Optical connector adapter having switching capability
US6688781B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 2002 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 11, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B2006/4297
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An adapter for an optical fiber connector has a switch mounted therein and an actuation lever contained therein for actuating the switch to turn optical power on. The lever has an enlarged rear portion separated from a front portion by a flexible web. The adapter has an opening therein for receiving a connector plug which is masked by the enlarged portion of the lever when in the operative position. When a plug is to be inserted, the enlarged portion is bent up to unmask the opening. After the plug is inserted, the rear portion is aligned with the front portion of the lever and the lever slid forward to actuate the switch. In the forward position, the enlarged portion prevents access to the latching arm of the connector plug so that it cannot be removed while the power is on. The lever must be slid to the rear, turning off the power, before the connector can be removed. Latches maintain the lever in its forward, or Power On position, which can be overcome to permit sliding the lever to the rear, or Power Off position, before access to the connector plug latching arm can be had.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.