Patent · US Expired

Termination block for optical fiber cables

US6307997A · kind A · utility

121Cited by
9References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 20, 1999
Grant dateOct 23, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 20, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/4471
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Devices and methods by which fiber optic connectors, and the adapters associated with them can be installed upon mounting surfaces. A termination block is described that retains a number of adapters to receive fiber optic cable connectors for interconnection and/or cross-connection with other connectors or switching equipment. The termination block has a mounting footprint that is substantially identical to the mounting footprint of an electrical punch-down block, thus permitting ease of retrofitting. Slider panels are retained within bays in a base unit to secure adapters within the base unit. The slider panels are individually moveable so that each can be slidingly withdrawn from its bay for better access to the adapter secured therewithin. In preferred embodiments, removable markers are affixed to individual slider panels and a removable cover is provided for the termination block. Methods for mounting and retrofitting termination blocks are also described.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.