Snap-in proximal connector for mounting an optic fiber element into a light source system
US5640478A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4296
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The proximal connector includes a stainless steel cone-shaped ferrule enclosing a proximal end of the optic fiber element. The ferrule is inserted within a matching aperture of a receiving block which is also made of stainless steel. The matching shapes of the ferrule and the aperture of the receiving block ensure effective heat transference from the ferrule into the receiving block. Both ferrule and the aperture are axially symmetric such that any rotation of the proximal connector while inserted into the receiving block does not change the location of the entrance aperture of the optic fiber element. The proximal connector also includes a case having an indented ring. A ball plunger biasing mechanism is mounted within the aperture of the receiving block and is positioned for engaging with the indented ring only while the proximal connector is fully and securely inserted within the aperture. The plunger prevents accidental removal of the proximal connector while also providing a biasing force for ensuring solid contact between the cone-shaped ferrule and the corresponding portions of the receiving block to further facilitate the heat conduction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.