US6962511B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Advanced microelectronic connector assembly and method of manufacturing
Assignee: Pulse Electronics Inc
•
Filing: 2002-09-18
•
Granted: 2005-11-08
•
Expires: 2022-09-18
Abstract
Abstract An advanced modular plug connector assembly incorporating a substrate disposed in the rear portion of the connector housing, the substrate adapted to receive one or more electronic components such as choke coils, transformers, or other signal conditioning elements or magnetics. In one embodiment, the connector assembly comprises a single port pair with a single substrate disposed in the rear portion of the housing. In another embodiment, the assembly comprises a multi-port “row-and-column” housing with multiple substrates (one per port) received within the rear of the housing, each substrate having signal conditioning electronics which condition the input signal received from the corresponding modular plug before egress from the connector assembly. In yet another embodiment, the connector assembly comprises an indicator assembly having a plurality of optically transmissive conduits, the assembly being disposed largely outside the external noise shield of the connector and removable therefrom. Methods for manufacturing the aforementioned embodiments are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Aurelio J. Gutierrez
- 👤 Russell L. Machado
- 👤 Dallas A. Dean
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 21:14
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R24/00; H01R24/60; H01R24/62; H01R24/64; H01R13/00; H01R13/46; H01R13/514; H01R13/66; H01R13/717; H01R13/7172; H01R13/6608; H01R13/6633; H01R13/665; H01R13/6658; H01R13/7175; H01R13/719; H01R13/7195; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/939
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 36
Claim 1
Independent Claim
90 words
A multi-port connector having a plurality of ports arranged in row-and-column fashion within a housing, said connector comprising: a plurality of component-bearing substrates disposed within said connector housing in a substantially vertical orientation; a plurality of first conductor sets in communication with respective ones of said ports and substrates; an external noise shield disposed around said housing; and a light pipe assembly disposed removably on the rear portion of said connector; wherein said light pipe assembly may be removed or installed on said connector without removal of said noise shield.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
90 words
A multi-port connector having a plurality of ports arranged in row-and-column fashion within a housing, said connector comprising: a plurality of component-bearing substrates disposed within said connector housing in a substantially vertical orientation; a plurality of first conductor sets in communication with respective ones of said ports and substrates; an external noise shield disposed around said housing; and a light pipe assembly disposed removably on the rear portion of said connector; wherein said light pipe assembly may be removed or installed on said connector without removal of said noise shield.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
88 words
A multi-port connector having a plurality of ports arranged in row-and-column fashion within a housing, said connector comprising: a plurality of component-bearing substrates disposed within said connector in a substantially vertical orientation; a plurality of conductor sets communication with respective ones of said ports and substrates; and a light pipe assembly disposed on the rear portion of said connector, said light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes with distal portions associated therewith; wherein said distal portions of said light pipes are disposed asymmetrically within said housing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
88 words
A multi-port connector having a plurality of ports arranged in row-and-column fashion within a housing, said connector comprising: a plurality of component-bearing substrates disposed within said connector in a substantially vertical orientation; a plurality of conductor sets communication with respective ones of said ports and substrates; and a light pipe assembly disposed on the rear portion of said connector, said light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes with distal portions associated therewith; wherein said distal portions of said light pipes are disposed asymmetrically within said housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
200 words
A connector assembly comprising: a connector housing comprising a connector having: a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of a modular plug, said modular plug having a plurality of terminals disposed thereon; at least one substrate having at least one electrically conductive pathway associated therewith; a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of said at least one substrate; a plurality of first conductors disposed at least partly within said recess, said first conductors being configured to form an electrical contact with respective ones of said terminals when said modular plug is received within said recess, and form an electrical pathway between said first conductors and said at least one substrate; a plurality of second conductors, at least one of said second conductors being in electrical communication with said at least one electrically conductive pathway of said at least one substrate; and a light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes adapted to transmit light from at least one light source disposed adjacent a rear face of said connector housing to a front face thereof; wherein at least two of said plurality of light pipes are mated together over at least a portion of their length.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
200 words
A connector assembly comprising: a connector housing comprising a connector having: a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of a modular plug, said modular plug having a plurality of terminals disposed thereon; at least one substrate having at least one electrically conductive pathway associated therewith; a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of said at least one substrate; a plurality of first conductors disposed at least partly within said recess, said first conductors being configured to form an electrical contact with respective ones of said terminals when said modular plug is received within said recess, and form an electrical pathway between said first conductors and said at least one substrate; a plurality of second conductors, at least one of said second conductors being in electrical communication with said at least one electrically conductive pathway of said at least one substrate; and a light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes adapted to transmit light from at least one light source disposed adjacent a rear face of said connector housing to a front face thereof; wherein at least two of said plurality of light pipes are mated together over at least a portion of their length.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The connector assembly of claim 3 , wherein said at least one light source is contained within a carrier adapted to hold a plurality of such light sources.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
44 words
The connector assembly of claim 4 , where in said carrier is adapted to retain a plurality of light sources in a substantially vertical configuration, distal portions of said light sources forming a single row disposed above the mating face of said connector assembly.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The connector assembly of claim 4 , wherein said light source carrier is disposed orthogonal to said at least one substrate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The connector assembly of claim 4 , wherein said light source carrier is disposed within a frame element attached to said connector housing.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The connector assembly of claim 3 , further comprising a plurality of said connectors disposed in row and column fashion.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The connector assembly of claim 8 , wherein said plurality of light pipes each terminate at said front face of said connector housing along a top row of said connectors.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The connector assembly of claim 3 , wherein said plurality of light pipes comprise a unitary component.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The connector assembly of claim 3 , wherein said at least one substrate is disposed vertically within said cavity.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
The connector assembly of claim 11 , wherein said at least one substrate is disposed within said cavity orthogonal to the front face of said housing.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
197 words
A connector assembly comprising: a connector housing comprising a connector having: a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of a modular plug, said modular plug having a plurality of terminals disposed thereon; at least one substrate having at least one electrically conductive pathway associated therewith; a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of said at least one substrate; a plurality of first conductors disposed at least partly within said recess, said first conductors being configured to form an electrical contact with respective ones of said terminals when said modular plug is received within said recess, and form an electrical pathway between said first conductors and said at least one substrate; a plurality of second conductors, at least one of said second conductors being in electrical communication with said at least one electrically conductive pathway of said at least one substrate; a light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes adapted to transmit light from at least one light source disposed adjacent a rear face of said connector housing to a front face thereof; and an external noise shield; wherein said at least one light source is disposed external to said noise shield.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
197 words
A connector assembly comprising: a connector housing comprising a connector having: a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of a modular plug, said modular plug having a plurality of terminals disposed thereon; at least one substrate having at least one electrically conductive pathway associated therewith; a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of said at least one substrate; a plurality of first conductors disposed at least partly within said recess, said first conductors being configured to form an electrical contact with respective ones of said terminals when said modular plug is received within said recess, and form an electrical pathway between said first conductors and said at least one substrate; a plurality of second conductors, at least one of said second conductors being in electrical communication with said at least one electrically conductive pathway of said at least one substrate; a light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes adapted to transmit light from at least one light source disposed adjacent a rear face of said connector housing to a front face thereof; and an external noise shield; wherein said at least one light source is disposed external to said noise shield.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The connector assembly of claim 13 , wherein said at least one substrate includes one or more toroidal coils adapted for signal filtration.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
The connector assembly of claim 14 , wherein said at least one substrate is disposed within said cavity orthogonal to the front face of said housing and in substantially vertical orientation.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
201 words
A connector assembly comprising: a connector housing having a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of a modular plug, said modular plug having a plurality of terminals disposed thereon; a substrate having at least one electrically conductive pathway associated therewith; a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of said substrate; a plurality of first conductors disposed at least partly within said recess, said first conductors being configured to form an electrical contact with respective ones of said terminals when said modular plug is received within said recess, and form an electrical pathway between said first conductors and said conductive pathway of said substrate; a plurality of second conductors, at least one of said second conductors being in electrical communication with said at least one electrically conductive pathway of said substrate; a light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes adapted to transmit light from at least one light source disposed adjacent a rear face of said connector housing to a front face thereof; a carrier adapted to hold said at least one light source; and an external noise shield, wherein said at least one light source and said carrier are disposed external to said noise shield.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
201 words
A connector assembly comprising: a connector housing having a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of a modular plug, said modular plug having a plurality of terminals disposed thereon; a substrate having at least one electrically conductive pathway associated therewith; a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of said substrate; a plurality of first conductors disposed at least partly within said recess, said first conductors being configured to form an electrical contact with respective ones of said terminals when said modular plug is received within said recess, and form an electrical pathway between said first conductors and said conductive pathway of said substrate; a plurality of second conductors, at least one of said second conductors being in electrical communication with said at least one electrically conductive pathway of said substrate; a light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes adapted to transmit light from at least one light source disposed adjacent a rear face of said connector housing to a front face thereof; a carrier adapted to hold said at least one light source; and an external noise shield, wherein said at least one light source and said carrier are disposed external to said noise shield.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
A The connector assembly of claim 16 , wherein said noise shield includes a plurality of apertures disposed at its rear face.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
23 words
The connector assembly of claim 16 , wherein said carrier comprises a removable component received within a structure integral with said light pipes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
18 words
The connector assembly of claim 18 , wherein said structure mates onto a back portion of said housing.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
200 words
A connector assembly comprising: a connector housing having a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of a modular plug, said modular plug having a plurality of terminals disposed thereon; a substrate having at least one electrically conductive pathway associated therewith; a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of said substrate; a plurality of first conductors disposed at least partly within said recess, said first conductors being configured to form an electrical contact with respective ones of said terminals when said modular plug is received within said recess, and form an electrical pathway between said first conductors and said conductive pathway of said substrate; a plurality of second conductors, at least one of said second conductors being in electrical communication with said at least one electrically conductive pathway of said substrate; a light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes adapted to transmit light from at least one light source disposed adjacent a rear face of said connector housing to a front face thereof; and a carrier adapted to hold said at least one light source, said carrier being adapted to optically isolate said at least one light source from adjacent ones of said light pipes.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
200 words
A connector assembly comprising: a connector housing having a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of a modular plug, said modular plug having a plurality of terminals disposed thereon; a substrate having at least one electrically conductive pathway associated therewith; a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of said substrate; a plurality of first conductors disposed at least partly within said recess, said first conductors being configured to form an electrical contact with respective ones of said terminals when said modular plug is received within said recess, and form an electrical pathway between said first conductors and said conductive pathway of said substrate; a plurality of second conductors, at least one of said second conductors being in electrical communication with said at least one electrically conductive pathway of said substrate; a light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes adapted to transmit light from at least one light source disposed adjacent a rear face of said connector housing to a front face thereof; and a carrier adapted to hold said at least one light source, said carrier being adapted to optically isolate said at least one light source from adjacent ones of said light pipes.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The connector assembly of claim 20 , wherein said carrier comprises a removable component received within a structure integral with said light pipes.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
The connector assembly of claim 21 , wherein said structure mates onto a back portion of said housing.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
206 words
A connector assembly comprising: a connector housing having a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of a modular plug, said modular plug having a plurality of terminals disposed thereon; a substrate having at least one electrically conductive pathway associated therewith; a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of said substrate; a plurality of first conductors disposed at least partly within said recess, said first conductors being configured to form an electrical contact with respective ones of said terminals when said modular plug is received within said recess, and form an electrical pathway between said first conductors and said conductive pathway of said substrate; a plurality of second conductors, at least one of said second conductors being in electrical communication with said at least one electrically conductive pathway of said substrate; a light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes adapted to transmit light from at least one light source disposed adjacent a rear face of said connector housing to a front face thereof; a carrier adapted to hold said at least one light source; and an external noise shield; wherein said light pipes, at least one source, and said carrier are removable from said connector housing while said shield remains installed.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
206 words
A connector assembly comprising: a connector housing having a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of a modular plug, said modular plug having a plurality of terminals disposed thereon; a substrate having at least one electrically conductive pathway associated therewith; a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of said substrate; a plurality of first conductors disposed at least partly within said recess, said first conductors being configured to form an electrical contact with respective ones of said terminals when said modular plug is received within said recess, and form an electrical pathway between said first conductors and said conductive pathway of said substrate; a plurality of second conductors, at least one of said second conductors being in electrical communication with said at least one electrically conductive pathway of said substrate; a light pipe assembly having a plurality of light pipes adapted to transmit light from at least one light source disposed adjacent a rear face of said connector housing to a front face thereof; a carrier adapted to hold said at least one light source; and an external noise shield; wherein said light pipes, at least one source, and said carrier are removable from said connector housing while said shield remains installed.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
31 words
The connector assembly of claim 23 , wherein said noise shield includes a plurality of apertures disposed at its rear face, and said substrate is disposed in a substantially vertical orientation.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The connector assembly of claim 23 , wherein said carrier comprises a removable component received within a structure integral with said light pipes.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The connector assembly of claim 25 , wherein said structure mates onto a back portion of said housing.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
43 words
The connector assembly of claim 23 , wherein said carrier is adapted to retain a plurality of light sources in a substantially vertical configuration, distal portions of said light sources forming a single row disposed above the mating face of said connector assembly.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
228 words
A connector assembly comprising: a housing means having a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of a modular plug, said modular plug having a plurality of terminals disposed thereon; a substrate having at least one electrically conductive pathway associated therewith; a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of said substrate; a plurality of first conductors disposed at least partly within said recess, said first conductors being configured to form an electrical contact with respective ones of said terminals when said modular plug is received within said recess, and form an electrical pathway between said first conductors and said conductive pathway of said substrate; a plurality of second conductors, at least one of said second conductors being in electrical communication with said at least one electrically conductive pathway of said substrate means; light conduction means having a plurality of light conduits adapted to transmit light from at least one light source disposed adjacent a rear face of said connector housing to a front face thereof; and carrier means adapted to hold said at least one light source, said carrier means being adapted to substantially optically isolate said at least one light source from adjacent ones of said light conduits; said carrier means further being adapted to be received within a structure containing said light conduction means, said structure being removably mated to said housing means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
228 words
A connector assembly comprising: a housing means having a recess adapted to receive at least a portion of a modular plug, said modular plug having a plurality of terminals disposed thereon; a substrate having at least one electrically conductive pathway associated therewith; a cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of said substrate; a plurality of first conductors disposed at least partly within said recess, said first conductors being configured to form an electrical contact with respective ones of said terminals when said modular plug is received within said recess, and form an electrical pathway between said first conductors and said conductive pathway of said substrate; a plurality of second conductors, at least one of said second conductors being in electrical communication with said at least one electrically conductive pathway of said substrate means; light conduction means having a plurality of light conduits adapted to transmit light from at least one light source disposed adjacent a rear face of said connector housing to a front face thereof; and carrier means adapted to hold said at least one light source, said carrier means being adapted to substantially optically isolate said at least one light source from adjacent ones of said light conduits; said carrier means further being adapted to be received within a structure containing said light conduction means, said structure being removably mated to said housing means.
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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) | 2008-11-07 | 2009-05-09 | 2009-11-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-11-07 | 2013-05-09 | 2013-11-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-11-07 | 2017-05-09 | 2017-11-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |