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Optical fiber connector bypass device and method using same

  • US 5,440,655 A
  • Filed: 12/29/1993
  • Issued: 08/08/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/29/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A retracting optical fiber connector comprising:

  • first and second connector members, each comprising a first and second waveguide, each waveguide defining an optical path, where the connector members are configured so that the first and second waveguide of the first connector member align and optically engage the first and second waveguide of the second connector member, and where at least the first connector member further comprises a retractable housing having a first and second position, where in the first position when the connector members are not engaged, the retractable housing prevents access to the waveguides of that connector member, and in a second position the retractable housing, actuated by surface features of the other connector member, is positioned to allow mating engagement of the connector members; and

    a bypass device comprising an optical waveguiding region, where the waveguiding region is configured to direct an optical communication signal from the first waveguide of the first connector member to the second waveguide of the first connector member;

    where the bypass device is connected to the retractable housing and oriented so that where the retractable housing is in the first position, the bypass device is positioned to engage the optical paths defined by the waveguides of the connector member, and where the retractable housing is in the second position, the bypass device does not engage the optical path defined by any of the waveguides.

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