(12) INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT)
`
`(19) World Intellectual Property Organization
`International Bureau
`
`(43) International Publication Date
`23 December 2010 (23.12.2010)
`
`PCT
`
`I lllll llllllll II llllll lllll lllll lllll llll I II Ill lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111111111111111111
`
`(10) International Publication Number
`WO 2010/148325 Al
`
`(51) International Patent Classification:
`G02B 6144 (2006.0l)
`
`(21) International Application Number:
`PCT/US20l0/0392l0
`
`(22) International Filing Date:
`
`(25) Filing Language:
`
`(26) Publication Language:
`
`18 June 2010 (18.06.2010)
`
`English
`
`English
`
`(30) Priority Data:
`61/218,878
`
`19 June 2009 (19.06.2009)
`
`us
`(71) Applicant (for all designated States except US): CORN-
`ING CABLE SYSTEMS LLC [US/US]; Intellectual
`Property Department, SP-TI-3-l, Coming, New York
`1483 l (US).
`
`(72)
`(75)
`
`Inventors; and
`Inventors/Applicants (for US only): COOKE, Terry, L.
`[US/US]; 908 38th Avenue NE, Hickory, North Carolina
`28601 (US). DEAN, David, L., Jr. [US/US]; 2520 17th
`Street NE, Hickory, North Carolina 28601
`(US).
`STABER, Harley, J. [US/US]; 751 Blue Jay Lane, Cop(cid:173)
`pell, Texas 75019 (US). STRAUSE, Kevin, L. [US/US];
`1000 Valle Vista Lane, Keller, Texas 76248 (US).
`UGOLINI, Alan, W. [US/US]; 6419 Hayden Drive,
`Hickory, North Carolina 28601 (US).
`
`(74) Agent: VYNALEK, John, H.; Coming Cable Systems
`LLC, 800 17th Street NW, P.O. Box 489, Hickory, North
`Carolina 28603 (US).
`
`(81) Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of national protection available): AE, AG, AL, AM,
`AO, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BH, BR, BW, BY, BZ,
`CA,CH,CL,CN,CO,CR,CU,CZ,DE,DK,DM,DO,
`DZ, EC, EE, EG, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, GT,
`HN, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, KE, KG, KM, KN, KP,
`KR, KZ, LA, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LY, MA, MD,
`ME, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MY, MZ, NA, NG, NI,
`NO, NZ, OM, PE, PG, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, RU, SC, SD,
`SE, SG, SK, SL, SM, ST, SV, SY, TH, TJ, TM, TN, TR,
`TT, TZ, VA, VG, US, UZ, VC, VN, ZA, ZM, ZW.
`
`(84)
`
`Designated States (unless otherwise indicated, for every
`kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, GH,
`GM, KE, LR, LS, MW, MZ, NA, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, VG,
`ZM, ZW), Eurasian (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ,
`TM), European (AL, AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK,
`EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LT, LU,
`LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK,
`SM, TR), OAPI (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GQ,
`GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG).
`
`Published:
`
`with international search report (Art. 21 (3))
`
`[Continued on next page]
`
`~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
`
`(54) Title: HIGH FIBER OPTIC CABLE PACKING DENSITY APPARATUS
`
`- 168
`
`(57) Abstract: A fiber optic apparatus com(cid:173)
`prising a fiber optic equipment and a rout(cid:173)
`ing region at the fiber optic equipment is
`disclosed. At least 98 optical fibers, at least
`434 optical fibers, at least 866 optical fibers,
`and at least 1152 optical fibers route in the
`routing region per l-U shelf space, wherein
`a maximum 10-12 bit-error-rate and 75dB at(cid:173)
`tenuation is maintained per duplex optical
`signal carried by the optical fibers. Addi(cid:173)
`tionally, the routing region may be config(cid:173)
`ured such that one or more of the optical
`fibers make a maximum of one bend in the
`routing region and route generally horizon(cid:173)
`tally in the routing region. One or more of
`the optical fibers may be terminated sim(cid:173)
`plex, duplex fiber or multiple fiber optic
`connectors.
`
`FIG. 26
`
`---;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
`
`;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ------;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ---
`
`;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; -
`-;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; -
`-;;;;;;;;;;;;;;;
`;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; ----;;;;;;;;;;;;;;; -
`
`

