The disclosure is directed to fiber optic terminals having at least one loopback assembly comprising a loopback optical fiber providing optical communication between a first output connection port and a second output connection port of the terminal along with fiber optic networks using the fiber optic terminals.
Optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission. As bandwidth demands increase optical fiber is migrating deeper into communication networks such as in fiber to the premises applications such as FTTx, 5G and the like. As optical fiber extends deeper into communication networks there exist a need for building more complex and flexible fiber optic networks in a quick and easy manner along with testing ability of optical links in the network.
Optical terminals such as multiports or closures were developed for making one or more plug and play optical connections with hardened connectors such as the OptiTap® plug connector. The terminals allow the distribution of optical signals within an optical network and provide the flexibility of locating the terminals in convenient locations for efficient network design and deployment and also deferring connectivity and the associated expense until needed in the communication network. Terminals typically have an input cable or input port that receives an optical connector along with a plurality of output ports or receptacles that receive an external connector for making an optical connection with respective internal connectors of the terminal. Consequently, the terminals allow the network operator to make plug and play optical connections when desired by accessing the receptacle or port and optically connecting a link such as a branch cable, drop cable, 5G device or the like to the communication network.
Illustratively,
Terminals such as multiport 1 allow quick and easy deployment by network operators and along with the ability to defer optical connectivity and overbuild the communication network for future growth. However, the network operator may desire to test the terminals in the communication network to ensure that portions of the network are still operational such as after storms or during reported network outages to verify whether that portion of the network is operational or not. The network operator could send a service truck with a technician to the site for physical inspection and testing, but this type of testing is expensive and time-consuming. As an alternative to sending a technician, manufacturers have used optical reflectors in optical networks to send test signals and look for a reflective event to test an optical link. However, these reflectors have limitations and may require special equipment to analyze the return optical signals. For instance, reflectors may only operate at a given wavelength and the operating wavelength needs to be known for testing.
Consequently, there exists an unresolved need for terminals that provide quick and easily deployment for the fiber optic network in a flexible manner while also addressing concerns related to testing of the terminals installed into the fiber optic network in a quick, easy and reliable manner.
The disclosure is directed to fiber optic terminals (hereinafter “terminals”) comprising a loopback assembly installed in the terminal along with fiber optic networks using the terminal. One aspect of the disclosure is directed to a fiber optic terminal comprising a shell having a cavity, one or more input optical fibers disposed within the cavity of the shell, a first output connection port of the fiber optic terminal, a second output connection port of the fiber optic terminal, and at least one loopback assembly. The first output connection port is in optical communication with the one or more input optical fibers and the second output connection port is in optical communication with one or more of the input optical fibers. The loopback assembly comprises a loopback optical fiber with a first fiber optic connector terminated on a first end of the loopback optical fiber, and a second fiber optic connector terminated on a second end of the loopback optical fiber. The first fiber optic connector is attached to the first output connection port and the second fiber optic connector is attached to the second output connection port so that the first output connection port is in optical communication with the second output connection port by way of the loopback optical fiber. The concepts disclosed herein may be used with any suitable type of output connection port on the terminal along with fiber optic connectors that cooperate with the ports. For instance, the fiber optic connectors may be attached using bayonets, threads, push and click or other suitable attachment.
Another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a fiber optic terminal comprising a shell having a cavity, one or more input optical fibers disposed within the cavity of the shell, a first output connection port of the fiber optic terminal, a second output connection port of the fiber optic terminal, and at least one loopback assembly. The first output connection port is in optical communication with the one or more input optical fibers, and the first output connection port further comprises a securing feature biased to a retain position by a resilient member. The second output connection port is in optical communication with one or more of the input optical fibers, and the second output connection port further comprises a securing feature biased to a retain position by a resilient member. The loopback assembly comprises a loopback optical fiber with a first fiber optic connector terminated on a first end of the loopback optical fiber, and a second fiber optic connector terminated on a second end of the loopback optical fiber. The first fiber optic connector is attached to the first output connection port and the second fiber optic connector is attached to the second output connection port so that the first output connection port is in optical communication with the second output connection port by way of the loopback optical fiber.
A further aspect of the disclosure is directed to a fiber optic network comprising a terminal and a first optical link in optical communication with one or more input optical fibers of the terminal. The terminal comprises a shell having a cavity, one or more input optical fibers disposed within the cavity of the shell, a first output connection port of the fiber optic terminal, a second output connection port of the fiber optic terminal, and at least one loopback assembly. The first output connection port is in optical communication with the one or more input optical fibers and the second output connection port is in optical communication with one or more of the input optical fibers. The loopback assembly comprises a loopback optical fiber with a first fiber optic connector terminated on a first end of the loopback optical fiber, and a second fiber optic connector terminated on a second end of the loopback optical fiber. The first fiber optic connector is attached to the first output connection port and the second fiber optic connector is attached to the second output connection port so that the first output connection port is in optical communication with the second output connection port by way of the loopback optical fiber.
Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the same as described herein, including the detailed description that follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments that are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation.
Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts.
The concepts disclosed are related to fiber optic terminals having at least one loopback assembly so that a first output connection port of the terminal is in optical communication with a second output connection port of the terminal along with fiber optic network using the terminal. The terminals disclosed allow for remote testing of the optical network by sending a test signal toward the terminal and determining whether a signal is returned or not, thereby determining whether that portion of the communication network is operating properly or if a service visit to the site is required. Further, different loopback assemblies in a terminal may have different characteristics to help the technician identify whether different optical pathways of the terminal are functional or not. Consequently, the fiber optic terminals (hereinafter “terminals”) comprising the loopback assembly are well-suited for outside plant environments such as downstream from a central office location or the like, but other applications such as indoor use are possible using the concepts disclosed.
Still further, terminals and networks using the devices disclosed may have a wide wavelength range for suitable testing performance. In other words, the testing using the terminals disclosed may be accomplished using any suitable wavelength of signal that is suitably transmitted by network. Further, the terminals with the loopback assemblies disclosed herein may be assembled and shipped by the manufacturer and installed by the network operator as a complete assembly ready for installation and use. Generally speaking, the terminals disclosed and explained in the exemplary embodiments are multiports, but the concepts disclosed may be used with any suitable terminal such as closures, network interface devices, or the like having a plurality of output connection ports.
The concepts disclosed advantageously provide flexibility for the network operators and also reduce inventory concerns for the network operators since the need to stock a multitude of terminals or reflectors is not necessary. Instead, the network operator can order the terminals with the loopback assemblies installed and be ready to test the network from day one without having to order a compatible device, thereby providing simplicity. Moreover, the terminals disclosed provide flexibility and adaptability to alter the fiber optic network based on moves, adds or changes to the fiber optic network such as adding link such as drop cable for a customer or a 5G device by merely removing the loopback assembly and attaching a suitable device for connectivity. The concepts may be used with any suitable terminals and may be especially advantageous with terminals having compact form-factors. The concepts are scalable to any suitable count of input or outputs on a terminal in a variety of arrangements or constructions for building fiber optic networks.
For instance, the concepts disclosed herein are suitable for fiber optic networks such as for Fiber-to-the-location (FTTx) and 5G applications, and are equally applicable to other optical applications as well including indoor, industrial, wireless, or other suitable applications. Additionally, the concepts disclosed may be used with terminals having any suitable footprint or construction. Various designs, constructions, or features for fiber optic networks and terminals are disclosed in more detail as discussed herein and may be modified or varied as desired.
As schematically shown in
As depicted in
Likewise, the different loopback assemblies may have other distinct features to aid the technician in distinguishing among the different optical links during testing. For instance, the loopback optical fiber 219F may comprise a Bragg grating 219B such as depicted in
Loopback assembly 219 having loopback optical fiber 219F may have any suitable construction that optically connects a first output connection port with a second output connection port. For instance, loopback assembly 219 may be configured as a cable assembly or configured as a module. No matter the configuration, the loopback assembly comprises respective first and second optical connectors that may be attached to respective first and second output connection ports of the terminal 200.
The concepts disclosed herein may be used with any suitable terminal comprising one or more inputs, outputs or pass-throughs. Generally speaking, the terminals 200 disclosed herein comprise a shell 210 comprising a cavity 216 with at least one input optical fiber disposed within the cavity of the shell along with a first output connection and a second output connection port. The loopback assembly comprises a loopback optical fiber. A first fiber optic connector is terminated on a first end of the loopback optical fiber, and a second fiber optic connector is terminated on a second end of the loopback optical fiber. The first and second optical connectors of the loopback assembly are respectively attached to the first and second output connection ports of the terminal so that the first output connection port of the terminal is in optical communication with second output connection port of the terminal using a loopback optical fiber of the loopback assembly.
Consequently, a test signal sent by a technician along an optical link 10a,10b connected to optical input of the terminal may be routed to the first output connection port (OCP1) and through the loopback optical fiber (219F) of the loopback assembly (219) and into the second output connection port (OCP2) so that the optical test signal may be returned to the technician along the optical link 10a,10b to confirm that a portion of the terminal is operational. For instance, as shown in
The output connection ports may include any suitable mating mechanism or geometry for securing the external connector to the terminal. Although, these concepts are described and illustrated with respect to terminals configured as multiports the concepts may be used with any other suitable terminals having output connection ports such as closures, network interface devices, wireless devices, distribution point unit or other suitable devices.
In some embodiments, the connection ports of the terminal may have a push-and-retain connection without the use of threaded coupling nuts or quick turn bayonets for securing the external connectors. This allows for terminals with connection ports that are closely spaced together and may result in relatively small terminals since the room needed for turning a threaded coupling nut or bayonet is not necessary. The compact form-factors may allow the placement of the terminals in tight spaces in indoor, outdoor, buried, aerial, industrial or other applications while providing at least one connection port that is advantageous for a robust and reliable optical connection in a removable and replaceable manner. The disclosed terminals may also be aesthetically pleasing and provide organization for the optical connectors in manner that the prior art terminals cannot provide. However, the external fiber optic connectors may be secured to the terminal using any suitable structures such as threads, bayonets or other suitable mating geometry for attaching to the connector ports of the terminal.
Returning to the explanatory terminals 200 depicted in
Terminal 200 of
Specifically, each port that may receive an external fiber optic connector 100 comprises securing member 310M having a locking feature 310L that cooperates with locking feature 20L of housing 20 of respective fiber optic connector 100 when the housing 20 is fully-inserted into the respective connection port for securing the connector. The housing 20 of fiber optic connector 100 may have a cooperating geometry that engages the locking feature 310L of securing member 310M of terminal 200. As best shown in
Locking feature 310L comprises a retention surface 310RS. In this embodiment, the back-side of the ramp of locking feature 310L forms a ledge that cooperates with complimentary geometry on the housing 20 (or external connector). However, retention surface 310RS may have different surfaces or edges that cooperate for securing connector for creating the desired mechanical retention. For instance, the retention surface 310RS may be canted or have a vertical wall. However, other geometries are possible for the retention surface 310RS.
Connection ports of terminal 200 each comprises a respective optical connector opening 238 extending from an outer surface 234 of the terminal 200 into a cavity 216 of the terminal 200 and defining a portion of a connection port passageway 233 for receiving fiber optic connector 100. By way of explanation, the connection ports may be is molded as a portion of shell 210, but other constructions are possible such as sleeving the ports. At least one securing feature 310 is associated with the connection port passageway 233 for cooperating with the external fiber optic connector 100.
Returning to
As depicted in
The securing feature 310 advantageously allows the user to make a quick and easy optical connection at the connector port(s) of terminal 200. The securing feature 310 may also operate for providing a connector release feature by moving the actuator 310A such as a button to translate the securing member 310M to an open position (e.g., downward) for releasing the external fiber optic connector 100. As used herein, the “securing member” associated with the terminal and excludes threads and features that cooperate with bayonets. However, other terminals may use any suitable construction for attaching an external connector to the connection port.
External connectors terminated to respective optical links 10x may be retained within the respective ports of the terminal 200 by pushing and fully-seating the connector within the output connection ports OCPx if the securing member 310M is allowed to translate to an open position when inserting the external fiber optic connector. To release the connector from the respective port, the actuator 310A is actuated by moving the actuator 310A (e.g., pressing the button downward) and translating the securing member 310M so that the locking feature disengages from the external connector and allowing the connector to be removed from the port. Stated another way, the at least one securing feature 310 is capable of releasing the connector when a portion of the securing feature 310 (i.e., the securing member 310M) translates within a portion of a securing feature passageway 245 of the shell 210. The full insertion and automatic retention of the connector may advantageously allow one-handed installation of the connector by merely pushing the external connector into the respective port. The devices disclosed may accomplish this connector retention feature upon full-insertion by biasing the securing member 310M of the modular adapter sub-assemblies 310SA to the retain position. However, other modes of operation for retaining and releasing the connector are possible according to the concepts disclosed. As discussed, the securing feature may be designed to require actuation by translating the actuator 310A for inserting the connector; however, this may require a two-handed operation.
Shell 210 may be formed by a first portion 210A and a second portion 210B, but other constructions are possible for shell 210 using the concept disclosed. Terminal 200 may comprise mounting features 210MF that are integrally formed in the shell 210 as shown in
Securing member 310M may be biased by a resilient member 230RM to the retain position RP (e.g., upward). Furthermore, the securing features 310 or portions of securing features 310 may be constructed as a portion of a modular adapter sub-assemblies 310SA such as shown in
As best depicted in
The securing member 310M comprises a bore 310B that is aligned with the connector port passageway 233 when assembled. Bore 310B is sized for receiving a suitable external connector therethrough for securing the same for optical connectivity. Bores or openings through the securing member 310M may have any suitable shape or geometry for cooperating with its respective external connector (or housing 20). As used herein, the bore may have any suitable shape desired including features on the surface of the bore for engaging with the desired connector. Bore 310B is disposed on the securing member 310M may also comprise any suitable locking feature disposed within the bore 310B as desired. For instance, the locking feature 310L disposed within the bore 310B may be a pin, pin with a ramp, or other suitable structure for engaging with the external connector.
In some embodiments, a portion of the securing member 310M is capable of moving to an open position when inserting a suitable external connector 10 into the connection port passageway 233. When the connector 10 is fully-inserted into the connector port passageway 233, the securing member 310M is capable of moving to the retain position automatically. Consequently, the external connector is secured within the respective port by the securing feature 310 without turning a coupling nut or a bayonet on the external connector like the prior art terminals. Stated another way, the securing member 310M translates from the retain position to an open position as the external fiber optic connector 100 is inserted into the respective port. The securing feature passageway 245 is arranged transversely to a longitudinal axis LA of the terminal 200, but other arrangements are possible. Other securing features may operate in a similar manner, and use an opening instead of a bore that receives the connector therethrough.
Generally speaking, the connection port passageways may be configured for the specific connector intended to be received in the port. Likewise, the connection port passageways should be configured for receiving the specific internal connector 252 for mating and making an optical connection with the external fiber optic connector 100.
The terminal 200 may also comprise at least one adapter 230A aligned with the respective output connection ports OCPx. Adapter 230A and other components are a portion of the modular sub-assembly 310SA as depicted in
A plurality of internal fiber optic connectors 252 are aligned with the respective connector port passageways within the cavity 216 of the terminal 200. The internal fiber optic connectors 252 are associated with one or more of the plurality of optical fibers 92′. Each of the respective internal fiber optic connectors 252 aligns and attaches to a structure such as the adapter 230A or other structure related to the connection port passageway in a suitable matter. The plurality of internal fiber optic connectors 252 may comprise a suitable connector ferrule 252F as desired and internal fiber optic connectors 252 may take any suitable form from a simple ferrule that attaches to a standard connector type inserted into an adapter. By way of example, internal fiber optic connectors 252 may comprise a resilient member for biasing the connector ferrule 252F or not. Additionally, internal fiber optic connectors 252 may further comprise a keying feature.
The internal fiber optic connectors 252 shown in
The port passageways 233 may comprise a keying portion disposed forward of the securing feature 310 in connection port passageway. The keying portion may be an additive keying portion to the primitive geometric round shape of the input connection port passageway 233 such as a male key that is disposed forward of the securing feature in the port passageway. However, the concepts for the input connection port 236 (or connector port) of terminals may be modified for different housing or connector designs or not use a keying portion at all.
In this embodiment, the internal fiber optic connectors 252 are attached to optical fibers 92′ that are in communication with the input optical fibers. When assembled, the modular adapter sub-assembly 310SA for the output connection ports OCPx are disposed in second portion 210B of shell 210.
Consequently, the coupler receives the optical signal as desired for splitting into multiple signals such as 1×N split for distribution of optical signals in the fiber optic network. For instance, the coupler may have a 1×8 split within the terminal 200 for providing eight second coupler outputs optical fibers to optically communicate with eight output connection ports OCPx on the terminal 200, but any suitable number of second coupler outputs are possible. Likewise, the output connection ports OCPx may be configured as a single-fiber port or multi-fiber port if desired with suitable fiber optic connectors. For the sake of simplicity and clarity in the drawings, all of the optical fiber pathways may not be illustrated or portions of the optical fiber pathways may be removed in places so that other details of the design are visible.
Additionally, the terminals or shells 210 may comprise at least one support 210S or fiber guide for providing crush support for the terminal and resulting in a robust structure. As depicted in
Terminals 200 disclosed herein may optionally be weatherproof by appropriately sealing seams of the shell 210 using any suitable means such as gaskets, O-rings, adhesive, sealant, welding, overmolding or the like. To this end, terminal 200 or devices may also comprise a sealing element 290 disposed between the first portion 210A and the second portion 210B of the shell 210. The sealing element 290 may cooperate with shell 210 geometry such as respective grooves 210G or tongues 210T in the shell 210. Grooves or tongue may extend about the perimeter of the shell 210. By way of explanation, grooves 210G may receive one or more appropriately sized O-rings or gaskets 290A for weatherproofing terminal 200, but an adhesive or other material may be used in the groove 210G. By way of example, the O-rings are suitably sized for creating a seal between the portions of the shell 210. By way of example, suitable O-rings may be a compression O-ring for maintaining a weatherproof seal. Other embodiments may use an adhesive or suitable welding of the materials for sealing the device. If welding such as ultra-sonic or induction welding of the shell is used a special sealing element 290 may be used as known in the art. If the terminal 200 is intended for indoor applications, then the weatherproofing may not be required.
To make identification of the port(s) easier for the user, a marking indicia may be used such as text or color-coding of the terminal, color codes on the actuator 310A, or marking a cable tether of an optical link (e.g. an orange or green polymer) or the like. Further, terminals may have the ports disposed in any suitable location.
The second portion 210B of shell 210 may include other features. The shell 210 may comprise a keying portion (not visible) in the input connection port 236 and/or in the output connector ports OCPx. For instance, keying portion may be an additive keying portion to the primitive geometric round shape of the connection port passageway 233 such as a male key that is disposed forward of the securing feature in the connection port passageway 233. However, the concepts for the ports may be modified for different housings 20 of the fiber optic connector 100 and/or the connector designs. For instance, the keying portion may be defined as a walled-portion across part of the connection port passageway so that the input connection port 236 or output connection ports OCPx with the keying portion would be able to properly receive a housing 20 of an external fiber optic connector having a portion with a proper D-shape.
As shown in
As shown, the connector ports of the terminal 200 may comprise a marking indicia such as an embossed number or text, but other marking indicia are also possible. For instance, the marking indicia may be on the securing feature 310 such as text on the sliding actuator or the sliding actuator(s) may be color-coded to indicate fiber count, input or output for the associated connection port or input port.
As best shown in
In this embodiment, modular adapter sub-assembly 310SA may comprises an adapter body 255, securing member 310M, securing feature resilient member 310RM, a ferrule sleeve 230FS, a ferrule sleeve retainer 230R, resilient member 230RM, a retainer along with the adapter 230A. Adapter body 255 has a portion of the connection port passageway 233 disposed therein.
As best depicted in
The modular sub-assemblies 310SA for the output connection ports OCPx may be assembled into the second portion 210B of shell 200 as depicted by
First portion 210A of shell 210 may also comprises alignment features sized and shaped for cooperating with the alignment features on the top of adapter body 255 for securing the same when the terminal is assembled. The respective alignment features only allow assembly of the modular adapter sub-assemblies 310SA into the shell 210 in one orientation for the correct orientation of the locking feature 310L with respect to the connection port 236.
The sealing member is sized for the perimeter of the actuator for sealing the securing feature passageway 245. Actuator 310A may also include a stop surface that is larger than the opening in the shell 210 and retains the actuator 310A within the securing feature passageway 245 when assembled and inhibits the actuator from being removed from the terminal 200 when assembled.
Actuator 310A may also be a different color or have a marking indicia for identifying the port type. For instance, the actuator 310A may have a first color for output connection ports OCPx and a second color for pass-through ports, multi-fiber ports or ports for split signals. Other marking indicia schemes may be used as desired.
When an external fiber optic connector is inserted into the respective port, locking feature of the external connectors are disposed within bore 310B of securing member 310M. As shown in
Securing member 310M may also comprises standoffs 310 as best shown in
As best shown in
Adapter 230A comprises a plurality of resilient arms 230RA comprising securing features (not numbered). Adapter 230A also comprises an adapter key 230K for orientating the adapter 230A with the adapter body 255. Securing features 230SF cooperate with protrusions on the housing of internal fiber optic connector 252 for retaining the internal fiber optic connector 252 to the adapter 230A. The ferrule 252F is disposed within the ferrule sleeve 230FS when assembled. Ferrule sleeves 230FS are used for precision alignment of mating ferrules between internal connectors 252 and the external connectors. Adapters 230A are secured to an adapter body 255 using retainer 240. Adapters 230A may be biased using a resilient member 230RM as shown. Internal fiber optic connectors 252 may take any suitable form and be aligned for mating with the connector secured with the connection ports 236 in any suitable manner. Devices may use alternative internal connectors if desired and can have different structures for supporting different internal connectors.
As depicted in
Locking feature 20L of housing 20 may have any suitable geometry desired. For instance, the locking feature 20L may comprise a notch, a groove, a shoulder or a scallop as desired. As depicted, locking feature 20L comprises a notch integrally formed in the outer surface OS of housing 20, but other structures are possible. In this instance, the notch comprises a ramp with a ledge. The ledge is formed at the forward end of the notch to form a retention force for holding the housing. However, retention surface 310RS may have different surfaces or edges that cooperate for securing the cable input device and creating the desired mechanical retention. For instance, the ledge may be canted or have a vertical wall. However, other geometries are possible such as a hole for receiving a pin on the securing feature of the terminal.
The concepts disclosed allow relatively small terminals 200 having a relatively high-density of connections along with an organized arrangement for connectors 10 attached to the terminals 200. Shells have a given height H, width W and length L that define a volume for the terminal as depicted in
The concepts disclosed allow relatively small form-factors for terminals as shown in Table 1. Table 1 below compares representative dimensions, volumes, and normalized volume ratios with respect to the prior art of the shells (i.e., the housings) for multiports having 4, 8 and 12 ports as examples of how compact the terminal of the present application may be with respect to conventional prior art multiports. Specifically, Table 1 compares examples of the conventional prior art multiports such as depicted in
One of the reasons that the size of the terminals may be reduced in size with the concepts disclosed herein is that the cable input device and/or external connectors that cooperate with the terminals have locking features that are integrated into the housing 20 of the fiber optic connector 100. In other words, the locking features for holding the fiber optic connector in the respective port of the terminal are integrally formed in the housing of the connector, instead of being a distinct and separate component.
In other words, fiber optic connectors 100 avoid bulky structures such as a coupling nut or bayonet used with conventional hardened external connectors and multiports. In other words, conventional external connectors for multiports have threaded connections or bayonets that require finger access for connection and disconnecting. By eliminating the threaded coupling nut or bayonets (which is a separate component that must rotate about the connector) the spacing between conventional connectors may be greatly reduced. Also eliminating the dedicated coupling nut from the conventional connectors also allows the footprint of the connectors to be smaller, which may also aid in reducing the size of the terminals disclosed herein.
Although the disclosure has been illustrated and described herein with reference to explanatory embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. For instance, the connection port insert may be configured as individual sleeves that are inserted into a passageway of a device, thereby allowing the selection of different configurations of connector ports for a device to tailor the device to the desired external connector. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and are intended to be covered by the appended claims. It will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the concepts disclosed without departing from the spirit and scope of the same. Thus, it is intended that the present application cover the modifications and variations provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/972,958 filed Feb. 11, 2020, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
3074107 | Kiyoshi et al. | Jan 1963 | A |
3532783 | Pusey et al. | Oct 1970 | A |
3792284 | Kaelin | Feb 1974 | A |
4003297 | Mott | Jan 1977 | A |
4077567 | Ginn et al. | Mar 1978 | A |
4148557 | Garvey | Apr 1979 | A |
4188088 | Andersen et al. | Feb 1980 | A |
4354731 | Mouissie | Oct 1982 | A |
4413880 | Forrest et al. | Nov 1983 | A |
4515434 | Margolin et al. | May 1985 | A |
4547937 | Collins | Oct 1985 | A |
4560232 | O'Hara | Dec 1985 | A |
4615581 | Morimoto | Oct 1986 | A |
4634214 | Cannon et al. | Jan 1987 | A |
4634858 | Gerdt et al. | Jan 1987 | A |
4684205 | Margolin et al. | Aug 1987 | A |
4688200 | Poorman et al. | Aug 1987 | A |
4699458 | Ohtsuki et al. | Oct 1987 | A |
4705352 | Margolin et al. | Nov 1987 | A |
4715675 | Kevern et al. | Dec 1987 | A |
4723827 | Shaw et al. | Feb 1988 | A |
4763983 | Keith | Aug 1988 | A |
4783137 | Kosman et al. | Nov 1988 | A |
4854664 | McCartney | Aug 1989 | A |
4856867 | Gaylin | Aug 1989 | A |
4902238 | Iacobucci | Feb 1990 | A |
4913514 | Then | Apr 1990 | A |
4921413 | Blew | May 1990 | A |
4960318 | Nilsson et al. | Oct 1990 | A |
4961623 | Midkiff et al. | Oct 1990 | A |
4964688 | Caldwell et al. | Oct 1990 | A |
4994134 | Knecht et al. | Feb 1991 | A |
4995836 | Toramoto | Feb 1991 | A |
5000177 | Hoffmann et al. | Mar 1991 | A |
5007860 | Robinson et al. | Apr 1991 | A |
5016968 | Hammond et al. | May 1991 | A |
5028114 | Krausse et al. | Jul 1991 | A |
5058984 | Bulman et al. | Oct 1991 | A |
5067783 | Lampert | Nov 1991 | A |
5073042 | Mulholland et al. | Dec 1991 | A |
5095176 | Harbrecht et al. | Mar 1992 | A |
5129023 | Anderson et al. | Jul 1992 | A |
5131735 | Berkey et al. | Jul 1992 | A |
5134677 | Leung et al. | Jul 1992 | A |
5136683 | Aoki et al. | Aug 1992 | A |
5146519 | Miller et al. | Sep 1992 | A |
5162397 | Descamps et al. | Nov 1992 | A |
5180890 | Pendergrass et al. | Jan 1993 | A |
5189718 | Barrett et al. | Feb 1993 | A |
5210810 | Darden et al. | May 1993 | A |
5212752 | Stephenson et al. | May 1993 | A |
5214732 | Beard et al. | May 1993 | A |
5263105 | Johnson et al. | Nov 1993 | A |
5263239 | Ziemek | Nov 1993 | A |
5313540 | Ueda et al. | May 1994 | A |
5367594 | Essert et al. | Nov 1994 | A |
5371823 | Barrett et al. | Dec 1994 | A |
5381494 | O'Donnell et al. | Jan 1995 | A |
5394494 | Jennings et al. | Feb 1995 | A |
5394497 | Erdman et al. | Feb 1995 | A |
5408570 | Cook et al. | Apr 1995 | A |
5416874 | Giebel et al. | May 1995 | A |
5519799 | Murakami et al. | May 1996 | A |
5553186 | Allen | Sep 1996 | A |
5569050 | Lloyd | Oct 1996 | A |
5600747 | Yamakawa et al. | Feb 1997 | A |
5631993 | Cloud et al. | May 1997 | A |
5647045 | Robinson et al. | Jul 1997 | A |
5673346 | Iwano et al. | Sep 1997 | A |
5682451 | Lee et al. | Oct 1997 | A |
5748821 | Schempp et al. | May 1998 | A |
5781686 | Robinson et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5782892 | Castle et al. | Jul 1998 | A |
5789701 | Wettengel et al. | Aug 1998 | A |
5791918 | Pierce | Aug 1998 | A |
5796895 | Jennings et al. | Aug 1998 | A |
5862290 | Burek et al. | Jan 1999 | A |
5867621 | Luther et al. | Feb 1999 | A |
5913001 | Nakajima et al. | Jun 1999 | A |
5923804 | Rosson | Jul 1999 | A |
5960141 | Sasaki et al. | Sep 1999 | A |
5961344 | Rosales et al. | Oct 1999 | A |
5993070 | Tamekuni et al. | Nov 1999 | A |
6045270 | Weiss et al. | Apr 2000 | A |
6079881 | Roth | Jun 2000 | A |
6108482 | Roth | Aug 2000 | A |
6112006 | Foss | Aug 2000 | A |
6149313 | Giebel et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
6151432 | Nakajima et al. | Nov 2000 | A |
RE37028 | Cooke et al. | Jan 2001 | E |
6173097 | Throckmorton et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6179482 | Takizawa et al. | Jan 2001 | B1 |
6188822 | McAlpine et al. | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6206579 | Selfridge et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6206581 | Driscoll et al. | Mar 2001 | B1 |
6229944 | Yokokawa et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6234683 | Waldron et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6234685 | Carlisle et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6249628 | Rutterman et al. | Jun 2001 | B1 |
6256438 | Gimblet | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6261006 | Selfridge | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6264374 | Selfridge et al. | Jul 2001 | B1 |
6287016 | Weigel | Sep 2001 | B1 |
6305849 | Roehrs et al. | Oct 2001 | B1 |
6321013 | Hardwick et al. | Nov 2001 | B1 |
6356390 | Hall, Jr. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6356690 | Mcalpine et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6357929 | Roehrs et al. | Mar 2002 | B1 |
6371660 | Roehrs et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6375363 | Harrison et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6379054 | Throckmorton et al. | Apr 2002 | B2 |
6386891 | Howard et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
6388741 | Beller | May 2002 | B1 |
6404962 | Hardwick et al. | Jun 2002 | B1 |
6409391 | Chang | Jun 2002 | B1 |
6422764 | Marrs et al. | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6427035 | Mahony | Jul 2002 | B1 |
6439780 | Mudd et al. | Aug 2002 | B1 |
6466725 | Battey et al. | Oct 2002 | B2 |
6496641 | Mahony | Dec 2002 | B1 |
6501888 | Gimblet et al. | Dec 2002 | B2 |
6522804 | Mahony | Feb 2003 | B1 |
6529663 | Parris et al. | Mar 2003 | B1 |
6536956 | Luther et al. | Mar 2003 | B2 |
6539147 | Mahony | Mar 2003 | B1 |
6540410 | Childers et al. | Apr 2003 | B2 |
6542674 | Gimblet | Apr 2003 | B1 |
6546175 | Wagman et al. | Apr 2003 | B1 |
6554489 | Kent et al. | Apr 2003 | B2 |
6579014 | Melton et al. | Jun 2003 | B2 |
6599026 | Bauer et al. | Jul 2003 | B1 |
6599027 | Miyake et al. | Jul 2003 | B2 |
6614980 | Mahony | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6618526 | Jackman et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6619697 | Griffioen et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6621964 | Quinn et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
6625375 | Mahony | Sep 2003 | B1 |
6629782 | McPhee et al. | Oct 2003 | B2 |
6644862 | Berto et al. | Nov 2003 | B1 |
6648520 | McDonald et al. | Nov 2003 | B2 |
6668127 | Mahony | Dec 2003 | B1 |
6672774 | Theuerkorn et al. | Jan 2004 | B2 |
6678442 | Gall et al. | Jan 2004 | B2 |
6678448 | Moisel et al. | Jan 2004 | B2 |
6685361 | Rubino et al. | Feb 2004 | B1 |
6702475 | Giobbio et al. | Mar 2004 | B1 |
6714708 | McAlpine et al. | Mar 2004 | B2 |
6714710 | Gimblet | Mar 2004 | B2 |
6729773 | Finona et al. | May 2004 | B1 |
6738555 | Cooke et al. | May 2004 | B1 |
6748146 | Parris | Jun 2004 | B2 |
6748147 | Quinn et al. | Jun 2004 | B2 |
6771861 | Wagner et al. | Aug 2004 | B2 |
6785450 | Wagman et al. | Aug 2004 | B2 |
6789950 | Loder et al. | Sep 2004 | B1 |
6809265 | Gladd et al. | Oct 2004 | B1 |
6848838 | Doss et al. | Feb 2005 | B2 |
6856748 | Elkins et al. | Feb 2005 | B1 |
6899467 | McDonald et al. | May 2005 | B2 |
6909821 | Ravasio et al. | Jun 2005 | B2 |
6916120 | Zimmel et al. | Jul 2005 | B2 |
6962445 | Zimmel et al. | Nov 2005 | B2 |
7011454 | Caveney et al. | Mar 2006 | B2 |
7025507 | de Marchi | Apr 2006 | B2 |
7033191 | Cao | Apr 2006 | B1 |
7079734 | Seddon et al. | Jul 2006 | B2 |
7090406 | Melton et al. | Aug 2006 | B2 |
7090407 | Melton et al. | Aug 2006 | B2 |
7090409 | Nakajima et al. | Aug 2006 | B2 |
7104702 | Barnes et al. | Sep 2006 | B2 |
7111990 | Melton et al. | Sep 2006 | B2 |
7113679 | Melton et al. | Sep 2006 | B2 |
7120347 | Blackwell et al. | Oct 2006 | B2 |
7137742 | Theuerkorn et al. | Nov 2006 | B2 |
7146090 | Vo et al. | Dec 2006 | B2 |
7150567 | Luther et al. | Dec 2006 | B1 |
7165893 | Schmitz | Jan 2007 | B2 |
7178990 | Caveney et al. | Feb 2007 | B2 |
7184634 | Hurley et al. | Feb 2007 | B2 |
7204644 | Barnes et al. | Apr 2007 | B2 |
7213975 | Khemakhem et al. | May 2007 | B2 |
7228047 | Szilagyi et al. | Jun 2007 | B1 |
7241056 | Kuffel et al. | Jul 2007 | B1 |
7266265 | Gall et al. | Sep 2007 | B2 |
7270487 | Billman et al. | Sep 2007 | B2 |
7277614 | Cody et al. | Oct 2007 | B2 |
7302152 | Luther et al. | Nov 2007 | B2 |
7330629 | Cooke et al. | Feb 2008 | B2 |
7333708 | Blackwell et al. | Feb 2008 | B2 |
7346256 | Marrs et al. | Mar 2008 | B2 |
7366416 | Ramachandran et al. | Apr 2008 | B2 |
7444056 | Allen et al. | Oct 2008 | B2 |
7463803 | Cody et al. | Dec 2008 | B2 |
7467896 | Melton et al. | Dec 2008 | B2 |
7489849 | Reagan et al. | Feb 2009 | B2 |
7497896 | Bromet et al. | Mar 2009 | B2 |
7512304 | Gronvall et al. | Mar 2009 | B2 |
7542645 | Hua et al. | Jun 2009 | B1 |
7565055 | Lu | Jul 2009 | B2 |
7596293 | Isenhour et al. | Sep 2009 | B2 |
7614797 | Lu et al. | Nov 2009 | B2 |
7621675 | Bradley | Nov 2009 | B1 |
7627222 | Reagan et al. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7628545 | Cody et al. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7628548 | Benjamin et al. | Dec 2009 | B2 |
7653282 | Blackwell et al. | Jan 2010 | B2 |
7654747 | Theuerkorn et al. | Feb 2010 | B2 |
7680388 | Reagan et al. | Mar 2010 | B2 |
7708476 | Liu | May 2010 | B2 |
7709733 | Plankell | May 2010 | B1 |
7713679 | Ishiduka et al. | May 2010 | B2 |
7740409 | Bolton et al. | Jun 2010 | B2 |
7742117 | Lee et al. | Jun 2010 | B2 |
7742670 | Benjamin et al. | Jun 2010 | B2 |
7753596 | Cox | Jul 2010 | B2 |
7785015 | Melton et al. | Aug 2010 | B2 |
7802926 | Leeman et al. | Sep 2010 | B2 |
7806599 | Margolin et al. | Oct 2010 | B2 |
7844148 | Jenkins et al. | Nov 2010 | B2 |
7844160 | Reagan et al. | Nov 2010 | B2 |
RE42094 | Barnes et al. | Feb 2011 | E |
7903923 | Gronvall et al. | Mar 2011 | B2 |
7903925 | Cooke et al. | Mar 2011 | B2 |
7918609 | Melton et al. | Apr 2011 | B2 |
7933517 | Ye et al. | Apr 2011 | B2 |
7942590 | Lu et al. | May 2011 | B2 |
8025445 | Rambow et al. | Sep 2011 | B2 |
8036504 | Lu | Oct 2011 | B2 |
8213761 | Gronvall et al. | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8218935 | Reagan et al. | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8229263 | Parris et al. | Jul 2012 | B2 |
8238706 | Kachmar | Aug 2012 | B2 |
8267596 | Theuerkorn | Sep 2012 | B2 |
8272792 | Coleman et al. | Sep 2012 | B2 |
RE43762 | Smith et al. | Oct 2012 | E |
8301003 | De et al. | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8301004 | Cooke et al. | Oct 2012 | B2 |
8376629 | Cline et al. | Feb 2013 | B2 |
8408811 | De et al. | Apr 2013 | B2 |
8439577 | Jenkins | May 2013 | B2 |
8465235 | Jenkins et al. | Jun 2013 | B2 |
8466262 | Siadak et al. | Jun 2013 | B2 |
8472773 | De Jong | Jun 2013 | B2 |
8480312 | Smith et al. | Jul 2013 | B2 |
8520996 | Cowen et al. | Aug 2013 | B2 |
8534928 | Cooke et al. | Sep 2013 | B2 |
8556522 | Cunningham | Oct 2013 | B2 |
8622634 | Arnold et al. | Jan 2014 | B2 |
8662760 | Cline et al. | Mar 2014 | B2 |
8678668 | Cooke et al. | Mar 2014 | B2 |
8687930 | Mcdowell et al. | Apr 2014 | B2 |
8727638 | Lee et al. | May 2014 | B2 |
8737837 | Conner et al. | May 2014 | B2 |
8750702 | Figueira et al. | Jun 2014 | B1 |
8755654 | Danley et al. | Jun 2014 | B1 |
8755663 | Makrides-Saravanos et al. | Jun 2014 | B2 |
8758046 | Pezzetti et al. | Jun 2014 | B2 |
8764316 | Barnette et al. | Jul 2014 | B1 |
8770861 | Smith et al. | Jul 2014 | B2 |
8798456 | Skirmont et al. | Aug 2014 | B2 |
8821036 | Shigehara | Sep 2014 | B2 |
8870469 | Kachmar | Oct 2014 | B2 |
8882364 | Busse et al. | Nov 2014 | B2 |
8917966 | Thompson et al. | Dec 2014 | B2 |
8992097 | Koreeda et al. | Mar 2015 | B2 |
8998502 | Benjamin et al. | Apr 2015 | B2 |
9158074 | Anderson et al. | Oct 2015 | B2 |
9158075 | Benjamin et al. | Oct 2015 | B2 |
9207410 | Lee et al. | Dec 2015 | B2 |
9297974 | Valderrabano et al. | Mar 2016 | B2 |
9310570 | Busse et al. | Apr 2016 | B2 |
9322998 | Miller | Apr 2016 | B2 |
9383539 | Hill et al. | Jul 2016 | B2 |
9405068 | Graham et al. | Aug 2016 | B2 |
9435969 | Lambourn et al. | Sep 2016 | B2 |
9442257 | Lu | Sep 2016 | B2 |
9450393 | Thompson et al. | Sep 2016 | B2 |
9482819 | Li et al. | Nov 2016 | B2 |
9513444 | Barnette et al. | Dec 2016 | B2 |
9535229 | Ott et al. | Jan 2017 | B2 |
9541711 | Raven et al. | Jan 2017 | B2 |
9551842 | Theuerkorn | Jan 2017 | B2 |
9618704 | Dean et al. | Apr 2017 | B2 |
9645331 | Kim | May 2017 | B1 |
9651741 | Isenhour et al. | May 2017 | B2 |
9684136 | Cline et al. | Jun 2017 | B2 |
9684138 | Lu | Jun 2017 | B2 |
9696500 | Barnette et al. | Jul 2017 | B2 |
9739951 | Busse et al. | Aug 2017 | B2 |
9762322 | Amundson | Sep 2017 | B1 |
9766416 | Kim | Sep 2017 | B1 |
9772457 | Hill et al. | Sep 2017 | B2 |
9810855 | Cox et al. | Nov 2017 | B2 |
9810856 | Graham et al. | Nov 2017 | B2 |
9829668 | Coenegracht et al. | Nov 2017 | B2 |
9857540 | Ahmed et al. | Jan 2018 | B2 |
9864151 | Lu | Jan 2018 | B2 |
D810029 | Robert et al. | Feb 2018 | S |
9891391 | Watanabe | Feb 2018 | B2 |
9910236 | Cooke et al. | Mar 2018 | B2 |
9964715 | Lu | May 2018 | B2 |
9977193 | Abe | May 2018 | B2 |
9983374 | Li et al. | May 2018 | B2 |
10031302 | Ji et al. | Jul 2018 | B2 |
10038946 | Smolorz | Jul 2018 | B2 |
10061090 | Coenegracht | Aug 2018 | B2 |
10073224 | Tong et al. | Sep 2018 | B2 |
10114176 | Gimblet et al. | Oct 2018 | B2 |
10209454 | Isenhour et al. | Feb 2019 | B2 |
10235184 | Walker | Mar 2019 | B2 |
10261268 | Theuerkorn | Apr 2019 | B2 |
10268011 | Courchaine et al. | Apr 2019 | B2 |
10288820 | Coenegracht | May 2019 | B2 |
10353154 | Ott et al. | Jul 2019 | B2 |
10353156 | Hill et al. | Jul 2019 | B2 |
10359577 | Dannoux et al. | Jul 2019 | B2 |
10379298 | Dannoux | Aug 2019 | B2 |
10401575 | Daily et al. | Sep 2019 | B2 |
10401578 | Coenegracht | Sep 2019 | B2 |
10409007 | Kadar-Kallen et al. | Sep 2019 | B2 |
10422962 | Coenegracht | Sep 2019 | B2 |
10451817 | Lu | Oct 2019 | B2 |
10451830 | Szumacher et al. | Oct 2019 | B2 |
10488597 | Parikh et al. | Nov 2019 | B2 |
10495822 | Nhep | Dec 2019 | B2 |
10520683 | Nhep | Dec 2019 | B2 |
10578821 | Ott et al. | Mar 2020 | B2 |
10606006 | Hill et al. | Mar 2020 | B2 |
10613278 | Kempeneers et al. | Apr 2020 | B2 |
10656347 | Kato | May 2020 | B2 |
10712516 | Courchaine et al. | Jul 2020 | B2 |
10739534 | Murray et al. | Aug 2020 | B2 |
10782487 | Lu | Sep 2020 | B2 |
10802236 | Kowalczyk et al. | Oct 2020 | B2 |
10830967 | Pimentel et al. | Nov 2020 | B2 |
10830975 | Vaughn et al. | Nov 2020 | B2 |
10852498 | Hill et al. | Dec 2020 | B2 |
10852499 | Cooke et al. | Dec 2020 | B2 |
10859771 | Nhep | Dec 2020 | B2 |
10859781 | Hill et al. | Dec 2020 | B2 |
10962731 | Coenegracht | Mar 2021 | B2 |
10976500 | Ott et al. | Apr 2021 | B2 |
11061191 | Van Baelen et al. | Jul 2021 | B2 |
11290188 | Tuccio et al. | Mar 2022 | B2 |
20010019654 | Waldron et al. | Sep 2001 | A1 |
20010036342 | Knecht et al. | Nov 2001 | A1 |
20010036345 | Gimblet et al. | Nov 2001 | A1 |
20020012502 | Farrar et al. | Jan 2002 | A1 |
20020062978 | Sakabe et al. | May 2002 | A1 |
20020064364 | Battey et al. | May 2002 | A1 |
20020081077 | Nault | Jun 2002 | A1 |
20020122653 | Donaldson et al. | Sep 2002 | A1 |
20020131721 | Gaio et al. | Sep 2002 | A1 |
20030063866 | Melton et al. | Apr 2003 | A1 |
20030063867 | McDonald et al. | Apr 2003 | A1 |
20030063868 | Fentress | Apr 2003 | A1 |
20030063897 | Heo | Apr 2003 | A1 |
20030094298 | Morrow et al. | May 2003 | A1 |
20030099448 | Gimblet | May 2003 | A1 |
20030103733 | Fleenor et al. | Jun 2003 | A1 |
20040047566 | McDonald et al. | Mar 2004 | A1 |
20040072454 | Nakajima et al. | Apr 2004 | A1 |
20040076377 | Mizukami et al. | Apr 2004 | A1 |
20040076386 | Nechitailo | Apr 2004 | A1 |
20040096162 | Kocher et al. | May 2004 | A1 |
20040120662 | Lail et al. | Jun 2004 | A1 |
20040120663 | Lail et al. | Jun 2004 | A1 |
20040157449 | Hidaka et al. | Aug 2004 | A1 |
20040157499 | Nania et al. | Aug 2004 | A1 |
20040223699 | Melton et al. | Nov 2004 | A1 |
20040223720 | Melton et al. | Nov 2004 | A1 |
20040228589 | Melton et al. | Nov 2004 | A1 |
20040240808 | Rhoney et al. | Dec 2004 | A1 |
20040252954 | Ginocchio et al. | Dec 2004 | A1 |
20050019031 | Ye et al. | Jan 2005 | A1 |
20050036786 | Ramachandran et al. | Feb 2005 | A1 |
20050054237 | Gladd et al. | Mar 2005 | A1 |
20050129379 | Reagan et al. | Jun 2005 | A1 |
20050175307 | Battey et al. | Aug 2005 | A1 |
20050213902 | Parsons | Sep 2005 | A1 |
20050232552 | Takahashi et al. | Oct 2005 | A1 |
20050271344 | Grubish et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050281510 | Vo et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20050281514 | Oki et al. | Dec 2005 | A1 |
20060045430 | Theuerkorn et al. | Mar 2006 | A1 |
20060088247 | Tran et al. | Apr 2006 | A1 |
20060093278 | Elkins et al. | May 2006 | A1 |
20060093303 | Reagan et al. | May 2006 | A1 |
20060120672 | Cody et al. | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20060127016 | Baird et al. | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20060133758 | Mullaney et al. | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20060133759 | Mullaney et al. | Jun 2006 | A1 |
20060147172 | Luther et al. | Jul 2006 | A1 |
20060153503 | Suzuki et al. | Jul 2006 | A1 |
20060153517 | Reagan et al. | Jul 2006 | A1 |
20060171638 | Dye | Aug 2006 | A1 |
20060269204 | Barth et al. | Nov 2006 | A1 |
20060269208 | Allen et al. | Nov 2006 | A1 |
20060280420 | Blackwell et al. | Dec 2006 | A1 |
20060283619 | Kowalczyk et al. | Dec 2006 | A1 |
20060291787 | Seddon | Dec 2006 | A1 |
20070031100 | Garcia et al. | Feb 2007 | A1 |
20070031103 | Tinucci et al. | Feb 2007 | A1 |
20070036483 | Shin et al. | Feb 2007 | A1 |
20070077010 | Melton et al. | Apr 2007 | A1 |
20070098343 | Miller et al. | May 2007 | A1 |
20070189695 | Bludau et al. | Aug 2007 | A1 |
20080020532 | Monfray et al. | Jan 2008 | A1 |
20080080817 | Melton et al. | Apr 2008 | A1 |
20080138016 | Katagiyama et al. | Jun 2008 | A1 |
20080175542 | Lu et al. | Jul 2008 | A1 |
20080175544 | Fujiwara et al. | Jul 2008 | A1 |
20080175548 | Knecht et al. | Jul 2008 | A1 |
20080232743 | Gronvall et al. | Sep 2008 | A1 |
20080240658 | Leeman et al. | Oct 2008 | A1 |
20080264664 | Dinh et al. | Oct 2008 | A1 |
20080273837 | Margolin et al. | Nov 2008 | A1 |
20090041412 | Danley et al. | Feb 2009 | A1 |
20090060421 | Parikh et al. | Mar 2009 | A1 |
20090148101 | Lu et al. | Jun 2009 | A1 |
20090148104 | Lu et al. | Jun 2009 | A1 |
20090156041 | Radle | Jun 2009 | A1 |
20090185835 | Park et al. | Jul 2009 | A1 |
20090245743 | Cote et al. | Oct 2009 | A1 |
20090263097 | Solheid et al. | Oct 2009 | A1 |
20090317039 | Blazer et al. | Dec 2009 | A1 |
20100008909 | Siadak et al. | Jan 2010 | A1 |
20100014813 | Ito et al. | Jan 2010 | A1 |
20100014867 | Ramanitra et al. | Jan 2010 | A1 |
20100015834 | Siebens | Jan 2010 | A1 |
20100040338 | Sek | Feb 2010 | A1 |
20100054680 | Lochkovic et al. | Mar 2010 | A1 |
20100074578 | Imaizumi et al. | Mar 2010 | A1 |
20100092136 | Nhep | Apr 2010 | A1 |
20100172616 | Lu et al. | Jul 2010 | A1 |
20100197222 | Scheucher | Aug 2010 | A1 |
20100232753 | Parris et al. | Sep 2010 | A1 |
20100247053 | Cowen et al. | Sep 2010 | A1 |
20100266245 | Sabo | Oct 2010 | A1 |
20100272399 | Griffiths et al. | Oct 2010 | A1 |
20100303426 | Davis | Dec 2010 | A1 |
20100310213 | Lewallen et al. | Dec 2010 | A1 |
20110019964 | Nhep et al. | Jan 2011 | A1 |
20110047731 | Sugita et al. | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110069932 | Overton et al. | Mar 2011 | A1 |
20110108719 | Ford et al. | May 2011 | A1 |
20110129186 | Lewallen et al. | Jun 2011 | A1 |
20110164854 | Desard et al. | Jul 2011 | A1 |
20110222826 | Blackburn et al. | Sep 2011 | A1 |
20110262099 | Castonguay et al. | Oct 2011 | A1 |
20110299814 | Nakagawa | Dec 2011 | A1 |
20120002925 | Nakagawa | Jan 2012 | A1 |
20120008909 | Mertesdorf et al. | Jan 2012 | A1 |
20120106912 | Mcgranahan et al. | May 2012 | A1 |
20120183268 | De et al. | Jul 2012 | A1 |
20120251060 | Hurley | Oct 2012 | A1 |
20120251063 | Reagan et al. | Oct 2012 | A1 |
20120252244 | Elkins et al. | Oct 2012 | A1 |
20130004122 | Kingsbury | Jan 2013 | A1 |
20130034333 | Holmberg et al. | Feb 2013 | A1 |
20130064506 | Eberle et al. | Mar 2013 | A1 |
20130094821 | Logan | Apr 2013 | A1 |
20130109213 | Chang | May 2013 | A1 |
20130170834 | Cho et al. | Jul 2013 | A1 |
20130236139 | Chen et al. | Sep 2013 | A1 |
20140016902 | Pepe | Jan 2014 | A1 |
20140050446 | Chang | Feb 2014 | A1 |
20140072297 | Thompson | Mar 2014 | A1 |
20140079356 | Pepin et al. | Mar 2014 | A1 |
20140133806 | Hill et al. | May 2014 | A1 |
20140133807 | Katoh | May 2014 | A1 |
20140153876 | Dendas et al. | Jun 2014 | A1 |
20140161397 | Gallegos et al. | Jun 2014 | A1 |
20140205257 | Durrant et al. | Jul 2014 | A1 |
20140219622 | Coan et al. | Aug 2014 | A1 |
20140233896 | Ishigami et al. | Aug 2014 | A1 |
20140241671 | Koreeda et al. | Aug 2014 | A1 |
20140241689 | Bradley et al. | Aug 2014 | A1 |
20140294395 | Waldron et al. | Oct 2014 | A1 |
20140328559 | Kobayashi et al. | Nov 2014 | A1 |
20140348467 | Cote et al. | Nov 2014 | A1 |
20140355936 | Bund et al. | Dec 2014 | A1 |
20150003788 | Chen et al. | Jan 2015 | A1 |
20150036982 | Nhep et al. | Feb 2015 | A1 |
20150110451 | Blazer et al. | Apr 2015 | A1 |
20150144883 | Sendelweck | May 2015 | A1 |
20150185423 | Matsui et al. | Jul 2015 | A1 |
20150253528 | Corbille et al. | Sep 2015 | A1 |
20150268434 | Barnette et al. | Sep 2015 | A1 |
20150309274 | Hurley et al. | Oct 2015 | A1 |
20150316727 | Kondo et al. | Nov 2015 | A1 |
20150346435 | Kato | Dec 2015 | A1 |
20150346436 | Pepe et al. | Dec 2015 | A1 |
20160015885 | Pananen et al. | Jan 2016 | A1 |
20160126667 | Droesbeke et al. | May 2016 | A1 |
20160131851 | Theuerkorn | May 2016 | A1 |
20160131857 | Pimentel et al. | May 2016 | A1 |
20160139346 | Bund et al. | May 2016 | A1 |
20160154186 | Gimblet et al. | Jun 2016 | A1 |
20160161688 | Nishimura | Jun 2016 | A1 |
20160161689 | Nishimura | Jun 2016 | A1 |
20160209599 | Van et al. | Jul 2016 | A1 |
20160216468 | Gimblet et al. | Jul 2016 | A1 |
20160238810 | Hubbard et al. | Aug 2016 | A1 |
20160246019 | Ishii et al. | Aug 2016 | A1 |
20160249019 | Westwick et al. | Aug 2016 | A1 |
20160259133 | Kobayashi et al. | Sep 2016 | A1 |
20160306122 | Tong et al. | Oct 2016 | A1 |
20170038538 | Isenhour et al. | Feb 2017 | A1 |
20170040788 | Paolozzi et al. | Feb 2017 | A1 |
20170131509 | Xiao et al. | May 2017 | A1 |
20170139158 | Coenegracht | May 2017 | A1 |
20170160492 | Lin et al. | Jun 2017 | A1 |
20170168248 | Hayauchi et al. | Jun 2017 | A1 |
20170170596 | Goossens et al. | Jun 2017 | A1 |
20170176252 | Marple et al. | Jun 2017 | A1 |
20170176690 | Bretz et al. | Jun 2017 | A1 |
20170219782 | Nishimura | Aug 2017 | A1 |
20170238822 | Young et al. | Aug 2017 | A1 |
20170254961 | Kamada et al. | Sep 2017 | A1 |
20170254962 | Mueller-Schlomka et al. | Sep 2017 | A1 |
20170261699 | Compton et al. | Sep 2017 | A1 |
20170285279 | Daems et al. | Oct 2017 | A1 |
20170351037 | Watanabe et al. | Dec 2017 | A1 |
20180081127 | Coenegracht | Mar 2018 | A1 |
20180180831 | Blazer et al. | Jun 2018 | A1 |
20180267265 | Zhang et al. | Sep 2018 | A1 |
20190004252 | Rosson | Jan 2019 | A1 |
20190147202 | Harney | May 2019 | A1 |
20190162910 | Gurreri | May 2019 | A1 |
20190187396 | Finnegan et al. | Jun 2019 | A1 |
20190277725 | Adams | Sep 2019 | A1 |
20200049922 | Rosson | Feb 2020 | A1 |
20200057205 | Dannoux et al. | Feb 2020 | A1 |
20200057222 | Dannoux et al. | Feb 2020 | A1 |
20200057224 | Dannoux et al. | Feb 2020 | A1 |
20200057723 | Chirca et al. | Feb 2020 | A1 |
20200103608 | Johnson et al. | Apr 2020 | A1 |
20200110229 | Dannoux et al. | Apr 2020 | A1 |
20200116958 | Dannoux et al. | Apr 2020 | A1 |
20200124812 | Dannoux et al. | Apr 2020 | A1 |
20200348476 | Hill et al. | Nov 2020 | A1 |
20200371306 | Mosier et al. | Nov 2020 | A1 |
20200393629 | Hill et al. | Dec 2020 | A1 |
20210041634 | Jensen et al. | Feb 2021 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country |
---|---|---|
2006232206 | Oct 2006 | AU |
2979491 | Mar 2018 | CA |
1060911 | May 1992 | CN |
1071012 | Apr 1993 | CN |
1213783 | Apr 1999 | CN |
1231430 | Oct 1999 | CN |
1114839 | Jul 2003 | CN |
1646962 | Jul 2005 | CN |
1833188 | Sep 2006 | CN |
1922523 | Feb 2007 | CN |
1985205 | Jun 2007 | CN |
101084461 | Dec 2007 | CN |
101111790 | Jan 2008 | CN |
101195453 | Jun 2008 | CN |
101846773 | Sep 2010 | CN |
101939680 | Jan 2011 | CN |
201704194 | Jan 2011 | CN |
101379735 | Nov 2011 | CN |
102346281 | Feb 2012 | CN |
202282523 | Jun 2012 | CN |
203224645 | Oct 2013 | CN |
203396982 | Jan 2014 | CN |
103713362 | Apr 2014 | CN |
104064903 | Sep 2014 | CN |
104280830 | Jan 2015 | CN |
104603656 | May 2015 | CN |
105467529 | Apr 2016 | CN |
105492946 | Apr 2016 | CN |
106716205 | May 2017 | CN |
106873086 | Jun 2017 | CN |
3537684 | Apr 1987 | DE |
3737842 | Sep 1988 | DE |
19805554 | Aug 1998 | DE |
0012566 | Jun 1980 | EP |
0122566 | Oct 1984 | EP |
0130513 | Jan 1985 | EP |
0244791 | Nov 1987 | EP |
0462362 | Dec 1991 | EP |
0468671 | Jan 1992 | EP |
0469671 | Feb 1992 | EP |
0547778 | Jun 1993 | EP |
0762171 | Mar 1997 | EP |
0782025 | Jul 1997 | EP |
0855610 | Jul 1998 | EP |
0856761 | Aug 1998 | EP |
0940700 | Sep 1999 | EP |
0949522 | Oct 1999 | EP |
0957381 | Nov 1999 | EP |
0997757 | May 2000 | EP |
1065542 | Jan 2001 | EP |
1122566 | Aug 2001 | EP |
1243957 | Sep 2002 | EP |
1258758 | Nov 2002 | EP |
1391762 | Feb 2004 | EP |
1431786 | Jun 2004 | EP |
1438622 | Jul 2004 | EP |
1678537 | Jul 2006 | EP |
1759231 | Mar 2007 | EP |
1810062 | Jul 2007 | EP |
2069845 | Jun 2009 | EP |
2149063 | Feb 2010 | EP |
2150847 | Feb 2010 | EP |
2193395 | Jun 2010 | EP |
2255233 | Dec 2010 | EP |
2333597 | Jun 2011 | EP |
2362253 | Aug 2011 | EP |
2401641 | Jan 2012 | EP |
2609458 | Jul 2013 | EP |
2622395 | Aug 2013 | EP |
2734879 | May 2014 | EP |
2815259 | Dec 2014 | EP |
2817667 | Dec 2014 | EP |
2893383 | Jul 2015 | EP |
2992372 | Mar 2016 | EP |
3022596 | May 2016 | EP |
3064973 | Sep 2016 | EP |
3101740 | Dec 2016 | EP |
3207223 | Aug 2017 | EP |
3245545 | Nov 2017 | EP |
3265859 | Jan 2018 | EP |
3336992 | Jun 2018 | EP |
3362830 | Aug 2018 | EP |
3427096 | Jan 2019 | EP |
3443395 | Feb 2019 | EP |
3535614 | Sep 2019 | EP |
3537197 | Sep 2019 | EP |
3646074 | May 2020 | EP |
3646079 | May 2020 | EP |
1184287 | May 2017 | ES |
2485754 | Dec 1981 | FR |
2022284 | Dec 1979 | GB |
2154333 | Sep 1985 | GB |
2169094 | Jul 1986 | GB |
52-030447 | Mar 1977 | JP |
58-142308 | Aug 1983 | JP |
61-145509 | Jul 1986 | JP |
62-054204 | Mar 1987 | JP |
63-020111 | Jan 1988 | JP |
63-078908 | Apr 1988 | JP |
63-089421 | Apr 1988 | JP |
03-063615 | Mar 1991 | JP |
03-207223 | Sep 1991 | JP |
05-106765 | Apr 1993 | JP |
05-142439 | Jun 1993 | JP |
05-297246 | Nov 1993 | JP |
07-318758 | Dec 1995 | JP |
08-050211 | Feb 1996 | JP |
08-054522 | Feb 1996 | JP |
08-062432 | Mar 1996 | JP |
08-292331 | Nov 1996 | JP |
09-049942 | Feb 1997 | JP |
09-135526 | May 1997 | JP |
09-159867 | Jun 1997 | JP |
09-203831 | Aug 1997 | JP |
09-325223 | Dec 1997 | JP |
09-325249 | Dec 1997 | JP |
10-170781 | Jun 1998 | JP |
10-332953 | Dec 1998 | JP |
10-339826 | Dec 1998 | JP |
11-064682 | Mar 1999 | JP |
11-119064 | Apr 1999 | JP |
11-248979 | Sep 1999 | JP |
11-271582 | Oct 1999 | JP |
11-281861 | Oct 1999 | JP |
11-326693 | Nov 1999 | JP |
11-337768 | Dec 1999 | JP |
11-352368 | Dec 1999 | JP |
2000-002828 | Jan 2000 | JP |
2001-116968 | Apr 2001 | JP |
2001-290051 | Oct 2001 | JP |
2002-520987 | Jul 2002 | JP |
2002-250987 | Sep 2002 | JP |
2003-009331 | Jan 2003 | JP |
2003-070143 | Mar 2003 | JP |
2003-121699 | Apr 2003 | JP |
2003-177279 | Jun 2003 | JP |
2003-302561 | Oct 2003 | JP |
2004-361521 | Dec 2004 | JP |
2005-024789 | Jan 2005 | JP |
2005-031544 | Feb 2005 | JP |
2005-077591 | Mar 2005 | JP |
2005-114860 | Apr 2005 | JP |
2006-023502 | Jan 2006 | JP |
2006-146084 | Jun 2006 | JP |
2006-259631 | Sep 2006 | JP |
2006-337637 | Dec 2006 | JP |
2007-078740 | Mar 2007 | JP |
2007-121859 | May 2007 | JP |
2008-191422 | Aug 2008 | JP |
2008-250360 | Oct 2008 | JP |
2009-265208 | Nov 2009 | JP |
2010-152084 | Jul 2010 | JP |
2010-191420 | Sep 2010 | JP |
2011-033698 | Feb 2011 | JP |
2013-041089 | Feb 2013 | JP |
2013-156580 | Aug 2013 | JP |
2014-085474 | May 2014 | JP |
2014-095834 | May 2014 | JP |
2014-134746 | Jul 2014 | JP |
5537852 | Jul 2014 | JP |
5538328 | Jul 2014 | JP |
2014-157214 | Aug 2014 | JP |
2014-219441 | Nov 2014 | JP |
2015-125217 | Jul 2015 | JP |
2016-109816 | Jun 2016 | JP |
2016-109817 | Jun 2016 | JP |
2016-109819 | Jun 2016 | JP |
2016-156916 | Sep 2016 | JP |
3207223 | Nov 2016 | JP |
3207233 | Nov 2016 | JP |
10-2013-0081087 | Jul 2013 | KR |
222688 | Apr 1994 | TW |
9425885 | Nov 1994 | WO |
9836304 | Aug 1998 | WO |
0127660 | Apr 2001 | WO |
0192937 | Dec 2001 | WO |
0225340 | Mar 2002 | WO |
0336358 | May 2003 | WO |
2004061509 | Jul 2004 | WO |
2005045494 | May 2005 | WO |
2006009597 | Jan 2006 | WO |
2006052420 | May 2006 | WO |
2006113726 | Oct 2006 | WO |
2006123777 | Nov 2006 | WO |
2008027201 | Mar 2008 | WO |
2008150408 | Dec 2008 | WO |
2008150423 | Dec 2008 | WO |
2009042066 | Apr 2009 | WO |
2009113819 | Sep 2009 | WO |
2009117060 | Sep 2009 | WO |
2009154990 | Dec 2009 | WO |
2010092009 | Aug 2010 | WO |
2010099141 | Sep 2010 | WO |
2011044090 | Apr 2011 | WO |
2011047111 | Apr 2011 | WO |
2012027313 | Mar 2012 | WO |
2012037727 | Mar 2012 | WO |
2012044741 | Apr 2012 | WO |
2012163052 | Dec 2012 | WO |
2013016042 | Jan 2013 | WO |
2013122752 | Aug 2013 | WO |
2013126488 | Aug 2013 | WO |
2013177016 | Nov 2013 | WO |
2014151259 | Sep 2014 | WO |
2014167447 | Oct 2014 | WO |
2014179411 | Nov 2014 | WO |
2014197894 | Dec 2014 | WO |
2015047508 | Apr 2015 | WO |
2015144883 | Oct 2015 | WO |
2015197588 | Dec 2015 | WO |
2016059320 | Apr 2016 | WO |
2016073862 | May 2016 | WO |
2016095213 | Jun 2016 | WO |
2016100078 | Jun 2016 | WO |
2016115288 | Jul 2016 | WO |
2016123148 | Aug 2016 | WO |
2016156610 | Oct 2016 | WO |
2016168389 | Oct 2016 | WO |
2017063107 | Apr 2017 | WO |
2017146722 | Aug 2017 | WO |
2017155754 | Sep 2017 | WO |
2017178920 | Oct 2017 | WO |
2018083561 | May 2018 | WO |
2018175123 | Sep 2018 | WO |
2018204864 | Nov 2018 | WO |
2019005190 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005191 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005192 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005193 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005194 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005195 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005196 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005197 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005198 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005199 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005200 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005201 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005202 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005203 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019005204 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019006176 | Jan 2019 | WO |
2019036339 | Feb 2019 | WO |
2019126333 | Jun 2019 | WO |
2019195652 | Oct 2019 | WO |
2020101850 | May 2020 | WO |
Entry |
---|
Brown, “What is Transmission Welding?” Laser Plasti Welding website, 6 pgs, Retrieved on Dec. 17, 2018 from http://www.laserplasticwelding.com/what-is-transmission-welding. |
Clearfield, “Fieldshield Optical Fiber Protection System: Installation Manual.” for part No. 016164. Last Updated Dec. 2014. 37 pgs. |
Clearfield, “FieldShield SC and LC Pushable Connectors,” Last Updated Jun. 1, 2018, 2 pgs. |
Clearfield, “FieldShield SmarTerminal: Hardened Pushable Connectors” Last Updated Jun. 29, 2018, 2 pgs. |
Coaxum, L. et al., U.S. Appl. No. 62/341,947, “Fiber Optic Multiport Having Different Types of Ports for Multi-Use,” filed May 26, 2016. |
Corning Cable Systems, “SST Figure-8 Drop Cables 1-12 Fibers”, Preliminary Product Specifications, 11 pgs. (2002). |
Corning Cable Systems, “SST-Drop (armor) Cables 1-12 Fibers”, Product Specifications, 2 pgs. (2002). |
Corning Cable Systems, “SST-Drop (Dielectric) Cables 1-12 Fibers”, Product Specifications, 2 pgs. (2002). |
Faulkner et al. “Optical networks for local lopp applications,” J. Lightwave Technol.0733-8724 7(11), 17411751 (1989). |
Fiber Systems International: Fiber Optic Solutions, data, “TFOCA-11 4-Channel Fiber Optic Connector” sheet. 2 pgs. |
Infolite—Design and Data Specifications, 1 pg. Retrieved Feb. 21, 2019. |
Nawata, “Multimode and Single-Mode Fiber Connectors Technology”; IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, vol. QE-16, No. 6 Published Jun. 1980. |
Ramanitra et al. “Optical access network using a self-latching variable splitter remotely powered through an optical fiber link,” Optical Engineering 46(4) p. 45007-1-9, Apr. 2007. |
Ratnam et al. “Burst switching using variable optical splitter based switches with wavelength conversion,” ICIIS 2017—Poeceedings Jan. 2018, pp. 1-6. |
Schneier, Bruce; “Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms, and Source Code in C,” Book. 1995 Sec. 10.3, 12.2, 165 Pgs. |
Stratos: Lightwave., “Innovation Brought to Light”, Hybrid HMA Series, Hybrid Multi Application, 2 pgs. |
Wang et al. “Opto-VLSI-based dynamic optical splitter,” Electron. Lett.0013-5194 10.1049/el:20046715 40(22), 14451446 (2004). |
Xiao et al. “1xN wavelength selective adaptive optical power splitter for wavelength-division-multiplexed passive optical networks,” Optics & Laser Technology 68, pp. 160-164, May 2015. |
Wang et al. “Opto-VLSI-based dynamic optical splitter,” Electron. Lett.0013-5194 10.1049/el:120046715 40(22), 14451446 (2004). |
Liu et al., “Variable optical power splitters create new apps”, Retrieved from: https://www.lightwaveonline.com/fttx/pon-systems/article/16648432/variable-optical-power-splitters-create-new-apps, 2005, 14 pages. |
Chinese Patent Application No. 201980084023.6, Office Action, dated May 24, 2022, 4 pages, Chinese Patent Office. |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20210247583 A1 | Aug 2021 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
62972958 | Feb 2020 | US |