US4327964A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Snap-action fiber optic connector
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1979-12-20
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Granted: 1982-05-04
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Expires: 1999-12-20
Abstract
Abstract A simple low-cost fiber optic connector having a body member into which a ferrule is inserted and held in place by an expandable retainer which allows the ferrule to snap out of the assembly upon the application of a substantial pulling force, and thereby avoid damage to the fiber or to the connector. A preferred embodiment includes two aligned ferrules inserted into opposite sides of the body such that their tips meet at the center to interconnect the ends of two optical fibers. A multiple-ferrule embodiment is also contemplated.
Inventors
- 👤 Barry F. Haesly
- 👤 Richard D. Harris
- 👤 Eugene G. Dierschke
- 👤 Michael R. Hailey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 08:01
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/3897; G02B6/381; G02B6/3825; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3865; G02B6/389; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49826; Y10T29/49863; Y10T29/49876
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A connector comprising: (a) a body member having a cavity therein; (b) a ferrule extending into said cavity; (c) means in combination with said body for retaining said ferrule in place, and for mounting of the connector on a selected surface, comprising an interchangeable elastic member which allows said ferrule to snap out of the assembly upon application of a substantial pulling force, said member having molded extensions which are directed past said body member from that side of the body wherein the member is inserted, to the far side of said body, said extensions having compressable latching fingers for insertion into openings in a mounting surface, said fingers resuming their normal position after compression while being inserted, to secure the connector assembly to said mounting surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
A connector comprising: (a) a body member having a cavity therein; (b) a ferrule extending into said cavity; (c) means in combination with said body for retaining said ferrule in place, and for mounting of the connector on a selected surface, comprising an interchangeable elastic member which allows said ferrule to snap out of the assembly upon application of a substantial pulling force, said member having molded extensions which are directed past said body member from that side of the body wherein the member is inserted, to the far side of said body, said extensions having compressable latching fingers for insertion into openings in a mounting surface, said fingers resuming their normal position after compression while being inserted, to secure the connector assembly to said mounting surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
A connector as in claim 1, wherein said means for mounting comprises said interchangeable member, said member having molded extensions, said extensions extending out away from the body of said connector and having an area through which an opening exists, for attachment to a mounting means with a fastener.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A connector as in claim 2, wherein said mounting means is a metal bracket.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A connector as in claim 1, wherein said mounting surface is a printed circuit board.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-05-03 | 1985-11-02 | 1986-05-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-05-03 | 1989-11-02 | 1990-05-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-05-03 | 1993-11-02 | 1994-05-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |