Distribution module for an optic fiber distribution hub

• US 7,428,363 B2
• Filed: 05/15/2007
• Issued: 09/23/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/02/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Emerson Network Power Energy Systems North America Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Original Assignee: Emerson Network Power Energy Systems North America Incorporated (Emerson Electric Company)
• Inventors: Leon, Eduardo, Wakileh, George, Sedlecky, Daniel
• Primary Examiner(s): Font; Frank G
• Assistant Examiner(s): LEPISTO, RYAN A
• Application Number:
  US11/748,636
• Publication Number:
  US 20080080826A1
• Time in Patent Office: 497 Days
• Field of Search: 385/135
• US Class Current: 385/135
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4452 Distribution frames
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/44524 with frame parts or auxiliary devices mounted on the frame and collectively not covering a whole width of the frame or rack cassettes G02B6/4453
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/44528 Patch-cords; Connector arrangements in the system or in the box routing arrangements H04Q1/00

Abstract

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a distribution module for a fiber optic distribution hub is provided. The distribution module includes a plurality of service connection circuit trays structured to slidingly transition from a parked position to an extended position to allow independent access to any one of a plurality of optic fiber circuits retained within each respective circuit tray.

Claims

1. A distribution module for a fiber optic distribution hub, said distribution module comprising a plurality of service connection circuit trays structured to slidingly transition from a stowed position to a deployed position to allow independent access to any one of a plurality of optic fiber circuits retained within each respective circuit tray, each circuit tray including a latching mechanism structured to retain the respective circuit tray in the stowed position and in the deployed position, the latching mechanism comprising a spring lever attached to a latch-side side rail of the respective circuit tray, the spring lever including a tongue biased by the spring lever to interlock with one of a plurality of stowed position receptors in a receptor strut coupled to the distribution module when the respective circuit tray is in the stowed position, and biased by the spring lever to interlock with one of a plurality of deployed position receptors in the receptor strut when the respective tray is in the deployed position.

2. The distribution module of claim 1, wherein each circuit tray comprises fins along opposing side rails, the fins slideably engageable with guides along opposing walls of the distribution module.

3. The distribution module of claim 1, wherein each circuit tray comprises a latch assist handle extending from the latch-side side rail, adjacent the latching mechanism.

4. The distribution module of claim 1, wherein each circuit tray further comprises a fiber retention handle extending from a splitter-side side rail, the fiber retention handle including a fiber retention finger for retaining fibers of at least one fiber optic jumper connected to at least one of a plurality of connection adapters included in the respective circuit tray.

5. A distribution module for a fiber optic distribution hub, said distribution module comprising a plurality of service connection circuit trays structured to slidingly transition from a stowed position to a deployed position to allow independent access to any one of a plurality of optic fiber circuits retained within each respective circuit tray, each circuit tray including:

a latching mechanism structured to retain the respective circuit tray in the deployed position; and

a latch assist handle extending from the latch-side side rail, adjacent the latching mechanism.

6. The distribution module of claim 5, wherein each circuit tray comprises fins along opposing side rails, the fins slideably engageable with guides along opposing walls of the distribution module.

7. The distribution module of claim 5 wherein the latching mechanism comprises a spring lever attached to a latch-side side rail of the respective circuit tray, the spring lever including a tongue biased by the spring lever to interlock with one of a plurality of stowed position receptors in a receptor strut coupled to the distribution module, when the respective circuit tray is in the stowed position, and biased by the spring lever to interlock with one of a plurality of deployed position receptors in the receptor strut, when the respective tray is in the deployed position.

8. The distribution module of claim 5, wherein each circuit tray further comprises a fiber retention handle extending from a splitter-side side rail, the fiber retenation handle including a fiber retention finger for retaining fibers of at least one fiber optic jumper connected to at least one of a plurality of connection adapters included in the respective circuit tray.

9. A method for providing independent access to any one of a plurality of optic fiber circuits within a fiber optic distribution hub, said method comprising retaining a plurality of optic fiber circuits within a service connection tray stored within a distribution module of the distribution hub, retaining the circuit tray in a stowed position utilizing a latching mechanism attached to a latch-side rail of the circuit tray, slidingly transitioning the service connection circuit tray from the stowed position to a deployed position, and retaining the circuit tray in the deployed position utilizing the latching mechanism, wherein the latching mechanism comprises a spring lever including a tongue, and retaining the circuit tray in the stowed position comprises biasing the tongue, via the spring lever, to interlock with one of a plurality of stowed position receptors in a receptor strut coupled to the distribution module, and retaining the circuit tray in the deployed position comprises biasing the tongue, via the spring lever, to interlock with one of a plurality of deployed position receptors in the receptor strut.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein slidingly transitioning the service connection circuit tray comprises slidingly engaging fins along opposing side rails of the circuit tray with guides along opposing wails of the distribution module.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein retaining a plurality of optic fiber circuits within a service connection tray comprises retaining a fiber of at least one fiber optic jumper, connected to at least one of a plurality of connection adapters included in the circuit tray, within a fiber retention handle extending from a splitter-side side rail of the circuit tray.

12. A method for providing independent access to any one of a plurality of optic fiber circuits within a fiber optic distribution hub, said method comprising retaining a plurality of optic fiber circuits within a service connection tray stored within a distribution module of the distribution hub, slidingly transitioning the service connection circuit tray from a stowed position to a deployed position, and retaining the circuit tray in the deployed position utilizing a latching mechanism attached to a latch-side rail of the circuit tray, wherein slidingly transitioning the circuit tray comprises utilizing a latch assist handle extending from the latch-side side rail, adjacent the latching mechanism, to assist in transitioning the circuit tray from the stowed position to the deployed position.