`

`W 0 2010 /1483 2 5 A 1 I lllll llllllll II llllll lllll lllll lllll llll I II Ill lllll lllll lllll 111111111111111111111111111111111
`
`-
`
`before the expiration of the time limit for amending the
`claims and to be republished in the event of receipt of
`amendments (Rule 48.2(h))
`
`

`

`WO 2010/148325
`
`PCT/US2010/039210
`
`HIGH FIBER OPTIC CABLE PACKING DENSITY APPARATUS
`
`PRIORITY APPLICATION
`
`[0001]
`
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.
`
`61/218,878 filed on June 19, 2009, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated
`
`by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Field of the Disclosure
`
`[0002]
`
`The technology of the disclosure relates to fiber optic apparatus for managing
`
`and connecting fiber optic cables, including fiber optic termination equipment that
`
`provides high fiber optic cable packing density in a fiber optic routing region extending
`
`from the fiber optic termination equipment.
`
`Technical Background
`
`[0003]
`
`Benefits of optical fiber include the ability to transmit voice, video and data
`
`signals at extremely fast data rates for long distances with low noise operation . Because
`
`of these advantages, optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications,
`
`including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission. Fiber optic
`
`networks employing optical fiber are being developed and used to deliver voice, video,
`
`and data transmissions to subscribers over both private and public networks. These fiber
`
`optic networks often include separated connection points linking optical fibers to provide
`
`"live fiber" from one connection point to another connection point.
`
`In this regard,
`
`passive fiber optic connection equipment (here on simply referred to as fiber optic
`
`equipment) is located in data distribution centers or central offices to support passive
`
`optical interconnections.
`
`[0004]
`
`The fiber optic equipment is customized based on the application need. The
`
`fiber optic equipment is typically included in housings that are mounted in equipment
`
`racks for organizational purposes and to optimize use of space. One example of such
`
`fiber optic equipment is a fiber optic module. A fiber optic module is designed to
`
`transition one type of optical connector into a different type of optical connector(s) and
`
`manage the polarity of fiber optic cable connections. Due to increasing bandwidth needs
`
`1
`
`

`

`WO 2010/148325
`
`PCT/US2010/039210
`
`and the need to provide a larger number of connections in data centers for increased
`
`revenue generating opportunities, an increasing quantity of fiber optic cables are routed
`
`between fiber optic equipment to support the larger numbers of fiber optic connections in
`
`a given space.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0005]
`
`In one embodiment there is provided a fiber optic apparatus comprising fiber
`
`optic equipment and a routing region at the fiber optic equipment. At least 98 optical
`fibers route in the routing region per 1-U shelf space, wherein a maximum 10-12 bit-error(cid:173)
`rate and .75dB attenuation is maintained per duplex optical signal carried by the optical
`
`fibers. Additionally, the routing region may be configured such that the optical fibers
`
`make a maximum of one bend in the routing region and route generally horizontally in
`
`the routing region. The optical fibers may be terminated simplex or duplex fiber optic
`
`connectors.
`
`[0006]
`
`A further embodiment includes a fiber optic apparatus comprising fiber optic
`
`equipment and a routing region at the fiber optic equipment. At least 434 optical fibers
`route in the routing region per 1-U shelf space, wherein a maximum 10-12 bit-error-rate
`
`and .75dB attenuation is maintained per duplex optical signal carried by the optical
`
`fibers. Additionally, the routing region may be configured such that the optical fibers
`
`make a maximum of one bend in the routing region and route generally horizontally in
`
`the routing region. The optical fibers may be terminated with one or more multiple fiber
`
`connectors. The multiple fiber connector may be a (twelve) 12 fiber MPO
`
`[0007]
`
`A further embodiment includes a fiber optic apparatus comprising fiber optic
`
`equipment and a routing region at the fiber optic equipment. One of at least 866 optical
`
`fibers and 1152 optical fibers route in the routing region per 1-U shelf space, wherein a
`maximum of 10-12 bit-error-rate and .75dB attenuation is maintained per duplex optical
`signal carried by the optical fibers. Additionally, the routing region may be configured
`
`such that the optical fibers make a maximum of one bend in the routing region and route
`
`generally horizontally in the routing region. The optical fibers may be terminated with
`
`one or more multiple fiber connectors. The multiple fiber connector may be a (twenty(cid:173)
`
`four) 24 fiber MPO.
`
`[0008]
`
`2
`
`

`

`WO 2010/148325
`
`PCT/US2010/039210
`
`[0009]
`
`Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description
`
`which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that
`
`description or recognized by practicing the invention as described herein, including the
`
`detailed description that follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.
`
`[0010]
`
`It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the
`
`following detailed description present embodiments, and are intended to provide an
`
`overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure. The
`
`accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are
`
`incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate
`
`various embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles
`
`and operation of the concepts disclosed.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
`
`[0011]
`
`FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic equipment rack
`
`with an installed exemplary 1-RU size chassis supporting high-density fiber optic
`
`modules to provide a given fiber optic connection density and bandwidth capability,
`
`according to one embodiment;
`
`[0012]
`
`FIG. 2 is a rear perspective close-up view of the chassis of FIG. 1 with fiber
`
`optic modules installed in fiber optic equipment trays installed in the fiber optic
`
`equipment;
`
`[0013]
`
`FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one fiber optic equipment tray with
`
`installed fiber optic modules configured to be installed in the chassis of FIG. 1;
`
`[0014]
`
`FIG. 4 is a close-up view of the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3 without
`
`fiber optic modules installed;
`
`[0015]
`
`FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3 with
`
`fiber optic modules installed;
`
`[0016]
`
`FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3
`
`without fiber optic modules installed;
`
`[0017]
`
`FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of fiber optic equipment trays supporting
`
`fiber optic modules with one fiber optic equipment tray extended out from the chassis of
`
`FIG.1;
`
`3
`
`

`

`WO 2010/148325
`
`PCT/US2010/039210
`
`[0018]
`
`FIG. 8 is a left perspective view of an exemplary tray guide disposed in the
`
`chassis of FIG. 1 configured to receive fiber optic equipment trays of FIG. 6 capable of
`
`supporting one or more fiber optic modules;
`
`[0019]
`
`FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective and top views, respectively, of an
`
`exemplary tray rail disposed on each side of the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3 and
`
`configured to be received in the chassis of FIG. 1 by the tray guide of FIG. 8;
`
`[0020]
`
`FIGS. lOA and lOB are front right and left perspective views, respectively, of
`
`an exemplary fiber optic module that can be disposed in the fiber optic equipment trays
`
`of FIG. 3;
`
`[0021]
`
`FIG. 11 is a perspective, exploded view of the fiber optic module in FIGS.
`
`lOAand lOB;
`
`[0022]
`
`FIG. 12 is a perspective top view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 11 with
`
`the cover removed and showing a fiber optic harness installed therein;
`
`[0023]
`
`FIG. 13 is a front view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 11 without fiber
`
`optic components installed;
`
`[0024]
`
`FIG. 14 is a front right perspective view of another alternate fiber optic
`
`module that supports twelve (12) fiber MPO fiber optic components and which can be
`
`installed in the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3;
`
`[0025]
`
`FIG. 15 is front right perspective view of another alternate fiber optic module
`
`that supports twenty-four (24) fiber MPO fiber optic components and which can be
`
`installed in the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3;
`
`[0026]
`
`FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of an alternate fiber optic module being
`
`installed in the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3;
`
`[0027]
`
`[0028]
`
`[0029]
`
`FIG. 17 is front right perspective view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 16;
`
`FIG. 18 is a front view of the fiber optic module of FIGS. 16 and 17;
`
`FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of another alternate fiber optic module
`
`being installed in the fiber optic equipment tray of FIG. 3;
`
`[0030]
`
`[0031]
`
`FIG. 20 is front right perspective view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 19;
`
`FIG. 21 is a front view of the fiber optic module of FIGS. 19 and 20;
`
`4
`
`

`

`WO 2010/148325
`
`PCT/US2010/039210
`
`[0032]
`
`FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of another alternate fiber optic module
`
`being installed in an alternate fiber optic equipment tray that can be installed in the
`
`chassis of FIG. 1;
`
`[0033]
`
`[0034]
`
`[0035]
`
`FIGS. 23 is front right perspective view of the fiber optic module of FIG. 22;
`
`FIG. 24 is a front view of the fiber optic module of FIGS. 22 and 23;
`
`FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of alternate exemplary 4-U size fiber optic
`
`chassis that can support the fiber optic equipment trays and fiber optic modules according
`
`to the fiber optic equipment tray and fiber optic modules disclosed;
`
`[0036]
`
`FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of an exemplary 1-U space unit in a fiber
`
`optic equipment rack illustrating a fiber optic cable routing region according to an
`
`embodiment.
`
`FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of the fiber optic cable routing region of
`
`[0037]
`FIG. 26 illustrating optical fibers traversing an incremental section cut in the fiber optic
`
`cable routing region.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0038]
`
`Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments, examples of
`
`which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all features
`
`are shown. Indeed, embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in many different
`
`forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
`
`these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal
`
`requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like
`
`components or parts.
`
`[0039]
`
`Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include high-density fiber
`
`optic modules and fiber optic module housings and related equipment.
`
`In certain
`
`embodiments, the width and/or height of the front opening of fiber optic modules and/or
`
`fiber optic module housings can be provided according to a designed relationship to the
`
`width and/or height, respectively, of a front side of the main body of the fiber optic
`
`modules and fiber optic module housings to support fiber optic components or
`
`connections.
`
`In this manner, fiber optic components can be installed in a given
`
`percentage or area of the front side of the fiber optic module to provide a high density of
`
`5
`
`

`

`WO 2010/148325
`
`PCT/US2010/039210
`
`fiber optic connections for a given fiber optic component type(s ).
`
`In another
`
`embodiment, the front openings of the fiber optic modules and/or fiber optic module
`
`housings can be provided to support a designed connection density of fiber optic
`
`components or connections for a given width and/or height of the front opening of the
`
`fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing. Embodiments disclosed in the
`
`detailed description also include high connection density and bandwidth fiber optic
`
`apparatuses and related equipment. In certain embodiments, fiber optic apparatuses are
`
`provided and comprise a chassis defining one or more U space fiber optic equipment
`
`units, wherein at least one of the one or more U space fiber optic equipment units is
`
`configured to support a given fiber optic connection density or bandwidth in a 1-U space,
`
`and for a given fiber optic component type(s).
`
`[0040]
`
`Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description also include a fiber optic
`
`apparatus comprising a fiber optic equipment rack. The fiber optic equipment rack
`
`defines at least one 1-U space fiber optic equipment unit. The 1-U space fiber optic
`
`equipment unit configured to hold fiber optic equipment to which one or more fiber optic
`
`cables containing one or more optical fibers connect through at least one LC duplex or
`
`simplex, 12 fiber MPO, or 24 fiber MPO fiber optic connector. A cable routing region
`
`extends from the at least one 1-U space fiber optic equipment unit, wherein optical fibers
`
`are routed in at least a portion of the cable routing region, and wherein the optical fibers
`maintain a 10-12 bit-error-rate and attenuation limitation of .75dB as set out in TWEIA-
`
`568 standard in the cable routing region. The cable routing region is configured such that
`
`the one or more fiber optic cables make only one bend from the fiber optic connector in
`
`the cable routing region and route generally horizontally through the cable routing region.
`
`[0041]
`
`Further, as used herein, it is intended that the terms "fiber optic cables" and/or
`
`"optical fibers" include all types of single mode and multi-mode light waveguides,
`
`including one or more bare optical fibers, loose-tube optical fibers, tight-buffered optical
`
`fibers, ribbonized optical fibers, bend-insensitive optical fibers, or any other expedient of
`
`a medium for transmitting light signals.
`
`[0042]
`
`In this regard, FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary 1-U size fiber optic equipment 10
`
`from a front perspective view. The fiber optic equipment 10 supports high-density fiber
`
`optic modules that support a high fiber optic connection density and bandwidth in a 1-U
`
`6
`
`

`

`WO 2010/148325
`
`PCT/US2010/039210
`
`space, as will be described in greater detail below. The fiber optic equipment 10 may be
`
`provided at a data distribution center or central office to support cable-to-cable fiber optic
`
`connections and to manage a plurality of fiber optic cable connections. As will be
`
`described in greater detail below, the fiber optic equipment 10 has one or more fiber optic
`
`equipment trays that each support one or more fiber optic modules. However, the fiber
`
`optic equipment 10 could also be adapted to support one or more fiber optic patch panels
`
`or other fiber optic equipment that supports fiber optic components and connectivity.
`
`[0043]
`
`The fiber optic equipment 10 includes a fiber optic equipment chassis 12
`
`("chassis 12"). The chassis 12 is shown as being installed in a fiber optic equipment rack
`
`14. The fiber optic equipment rack 14 contains two vertical rails 16A, 16B that extend
`
`vertically and include a series of apertures 18 for facilitating attachment of the chassis 12
`
`inside the fiber optic equipment rack 14. The chassis 12 is attached and supported by the
`
`fiber optic equipment rack 14 in the form of shelves that are stacked on top of each other
`
`within the vertical rails 16A, 16B. As illustrated, the chassis 12 is attached to the vertical
`
`rails 16A, 16B. The fiber optic equipment rack 14 may support 1-RU-sized shelves, with
`
`"U" equal to a standard 1.75 inches in height and nineteen (19) inches in width.
`
`In
`
`certain applications, the width of "U" may be twenty-three (23) inches. Also, the term
`
`fiber optic equipment rack 14 should be understood to include structures that are cabinets
`
`as well. In this embodiment, the chassis 12 is 1-U in size; however, the chassis 12 could
`
`be provided in a size greater than 1-U as well.
`
`[0044]
`
`As will be discussed in greater detail later below, the fiber optic equipment 10
`
`includes a plurality of extendable fiber optic equipment trays 20 that each carries one or
`
`more fiber optic modules 22. The chassis 12 and fiber optic equipment trays 20 support
`
`fiber optic modules 22 that support high-density fiber optic modules and a fiber optic
`
`connection density and bandwidth connections in a given space, including in a 1-U space.
`
`FIG. 1 shows exemplary fiber optic components 23 disposed in the fiber optic modules
`
`22 that support fiber optic connections. For example, the fiber optic components 23 may
`
`be fiber optic adapters or fiber optic connectors. As will also be discussed in greater
`
`detail later below, the fiber optic modules 22 in this embodiment can be provided such
`
`that the fiber optic components 23 can be disposed through at least eighty-five percent
`
`(85%) of the width of the front side or face of the fiber optic module 22, as an example.
`
`7
`
`

`

`WO 2010/148325
`
`PCT/US2010/039210
`
`This fiber optic module 22 configuration may provide a front opening of approximately
`
`90 millimeters (mm) or less wherein fiber optic components can be disposed through the
`
`front opening and at a fiber optic connection density of at least one fiber optic connection
`
`per 7 .0 mm of width of the front opening of the fiber optic modules 22 for simplex or
`
`duplex fiber optic components 23. In this example, six (6) duplex or twelve (12) simplex
`
`fiber optic components may be installed in each fiber optic module 22. The fiber optic
`
`equipment trays 20 in this embodiment support up to four ( 4) of the fiber optic modules
`
`22 in approximately the width of a 1-U space, and three (3) fiber optic equipment trays
`
`20 in the height of a 1-U space for a total of twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22 in a 1-U
`
`space. Thus, for example, if six (6) duplex fiber optic components were disposed in each
`
`of the twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22 installed in fiber optic equipment trays 20 of the
`
`chassis 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1, a total of one hundred forty-four (144) fiber optic
`
`connections, or seventy-two (72) duplex channels (i.e., transmit and receive channels),
`
`would be supported by the chassis 12 in a 1-U space. If five ( 5) duplex fiber optic
`
`adapters are disposed in each of the twelve (12) fiber optic modules 22 installed in fiber
`
`optic equipment trays 20 of the chassis 12, a total of one hundred twenty (120) fiber optic
`
`connections, or sixty (60) duplex channels, would be supported by the chassis 12 in a 1-U
`
`space. The chassis 12 also supports at least ninety-eight (98) fiber optic components in a
`
`1-U space wherein at least one of the fiber optic components is a simplex or duplex fiber
`
`optic component.
`
`[0045]
`
`If multi-fiber fiber optic components were installed in the fiber optic modules
`
`22, such as MPO components for example, higher fiber optic connection density and
`
`bandwidths would be possible over other chassis 12 that use similar fiber optic
`
`components.
`
`For example, if up to four (4) twelve (12) fiber MPO fiber optic
`
`components were disposed in each fiber optic module 22, and twelve (12) of the fiber
`
`optic modules 22 were disposed in the chassis 12 in a 1-U space, the chassis 12 would
`
`support up to five hundred seventy-six (576) fiber optic connections in a 1-U space. Ifup
`
`to four ( 4) twenty-four (24) fiber MPO fiber optic components were disposed in each
`
`fiber optic module 22, and twelve (12) of the fiber optic modules 22 were disposed in the
`
`chassis 12, up to one thousand one hundred fifty-two (1152) fiber optic connections in a
`
`1-U space.
`
`8
`
`

`

`WO 2010/148325
`
`PCT/US2010/039210
`
`[0046]
`
`FIG. 2 is a rear perspective close-up view of the chassis 12 of FIG. 1 with
`
`fiber optic modules 22 loaded with fiber optic components 23 and installed in fiber optic
`
`equipment trays 20 installed in the chassis 12. Module rails 28A, 28B are disposed on
`
`each side of each fiber optic module 22. The module rails 28A, 28B are configured to be
`
`inserted within tray channels 30 of module rail guides 32 disposed in the fiber optic
`
`equipment tray 20, as illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3-5. Note that any number of
`
`module rail guides 32 can be provided. The fiber optic module 22 can be installed from
`
`both a front end 34 and a rear end 36 of the fiber optic equipment tray 20 in this
`
`embodiment.
`
`If it is desired to install the fiber optic module 22 in the fiber optic
`
`equipment tray 20 from the rear end 36, a front end 33 of the fiber optic module 22 can
`
`be inserted from the rear end 36 of the fiber optic equipment tray 20. More specifically,
`
`the front end 33 of the fiber optic module 22 is inserted into the tray channels 30 of the
`
`module rail guides 32. The fiber optic module 22 can then be pushed forward within the
`
`tray channels 30 until the fiber optic module 22 reaches the front end 34 of the module
`
`rail guides 32. The fiber optic modules 22 can be moved towards the front end 34 until
`
`the fiber optic modules 22 reach a stop or locking feature disposed in the front end 34 as
`
`will described later in this application. FIG. 6 also illustrates the fiber optic equipment
`
`tray 20 without installed fiber optic modules 22 to illustrate the tray channels 30 and
`
`other features of the fiber optic equipment tray 20.
`
`[0047]
`
`The fiber optic module 22 can be locked into place in the fiber optic
`
`equipment tray 20 by pushing the fiber optic module 22 forward to the front end 33 of the
`
`fiber optic equipment tray 20. A locking feature in the form of a front stop 38 is disposed
`
`in the module rail guides 32, as illustrated in FIG. 3 and in more detail in the close-up
`
`view in FIG. 4. The front stop 38 prevents the fiber optic module 22 from extending
`
`beyond the front end 34, as illustrated in the close-up view of the fiber optic equipment
`tray 20 with installed fiber optic modules 22 in FIG. 5. When it is desired to remove a
`
`fiber optic module 22 from the fiber optic equipment tray 20, a front module tab 40 also
`
`disposed in the module rail guides 32 and coupled to the front stop 38 can be pushed
`
`downward to engage the front stop 38. As a result, the front stop 38 will move outward
`
`away from the fiber optic module 22 such that the fiber optic module 22 is not obstructed
`
`from being pulled forward. The fiber optic module 22, and in particular its module rails
`
`9
`
`

`

`WO 2010/148325
`
`PCT/US2010/039210
`
`28A, 28B (FIG. 2), can be pulled forward along the module rail guides 32 to remove the
`
`fiber optic module 22 from the fiber optic equipment tray 20.
`
`[0048]
`
`The fiber optic module 22 can also be removed from the rear end 36 of the
`
`fiber optic equipment tray 20. To remove the fiber optic module 22 from the rear end 36
`
`of the fiber optic equipment tray 20, a latch 44 is disengaged by pushing a lever 46 (see
`
`FIGS. 2 and 3; see also, FIGS. lOA and lOB) inward towards the fiber optic module 22
`
`to release the latch 44 from the module rail guide 32. To facilitate pushing the lever 46
`
`inward towards the fiber optic module 22, a finger hook 48 is provided adjacent to the
`
`lever 46 so the lever 46 can easily be squeezed into the finger hook 48 by a thumb and
`
`index finger.
`
`[0049] With continuing reference to FIG. 3-6, the fiber optic equipment tray 20 may
`
`also contain extension members 50. Routing guides 52 may be conveniently disposed on
`
`the extension members 50 to provide routing for optical fibers or fiber optic cables
`
`connected to fiber optic components 23 disposed in the fiber optic modules 22 (FIG. 3).
`
`The routing guides 52' on the ends of the fiber optic equipment tray 20 may be angled
`
`with respect to the module rail guides 32 to route optical fibers or fiber optic cables at an
`
`angle to the sides of the fiber optic equipment tray 20. Pull tabs 54 may also be
`
`connected to the extension members 50 to provide a means to allow the fiber optic
`
`equipment tray 20 to easily be pulled out from and pushed into the chassis 12.
`
`[0050]
`
`As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 6, the fiber optic equipment tray 20 also
`
`contains tray rails 56. The tray rails 56 are configured to be received in tray guides 58
`
`disposed in the chassis 12 to retain and allow the fiber optic equipment trays 20 to move
`
`in and out of the chassis 12, as illustrated in FIG. 7. More detail regarding the tray rails
`
`56 and their coupling to the tray guides 58 in the chassis 12 is discussed below with
`
`regard to FIGS. 8 and 9A-9B. The fiber optic equipment trays 20 can be moved in and
`
`out of the chassis 12 by their tray rails 56 moving within the tray guides 58.
`
`In this
`
`manner, the fiber optic equipment trays 20 can be independently movable about the tray
`
`guides 58 in the chassis 12. FIG. 7 illustrates a front perspective view of one fiber optic
`
`equipment tray 20 pulled out from the chassis 12 among three (3) fiber optic equipment
`
`trays 20 disposed within the tray guides 58 of the chassis 12. The tray guides 58 may be
`
`disposed on both a left side end 60 and a right side end 62 of the fiber optic equipment
`
`10
`
`

`

`WO 2010/148325
`
`PCT/US2010/039210
`
`tray 20. The tray guides 58 are installed opposite and facing each other in the chassis 12
`
`to provide complementary tray guides 58 for the tray rails 56 of the fiber optic equipment
`
`trays 20 received therein. If it is desired to access a particular fiber optic equipment tray
`
`20 and/or a particular fiber optic module 22 in a fiber optic equipment tray 20, the pull
`
`tab 54 of the desired fiber optic equipment tray 20 can be pulled forward to cause the
`
`fiber optic equipment tray 20 to extend forward out from the chassis 12, as illustrated in
`
`FIG. 7. The fiber optic module 22 can be removed from the fiber optic equipment tray
`
`20 as previously discussed. When access is completed, the fiber optic equipment tray 20
`
`can be pushed back into the chassis 12 wherein the tray rails 56 move within the tray
`
`guides 58 disposed in the chassis 12.
`
`[0051]
`
`FIG. 8 is a left perspective view of an exemplary tray guide 58 disposed in the
`
`chassis 12 of FIG. 1. As discussed above, the tray guides 58 are configured to receive
`
`fiber optic equipment trays 20 supporting one or more fiber optic modules 22 in the
`
`chassis 12. The tray guides 58 allow the fiber optic equipment trays 20 to be pulled out
`
`from the chassis 12, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The tray guide 58 in this embodiment is
`
`comprised of a guide panel 64. The guide panel 64 may be constructed out of any
`
`material desired, including but not limited to a polymer or metal. The guide panel 64
`
`contains a series of apertures 66 to facilitate attachment of the guide panel 64 to the
`
`chassis 12, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Guide members 68 are disposed in the guide panel 64
`
`and configured to receive the tray rail 56 of the fiber optic equipment tray 20. Three (3)
`
`guide members 68 are disposed in the guide panel 64 in the embodiment of FIG. 8 to be
`
`capable ofreceiving up to three (3) tray rails 56 of three (3) fiber optic equipment trays
`
`20 in a 1-U space. However, any number of guide members 68 desired may be provided
`
`in the tray guide 58 to cover sizes less than or greater than a 1-RU space.
`
`In this
`
`embodiment, the guide members 68 each include guide channels 70 configured to receive
`
`and allow tray rails 56 to move along the guide channels 70 for translation of the fiber
`
`optic equipment trays 20 about the chassis 12.
`
`[0052]
`
`Leaf springs 72 are disposed in each of the guide members 68 of the tray
`
`guide 58 and are each configured to provide stopping positions for the tray rails 56 during
`
`movement of the fiber optic equipment tray 20 in the guide members 68. The leaf
`
`springs 72 each contain detents 74 that are configured to receive protrusions 76 (FIG.
`
`11
`
`

`

`WO 2010/148325
`
`PCT/US2010/039210
`
`9A-9D) disposed in the tray rails 56 to provide stopping or resting positions. The tray
`
`rails 56 contain mounting platforms 75 that are used to attach the tray rails 56 to the fiber
`
`optic equipment trays 20. It may be desirable to provide stopping positions in the tray
`
`guide 56 to allow the fiber optic equipment trays 20 to have stopping positions when
`
`moved in and out of the chassis 12. Two (2) protrusions 76 in the tray rail 56 are
`
`disposed in two (2) detents 74 in the tray guide 58 at any given time. When the fiber
`
`optic equipment tray 20 is fully retracted into the chassis 12 in a first stopping position,
`
`the two (2) protrusions 76 of the tray rail 56 are disposed in the one detent 74 adjacent a
`
`rear end 77 of the guide channel 70 and the middle detent 74 disposed between the rear
`
`end 77 and a front end 78 of the guide channel 70. When the fiber optic