Optical fiber interconnect management

US11054601B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Joseph Arol · Kiryat Ono, IL
• Zohar Avrahami · Rehovot, IL
• Solomon Sokolovsky · Melbourne, AU
• Sopit Nondjuy · Mae Jo, TH
• Patcharin Jaikaew · Mae Jo, TH

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 23, 2020
• Grant date: Jul 6, 2021
• Expiry date: Mar 23, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/562
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Apparatus for establishing optical connection between optical fibers, the apparatus comprising: a first array comprising a plurality of slack management units (SMU), each having a holding socket for holding an optical end connector of an optical fiber and configured to reel in a length of fiber released when the optical end connector is removed from the holding socket; a second array comprising a plurality of coupling sockets, each configured to hold an optical end of an optical fiber; and a pick and place grabber controllable to grab an optical end connector seated in a holding socket of any SMU in the first array, move the optical end connector into any coupling socket in the second array to establish an optical connection between the optical fiber connected to the optical end connector, and an optical end of an optical fiber held in the coupling socket; at least one identification (ID) tag; an ID reader operable to interrogate each of the at least one ID tag; a controller configured to control the ID reader to interrogate an ID tag of the at least one ID to identify an optical end connector in the first array and/or a coupling socket in the second array.