Snap-on connector system for coupling light from an illuminator to a fiber optic
US6626582B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3814
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a connector assembly comprising (1) a first adapter that releasably connects to light source and transmits optical energy received from the light source along a first optical waveguide; (2) a second adapter that releasably connects to first adapter to receive and transmit optical energy along a second optical waveguide; and (3) an output optical waveguide that receives the transmitted optical energy from the second waveguide and has a proximal connector adapted to fixedly engage the second adapter. In one embodiment, the proximal connector has a slot that allows for the insertion of a clip, and the second adapter has a detente that mechanically engages the clip when it is inserted into the slot in the proximal connector. In this way, the second adapter is fixedly coupled to the proximal connector but may also rotate in relation to the output connector. In one implementation, the groove in the adapter is angled so that an inserted clip presses against the angled surface, resulting in a force to urge and hold the second adapter into proper position for optical connection between the first optical waveguide and the output optical waveguide.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.