US5901263A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Hot pluggable module integrated lock/extraction tool
Assignee: Lumentum Operations LLC
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Filing: 1997-09-12
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Granted: 1999-05-04
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Expires: 2017-09-12
Abstract
Abstract The invention provides a locking bail that when in the locked position prevents the removal of an optical link module from a host system and when in the unlocked position provides a handle that facilitates the removal of an optical link module. By providing a locking bail, the packing density of modules in a host may be increased. The bail provides a handle which is accessible from the front of the module when the module is unlocked. The locking bail typically engages inclined planes on latch arms that secure an optical link module to the host system.
Inventors
- 👤 David P. Gaio
- 👤 Tim K. Murphy
- 👤 Raymond J. Thatcher
- 👤 Miles F. Swain
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 03:19
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/42; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4246; G02B6/4256; G02B6/426; G02B6/4261; G02B6/4274; G02B6/4284; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/389; G02B6/3893; G02B6/4292
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
79 words
A lockable optical fiber link module, comprising: a frame; an electronic circuit mounted within the frame; an optical fiber connection unit configured to interface with at least one optical fiber; at least one resilient latch, having a secured position and an unsecured position, configured to secure the frame to a host system; a locking bail connected to the frame and movable so as to move the at least one resilient latch between the secured position and the unsecured position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
79 words
A lockable optical fiber link module, comprising: a frame; an electronic circuit mounted within the frame; an optical fiber connection unit configured to interface with at least one optical fiber; at least one resilient latch, having a secured position and an unsecured position, configured to secure the frame to a host system; a locking bail connected to the frame and movable so as to move the at least one resilient latch between the secured position and the unsecured position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
The lockable optical fiber link module of claim 1, wherein said at least one latch includes an inclined plane, adjacent the locking bail, configured to translate the latch between the unsecured and the secured positions based upon the movement of the locking bail.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The lockable optical fiber link module of claim 1, further comprising: a hinge, having an axis of rotation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The lockable optical fiber link module of claim 3, wherein the locking bail rotates about the axis of rotation of the hinge to translate the latches parallel to the axis between a secured and an unsecured position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
75 words
The lockable optical fiber link module of claim 1, further comprising: an inclined plane on each latch, adjacent the locking bail; a hinge, having an axis of rotation, formed in the frame, whereby the locking bail rotates about the axis of rotation of the hinge between a position engaged with the inclined plane and a position disengaged from the inclined plane to change the position of the latch between a secured and an unsecured position.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The lockable optical fiber link module of claim 1, further comprising: a multi-pin connection unit attached to the frame, configured to transmit data from the electronic circuit to a host system.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The lockable optical fiber link module of claim 6, wherein the resilient latch is located at a distance from the multi-pin connection unit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
54 words
The lockable optical fiber link module of claim 7, wherein the pins of the multi-pin connection unit extend in a direction parallel to the plane of the electronic circuit and away from the resilient latch, whereby the optical fiber link module is connected to a host as the resilient latch engages a host system.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The lockable optical fiber link module of claim 1, wherein the locking bail provides a grip during removal of the module from a host.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The lockable optical fiber link module of claim 9, further comprising: a sheet adhered to the bail to assist in removal of the module.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The optical fiber link module of claim 1, further comprising: two resilient latches on opposite sides of the frame.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
76 words
The lockable optical fiber link module of claim 11, further comprising: an inclined plane on each latch, adjacent the locking bail; and a hinge, having an axis of rotation, formed in the frame, whereby the locking bail rotates about the axis of rotation of the hinge between a position engaged with the inclined plane and a position disengaged from the inclined plane to change the position of the latch between a secured and an unsecured position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The optical fiber link module of claim 1, further comprising two resilient latches on opposite sides of the optical fiber connection unit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
76 words
The lockable optical fiber link module of claim 11, further comprising: an inclined plane on each latch, adjacent the locking bail; and a hinge, having an axis of rotation, formed in the frame, whereby the locking bail rotates about the axis of rotation of the hinge between a position engaged with the inclined plane and a position disengaged from the inclined plane to change the position of the latch between a secured and an unsecured position.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
124 words
A data transfer system including a lockable optical fiber link module, comprising: a frame with an optical fiber connection unit; an electronic circuit mounted within the frame; first and second electro-optical components, connected to the electronic circuit, each having a distal ferrule receiving end; two resilient latches on opposite sides of the optical fiber connection unit; a locking bail; an inclined plane on each latch, adjacent the locking bail; and a hinge, having an axis of rotation, formed in the frame, whereby the locking bail rotates about the axis of rotation of the hinge between a position engaged with the inclined plane and a position disengaged from the inclined plane to change the position of the latch between a secured and an unsecured position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
124 words
A data transfer system including a lockable optical fiber link module, comprising: a frame with an optical fiber connection unit; an electronic circuit mounted within the frame; first and second electro-optical components, connected to the electronic circuit, each having a distal ferrule receiving end; two resilient latches on opposite sides of the optical fiber connection unit; a locking bail; an inclined plane on each latch, adjacent the locking bail; and a hinge, having an axis of rotation, formed in the frame, whereby the locking bail rotates about the axis of rotation of the hinge between a position engaged with the inclined plane and a position disengaged from the inclined plane to change the position of the latch between a secured and an unsecured position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
121 words
A data transfer system, comprising: a face plate; a plurality of orifices in the face plate; a plurality of optical fiber link modules received with the orifices; resilient latches on opposite sides of the optical fiber link modules configured to secure the optical fiber link modules to the face plate; an inclined plane on each latch; a locking bail adjacent each inclined plane; and a hinge, having an axis of rotation, formed in each optical fiber link module whereby the locking bail rotates about the axis of rotation of the hinge, between a position engaged with the inclined plane and a position disengaged from the inclined plane, to change the position of the latch between a secured and an unsecured position.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
121 words
A data transfer system, comprising: a face plate; a plurality of orifices in the face plate; a plurality of optical fiber link modules received with the orifices; resilient latches on opposite sides of the optical fiber link modules configured to secure the optical fiber link modules to the face plate; an inclined plane on each latch; a locking bail adjacent each inclined plane; and a hinge, having an axis of rotation, formed in each optical fiber link module whereby the locking bail rotates about the axis of rotation of the hinge, between a position engaged with the inclined plane and a position disengaged from the inclined plane, to change the position of the latch between a secured and an unsecured position.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
22 words
The data transfer system of claim 16 wherein the locking bail is accessible from a position in front of the face plate.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
The data transfer system of claim 16, further comprising a flexible tab adhered to the locking bail.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
43 words
The data transfer system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of optical fiber connection units further comprise: a frame; a electronic circuit mounted within the frame; and a plurality of electro-optical components having a distal ferrule receiving end, connected to the electronic circuit.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The data transfer system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of lockable optical fiber link modules are hot pluggable.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
133 words
A computer system comprising: a memory; a processor coupled to the memory; an external interface coupled to the processor through a bus; a plurality of orifices in the bus; a plurality of optical fiber link modules received with the orifices; resilient latches on opposite sides of the optical fiber link modules configured to secure the optical fiber link modules to the bus; an inclined plane on each latch; a locking bail adjacent each inclined plane; and a hinge, having an axis of rotation, formed in each optical fiber link module whereby the locking bail rotates about the axis of rotation of the hinge, between a position engaged with the inclined plane and a position disengaged from the inclined plane, to change the position of the latch between a secured and an unsecured position.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
133 words
A computer system comprising: a memory; a processor coupled to the memory; an external interface coupled to the processor through a bus; a plurality of orifices in the bus; a plurality of optical fiber link modules received with the orifices; resilient latches on opposite sides of the optical fiber link modules configured to secure the optical fiber link modules to the bus; an inclined plane on each latch; a locking bail adjacent each inclined plane; and a hinge, having an axis of rotation, formed in each optical fiber link module whereby the locking bail rotates about the axis of rotation of the hinge, between a position engaged with the inclined plane and a position disengaged from the inclined plane, to change the position of the latch between a secured and an unsecured position.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
38 words
The computer system of claim 21 wherein the module couples the processor to a device selected from the group consisting of a storage controller, a work station controller, a tape controller, a communication controller, and a network controller.
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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) | 2002-05-03 | 2002-11-02 | 2003-05-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-05-03 | 2006-11-02 | 2007-05-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-05-03 | 2010-11-02 | 2011-05-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |