Optical connector receptacle having switching capability

(54) OPTICAL CONNECTOR RECEPTACLE HAVING SWITCHING CAPABILITY

(75) Inventors: Norman R. Lampert, Norcross, GA (US); Joel L. Mock, Norcross, GA (US)

(73) Assignee: Fitel USA Corp., Norcross, GA (US)

( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ol this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.

(21) Appl. No.: 09/784,574

(22) Filed: Feb. 15, 2001

(65) Prior Publication Data

US 2003/0002808 Al Jan. 2, 2003

Related U.S. Application Data

(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/748,906, filed on Dec. 27, 2000.

(51) Int. C I. G02B 6/38

(52) U.S. CI 385/70; 439/489

(58) Field of Search 385/70, 60; 439/489,

439/188; 200/51.09

(56) References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

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FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

DE 41 39 918 A 1 6/1993 H04B/10/04

EP 0 486 172 A 1 5/1992 H04B/10/04

EP 0 768 547 A 1 4/1997 G02B/6/38

EP 0 928 978 A 1 7/1999 G02B/6/36

* cited by examiner

Primary Examiner—Lynn D. Feild
Assistant Examiner—Brian S. Webb

(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—-Thomas, Kayden, Horstemeyer & Risley, LLP

(57) ABSTRACT

An optical fiber connector adapter has a sensing mechanism for determining when the adapter has a connector plug therein and when the adapter is vacant or empty. The sensing mechanism creates an indication ol the state ol the adapter which is transmitted to a control circuit. The control circuit responds to the indication by activating or de-activating a laser, lor example, which applies optical energy to the adapter. The laser is deactivated when the adapter has no connector plug therein and is activated when there is a connector plug in place in the adapter. In two ol the embodiments ol the invention, the sensing mechanism signals the impending insertion or withdrawal ol the connector plug relative to the adapter.

11 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets