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:
Apr. 16, 2002
Filed:
Nov. 14, 2000
Michael Roehrs, Dallas, TX (US);
Kerry W. Whitaker, Plano, TX (US);
Daniel Roehrs, McKinney, TX (US);
Fiber Systems International, Richardson, TX (US);
Abstract
A multi-channel fiber optic cable connector ( ) is provided for aligning the terminal ends ( ) of optical fibers ( ) of fiber optic cables for transmitting light signals therebetween. Termini ( ) are provided which include end portions defined by ferrules ( ) that extend around terminal ends ( ) of the optical fibers ( ). The termini ( ) are independently gimbaled, with gimbal points ( ) being disposed distally from respective mating planes ( ) defined by opposing terminal ends ( ) of the termini ( ). Alignment sleeves ( ) are provided to align the adjacent termini ( ) of optical fibers ( ) included within respective ones of the fiber optic cables. The alignment sleeves ( ) have internal bores ( ) that are slightly larger in size than the outside diameters of the peripheries ( ) of the termini ( ) defined by ferrules ( ), providing a clearance fit between the ceramic alignment sleeves ( ) and respective ones of the termini ( ). The tubular bodies ( ) of the alignment sleeves ( ) are preferably formed of ceramic and have continuous cross-sections in various sectioning planes.