Reversible optical or electro-optical connector
US4915466A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 1988 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4246
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electro-optical connector having a plug containing a center light emitter or detector and an interconnected pair of light detectors or emitters symmetrically positioned with respect to the center light emitter or detector. A socket, also containing a center light detector or emitter and an interconnected pair of symmetrically positioned outer light emitters or detectors, is adapted to receive the plug. The plug may thus be inserted into the socket with a plurality of angular orientations. The plug is retained in the socket by a pair of resilient tabs extending into respective recesses in the socket. The tabs may be removed from the recesses by exerting an outward force on the tabs, either directly or by exerting a transverse force on the plug thereby generating a rotational moment on the plug that exerts an outwardly directed force on the tab. As a result, the plug may be removed from the socket by exerting side forces on the plug without damaging the plug or socket.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.