US6796715B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fiber optic modules with pull-action de-latching mechanisms
Assignee: Lumentum Operations LLC
•
Filing: 2001-08-23
•
Granted: 2004-09-28
•
Expires: 2021-08-23
Abstract
Abstract Fiber optic modules having a pull-actuator to unlatch and withdraw (i.e. unplug) it from a cage assembly or a module receptacle. The pull-actuator includes a pull-tab, an arm or push rod, and a catch to couple to a pivot-arm actuator. The pivot-arm actuator pivotally latches to the pull-actuator and to the cage assembly or module receptacle. The pull-actuator makes it easy to de-latch and unplug a fiber optic module. A nose grip is further provided to pull the fiber optic module away from the cage or module receptacle. A belly-to-belly mounting configuration is introduced for the pull-release fiber optic modules.
Inventors
- 👤 Liew C. Chiu
- 👤 Ron C. Pang
- 👤 Yong P. Sim
- 👤 Kee S. Tan
- 👤 Edwin Dair
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 08:54
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/381; G02B6/3825; G02B6/3897; G02B6/42; G02B6/4292; G02B6/389; G02B6/3893; G02B6/4201; G02B6/4246
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 46
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a pull-actuator to disengage and withdraw the fiber optic module from a cage assembly, the pull-actuator includes a pull-tab, a shaft coupled to the pull tab at a first end, and an opening at a second end of the shaft to engage a first end of a pivot arm; and one or more electro-optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a pull-actuator to disengage and withdraw the fiber optic module from a cage assembly, the pull-actuator includes a pull-tab, a shaft coupled to the pull tab at a first end, and an opening at a second end of the shaft to engage a first end of a pivot arm; and one or more electro-optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 wherein the fiber optic module is a small form pluggable (SFP) fiber optic module and the cage assembly is a small form pluggable (SFP) cage assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 wherein the pull-actuator is activated to disengage and withdraw the fiber optic module by a single backward pull action.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 wherein the pull-actuator further includes one or more grooves to slideably engage the fiber optic module.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 wherein the fiber optic module includes one or more grooves to slideably engage the pull-actuator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 wherein the pull-actuator slides to disengage the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 wherein the pull-actuator further includes, one or more end-stops to withdraw the fiber optic module as the pull-actuator is pulled.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 wherein the pull-actuator further includes one or more end-stops to prevent the pull-actuator from becoming disengaged from the fiber optic module as it is pulled.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 wherein the pull-actuator further includes an orientation indicator to indicate the fiber optic module which the pull-actuator releases.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 wherein the pull-actuator is formed of metal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 wherein the pull-actuator is formed of a plastic.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 wherein the pull-actuator permits arranging multiple fiber optic modules in a belly-to-belly configuration without obstructing adjacent pull-actuators.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fiber optic module of claim 12 wherein with the belly-to-belly configuration, two pull-actuators are located in proximity to each other along a common surface between two fiber optic modules.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
63 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a pull-actuator to disengage and withdraw the fiber optic module from a case assembly; a pivot-arm actuator, pivotally coupled to the fiber optic module, to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly when the pull-actuator is pulled; and one or more electro-optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
63 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a pull-actuator to disengage and withdraw the fiber optic module from a case assembly; a pivot-arm actuator, pivotally coupled to the fiber optic module, to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly when the pull-actuator is pulled; and one or more electro-optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The fiber optic module of claim 14 wherein the pivot-arm actuator further includes, a pivoting pin to rotationally couple the pivot-arm actuator to the fiber optic module.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
42 words
The fiber optic module of claim 14 wherein the pivot-arm actuator includes a first engaging end to engage to the cage assembly, a second engaging end to engage to the pull-actuator, and a shaft coupling to the first and second engaging ends.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The fiber optic module of claim 16 wherein the first engaging end includes a keeper to engage the fiber optic module to the cage assembly.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The fiber optic module of claim 16 , wherein the first engaging end includes a latch to engage the fiber optic module to the cage assembly.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fiber optic module of claim 18 wherein the second engaging end includes a keeper to engage the pivot-arm actuator to the pull-actuator.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fiber optic module of claim 18 wherein the second engaging end includes a latch to engage the pivot-arm actuator to the pull-actuator.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
31 words
The fiber optic module of claim 16 wherein the second engaging end includes a ramped sliding surface to slide and cause the pivot-arm actuator to rotate when the pull-actuator is pulled.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
