The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 11, 2000
Filed:
Sep. 14, 1994
Palmer Wright Agnew, Owego, NY (US);
Douglas Kerr Ferguson, Endicott, NY (US);
Anne Sheila Kellerman, Endicott, NY (US);
Thomas Ben Kellerman, Binghamton, NY (US);
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
An electronic computer including microprocessor means, memory means and Input/Output (I/O) means wherein the I/O means comprises a retractable optical fiber connector assembly. The retractable optical fiber connector assembly includes a rotatable spool and a pair of optical fibers for being wound thereabout, these fibers in turn optically connected to optoelectronic means within the computer (as part of the I/O means). On the opposing ends of these optical fibers are desired connectors (e.g., those of the push-pull variety) for being connected to associated optical-type connectors which in turn may form part of various peripheral equipment (e.g., MODEMS, printers, etc.) or other computers to which this computer may be connected.