Hybrid device identifier
First Claim
1. A fiber optic connector for use with a radiation source assembly having a complementary connector, the fiber optic connector comprising:
- an inner connector configured to hold an end of an optical fiber and for positive mechanical and electrical engagement with an engagement portion of the complementary connector to maintain the end of the optical fiber registered to the complementary connector;
a non-conducting over-nut coupled to and surrounding the inner connector;
the over-nut having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central portion separating the distal and proximal ends;
an electrical assembly disposed at the over-nut proximal end, the electrical assembly includinga first electrical contact electrically connected to the inner connector,a second electrical contact configured for electrical engagement with a contact portion of the complementary connector, andone or more electrical components electrically coupled between the first and second contacts and contributing to the provision of a defined electrical characteristic between the engagement and contact portions of the complementary connector; and
a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag supported by the over-nut distal end, the over-nut central portion separating the RFID tag from the electrical assembly to prevent the electrical assembly from substantially interfering with communication between the RFID tag and the radiation source assembly.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An identification assembly for use with a fiber-optic connector includes a non-conducting over-nut, an electrical assembly disposed at the proximal end of the over-nut, and an RFID tag supported by the distal end of the over-nut. The over-nut is configured to surround and couple with the fiber-optic connector. The electrical assembly includes a first electrical contact configured to electrically connect to the fiber-optic connector, a second electrical contact configured for electrical engagement with a contact portion of a light source assembly, and one or more electrical components coupled between the first and second contacts and providing a defined electrical characteristic. The identification assembly enables identification using either electrical-characteristic based or RFID-based identification approaches.
26 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A fiber optic connector for use with a radiation source assembly having a complementary connector, the fiber optic connector comprising:
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an inner connector configured to hold an end of an optical fiber and for positive mechanical and electrical engagement with an engagement portion of the complementary connector to maintain the end of the optical fiber registered to the complementary connector; a non-conducting over-nut coupled to and surrounding the inner connector;
the over-nut having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central portion separating the distal and proximal ends;an electrical assembly disposed at the over-nut proximal end, the electrical assembly including a first electrical contact electrically connected to the inner connector, a second electrical contact configured for electrical engagement with a contact portion of the complementary connector, and one or more electrical components electrically coupled between the first and second contacts and contributing to the provision of a defined electrical characteristic between the engagement and contact portions of the complementary connector; and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag supported by the over-nut distal end, the over-nut central portion separating the RFID tag from the electrical assembly to prevent the electrical assembly from substantially interfering with communication between the RFID tag and the radiation source assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An identification assembly for use with a connector configured to connect an optical fiber to a radiation source assembly having a complementary connector, the connector being configured to hold an end of the optical fiber and for positive mechanical and electrical engagement with an engagement portion of the complementary connector to maintain the end of the optical fiber registered to the complementary connector, the identification assembly comprising:
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a non-conducting over-nut configured to couple to and surround the connector;
the over-nut having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central portion separating the distal end and the proximal end;an electrical assembly disposed at the over-nut proximal end, the electrical assembly including a first electrical contact configured to electrically connect to the connector, a second electrical contact configured for electrical engagement with a contact portion of the complementary connector, and one or more electrical components electrically coupled between the first and second contacts and contributing to the provision of a defined electrical characteristic between the engagement and contact portions of the complementary connector; and a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag supported by the over-nut distal end, the over-nut central portion separating the RFID tag from the electrical assembly to prevent the electrical assembly from substantially interfering with communication between the RFID tag and the radiation source assembly. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification