Computer with retractable optical fiber connector assembly having rotatable spool with optical fiber for connecting the computer to external component
US6014713A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jan 11, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3628
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electronic computer including microprocessor means, memory means and Input/Output (I/O) means wherein the I/O means comprises a retractable optical fiber connector assembly. The retractable optical fiber connector assembly includes a rotatable spool and a pair of optical fibers for being wound thereabout, these fibers in turn optically connected to optoelectronic means within the computer (as part of the I/O means). On the opposing ends of these optical fibers are desired connectors (e.g., those of the push-pull variety) for being connected to associated optical-type connectors which in turn may form part of various peripheral equipment (e.g., MODEMS, printers, etc.) or other computers to which this computer may be connected.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.