31 words
The fiber optic module of claim 14 further comprising: a spring to cause the pivot-arm actuator to return to its initial position when the pulling force on the pull-actuator is removed.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The fiber optic module of claim 22 wherein the spring is a leaf spring and part of the pivot-arm actuator.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
28 words
The fiber optic module of claim 22 wherein the spring causes the pull-actuator to return to its initial position when the pulling force on the pull-actuator is removed.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
52 words
A fiber optic module comprising: means for converting optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals; means for disengaging the fiber optic module from a cage assembly by pulling a pull-actuator and means for pivotally disengaging the fiber optic module from the cage assembly when the pull-actuator is pulled.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
52 words
A fiber optic module comprising: means for converting optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals; means for disengaging the fiber optic module from a cage assembly by pulling a pull-actuator and means for pivotally disengaging the fiber optic module from the cage assembly when the pull-actuator is pulled.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fiber optic module of claim 25 further comprising: means for coupling the pivotally disengaging means to the fiber optic module.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fiber optic module of claim 25 further comprising: means for slideably engaging the means for disengaging the fiber optic module.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fiber optic module of claim 25 wherein the means for disengaging also provides a means for withdrawing.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
The fiber optic module of claim 25 further comprising: means for withdrawing the fiber optic module.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fiber optic module of claim 25 further comprising: means for indicating the fiber optic module which the means for disengaging releases.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
97 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a nose receptacle including a fiber optic cable receptacle to receive one or more fiber optic cable plugs, a pull-actuator to release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly using a pull action; a pivot-arm actuator coupled to the pull-actuator, the pivot-arm actuator to pivot and release a keeper from a latch to release the fiber optic module in response to a pull action on the pull-actuator; and a printed circuit board including one or more electro-Optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
97 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a nose receptacle including a fiber optic cable receptacle to receive one or more fiber optic cable plugs, a pull-actuator to release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly using a pull action; a pivot-arm actuator coupled to the pull-actuator, the pivot-arm actuator to pivot and release a keeper from a latch to release the fiber optic module in response to a pull action on the pull-actuator; and a printed circuit board including one or more electro-Optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
33 words
The fiber optic module of claim 31 wherein, the fiber optic module is a small form pluggable (SFP) fiber optic module and the cage assembly is a small form pluggable (SFP) cage assembly.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fiber optic module of claim 31 further comprising: a housing to couple to the nose receptacle and cover the printed circuit board.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fiber optic module of claim 33 wherein, the housing is shielded to protect the printed circuit board from electromagnetic interference.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fiber optic module of claim 31 wherein, the pull-actuator includes one or more grooves to slideably engage the nose receptacle.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fiber optic module of claim 31 wherein, the pull-actuator slides outward to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
32 words
The fiber optic module of claim 31 wherein, the pivot-arm-actuator includes a pivot pin rotationally coupled to the nose receptacle at first and second ends to allow the pivot-arm actuator to pivot.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
48 words
The fiber optic module of claim 31 wherein the nose receptacle further includes a spring coupled to the pivot-arm-actuator at a first end and the nose receptacle at a second end, the spring to exert a force on the pivot-arm-actuator to exert a return force on the pull-actuator.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fiber optic module of claim 31 wherein, the pull-actuator includes an orientation indicator to indicate the fiber optic module which the pull-actuator releases.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
33 words
The fiber optic module of claim 31 wherein, the pull-actuator includes a pull-tab, a shaft coupled to the pull-tab at a first end, and a catch at a second end of the shaft.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fiber optic module of claim 31 where the pull-actuator is located at a bottom side of the fiber optic module.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fiber optic module of claim 31 wherein, the nose receptacle further includes a grip to pull out on the fiber optic module.
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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) | 2007-09-28 | 2008-03-29 | 2008-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-09-28 | 2012-03-29 | 2012-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-09-28 | 2016-03-29 | 2016-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |