit at the said one end, and the larger diameter section of the barrel includes a tab which is adapted for insertion in said slit.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein the sleeve includes an end opposite to said one end for receiving another ferrule therein which is aligned with said ferrule.
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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) | 1992-09-18 | 1993-03-20 | 1993-09-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-09-18 | 1997-03-20 | 1997-09-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-09-18 | 2001-03-20 | 2001-09-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |