Mechanically constrained connection
AssigneeNortel Networks Limited
InventorsMark R. Hinds, Richard J. Glover, David J. Pell, Bhupendra Patel, Vincent E. Somoza
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An optical connector is secured to a body member which can be rotated away from the outer surface faceplate of the circuit pack for inspection, cleaning or repair. The body member is otherwise constrained to move along the outer surface of the circuit pack in a fixed path such that the connector of one module can mate through an adapter with a corresponding connector on another module.
Claims18
A cable connector for interconnecting a first cable in a module to a second cable, the cable connector comprising:
- terminating means for terminating an end of the first cable;
- a body member supporting the terminating means;
- means for constraining the body member to move parallel to an outer surface of the module for mating of the cable connector with a complementary cable connector attached to the second cable;
- and
- means permitting movement of the body member when in an unmated condition such that the terminating means moves outwardly and away from the outer surface of the module.
A system for interconnecting a first cable in a first module to a second cable in a second module arranged adjacent to the first module such that an outer surface of the first module is substantially flush with an outer surface of the second module, each cable connector comprising:
- terminating means for terminating an end of the respective cable;
- a body member adapted to be mounted on the respective module outer surface and supporting the terminating means;
- and
- means permitting rotation of the body member such that the terminating means rotates outwardly and away from the respective module outer surface,
- wherein at least one of the body members is additionally constrained for movement parallel to the respective module outer surface for mating of the two cable connectors.
A cable connector for interconnecting a first cable in a module to a second cable, the cable connector comprising;
- terminating means for terminating an end of the first cable;
- a body member supporting the terminating means;
- an adapter mating with the terminating means;
- means for constraining the adapter to move parallel to an outer surface of the module for mating of the cable connector with a complementary cable connector attached to the second cable;
- and
- means permitting rotation of the body member, terminating means, and adapter when in unmated condition outwardly and away from the outer surface of the module.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.