US5802229A — Fiber optic radiation transmisson system connecto…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 190 words

A fiber optic system for transmitting radiation from a radiation source, comprising: a radiation source having a seating surface and associated with a connection port; an optical fiber having a radiation-transmitting end and a connection end; a ferrule having a shoulder, said ferrule circumferentially surrounding said optical fiber with the connection end thereof extending beyond the ferrule shoulder such that the connection end of said optical fiber is in optical communication with the radiation source when the shoulder is seated relative to the seating surface of said radiation source; and a connector including a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, said connector carrying said ferrule coaxially therein such that the shoulder of said ferrule is accessible through the open distal end, said connector extendable toward the radiation source to bring the shoulder into seated relation with the radiation source and to bring the connecting portion into engaging relation with the connection port, the biasing component of a construction sufficient to provide biasing force sufficient to seat the shoulder relative to the radiation source and the connecting portion of a construction sufficient to engage the connection port.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 190 words

A fiber optic system for transmitting radiation from a radiation source, comprising: a radiation source having a seating surface and associated with a connection port; an optical fiber having a radiation-transmitting end and a connection end; a ferrule having a shoulder, said ferrule circumferentially surrounding said optical fiber with the connection end thereof extending beyond the ferrule shoulder such that the connection end of said optical fiber is in optical communication with the radiation source when the shoulder is seated relative to the seating surface of said radiation source; and a connector including a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, said connector carrying said ferrule coaxially therein such that the shoulder of said ferrule is accessible through the open distal end, said connector extendable toward the radiation source to bring the shoulder into seated relation with the radiation source and to bring the connecting portion into engaging relation with the connection port, the biasing component of a construction sufficient to provide biasing force sufficient to seat the shoulder relative to the radiation source and the connecting portion of a construction sufficient to engage the connection port.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 43 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the connection end of said optical fiber extends beyond the ferrule shoulder a distance sufficient to establish optical communication between said optical fiber and said radiation source when the shoulder is seated relative to the seating surface.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 16 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the biasing component of the connector is a compression spring.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 52 words

The system of claim 1 wherein, when said connector is extended sufficiently to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface and is released without the connecting portion having engaged the connection port, an ejection force is exerted on said connector to move said connector in a direction opposite the seating surface.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 19 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the connection port has an inwardly directed projection along an inner circumference thereof.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 29 words

The system of claim 5 wherein the connecting portion of said connector includes an engaging element along an outer circumference thereof for engaging the projection of the connection port.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 6 wherein the projection is a lip and the engaging element fits over and latchingly engages the lip.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 50 words

The system of claim 7 wherein the engaging element includes at least one spring which provides an engaging force sufficient to maintain engagement with the projection, relative to an ejection force which would otherwise act on said connector body to move said connector in a direction opposite the seating surface.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 37 words

The system of claim 1 wherein said radiation source is associated with a switch and said connector carries an activating element of a construction sufficient to activate the switch when the connection portion engages the connection port.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 24 words

The system of claim 9 wherein the switch, when activated, generates a signal which indicates that the connecting portion and the connection are engaged.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 18 words

The system of claim 9 wherein the activating element is of a construction sufficient to depress the switch.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 46 words

The system of claim 1 wherein the open distal end of said connector fits over an outer circumference of a proximal portion of said radiation source when said connector body is extended sufficiently into the channel to bring the shoulder into contact with the seating surface.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 46 words

The system of claim 12 wherein said connector has a threaded portion along an inner circumference thereof, and the proximal portion has a correspondingly threaded portion along the outer circumference thereof, said connector sufficiently rotatable to screw the threaded portion and the correspondingly threaded portion together.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 15 words

The system of claim 1 wherein said connector carries information which identifies said optical fiber.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 12 words

The system of claim 14 wherein the information includes a digital code.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 21 words

The system of claim 15 wherein the code is in the form of at least one band circumferentially surrounding said connector.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 35 words

The system of claim 1 wherein, at a point where said connector is greatest in diameter, said connector includes a peripheral structure of a construction sufficient to minimize rolling of said connector over a surface.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 17 wherein the peripheral structure includes at least one protrusion extending outwardly relative to an outer circumference of said connector body at its point of greatest diameter.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 263 words

A system for connecting an optical fiber and a radiation source, comprising: an optical fiber having a connection end; a ferrule having a shoulder, said ferrule circumferentially surrounding said optical fiber with the connection end thereof extending beyond the ferrule shoulder; a connection block including a connection port, a distal opening and a channel therebetween; a radiation source including a proximal portion and a seating surface, the proximal portion defining a proximal opening which is in communication with the distal opening of said connection block, the seating surface being of a construction sufficient to receive the ferrule shoulder thereagainst in seated relation thereto, the connection end of said optical fiber being received within the proximal opening and in optical communication with said radiation source when the shoulder is so seated; and a connector body including a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, said connector body carrying said ferrule coaxially therein such that the shoulder of said ferrule is accessible through the open distal end, said connector body extendable into the channel of said connection block to bring the ferrule shoulder into contact with the seating surface, and further extendable into the channel to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface and to engage the connection port of said connection block, the biasing component of a construction sufficient to provide biasing force sufficient to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface when said connector body is extended sufficiently, and the connecting portion of a construction sufficient to engage the connection port when said connector body is extended sufficiently.

Claim 21

Independent Claim 263 words

A system for connecting an optical fiber and a radiation source, comprising: an optical fiber having a connection end; a ferrule having a shoulder, said ferrule circumferentially surrounding said optical fiber with the connection end thereof extending beyond the ferrule shoulder; a connection block including a connection port, a distal opening and a channel therebetween; a radiation source including a proximal portion and a seating surface, the proximal portion defining a proximal opening which is in communication with the distal opening of said connection block, the seating surface being of a construction sufficient to receive the ferrule shoulder thereagainst in seated relation thereto, the connection end of said optical fiber being received within the proximal opening and in optical communication with said radiation source when the shoulder is so seated; and a connector body including a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, said connector body carrying said ferrule coaxially therein such that the shoulder of said ferrule is accessible through the open distal end, said connector body extendable into the channel of said connection block to bring the ferrule shoulder into contact with the seating surface, and further extendable into the channel to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface and to engage the connection port of said connection block, the biasing component of a construction sufficient to provide biasing force sufficient to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface when said connector body is extended sufficiently, and the connecting portion of a construction sufficient to engage the connection port when said connector body is extended sufficiently.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 43 words

The system of claim 19 wherein the connection end of said optical fiber extends beyond the ferrule shoulder a distance sufficient to establish optical communication between said optical fiber and said radiation source when the shoulder is seated relative to the seating surface.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 17 words

The system of claim 19 wherein the biasing component of the connector body is a compression spring.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 58 words

The system of claim 19 wherein, when said connector body is extended sufficiently into the channel to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface and is released without the connecting portion having engaged the connection port, an ejection force is exerted on said connector body to move said connector body in a direction opposite the seating surface.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 19 words

The system of claim 19 wherein the connection port has an inwardly directed projection along an inner circumference thereof.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 30 words

The system of claim 23 wherein the connecting portion of said connector body includes an engaging element along an outer circumference thereof for engaging the projection of the connection port.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 24 wherein the projection is a lip and the engaging element fits over and latchingly engages the lip.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 51 words

The system of claim 25 wherein the engaging element includes at least one spring which provides an engaging force sufficient to maintain engagement with the projection, relative to an ejection force which would otherwise act on said connector body to move said connector body in a direction opposite the seating surface.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 58 words

The system of claim 19 wherein said connection block includes a recess adjacent to an outer circumference of the connection port and a switch in communication with the recess, said connector body carrying an activating element of a construction sufficient to fit into the recess and to activate the switch when the connection portion engages the connection port.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 27 wherein the switch, when activated, generates a signal which indicates that the connecting portion and the connection port are engaged.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 36 words

The system of claim 27 wherein the switch extends into the recess and the activating element includes a protruding structure of a construction sufficient to depress the switch when the connection portion engages the connection port.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 58 words

The system of claim 29 wherein the protruding structure is of a construction sufficient to stabilize said connector body with respect to an undesirable force acting thereon when the connecting portion and the connector port are engaged, which would otherwise act on said connector body to move the connection portion thereof out of engagement with the connection port.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 47 words

The system of claim 19 wherein the open distal end of said connector body fits over an outer circumference of the proximal portion of said radiation source when said connector body is extended sufficiently into the channel to bring the shoulder into contact with the seating surface.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 48 words

The system of claim 31 wherein said connector body has a threaded portion along an inner circumference thereof, and the proximal portion has a correspondingly threaded portion along the outer circumference thereof, said connector body sufficiently rotatable to screw the threaded portion and the correspondingly threaded portion together.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 41 words

The system of claim 19 wherein said connection block includes at least one detector along the channel thereof and said connector body carries information capable of being detected by the detector when the connecting portion and the connection port are engaged.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 25 words

The system of claim 33 wherein the detector is a digital code sensor and the information includes a digital code which identifies said optical fiber.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 22 words

The system of claim 34 wherein the code is in the form of at least one band circumferentially surrounding said connector body.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 37 words

The system of claim 19 wherein, at a point where said connector body is greatest in diameter, said body includes a peripheral structure of a construction sufficient to minimize rolling of said connector body over a surface.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 31 words

The system of claim 36 wherein the peripheral structure includes at least one protrusion extending outwardly relative to an outer circumference of said connector body at its point of greatest diameter.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 62 words

The system of claim 19 wherein said connection block includes a shutter which is movable between a blocking position and an open position, when in the blocking position, the shutter interrupting the channel and thereby capable of interrupting transmission of radiation from the radiation source along the channel, when in the open position, the shutter out of interrupting relation with the channel.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 70 words

The system of claim 38 wherein the shutter is positioned relative to the channel to interrupt the channel at a point therealong, the shutter in the blocking position when said connector body is located proximally relative to the point and in the open position when said connector body is extended sufficiently into the channel such that the distal end of said connector body is located distally relative to the point.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 134 words

A fiber optic radiation delivery system, comprising: a length of optical fiber having first and second ends; a radiation emitter attached to the first end, said emitter characterized by emitting radiation from a surface along a length thereof; a connector including a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, said connector carrying said optical fiber therein such that the second end is accessible through the open distal end, said connector having a seating surface disposed therein beyond which the second end extends a predetermined distance, said connector characterized by seating said optical fiber via the seating surface under a biasing force provided by the biasing component and connecting said optical fiber via the connecting portion in a seated and biased configuration thereby to provide radiation between the first and second ends.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 134 words

A fiber optic radiation delivery system, comprising: a length of optical fiber having first and second ends; a radiation emitter attached to the first end, said emitter characterized by emitting radiation from a surface along a length thereof; a connector including a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, said connector carrying said optical fiber therein such that the second end is accessible through the open distal end, said connector having a seating surface disposed therein beyond which the second end extends a predetermined distance, said connector characterized by seating said optical fiber via the seating surface under a biasing force provided by the biasing component and connecting said optical fiber via the connecting portion in a seated and biased configuration thereby to provide radiation between the first and second ends.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 99 words

A connector assembly, comprising: a length of optical fiber having a connection end; a connector including a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, said connector carrying said optical fiber therein such that the connection end is accessible through the open distal end, said connector having a seating surface disposed therein beyond which the second end extends a predetermined distance, said connector characterized by seating said optical fiber via the seating surface under a biasing force provided by the biasing component and connecting said optical fiber via the connecting portion in a seated and biased configuration.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 99 words

A connector assembly, comprising: a length of optical fiber having a connection end; a connector including a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, said connector carrying said optical fiber therein such that the connection end is accessible through the open distal end, said connector having a seating surface disposed therein beyond which the second end extends a predetermined distance, said connector characterized by seating said optical fiber via the seating surface under a biasing force provided by the biasing component and connecting said optical fiber via the connecting portion in a seated and biased configuration.

Claim 46

Independent Claim 195 words

A method of connecting an optical fiber to a radiation source for transmitting radiation therefrom, comprising: providing a radiation source which has a seating surface and is associated with a connection port; providing an optical fiber which has a radiation-transmitting end and a connection end; providing a ferrule which has a shoulder, the ferrule surrounding the optical fiber with the connection end extending beyond the ferrule shoulder; providing a connector which includes a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, the connector carrying the ferrule therein such that the shoulder of the ferrule is accessible through the open distal end, the connector extendable toward the radiation source to bring the shoulder into seated relation with the radiation source and to bring the connecting portion into engaging relation with the connection port, the biasing component of a construction sufficient to provide biasing force sufficient to seat the shoulder relative to the radiation source and the connecting portion of a construction sufficient to engage the connection port; and extending the connector toward the radiation source to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface and to engage the connecting portion and the connection port.

Claim 47

Independent Claim 195 words

A method of connecting an optical fiber to a radiation source for transmitting radiation therefrom, comprising: providing a radiation source which has a seating surface and is associated with a connection port; providing an optical fiber which has a radiation-transmitting end and a connection end; providing a ferrule which has a shoulder, the ferrule surrounding the optical fiber with the connection end extending beyond the ferrule shoulder; providing a connector which includes a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, the connector carrying the ferrule therein such that the shoulder of the ferrule is accessible through the open distal end, the connector extendable toward the radiation source to bring the shoulder into seated relation with the radiation source and to bring the connecting portion into engaging relation with the connection port, the biasing component of a construction sufficient to provide biasing force sufficient to seat the shoulder relative to the radiation source and the connecting portion of a construction sufficient to engage the connection port; and extending the connector toward the radiation source to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface and to engage the connecting portion and the connection port.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method of claim 42 wherein the biasing component is compressible and provides biasing force when the connector is extended sufficiently to compress the biasing component.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 36 words

The method of claim 42, further comprising providing a switch and an activating element, wherein upon said extending of the connector to engage the connecting portion and the connection port, the activating element activates the switch.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 44 wherein a signal is generated when the switch is activated.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method of claim 42, further comprising providing information which identifies the optical fiber and a detector for detecting the information, wherein upon said extending of the connector to engage the connecting portion and the connection port, the detector detects the information.

Claim 52

Independent Claim 256 words

A method of connecting an optical fiber to a radiation source, comprising: providing an optical fiber which has a connection end; providing a ferrule which has a shoulder, the ferrule circumferentially surrounding the optical fiber with the connection end extending beyond the ferrule shoulder; providing a connection block including a connection port and a channel; providing a radiation source in communication with the connection block, the radiation source having an opening defined by an outer circumference therearound and a seating surface for receiving the ferrule shoulder thereagainst in seated relation thereto, the connection end of the optical fiber received in the opening and in optical communication with the radiation source when the shoulder is so seated; providing a connector body including a connecting portion, a biasing portion and an open distal end, the connector body carrying the ferrule therein such that the shoulder of said ferrule is accessible through the open distal end, the connector body extendable into the channel to bring the shoulder into contact with the seating surface, and further extendable into the channel to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface and to engage the connection port, the biasing portion providing biasing force sufficient to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface when the connector body is extended sufficiently, and the connecting portion engaging the connection port when the connector body is extended sufficiently; and extending the connector body into the channel to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface and to engage the connecting portion and the connection port.

Claim 53

Independent Claim 256 words

A method of connecting an optical fiber to a radiation source, comprising: providing an optical fiber which has a connection end; providing a ferrule which has a shoulder, the ferrule circumferentially surrounding the optical fiber with the connection end extending beyond the ferrule shoulder; providing a connection block including a connection port and a channel; providing a radiation source in communication with the connection block, the radiation source having an opening defined by an outer circumference therearound and a seating surface for receiving the ferrule shoulder thereagainst in seated relation thereto, the connection end of the optical fiber received in the opening and in optical communication with the radiation source when the shoulder is so seated; providing a connector body including a connecting portion, a biasing portion and an open distal end, the connector body carrying the ferrule therein such that the shoulder of said ferrule is accessible through the open distal end, the connector body extendable into the channel to bring the shoulder into contact with the seating surface, and further extendable into the channel to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface and to engage the connection port, the biasing portion providing biasing force sufficient to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface when the connector body is extended sufficiently, and the connecting portion engaging the connection port when the connector body is extended sufficiently; and extending the connector body into the channel to seat the shoulder relative to the seating surface and to engage the connecting portion and the connection port.

Claim 54

Independent Claim 135 words

A method of providing radiation from an optical fiber, comprising: providing a length of optical fiber having first and second ends; providing a radiation emitter attached to the first end, the emitter characterized by emitting radiation from a surface along a length thereof; providing a connector including a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, the connector carrying the optical fiber therein such that the second end is accessible through the open distal end, the connector having a seating surface disposed therein beyond which the second end extends a predetermined distance; seating the optical fiber via the seating surface under a biasing force provided by the biasing component; and connecting the optical fiber via the connecting portion in a seated and biased configuration thereby providing radiation between the first and second ends.

Claim 55

Independent Claim 135 words

A method of providing radiation from an optical fiber, comprising: providing a length of optical fiber having first and second ends; providing a radiation emitter attached to the first end, the emitter characterized by emitting radiation from a surface along a length thereof; providing a connector including a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, the connector carrying the optical fiber therein such that the second end is accessible through the open distal end, the connector having a seating surface disposed therein beyond which the second end extends a predetermined distance; seating the optical fiber via the seating surface under a biasing force provided by the biasing component; and connecting the optical fiber via the connecting portion in a seated and biased configuration thereby providing radiation between the first and second ends.

Claim 56

Independent Claim 101 words

A method of connecting an optical fiber, comprising: providing a length of optical fiber having a connection end; providing a connector including a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, the connector carrying the optical fiber therein such that the connection end is accessible through the open distal end, the connector having a seating surface disposed therein beyond which the second end extends a predetermined distance; seating the optical fiber via the seating surface under a biasing force provided by the biasing component; and connecting the optical fiber via the connecting portion in a seated and biased configuration.

Claim 57

Independent Claim 101 words

A method of connecting an optical fiber, comprising: providing a length of optical fiber having a connection end; providing a connector including a connecting portion, a biasing component and an open distal end, the connector carrying the optical fiber therein such that the connection end is accessible through the open distal end, the connector having a seating surface disposed therein beyond which the second end extends a predetermined distance; seating the optical fiber via the seating surface under a biasing force provided by the biasing component; and connecting the optical fiber via the connecting portion in a seated and biased configuration.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-08-31	2002-03-02	2002-09-01	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-08-31	2006-03-02	2006-09-01	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-08-31	2010-03-02	2010-09-01	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Fiber optic radiation transmisson system connector for an optical fiber and methods of usine same

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