CA2441872A1 - Keyed fibre optic connector - Google Patents
Keyed fibre optic connector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2441872A1 CA2441872A1 CA002441872A CA2441872A CA2441872A1 CA 2441872 A1 CA2441872 A1 CA 2441872A1 CA 002441872 A CA002441872 A CA 002441872A CA 2441872 A CA2441872 A CA 2441872A CA 2441872 A1 CA2441872 A1 CA 2441872A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- receptacle
- connector
- keying
- bore
- plug housing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 title description 22
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000012811 non-conductive material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000881 depressing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013307 optical fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005498 polishing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001902 propagating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3826—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres characterised by form or shape
- G02B6/3831—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres characterised by form or shape comprising a keying element on the plug or adapter, e.g. to forbid wrong connection
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3873—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls
- G02B6/3874—Connectors using guide surfaces for aligning ferrule ends, e.g. tubes, sleeves, V-grooves, rods, pins, balls using tubes, sleeves to align ferrules
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/389—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs characterised by the method of fastening connecting plugs and sockets, e.g. screw- or nut-lock, snap-in, bayonet type
- G02B6/3893—Push-pull type, e.g. snap-in, push-on
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
Abstract
There is disclosed a connector/receptacle system wherein only a connector having a particular geometry can be correctly inserted into a receptacle having the inverse geometry, thereby preventing connectors from being incorrectly connected via a receptacle to other connectors or components. In this manner correct interconnections between connectors can be insured thereby providing an enhanced level of security.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
KEYED FIBRE OPTIC CONNECTOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a keyed fibre optic connector. In particular, the present invention relates to an interlocking connector and receptacle pair for fibre optic cables with a geometric keying system moulded into the interface thereby preventing connectors with a first key from being interconnected via a receptacle having a differing key.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has the objective of providing a connector/receptacle system wherein only a connector having a particular geometry can be correctly inserted into a receptacle having the inverse geometry, thereby preventing connectors from being incorrectly connected via a receptacle to other connectors or components. In this manner correct interconnections between connectors can be insured thereby providing an enhanced level of security. The present invention also has the objective of providing a keying system in a manner which does not deteriorate the performance of the existing system.
In order to address the above and other objectives there is provided a keying system for providing selective interconnection between connector plugs and receptacle slots. The system comprises a plurality of receptacle slots, each slot having a raised boss therein, the boss having a first geometry, a plurality of connector plugs, each plug having a bore moulded in a forward end thereof, the bore having an inner surface having a second geometry. The second geometry of the bore co-operates with at least one first geometry of a boss of a receptacle slot, thereby allowing the plug and the at least one receptacle slot to interconnect, the second geometry of the bore physically interfering with other first geometries of other bosses of other receptacles to prevent interconnection therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a connector in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a front plan view of a connector in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a receptacle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a front plan view of a receptacle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5a is a front perspective view of a connector in accordance with an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5b is a side plan view of a connector in accordance with an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a front plan view of a receptacle with a connector installed in a slot thereof in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a side cut away view along VII in Figure 6 of a receptacle with a connector installed in a slot thereof in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a connector in accordance with an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a front plan view of a receptacle in accordance with an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a connector in accordance with a second alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 11 is a front perspective view of a receptacle in accordance with an second alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 12 a front perspective view of a receptacle in accordance with an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13 is a front perspective view of a connector in accordance with a third alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 14 is a front perspective view of a connector in accordance with a forth alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 15 is a front perspective view of a receptacle in accordance with a forth alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 16 is a front perspective view of a receptacle in accordance with a fifth alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 17 is a front plan view of a receptacle in accordance with a fifth alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 18 is a side cut away view along XVIII in Figure 17 of a receptacle in accordance with a fifth alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 19A is a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an installer modifiable connector keying system;
Figure 19B is a front perspective view of a second illustrative embodiment of an installer modifiable connector keying system; and Figure 20 is a front perspective view of a receptacle for mounting on active devices in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to Figure 1, a fibre optic connector in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention will be described. The connector, generally referred to using the reference numeral 2, serves to connect a fibre optic cable 4 to a receptacle (not shown) is disclosed. As illustrated, connector 2 forms part of a cable assembly with an LC type connector attached at one end. It should be noted that although the illustrative embodiment of the present invention is described in reference to LC type connectors, it is not intended to limit the invention to this type of connectors.
Accordingly, the present invention may also be used, for example, with LC, SC, FC, MU and other similar connectors having a ferrule guide and/or support.
Still referring to Figure 1, the connector is comprised of a bored plug housing 6, fabricated from a suitable non-conductive material such glass filled thermoplastic, through which the optic fibre 8 extends protruding from a forward end 10 thereof. The optic fibre 8 is held rigidly within a hollow ferrule 12, fabricated from a suitable stiff non-conductive material such as ceramics, which is in turn held in axial alignment with the bore in the plug housing 6, thus ensuring that the optical fibre is maintained in axial alignment with the central axis A of the plug housing 6. Typically, ferrule 12 is held rigidly inside the plug housing 6, but may also be spring loaded allowing some movement of the ferrule 12, and thus the optic fibre 8, forward and backwards along the central axis A. A second larger fluted bore 14, also in axial alignment with the central axis A, is moulded or machined into the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6 with the optic fibre 8/ferrule assembly 12 being axially aligned therein. A
flexible locking tab or latch 16 is attached to the outside of the plug housing 6 allowing the plug housing 6 to be removably attached to a suitable receptacle (not shown). The join between optic fibre cable 4 and the plug housing 6 is protected by means of a flexible strain-relieving boot 18, typically manufactured from rubber. A pair of raised bosses as in 20 are moulded to the outside of the plug housing which, as will be seen below, mate with corresponding indentations in the receptacle (both not shown).
During fabrication, the optic fibre 8 is typically inserted through the ferrule 12 and bonded thereto with an appropriate adhesive or bonding technique. The ends of the optic fibre 8lferrule 12 are then cut and polished according to a predefined geometry dictated to the standard being implemented. The polishing results in an exposed end 22 of the optic fibre 8 extending forward of the forward end 10 of the plug housing, thereby allowing light to propagate to and from the optic fibre 8.
Referring now to Figure 2, a first illustrative embodiment of a keying system in accordance with the present invention will be described in more detail. The fluted bore 14, through which the optic fibre 8lferrule 12 assembly extends, is of an oval or egg shaped cross section having a first generally circular portion of radius X~ and a second channel portion 24 extending a distance of X2 from the centre of the optic fibre 8, with X2 being illustratively greater than radius X~. As illustrated in Figure 2, the channel portion 24 is symmetric about an axis B, with axis B at a predetermined connector keying angle B from the horizontal plane C. Of course, the maximum point of extension X2 from the core of the optic fibre 8 must be chosen such that it is sufficiently less than distance y between the centre of the optic fibre 8 and the outer surface of the plug housing 6 to ensure that sufficient material remains between the fluted bore 14 and the outer surface of the plug housing 6 for all keying angles A. The other dimensions of the channel portion 24 such as the width and profile, are preferably selected such that the channel portion is difficult to modify, for example by removing the channel portion 24 using a knife the like, or to modify without destroying the connector 2, thereby deterring the user from modifying the connector 2 for other purposes.
The cross section of the channel portion 24 could alternatively be of a different shape, for example a square notch or concave depression in the side wall of the fluted bore 14, or could also be asymmetric. As will be seen below, the combination of the channel portion 24 with the connector keying angle 8 provides one embodiment for the connector end of the keying system.
Referring now to Figure 3, a receptacle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention will be described. The receptacle, generally referenced using the numeral 26, illustratively comprises a receptacle housing 28 fabricated from a non-conductive material such as glass filled thermoplastic into which are moulded one or more sockets 30. Referring to Figure 1 in addition to Figure 3, the sockets 30 are dimensioned for receiving the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6 which is held snugly therein. Note that, although in the present illustrative embodiment a receptacle 26 having a duplex configuration with two (2) sockets 30 is disclosed, the receptacle 26 could also be simplex with a single socket 30, or provide for three (3) or more sockets 30.
Referring back to Figure 3, the receptacle housing 28 can be fastened to a patch bay panel or the like (not shown) by means of a pair of integrated flanges 32 by screws or similar fasteners inserted through the cut outs 34 in the flanges.
Each socket 30 is terminated by a rear wall 36 onto which is moulded a raised oval shaped boss 38 having a circular ferrule accepting aperture 40 therein.
Also moulded into the socket 30 is a reciprocal locking mechanism 42 which, referring to Figure 1 in addition to Figure 3, mates with the latch 16, thereby securely interlocking the connector 2 with the receptacle 26 when the plug housing 6 is inserted into the socket 30. A pair of indentations 44 are also moulded in the socket 30 which mate with the corresponding bosses 20 moulded into the plug housing. The bosses 20 prevent a connector 2 from being inserted into a receptacle 26 which does not have these indentations.
Note that in an alternative embodiment both the bosses 20 and indentations could be absent with affecting the present invention.
Referring now to Figure 4, the raised boss 38 mounted on the rear wall 36 of the socket 30 is of an oval or egg shaped cross section having a frrst generally circular portion of radius x~ and a second distended portion 46 projecting a distance of x2 from the centre of the ferrule aperture 40, x2 being greater than radius x~. The distended portion 46 is symmetric about an axis such as D, with axis D at a predetermined receptacle keying angle cp from the horizontal plane E.
Referring to Figure 2 in addition to Figure 4, in order for a connector 2 to correctly mate with a receptacle 26, the keying angles A and cp as well as the lengths X~, X2 and x~, x2 must match such that the cross section of the raised boss 38 is the mirror image of the cross section of the fluted bore 14 and that the fluted bore 14 fits snugly over the raised boss 38. If the keying angles 8 and cp do not match, then a portion of the front surface 10 of the plug housing 6 will butt against the distended portion 46 of the raised boss 38 thereby preventing the connector 2 from being correctly inserted into the receptacle.
It is foreseen that a combination of eight (8) keying angles 8 and cp equally distributed around 360° (for example 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°) will provide adequate keying for most applications, although it will be understood that this could easily be extended to sixteen (16) or even greater with precision manufacturing of the connector 2 and receptacle 26. Referring to Figure 4, it is also foreseen that receptacles 26 can have multiple sockets 30, 30', 30" each socket 30, 30', 30" having a raised boss 38, 38', 38" with differing keying angles cp, cp', cp". It will be understood that although a receptacle 26 is shown with three raised bosses 38, 38', 38" and three keying angles cp, cp', cp", a receptacle 26 could easily be manufactured having many sockets 30, each socket 30 having a corresponding raised boss 38 and keying angle cp in any one of a number of combinations. It should also be understood that multiple connectors 2 with different connector keying angles 8 can also be bundled together into a multiple connector assembly. It will also be understood that sockets such as 30"' may be included with raised bosses such as 38"' which are circular in cross section. without the inclusion of a distended portion.
Of note is that the present system can be designed for use as a one way system or a two way system. A one way system being defined as a system where keyed connectors can only be connected with a keyed receptacle and a two way system is defined as a system where keyed connectors are backward compatible with legacy system receptacles (or vice versa), allowing for example, keyed connectors to be used with existing receptacles.
Referring to Figure 4, for example, in an illustrative embodiment of a two way system using existing circular legacy bosses as in 38"' is disclosed. These legacy bosses 38"' allow for the plug housing 6 of a connector 2 to be correctly inserted into the socket 30"' regardless of the connector keying angle 8.
Referring to Figure 5a in addition to Figure 4, an illustrative of a one way system is disclosed. In order to stop a keyed connector 2 from being inserted into a slot such as slot 30"', a tab 39 could be moulded into or otherwise attached to the outside of the plug housing 6. Referring to Figure 5b, as known in the art, existing LC type behind the wall (BTW) connectors and receptacles include such a tab/slot assembly. However, the tabs of these prior art connectors extends only partially along the plug housing 6 and stops at a position X~ well short of the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6. By extending the tab 39 such that it stops at a position X2 closer to the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6, the plug housing 6 can also be prevented from being fully inserted into legacy LC receptacles. In order for such a connector 2 to be correctly inserted into a receptacle 26, the slot 30 will have to be modified to include a notch within which the tab 39 fits. It will be apparent now that, in the absence of a receiving grove in the receptacle (all not shown) for the tab 39, or a grove of the correct depth, the tab 39 would butt against the receptacle housing thereby preventing the user from inserting the plug housing 6 completely into the receptacle 26.
It is also foreseen that the plug housings 6 and the sockets 30 be colour coded, with a given colour corresponding to a given pair of keying angles 8, cp, in order to aid the user in determining which connector 2 belongs in which socket 30.
Additionally, other coding means such as symbols, alphanumeric characters, etc., be used alone or in combination with colours to provide a variety of means for distinguishing keyed connectors and receptacles from one another.
Referring now to Figure 6, a plug connector 2 inserted into the first socket 30 of a duplex receptacle 26 is shown. Referring to Figure 7 in addition to Figure 5, 5 and assuming that the keying angles 8, cp are a matched pair, on insertion the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6 butts against the rear wall 36 of the socket 30. At this point the latch 16 is engaged by the reciprocal locking mechanism 42 thereby holding the plug housing 6 securely in the socket 30.
Simultaneously, the ferrule 12 containing the optic fibre is inserted into the 10 ferrule accepting aperture 40 and the raised boss 38 is encircled by the bore 14, with the exposed end 22 of the optic fibre 8 being substantially in alignment with reference plane F. Insertion of a second connector (not shown) into a similar slot 46 moulded into the rearward side of the receptacle 26 would have the effect bringing the exposed end of the second connector's optic frbre into close contact with the exposed end 22 of the optic fibre 8, with the optic fibres being substantially axially aligned, and thereby allowing light propagating in one of the optic fibres to be transferred to the other.
The connector 2 can be readily removed from the receptacle 26 by depressing the latch 16, thereby releasing the reciprocal locking mechanism 42.
Referring to Figure 8, a connector 2 in accordance with an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In this embodiment the fluted bore 14 includes two channel portions 24, 24' corresponding to two different connector keying angles 8, 8'. In this manner, connectors 2 can be provided which can mate with receptacle openings having raised bosses with different keying angles cp, provided, of course, that the receptacle keying angle cp matches with one of the connector keying angles 6, 8'. It will now be apparent that the number of channel portions 24 at a variety of keying angles 6 could be increased to provided for a variety of keying situations.
Referring to Figure 9 in addition to Figure 8, receptacles 26 having sockets with raised bosses 38', 38" having multiple distended portions 46~', 462' and 46~", 462", 463"' can also be provided for. When combined with a corresponding set of connectors 2 having multiple channel portions 24, 24', etc., this allows for a wide variation in the number of potential keys which be used in a given situation.
Referring now to Figure 10, a connector 2 in accordance with a second alternative embodiment is disclosed including a plug housing 6 having a bore 48 therein, with the bore 48 machined or moulded to comprise a generally circular section 50 and a ridge 52 running axially along the inside of the bore 48. Similar to the keying system as discussed hereinabove, the ridge 52 is positioned along the inside of the bore at the requisite keying angle A.
Referring now to Figure 11 in addition to Figure 10, a receptacle 26 comprised of one or more sockets 30 having raised bosses 54 is shown. The raised bosses 54 are moulded or machined to include a notch 56 therein. Similar to the ridge 52, the notch 56 is positioned on the raised boss 54 at a requisite keying angle cp.
It should be understood that although the ridge 52 and corresponding notch 56 have been portrayed as being symmetrically concave in cross section, other shapes of cross sections, for example a square or triangular notch, could also be applied in the context of the present invention. Additionally, the shapes could be asymmetric. Referring now to Figure 12 in addition to Figure 11, in order to prevent a standard connector cable (not shown) from being inserted into a slot 30 keyed by a raised boss 54 having a notch 56 therein, tabs 57 can be moulded or otherwise bonded to the inside of the slots 30 in the receptacle 26. In order for a connector to be inserted into a given slot 30, it will be necessary that the plug housing of the connector (not shown) be modified to include a suitable notch therein for reception of the tab 57.
Referring to Figure 13, a connector 2 in accordance with a third alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In this embodiment the plug housing 6 is machined or moulded to include a bore 58 therein having both a channel portion 60 and a ridge 62 therein. The channel portion 60 and a ridge 62 are positioned within the bore 58 at requisite keying angles as discussed hereinabove. Such a connector 2 would mate with a receptacle having a socket therein with a raised boss including both a notch and a distended portion located at keying angles (all not shown) matching the keying angles of the channel portion 60 and the ridge 62 of the connector 2.
Referring to Figure 14, a connector 2 in accordance with a forth alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In this embodiment the plug housing 6 is machined or moulded to include a bore 64 having a cross section which varies depending on the depth of the bore 64.
Illustratively, the bore 64 is comprised of a cylindrical inner portion 66 and an outer portion 68 having an oval or egg shaped cross section with a depth z and a channel portion 72. In line with the keyed connectors as already disclosed hereinabove, the channel portion 72 is positioned at a predetermined keying angle A from the horizontal axis C. Referring to Figure 15 in addition to Figure 14, the corresponding receptacle 26 is comprised of one or more slots 30 having a raised boss 72 machined or moulded into a rear wall 36 thereof. The raised boss 72 is comprised of a lower portion 74 having an oval or egg shaped cross section and an upper cylindrical portion 76. The thickness ~ of the lower portion 74 of the raised boss 72 corresponds to the depth z of the upper portion 66 of the bore 64. Additionally, the lower portion 74 has a distended portion which is positioned at a predetermined keying angle cp from the horizontal axis E. Provided the keying angles 6, cp and depth z match, when the plug housing 6 is inserted into the slot 30 of the receptacle 26, the bore 64 will mate with the raised boss 72, thereby allowing the connector 2 to be securely fastened to the receptacle. If the keying angles 8, cp do not match, then the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6 will but against the distended portion 78 of the raised boss 72 thereby preventing correct insertion of the plug housing 6 in the slot 30.
Referring now to Figures 16, 17 and 18, a receptacle 26 in accordance with a fifth alternative embodiment of the present invention will be disclosed. The receptacle 26 is similar as to described hereinabove with the difference that the distended portion 46 of the raised boss includes a bevelled or chamfered outer surface 80 in order to facilitate insertion of a connector (not shown) into the slot 30. Other types of surfaces, for example rounded, could also be implemented in order to facilitate insertion of a connector.
It is also foreseen that the present keying system be capable of modification by the installer in order to provide connectors and receptacles with an installer selected keying. Referring to Figure 19A, for example the fluted bore 14 would be provided in an interchangeable module 82 for insertion into a suitably adapted receiving cut out 84 in the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6. The module 82 would be held in place within the plug housing by clips, an adhesive or other suitable securing means.
Referring to Figure 19B, alternatively the raised bosses 38 could be manufactured separately from the receptacle 26 and including a cylindrical shaft 86 having a series of groves 88 therein. The cylindrical shaft 86 would be rotated to the requisite receptacle keying angle and inserted in a grooved shaft receiving aperture 90 in the rear wall 36 of each slot 30 until the raised boss is in contact with the rear wall 36. The shaft 86 would be held in place within the grooved shaft receiving aperture 90 by an adhesive, for example.
Alternatively, the fluted bores and raised bosses of the invention could be modifiable and adaptable through removal from or addition to the fluted bores or raised bosses through the provision of a suitable tool (for example by cutting away a portion of a raised boss or fluting the inside of a bore).
Referring to Figure 20, although the above invention has been described using BTV1I receptacles for interconnecting two connectors, the keying system could also be moulded into single sided receptacles 92 for mounting on active components, attenuators and the like (not shown).
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of an illustrative embodiment thereof, this embodiment can be modified at will without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention.
KEYED FIBRE OPTIC CONNECTOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a keyed fibre optic connector. In particular, the present invention relates to an interlocking connector and receptacle pair for fibre optic cables with a geometric keying system moulded into the interface thereby preventing connectors with a first key from being interconnected via a receptacle having a differing key.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has the objective of providing a connector/receptacle system wherein only a connector having a particular geometry can be correctly inserted into a receptacle having the inverse geometry, thereby preventing connectors from being incorrectly connected via a receptacle to other connectors or components. In this manner correct interconnections between connectors can be insured thereby providing an enhanced level of security. The present invention also has the objective of providing a keying system in a manner which does not deteriorate the performance of the existing system.
In order to address the above and other objectives there is provided a keying system for providing selective interconnection between connector plugs and receptacle slots. The system comprises a plurality of receptacle slots, each slot having a raised boss therein, the boss having a first geometry, a plurality of connector plugs, each plug having a bore moulded in a forward end thereof, the bore having an inner surface having a second geometry. The second geometry of the bore co-operates with at least one first geometry of a boss of a receptacle slot, thereby allowing the plug and the at least one receptacle slot to interconnect, the second geometry of the bore physically interfering with other first geometries of other bosses of other receptacles to prevent interconnection therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a connector in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a front plan view of a connector in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a front perspective view of a receptacle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a front plan view of a receptacle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5a is a front perspective view of a connector in accordance with an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 5b is a side plan view of a connector in accordance with an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a front plan view of a receptacle with a connector installed in a slot thereof in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a side cut away view along VII in Figure 6 of a receptacle with a connector installed in a slot thereof in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a connector in accordance with an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a front plan view of a receptacle in accordance with an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a connector in accordance with a second alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 11 is a front perspective view of a receptacle in accordance with an second alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 12 a front perspective view of a receptacle in accordance with an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 13 is a front perspective view of a connector in accordance with a third alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 14 is a front perspective view of a connector in accordance with a forth alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 15 is a front perspective view of a receptacle in accordance with a forth alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 16 is a front perspective view of a receptacle in accordance with a fifth alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 17 is a front plan view of a receptacle in accordance with a fifth alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 18 is a side cut away view along XVIII in Figure 17 of a receptacle in accordance with a fifth alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 19A is a front perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an installer modifiable connector keying system;
Figure 19B is a front perspective view of a second illustrative embodiment of an installer modifiable connector keying system; and Figure 20 is a front perspective view of a receptacle for mounting on active devices in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to Figure 1, a fibre optic connector in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention will be described. The connector, generally referred to using the reference numeral 2, serves to connect a fibre optic cable 4 to a receptacle (not shown) is disclosed. As illustrated, connector 2 forms part of a cable assembly with an LC type connector attached at one end. It should be noted that although the illustrative embodiment of the present invention is described in reference to LC type connectors, it is not intended to limit the invention to this type of connectors.
Accordingly, the present invention may also be used, for example, with LC, SC, FC, MU and other similar connectors having a ferrule guide and/or support.
Still referring to Figure 1, the connector is comprised of a bored plug housing 6, fabricated from a suitable non-conductive material such glass filled thermoplastic, through which the optic fibre 8 extends protruding from a forward end 10 thereof. The optic fibre 8 is held rigidly within a hollow ferrule 12, fabricated from a suitable stiff non-conductive material such as ceramics, which is in turn held in axial alignment with the bore in the plug housing 6, thus ensuring that the optical fibre is maintained in axial alignment with the central axis A of the plug housing 6. Typically, ferrule 12 is held rigidly inside the plug housing 6, but may also be spring loaded allowing some movement of the ferrule 12, and thus the optic fibre 8, forward and backwards along the central axis A. A second larger fluted bore 14, also in axial alignment with the central axis A, is moulded or machined into the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6 with the optic fibre 8/ferrule assembly 12 being axially aligned therein. A
flexible locking tab or latch 16 is attached to the outside of the plug housing 6 allowing the plug housing 6 to be removably attached to a suitable receptacle (not shown). The join between optic fibre cable 4 and the plug housing 6 is protected by means of a flexible strain-relieving boot 18, typically manufactured from rubber. A pair of raised bosses as in 20 are moulded to the outside of the plug housing which, as will be seen below, mate with corresponding indentations in the receptacle (both not shown).
During fabrication, the optic fibre 8 is typically inserted through the ferrule 12 and bonded thereto with an appropriate adhesive or bonding technique. The ends of the optic fibre 8lferrule 12 are then cut and polished according to a predefined geometry dictated to the standard being implemented. The polishing results in an exposed end 22 of the optic fibre 8 extending forward of the forward end 10 of the plug housing, thereby allowing light to propagate to and from the optic fibre 8.
Referring now to Figure 2, a first illustrative embodiment of a keying system in accordance with the present invention will be described in more detail. The fluted bore 14, through which the optic fibre 8lferrule 12 assembly extends, is of an oval or egg shaped cross section having a first generally circular portion of radius X~ and a second channel portion 24 extending a distance of X2 from the centre of the optic fibre 8, with X2 being illustratively greater than radius X~. As illustrated in Figure 2, the channel portion 24 is symmetric about an axis B, with axis B at a predetermined connector keying angle B from the horizontal plane C. Of course, the maximum point of extension X2 from the core of the optic fibre 8 must be chosen such that it is sufficiently less than distance y between the centre of the optic fibre 8 and the outer surface of the plug housing 6 to ensure that sufficient material remains between the fluted bore 14 and the outer surface of the plug housing 6 for all keying angles A. The other dimensions of the channel portion 24 such as the width and profile, are preferably selected such that the channel portion is difficult to modify, for example by removing the channel portion 24 using a knife the like, or to modify without destroying the connector 2, thereby deterring the user from modifying the connector 2 for other purposes.
The cross section of the channel portion 24 could alternatively be of a different shape, for example a square notch or concave depression in the side wall of the fluted bore 14, or could also be asymmetric. As will be seen below, the combination of the channel portion 24 with the connector keying angle 8 provides one embodiment for the connector end of the keying system.
Referring now to Figure 3, a receptacle in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention will be described. The receptacle, generally referenced using the numeral 26, illustratively comprises a receptacle housing 28 fabricated from a non-conductive material such as glass filled thermoplastic into which are moulded one or more sockets 30. Referring to Figure 1 in addition to Figure 3, the sockets 30 are dimensioned for receiving the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6 which is held snugly therein. Note that, although in the present illustrative embodiment a receptacle 26 having a duplex configuration with two (2) sockets 30 is disclosed, the receptacle 26 could also be simplex with a single socket 30, or provide for three (3) or more sockets 30.
Referring back to Figure 3, the receptacle housing 28 can be fastened to a patch bay panel or the like (not shown) by means of a pair of integrated flanges 32 by screws or similar fasteners inserted through the cut outs 34 in the flanges.
Each socket 30 is terminated by a rear wall 36 onto which is moulded a raised oval shaped boss 38 having a circular ferrule accepting aperture 40 therein.
Also moulded into the socket 30 is a reciprocal locking mechanism 42 which, referring to Figure 1 in addition to Figure 3, mates with the latch 16, thereby securely interlocking the connector 2 with the receptacle 26 when the plug housing 6 is inserted into the socket 30. A pair of indentations 44 are also moulded in the socket 30 which mate with the corresponding bosses 20 moulded into the plug housing. The bosses 20 prevent a connector 2 from being inserted into a receptacle 26 which does not have these indentations.
Note that in an alternative embodiment both the bosses 20 and indentations could be absent with affecting the present invention.
Referring now to Figure 4, the raised boss 38 mounted on the rear wall 36 of the socket 30 is of an oval or egg shaped cross section having a frrst generally circular portion of radius x~ and a second distended portion 46 projecting a distance of x2 from the centre of the ferrule aperture 40, x2 being greater than radius x~. The distended portion 46 is symmetric about an axis such as D, with axis D at a predetermined receptacle keying angle cp from the horizontal plane E.
Referring to Figure 2 in addition to Figure 4, in order for a connector 2 to correctly mate with a receptacle 26, the keying angles A and cp as well as the lengths X~, X2 and x~, x2 must match such that the cross section of the raised boss 38 is the mirror image of the cross section of the fluted bore 14 and that the fluted bore 14 fits snugly over the raised boss 38. If the keying angles 8 and cp do not match, then a portion of the front surface 10 of the plug housing 6 will butt against the distended portion 46 of the raised boss 38 thereby preventing the connector 2 from being correctly inserted into the receptacle.
It is foreseen that a combination of eight (8) keying angles 8 and cp equally distributed around 360° (for example 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°) will provide adequate keying for most applications, although it will be understood that this could easily be extended to sixteen (16) or even greater with precision manufacturing of the connector 2 and receptacle 26. Referring to Figure 4, it is also foreseen that receptacles 26 can have multiple sockets 30, 30', 30" each socket 30, 30', 30" having a raised boss 38, 38', 38" with differing keying angles cp, cp', cp". It will be understood that although a receptacle 26 is shown with three raised bosses 38, 38', 38" and three keying angles cp, cp', cp", a receptacle 26 could easily be manufactured having many sockets 30, each socket 30 having a corresponding raised boss 38 and keying angle cp in any one of a number of combinations. It should also be understood that multiple connectors 2 with different connector keying angles 8 can also be bundled together into a multiple connector assembly. It will also be understood that sockets such as 30"' may be included with raised bosses such as 38"' which are circular in cross section. without the inclusion of a distended portion.
Of note is that the present system can be designed for use as a one way system or a two way system. A one way system being defined as a system where keyed connectors can only be connected with a keyed receptacle and a two way system is defined as a system where keyed connectors are backward compatible with legacy system receptacles (or vice versa), allowing for example, keyed connectors to be used with existing receptacles.
Referring to Figure 4, for example, in an illustrative embodiment of a two way system using existing circular legacy bosses as in 38"' is disclosed. These legacy bosses 38"' allow for the plug housing 6 of a connector 2 to be correctly inserted into the socket 30"' regardless of the connector keying angle 8.
Referring to Figure 5a in addition to Figure 4, an illustrative of a one way system is disclosed. In order to stop a keyed connector 2 from being inserted into a slot such as slot 30"', a tab 39 could be moulded into or otherwise attached to the outside of the plug housing 6. Referring to Figure 5b, as known in the art, existing LC type behind the wall (BTW) connectors and receptacles include such a tab/slot assembly. However, the tabs of these prior art connectors extends only partially along the plug housing 6 and stops at a position X~ well short of the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6. By extending the tab 39 such that it stops at a position X2 closer to the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6, the plug housing 6 can also be prevented from being fully inserted into legacy LC receptacles. In order for such a connector 2 to be correctly inserted into a receptacle 26, the slot 30 will have to be modified to include a notch within which the tab 39 fits. It will be apparent now that, in the absence of a receiving grove in the receptacle (all not shown) for the tab 39, or a grove of the correct depth, the tab 39 would butt against the receptacle housing thereby preventing the user from inserting the plug housing 6 completely into the receptacle 26.
It is also foreseen that the plug housings 6 and the sockets 30 be colour coded, with a given colour corresponding to a given pair of keying angles 8, cp, in order to aid the user in determining which connector 2 belongs in which socket 30.
Additionally, other coding means such as symbols, alphanumeric characters, etc., be used alone or in combination with colours to provide a variety of means for distinguishing keyed connectors and receptacles from one another.
Referring now to Figure 6, a plug connector 2 inserted into the first socket 30 of a duplex receptacle 26 is shown. Referring to Figure 7 in addition to Figure 5, 5 and assuming that the keying angles 8, cp are a matched pair, on insertion the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6 butts against the rear wall 36 of the socket 30. At this point the latch 16 is engaged by the reciprocal locking mechanism 42 thereby holding the plug housing 6 securely in the socket 30.
Simultaneously, the ferrule 12 containing the optic fibre is inserted into the 10 ferrule accepting aperture 40 and the raised boss 38 is encircled by the bore 14, with the exposed end 22 of the optic fibre 8 being substantially in alignment with reference plane F. Insertion of a second connector (not shown) into a similar slot 46 moulded into the rearward side of the receptacle 26 would have the effect bringing the exposed end of the second connector's optic frbre into close contact with the exposed end 22 of the optic fibre 8, with the optic fibres being substantially axially aligned, and thereby allowing light propagating in one of the optic fibres to be transferred to the other.
The connector 2 can be readily removed from the receptacle 26 by depressing the latch 16, thereby releasing the reciprocal locking mechanism 42.
Referring to Figure 8, a connector 2 in accordance with an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In this embodiment the fluted bore 14 includes two channel portions 24, 24' corresponding to two different connector keying angles 8, 8'. In this manner, connectors 2 can be provided which can mate with receptacle openings having raised bosses with different keying angles cp, provided, of course, that the receptacle keying angle cp matches with one of the connector keying angles 6, 8'. It will now be apparent that the number of channel portions 24 at a variety of keying angles 6 could be increased to provided for a variety of keying situations.
Referring to Figure 9 in addition to Figure 8, receptacles 26 having sockets with raised bosses 38', 38" having multiple distended portions 46~', 462' and 46~", 462", 463"' can also be provided for. When combined with a corresponding set of connectors 2 having multiple channel portions 24, 24', etc., this allows for a wide variation in the number of potential keys which be used in a given situation.
Referring now to Figure 10, a connector 2 in accordance with a second alternative embodiment is disclosed including a plug housing 6 having a bore 48 therein, with the bore 48 machined or moulded to comprise a generally circular section 50 and a ridge 52 running axially along the inside of the bore 48. Similar to the keying system as discussed hereinabove, the ridge 52 is positioned along the inside of the bore at the requisite keying angle A.
Referring now to Figure 11 in addition to Figure 10, a receptacle 26 comprised of one or more sockets 30 having raised bosses 54 is shown. The raised bosses 54 are moulded or machined to include a notch 56 therein. Similar to the ridge 52, the notch 56 is positioned on the raised boss 54 at a requisite keying angle cp.
It should be understood that although the ridge 52 and corresponding notch 56 have been portrayed as being symmetrically concave in cross section, other shapes of cross sections, for example a square or triangular notch, could also be applied in the context of the present invention. Additionally, the shapes could be asymmetric. Referring now to Figure 12 in addition to Figure 11, in order to prevent a standard connector cable (not shown) from being inserted into a slot 30 keyed by a raised boss 54 having a notch 56 therein, tabs 57 can be moulded or otherwise bonded to the inside of the slots 30 in the receptacle 26. In order for a connector to be inserted into a given slot 30, it will be necessary that the plug housing of the connector (not shown) be modified to include a suitable notch therein for reception of the tab 57.
Referring to Figure 13, a connector 2 in accordance with a third alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In this embodiment the plug housing 6 is machined or moulded to include a bore 58 therein having both a channel portion 60 and a ridge 62 therein. The channel portion 60 and a ridge 62 are positioned within the bore 58 at requisite keying angles as discussed hereinabove. Such a connector 2 would mate with a receptacle having a socket therein with a raised boss including both a notch and a distended portion located at keying angles (all not shown) matching the keying angles of the channel portion 60 and the ridge 62 of the connector 2.
Referring to Figure 14, a connector 2 in accordance with a forth alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In this embodiment the plug housing 6 is machined or moulded to include a bore 64 having a cross section which varies depending on the depth of the bore 64.
Illustratively, the bore 64 is comprised of a cylindrical inner portion 66 and an outer portion 68 having an oval or egg shaped cross section with a depth z and a channel portion 72. In line with the keyed connectors as already disclosed hereinabove, the channel portion 72 is positioned at a predetermined keying angle A from the horizontal axis C. Referring to Figure 15 in addition to Figure 14, the corresponding receptacle 26 is comprised of one or more slots 30 having a raised boss 72 machined or moulded into a rear wall 36 thereof. The raised boss 72 is comprised of a lower portion 74 having an oval or egg shaped cross section and an upper cylindrical portion 76. The thickness ~ of the lower portion 74 of the raised boss 72 corresponds to the depth z of the upper portion 66 of the bore 64. Additionally, the lower portion 74 has a distended portion which is positioned at a predetermined keying angle cp from the horizontal axis E. Provided the keying angles 6, cp and depth z match, when the plug housing 6 is inserted into the slot 30 of the receptacle 26, the bore 64 will mate with the raised boss 72, thereby allowing the connector 2 to be securely fastened to the receptacle. If the keying angles 8, cp do not match, then the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6 will but against the distended portion 78 of the raised boss 72 thereby preventing correct insertion of the plug housing 6 in the slot 30.
Referring now to Figures 16, 17 and 18, a receptacle 26 in accordance with a fifth alternative embodiment of the present invention will be disclosed. The receptacle 26 is similar as to described hereinabove with the difference that the distended portion 46 of the raised boss includes a bevelled or chamfered outer surface 80 in order to facilitate insertion of a connector (not shown) into the slot 30. Other types of surfaces, for example rounded, could also be implemented in order to facilitate insertion of a connector.
It is also foreseen that the present keying system be capable of modification by the installer in order to provide connectors and receptacles with an installer selected keying. Referring to Figure 19A, for example the fluted bore 14 would be provided in an interchangeable module 82 for insertion into a suitably adapted receiving cut out 84 in the forward end 10 of the plug housing 6. The module 82 would be held in place within the plug housing by clips, an adhesive or other suitable securing means.
Referring to Figure 19B, alternatively the raised bosses 38 could be manufactured separately from the receptacle 26 and including a cylindrical shaft 86 having a series of groves 88 therein. The cylindrical shaft 86 would be rotated to the requisite receptacle keying angle and inserted in a grooved shaft receiving aperture 90 in the rear wall 36 of each slot 30 until the raised boss is in contact with the rear wall 36. The shaft 86 would be held in place within the grooved shaft receiving aperture 90 by an adhesive, for example.
Alternatively, the fluted bores and raised bosses of the invention could be modifiable and adaptable through removal from or addition to the fluted bores or raised bosses through the provision of a suitable tool (for example by cutting away a portion of a raised boss or fluting the inside of a bore).
Referring to Figure 20, although the above invention has been described using BTV1I receptacles for interconnecting two connectors, the keying system could also be moulded into single sided receptacles 92 for mounting on active components, attenuators and the like (not shown).
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of an illustrative embodiment thereof, this embodiment can be modified at will without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention.
Claims
1. A keying system for providing selective interconnection between connector plugs and receptacle slots, said system comprising:
a plurality of receptacle slots, each slot having a raised boss therein, said boss having a first geometry;
a plurality of connector plugs, each plug having a bore moulded in a forward end thereof, said bore having an inner surface having a second geometry;
wherein the second geometry of said bore co-operates with at least one first geometry of a boss of a receptacle slot, thereby allowing said plug and said at least one receptacle slot to interconnect, said second geometry of said bore physically interfering with other first geometries of other bosses of other receptacles to prevent interconnection therewith.
a plurality of receptacle slots, each slot having a raised boss therein, said boss having a first geometry;
a plurality of connector plugs, each plug having a bore moulded in a forward end thereof, said bore having an inner surface having a second geometry;
wherein the second geometry of said bore co-operates with at least one first geometry of a boss of a receptacle slot, thereby allowing said plug and said at least one receptacle slot to interconnect, said second geometry of said bore physically interfering with other first geometries of other bosses of other receptacles to prevent interconnection therewith.
Priority Applications (11)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002441872A CA2441872A1 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2003-09-22 | Keyed fibre optic connector |
| US10/945,935 US7258493B2 (en) | 2001-03-08 | 2004-09-22 | Keyed fibre optic connector |
| EP04786650.4A EP1671169B1 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Keyed fibre optic connector |
| AU2004274992A AU2004274992A1 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Keyed fibre optic connector |
| JP2006526499A JP2007506120A (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Locked fiber optic connector |
| PCT/CA2004/001730 WO2005029147A1 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Keyed fibre optic connector |
| CNB200480027280XA CN100468107C (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Keyed Fiber Optic Connectors |
| CA2540114A CA2540114C (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2004-09-22 | Keyed fibre optic connector |
| US11/779,338 US7674046B2 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2007-07-18 | Fibre optic connector keying system |
| US11/779,335 US7699533B2 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2007-07-18 | Back-to-back receptacle |
| US12/365,593 US20100034503A1 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2009-02-04 | Keyed fibre optic connector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002441872A CA2441872A1 (en) | 2003-09-22 | 2003-09-22 | Keyed fibre optic connector |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2441872A1 true CA2441872A1 (en) | 2005-03-22 |
Family
ID=34383885
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002441872A Abandoned CA2441872A1 (en) | 2001-03-08 | 2003-09-22 | Keyed fibre optic connector |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN100468107C (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2441872A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2008033262A1 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2008-03-20 | Corning Cable Systems Llc | Secure fiber optic connector and adapter systems |
| US7390203B2 (en) | 2006-10-11 | 2008-06-24 | Ortronics, Inc. | Secure fiber optic network keyed connector assembly |
| US7540667B2 (en) | 2007-08-01 | 2009-06-02 | Ortronics, Inc. | Positional differentiating connector assembly |
| WO2022005952A1 (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2022-01-06 | Corning Research & Development Corporation | Terminals having a multi-fiber optical connection port that inhibits damage from single-fiber connectors |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102018113365A1 (en) * | 2018-06-05 | 2019-12-05 | Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik Gmbh & Co. Kg | Modular connector system |
| CN111596414B (en) * | 2019-02-20 | 2022-04-26 | 利佳科技股份有限公司 | Connector system |
| US11579379B2 (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2023-02-14 | Senko Advanced Components, Inc. | Fiber optic adapter assembly |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5682451A (en) * | 1995-05-23 | 1997-10-28 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Device with internal features for rotational alignment of non-cylindrically symmetrical optical elements |
| US6960025B2 (en) * | 2000-07-17 | 2005-11-01 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Connector and receptacle containing a physical security feature |
| US6663293B2 (en) * | 2001-03-16 | 2003-12-16 | Fitel Usa Corp. | Tunable optical fiber connector |
| US6923578B2 (en) * | 2003-02-21 | 2005-08-02 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. | Optical terminus keying |
-
2003
- 2003-09-22 CA CA002441872A patent/CA2441872A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2004
- 2004-09-22 CN CNB200480027280XA patent/CN100468107C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2008033262A1 (en) * | 2006-09-15 | 2008-03-20 | Corning Cable Systems Llc | Secure fiber optic connector and adapter systems |
| US7387447B2 (en) | 2006-09-15 | 2008-06-17 | Corning Cable Systems Llc | Secure fiber optic connector and adapter systems |
| US7390203B2 (en) | 2006-10-11 | 2008-06-24 | Ortronics, Inc. | Secure fiber optic network keyed connector assembly |
| US7534115B2 (en) | 2006-10-11 | 2009-05-19 | Ortronics, Inc. | Secure fiber optic network keyed connector assembly |
| US7540667B2 (en) | 2007-08-01 | 2009-06-02 | Ortronics, Inc. | Positional differentiating connector assembly |
| US7850370B2 (en) | 2007-08-01 | 2010-12-14 | Ortronics, Inc. | Positional differentiating connector assembly |
| WO2022005952A1 (en) * | 2020-06-29 | 2022-01-06 | Corning Research & Development Corporation | Terminals having a multi-fiber optical connection port that inhibits damage from single-fiber connectors |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN100468107C (en) | 2009-03-11 |
| CN1856722A (en) | 2006-11-01 |
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