US6863448B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for push button release fiber optic modules
Assignee: Lumentum Operations LLC
•
Filing: 2001-06-28
•
Granted: 2005-03-08
•
Expires: 2021-06-28
Abstract
Abstract A fiber optic module having a push button release to unlatch and withdrawal (i.e. unplug) it from a cage or a module receptacle. A kicker-actuator includes a button, an arm or push rod, and a hook in one embodiment to couple to an actuator. An integrated actuator is also provided with the push button subassembly. Embodiments of a withdrawal tab are also provided to pull the fiber optic module away from the cage or module receptacle. A nose grip is further provided pull the fiber optic module away from the cage or module receptacle. A belly-to-belly mounting configuration is introduced for the push button release fiber optic modules.
Inventors
- 👤 Liew Chuang Chiu
- 👤 Ron Cheng Chuan Pang
- 👤 Yong Peng Sim
- 👤 Edwin Dair
- 👤 Kee Sin Tan
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 16:18
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: 64
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a push-actuator movably coupled to the fiber optic module, the push-actuator to move inward into the fiber optic module and release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly in response to the push-actuator being pushed; and one or more electro-optic transducers within the fiber optic module to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
65 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a push-actuator movably coupled to the fiber optic module, the push-actuator to move inward into the fiber optic module and release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly in response to the push-actuator being pushed; and one or more electro-optic transducers within the fiber optic module to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 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 an SFP cage assembly.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 , wherein the push-actuator is a push button.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 , wherein the push-actuator is a kick actuator.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 , wherein the push-actuator includes one or more grooves to slideably couple to the fiber optic module.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 , wherein the push-actuator slides inward to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 , wherein the push-actuator includes one or more ramps to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly in response to the push-actuator being pushed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
53 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 , further comprising: a second actuator having a first end with one or more ramps and a second end opposite the first end, the push-actuator to couple to the second end and slide the second actuator to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 , wherein the push-actuator includes an orientation indicator to indicate the fiber optic module which the push-actuator releases.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
64 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a push-actuator to release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly, the push-actuator includes a push tab, a shaft coupled to the push tab at a first end, and a hook coupled to a second end of the shaft; and one or more electro-optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
64 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a push-actuator to release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly, the push-actuator includes a push tab, a shaft coupled to the push tab at a first end, and a hook coupled to a second end of the shaft; and one or more electro-optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 , wherein the push-actuator is located at a bottom side of the fiber optic module.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 , further comprising: a nose having a nose grip to pull out on the fiber optic module.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
72 words
A fiber optic module comprising: push-actuator movably coupled to the fiber optic module to release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly; one or more electro-optic transducers within the fiber optic module to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals; and a rigid pull-tab rigidly coupled to the fiber optic module, the rigid pull-tab to pull and withdraw the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
72 words
A fiber optic module comprising: push-actuator movably coupled to the fiber optic module to release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly; one or more electro-optic transducers within the fiber optic module to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals; and a rigid pull-tab rigidly coupled to the fiber optic module, the rigid pull-tab to pull and withdraw the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fiber optic module of claim 13 , wherein the rigid pull-tab includes a shield to contain EM radiation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
37 words
The fiber optic module of claim 13 , wherein the rigid pull-tab is located at a top side of the fiber optic module and the push-actuator is located at a bottom side of the fiber optic module.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
The fiber optic module of claim 13 , wherein the rigid pull-tab is located at a bottom side of the fiber optic module and the push-actuator is located at a bottom side of the fiber optic module.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The fiber optic module of claim 13 , wherein the rigid pull-tab is coupled to ground.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The fiber optic module of claim 13 , wherein the rigid pull-tab includes a pull grip having dimples to prevent slippage.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fiber optic module of claim 13 , wherein the rigid pull-tab is formed of a conductive material.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fiber optic module of claim 13 , wherein the rigid pull-tab is formed of a solid material.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
The fiber optic module of claim 13 , wherein the rigid pull-tab is formed of metal.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The fiber optic module of claim 13 , wherein the rigid pull-tab is formed of a plastic.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
76 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a push-actuator to release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly; a pull-tab to disengage the fiber optic module from the cage assembly, the pull-tab includes an arm to couple to the fiber optic module, and a handle at an end of the arm for a user to grab the pull-tab; and one or more electro-optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
76 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a push-actuator to release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly; a pull-tab to disengage the fiber optic module from the cage assembly, the pull-tab includes an arm to couple to the fiber optic module, and a handle at an end of the arm for a user to grab the pull-tab; and one or more electro-optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
29 words
The fiber optic module of claim 13 , wherein the handle of the pull-tab has a grip to grip the handle with one or more fingers of the user.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fiber optic module of claim 13 , further comprising: a nose having a nose grip to pull out on the fiber optic module.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
76 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a push-actuator to release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly; a pull-tab to disengage the fiber optic module from the cage assembly, the pull-tab includes a pull grip, a lever arm coupled to the pull grip, a shield coupled to the lever arm, and grounding tabs coupled to the shield; and one or more electro-optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
76 words
A fiber optic module comprising: a push-actuator to release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly; a pull-tab to disengage the fiber optic module from the cage assembly, the pull-tab includes a pull grip, a lever arm coupled to the pull grip, a shield coupled to the lever arm, and grounding tabs coupled to the shield; and one or more electro-optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
44 words
A fiber optic module comprising: means for converting optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals; and means for disengaging the fiber optic module from a cage assembly by depressing a push button, the fiber optic module including the push button.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
44 words
A fiber optic module comprising: means for converting optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals; and means for disengaging the fiber optic module from a cage assembly by depressing a push button, the fiber optic module including the push button.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
The fiber optic module of claim 27 , further comprising: means for slideably engaging the means for disengaging, the means for slideably engaging coupled to the fiber optic module.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The fiber optic module of claim 27 , further comprising: means for withdrawing the fiber optic module from the cage by pulling, the means for withdrawing coupled to the fiber optic module.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
29 words
The fiber optic module of claim 29 , further comprising: means for slideably engaging the means for disengaging, the means for slideably engaging coupled to the fiber optic module.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
33 words
The fiber optic module of claim 27 , further comprising: means for indicating the fiber optic module which the means for disengaging releases, the means for indicating coupled to the fiber optic module.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
The fiber optic module of claim 27 , wherein the means for disengaging includes means for lifting a latch to disengage the fiber optic module from the cage assembly by depressing the push button.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
46 words
A method of disengaging a fiber optic module from a cage assembly, the method comprising: pushing a push-button of the fiber optic module to release a latch; and pulling a pull-tab of the fiber optic module to disengage the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
46 words
A method of disengaging a fiber optic module from a cage assembly, the method comprising: pushing a push-button of the fiber optic module to release a latch; and pulling a pull-tab of the fiber optic module to disengage the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 33 , further comprising: determining if the latch has been released.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of engaging a fiber optic module to a cage assembly, the method comprising: inserting a fiber optic module into an opening in a cage assembly, the fiber optic module having a push button movably coupled thereto; pushing the fiber optic module into the cage assembly; and determining if the fiber optic module is fully inserted into the cage assembly by checking whether the push button of the fiber optic module is fully extended out from the fiber optic module.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of engaging a fiber optic module to a cage assembly, the method comprising: inserting a fiber optic module into an opening in a cage assembly, the fiber optic module having a push button movably coupled thereto; pushing the fiber optic module into the cage assembly; and determining if the fiber optic module is fully inserted into the cage assembly by checking whether the push button of the fiber optic module is fully extended out from the fiber optic module.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 35 , further comprising: pushing the fiber optic module into the cage assembly if the push button is not fully extended out.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
15 words
The fiber optic module of claim 10 , wherein the push-actuator is a push button.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
15 words
The fiber optic module of claim 10 , wherein the push-actuator is a kick actuator.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fiber optic module of claim 10 , wherein the push-actuator is located at a bottom side of the fiber optic module.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fiber optic module of claim 10 , further comprising: a nose having a nose grip to pull out on the fiber optic module.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fiber optic module of claim 10 , further comprising: a pull-tab to disengage the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
15 words
The fiber optic module of claim 23 , wherein the push-actuator is a push button.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
15 words
The fiber optic module of claim 23 , wherein the push-actuator is a kick actuator.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fiber optic module of claim 23 , wherein the push-actuator is located at a bottom side of the fiber optic module.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fiber optic module of claim 23 , further comprising: a nose having a nose grip to pull out on the fiber optic module.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
15 words
The fiber optic module of claim 26 , wherein the push-actuator is a push button.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
15 words
The fiber optic module of claim 26 , wherein the push-actuator is a kick actuator.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The fiber optic module of claim 26 , wherein the push-actuator is located at a bottom side of the fiber optic module.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
24 words
The fiber optic module of claim 26 , further comprising: a nose having a nose grip to pull out on the fiber optic module.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
56 words
The fiber optic module of claim 1 , further comprising: a base portion of the fiber optic module under the one or more electro-optic transducers, the push-actuator moveably coupled to the base portion to move inward into the fiber optic module and release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly in response to being pushed.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
18 words
The fiber optic module of claim 8 , wherein the push-actuator includes a push button to be pushed.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
56 words
The fiber optic module of claim 10 , further comprising: a base portion of the fiber optic module under the one or more electro-optic transducers, the push-actuator moveably coupled to the base portion to move inward into the fiber optic module and release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly in response to being pushed.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
61 words
The fiber optic module of claim 52 , further comprising: a second actuator having an end with one or more ramps and an opening, the hook of the push-actuator mated with the opening to couple the push-actuator and the second actuator together, the push-actuator and the second actuator to move together to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
41 words
The fiber optic module of claim 11 , wherein with the fiber optic module inserted into the cage assembly, the bottom side of the fiber optic module is nearest to a printed circuit board upon which the cage assembly is mounted.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
39 words
The fiber optic module of claim 12 , wherein the push actuator is moveably coupled to a base portion of the nose, and the nose has one or more optical receptacles aligned with the one or more electro-optic transducers.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
30 words
The fiber optic module of claim 55 , further comprising: a pull-tab coupled to the nose, the pull-tab to pull and withdraw the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.
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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) | 2008-03-07 | 2008-09-06 | 2009-03-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-03-07 | 2012-09-06 | 2013-03-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-03-07 | 2016-09-06 | 2017-03-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |