US5887106A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Management of optical fiber
Assignee: Marconi UK Intellectual Property Ltd
•
Filing: 1997-03-31
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Granted: 1999-03-23
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Expires: 2017-03-31
Abstract
Abstract A drawer for a fibre management cabinet has a number of splice cassettes mounted on it by means of hinges. Each cassette hold a single splice. Fibres leading into a splice cassette are fed through the hinges of that splice cassette.
Inventors
- 👤 Eric W. Cheeseman
- 👤 Edward K. George
- 👤 Pauline S. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 00:59
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4439; G02B6/444; G02B6/4453; G02B6/4454
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
An apparatus for managing optical fibre, comprising: a plurality of cassettes, each cassette being adapted to hold at least one optical component, at least one of the cassettes having a hinge including a hinge element and a cooperating hinge pin, said at least one cassette being movable about a pivot axis of the hinge, the optical fibre passing into said at least one cassette through the hinge, and the optical fibre being movable relative to the hinge.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
77 words
An apparatus for managing optical fibre, comprising: a plurality of cassettes, each cassette being adapted to hold at least one optical component, at least one of the cassettes having a hinge including a hinge element and a cooperating hinge pin, said at least one cassette being movable about a pivot axis of the hinge, the optical fibre passing into said at least one cassette through the hinge, and the optical fibre being movable relative to the hinge.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each cassette is movable from a first generally flat position to a second generally flat position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one cassette is vacuum formed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of the cassettes is vacuum formed, and wherein the vacuum formed cassettes comprise a one-piece construction including two halves.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the two halves are connected together by at least one mechanical fastener.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the vacuum formed cassettes are assembled by bending one of the halves about a fold line to register with the other of the halves, and then fastening the two halves together with said at least one mechanical fastener.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one cassette comprises an envelope which has a base, a peripheral wall, and a flange extending from the peripheral wall and overlying the base.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the flange has at least one optical fibre retainer which rests on a mandrel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said at least one retainer is resilient.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said at least one retainer is a thin flexible member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said at least one retainer is sufficiently flexible to enable it to be pulled from contact with the mandrel, thus allowing the optical fibre to be passed between it and the mandrel.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cassettes are supported on a support means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the cassettes overlies, to an extent, a splice cassette adjacent to it.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one optical component is a splice.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein each cassette is adapted to hold only one splice and a sole pair of optical fibres.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one optical component is a coupler.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical fibre passes through the hinge in a direction substantially parallel to the pivot axis.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the optical fibre is fed through the hinge pin.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the hinge pin from said at least one cassette is flexible.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is constructed as an optical fibre management cabinet.
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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) | 2002-03-22 | 2002-09-21 | 2003-03-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-03-22 | 2006-09-21 | 2007-03-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-03-22 | 2010-09-21 | 2011-03-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |