US010795107B2
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Pilon
`
`US 10,795,107 B2
`( 10 ) Patent No .:
`Oct. 6 , 2020
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`
`( 54 )
`
`MODULAR FIBER OPTIC CASSETTE ,
`SYSTEM AND METHOD
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`( 71 ) Applicant : BELDEN CANADA INC . ,
`Saint - Laurent ( CA )
`
`( 72 ) Inventor : Vincent Pilon , Lachine ( CA )
`
`( 73 ) Assignee : BELDEN CANADA ULC
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154 ( b ) by 0 days .
`
`( 21 ) Appl . No .: 16 / 143,831
`
`( 22 ) Filed :
`
`Sep. 27 , 2018
`
`( 65 )
`
`Prior Publication Data
`Apr. 4 , 2019
`US 2019/0101717 A1
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`( 60 ) Provisional application No. 62 / 567,339 , filed on Oct.
`3 , 2017
`
`( 51 ) Int . Ci .
`GO2B 6/44
`GO2B 6/46
`( 52 ) U.S. Cl .
`CPC
`
`( 2006.01 )
`( 2006.01 )
`
`G02B 6/4455 ( 2013.01 ) ; G02B 6/46
`( 2013.01 )
`
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`CPC
`GO2B 6/4455
`See application file for complete search history .
`
`4,792,203 A * 12/1988 Nelson
`7,331,722 B2 *
`2/2008 Tan
`
`7,509,015 B2 *
`
`3/2009 Murano
`
`8,913,866 B2 * 12/2014 Cote
`
`4/2015 Ramirez
`9,008,485 B2 *
`7/2015 Cote
`9,075,216 B2 *
`2/2019 Sedor
`10,215,944 B2 *
`5/2019 Mullsteff
`10,281,672 B1 *
`10,514,518 B1 * 12/2019 Livingston
`2002/0131730 A1 *
`9/2002 Keeble
`
`2007/0131628 A1 *
`
`6/2007 Mimlitch , III
`
`GO2B 6/24
`385/134
`GO2B 6/12026
`385/135
`GO2B 6/4453
`135/134
`GO2B 6/4453
`385/135
`GO2B 6/4452
`361/825
`GO2B 6/4452
`GO2B 6/3897
`GO2B 6/4452
`GO2B 6/4454
`GO2B 6/4201
`385/92
`A47B 47/024
`211/26
`
`( Continued )
`Primary Examiner Rhonda S Peace
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Lavery , De Billy , LLP ;
`Hugh Mansfield
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`A modular fiber optic cassette system , method and cassette
`is disclosed . The system comprises a case defining a tray
`receiving space and an opening to a tray receiving space , at
`least one tray slideably received within the case for move
`ment between a stored position wherein the tray is inside the
`case and an accessible position wherein a front end of the
`tray is in front of the opening and outside of the case , a
`plurality of fiber optic cassettes arrangeable side by side
`along the tray front end , a first of the cassettes comprising
`a first cassette width of one of one , two , three , four or six
`standard width units and a second of the cassettes compris
`ing a second cassette width different from the first cassette
`width and one of one , two , three , four or six standard width
`units , and a fastener assembly for removeably securing each
`of the cassettes to the tray .
`15 Claims , 13 Drawing Sheets
`
`14
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`20
`30
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`10
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`32
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`24
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`22
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`16
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`36
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`-48
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`52
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`54 .
`
`62
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`38
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`12
`
`

`

`US 10,795,107 B2
`Page 2
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2016/0033732 A1 *
`
`2/2016 Giraud
`
`2009/0290842 A1 * 11/2009 Bran de Leon ...... GO2B 6/4454
`385/135
`GO2B 6/4452
`385/135
`GO2B 6/3825
`385/56
`GO2B 6/4452
`GO2B 6/4455
`GO2B 6/4455
`GO2B 6/3897
`GO2B 6/4455
`
`2016/0062050 A1 *
`2019/0004268 A1
`2019/0101717 Al *
`2019/0107682 A1 *
`2019/0162924 A1 *
`2019/0187394 A1 *
`* cited by examiner
`
`3/2016 Giraud
`1/2019 Vogel
`4/2019 Pilon
`4/2019 Aramayo
`5/2019 Fontaine
`6/2019 Fontaine
`
`

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`Oct. 6 , 2020
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 10,795,107 B2
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`1
`MODULAR FIBER OPTIC CASSETTE ,
`SYSTEM AND METHOD
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`This Application claims priority under 35 USC § 119 ( e )
`of U.S. provisional application Ser . No. 62 / 567,339 filed on
`Oct. 3 , 2017 which is incorporated herein in its entirely by
`reference .
`
`5
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to a modular fiber optic
`cassette , system and method . In particular , the present 15
`invention relates to a fiber optic cassette comprising a width
`of one or more standard width units and such that fiber optic
`cassettes of different widths can be arranged on the same
`tray while optimizing the use of tray space .
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`2
`different widths is evenly divisible by the standard width
`unit , and releasably securing the selected cassettes along the
`front edge of the tray .
`There is also provided a modular fiber optic cassette for
`releasably securing to a tray fabricated from a ferrous metal .
`The cassette comprises an elongate rectangular optic fiber
`receiving housing , a plurality of optic plug receiving recep
`tacles arranged in a row along a front of the housing , a multi
`fiber connector receiving receptacle on a rear thereof , a
`10 plurality of optic fibers interconnecting a respective one of
`the optic plug receiving receptacles with the multi fiber
`connector receiving receptacle , and a magnet secured to an
`underside of the housing .
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG . 1 provides a right front perspective view of a
`modular fiber optic cassette and system mounted in a rack
`and in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the
`20 present invention ;
`FIGS . 2A and 2B provide respectively a raised right front
`perspective view and a lowered right front perspective view
`of a modular fiber optic
`ssette in accordance with an
`The prior art discloses fiber optic cassettes or splice boxes
`illustrative embodiment of the present invention ;
`for use in terminating fiber optic trunk cables and splitting
`FIG . 3 provides a front plan view of a modular fiber optic
`them out to patch cables which are removeably arranged on 25
`cassette system mounted in a rack in accordance with an
`tray systems within a rack mounted case . One drawback of
`illustrative embodiment of the present invention ;
`these cassettes and tray systems is that they are typically
`FIGS . 4A through 4D provide raised right front perspec
`preconfigured to terminate fiber optic cables comprising a
`tive views of a tray populated with respectively six ( 6 ) , four
`single predetermined number of optic fibers . Another draw
`back is that cassettes which are used to terminate fiber optic 30 ( 4 ) , three ( 3 ) and two ( 2 ) cassettes of different widths ;
`cables comprising different numbers of optic fibers are
`FIGS . 5A , 5B and 5C provide front plan views of a
`generally incompatible with one another and additionally
`modular fiber optic cassette and system mounted in a rack
`require trays with different spacing , securing mechanisms
`respectively in accordance with first , second and third alter
`native embodiments of the present invention ;
`and the like .
`FIGS . 6A and 6B provide respectively a raised right front
`perspective view and a lowered right front perspective view
`of a modular fiber optic cassette in accordance with an
`alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention ;
`In order to address the above and other drawbacks there
`and
`is provided a modular fiber optic cassette system . The
`FIGS . 7A and 7B provide respectively a raised right front
`system comprises a case comprising a top and a bottom wall 40
`perspective view of a tray comprising a plurality modular
`and two opposed side walls , each of the sidewalls attached
`fiber optic cassettes and a pair of cable management brackets
`between respective side edges of the top and bottom wall ,
`and lowered right front perspective view of a cable man
`the walls together defining a tray receiving space there
`agement bracket in accordance with a second alternative
`between and a forward edge of each the wall together
`defining an opening to the tray receiving space , at least one 45 illustrative embodiment of the present invention .
`tray slideably received within the tray receiving space for
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`movement between a stored position wherein the tray is
`completely inside the tray receiving space and an accessible
`ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
`position wherein a front end of the tray is in front of the
`opening and outside of the tray receiving space , a set of fiber 50
`Referring now to FIG . 1 , a modular cassette system ,
`optic cassettes , a selected plurality of the cassettes arrange
`generally referred to using the reference numeral 10 , will
`able side by side along the tray front end wherein each of the
`now be described . The modular cassette comprises a slide
`cassettes comprises a plurality of optic plug receiving recep
`able tray 12 illustratively mounted within a case 14. The case
`tacles arranged side by side in a row along a front thereof ,
`14 comprises a top wall 16 , a bottom wall 18 and a pair of
`a first of the set of cassettes comprising a first cassette width 55 opposed side walls 20 defining a tray receiving space 22
`of one of one , two , three , four and six standard width units
`therebetween . The case 14 is illustratively mounted to the
`and a second of the cassettes comprising a second cassette
`rails 24 of a rack via a pair of mounting brackets 26 wherein
`width different from the first cassette width and one of one ,
`one of the brackets 26 is attached to an outer surface 28 of
`two , three , four and six standard width units , and a fastener
`a respective one of the sidewalls 20. The front edges 30 of
`for removeably securing each of the cassettes to the tray .
`60 the walls 16 , 18 , 20 define an opening via which the tray
`Additionally , there is provided a method for organising a
`receiving space 22 can be accessed . In a particular illustrated
`tray comprising a front edge in a fiber optic interconnect
`embodiment the system 10 is shown for mounting in a 19 "
`system . The method comprises defining a standard width
`rack , however in a particular embodiment the system 10 ,
`unit wherein a width of the front edge is substantially evenly
`with suitable modifications , may be mounted equally in a
`divisible by the standard width unit , selecting a plurality of 65 cross connect system , fiber bay or wall mount or the like .
`cassettes for installation on the tray from a set of cassettes
`Referring to FIGS . 2A and 2B in addition to FIG . 1 , the
`having a plurality of different widths , wherein each of the
`tray 12 receives a plurality of removable fiber optic module
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`35
`
`

`

`US 10,795,107 B2
`
`4
`3
`Still referring to FIGS . 3 , 4A through 4D in addition to
`or cassettes 32 arranged side by side on an upper surface 34
`FIG . 1 , a person of ordinary skill in the art will now
`thereof . In a first embodiment each fiber optic cassette 32 is
`understand that the disclosed system of cassettes 32 can be
`secured to the tray 12 using a fastener comprising tabs 36 of
`used to accommodate optic fiber cables 58 comprising
`inverted “ T ” cross section which engage with respective
`slots 38 machined or otherwise formed in the tray 12. A 5 different numbers of optic fibers 62 while ensuring that the
`same number of optic fibers 62 are accessible via the
`flexible tab 40 is also provided which comprises a boss 42
`exposed receptacles 54 .
`that engages a respective aperture 44 machined or otherwise
`Referring back to FIG . 1 , the spacing between adjacent
`formed in the tray 12 when the tabs 36 are engaged within
`slots 38 as well as the spacing between adjacent apertures 44
`their respective slots 38 , thereby releasably securing the
`cassette 32 to the tray 12. In order to better orient the cassette 10 conforms to the standardised width unit W and such that the
`2 W , 3 W , 4 W and 6 W cassettes 32 can be readily
`36 on the tray during installation , the tray 12 comprises a
`accommodated on the tray .
`raised shoulder 46 which is received within a channel 48
`Referring now to FIG . 5A , in a first alternative embodi
`moulded or otherwise formed in an underside 50 of the
`ment of the system each receptacle modules 52 comprises a
`15 duplex type module arranged vertically . Additionally in a
`cassette 32 .
`Still referring to FIGS . 2A and 2B , each cassette 32
`first cassette size four ( 4 ) of such duplex modules 52 are
`illustratively comprises a plurality of receptacle modules 52
`provided to provide for eight ( 8 ) receptacles 54 for termi
`each comprising a plurality of receptacles 54 , illustratively
`nating a fiber optic cable ( not shown ) comprised of eight ( 8 )
`LC Quad type receptacles , arranged in a row and exposed
`optic fibers . Similar to the first embodiment discussed
`along a forward edge 56 of the cassette 32. The cassette 32 20 above , sizes for twelve ( 12 ) , sixteen ( 16 ) and twenty four
`also illustratively terminates a fiber optic cable 58 , such as
`( 24 ) receptacles are also provided . Again , as the width of the
`a trunk cable or the like , comprising a plurality of optic
`cassettes is an integer multiple of the same pitch / width ,
`fibers at a multi - fiber connector receiving receptacle 60 on
`cassettes of different widths can be used in the same tray
`a rearward edge . Each optic fiber of the fiber optic cable 58
`system or in some cases on the same tray without modifi
`is interconnected with a respective one of the receptacles 54 25 cation or changing the density of the receptacles 54 for
`using an optic fiber segment 62 comprising a receptacle end
`terminating optic fibres .
`which is terminated by a plug 64. The segments 62 , which
`Referring now to FIG . 5B , in a second alternative embodi
`are typically longer than the distance between the forward
`ment of the system each receptacle modules 52 comprises a
`edge and the rearward edge , are typically looped several
`Quad type module arranged vertically . In a first cassette size
`times within the cassette 32 , for example in a serpentine or 30 two ( 2 ) of such quad modules 52 are provided to provide for
`the like . A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand
`eight ( 8 ) receptacles 54 for terminating a fiber optic cable
`that an optic fiber terminated with a plug ( not shown )
`( not shown ) comprised of eight ( 8 ) optic fibers . Cassettes
`inserted into a selected one of the receptacles 54 will
`comprising three ( 3 ) , four ( 4 ) and six ( 6 ) quad type modules
`interconnect the optic fiber with a selected optic fiber
`52 are provided to provide respectively twelve ( 12 ) , sixteen
`35 ( 16 ) and twenty - four ( 24 ) receptacles . Again , as the width of
`segment 62 .
`Referring now to FIG . 3 and FIGS . 4A through 4D , as
`the cassettes is an integer multiple of the same pitch / width ,
`discussed above , each cassette 32 illustratively comprises a
`cassettes of different widths can be used in the same tray
`plurality of receptacle modules 52 each comprising four ( 4 )
`system or in some cases on the same tray without modifi
`receptacles 54. It is foreseen to provide a set of four ( 4 )
`cation or changing the density of the receptacles 54 for
`different cassette sizes to accommodate terminating fiber 40 terminating optic fibres .
`optic cables comprising different number of optic fibers .
`Referring now to FIG . 5C , in a third alternative embodi
`Each of the different cassette sizes of the set is based on an
`ment of the system each receptacle modules 52 comprises a
`integer multiple of a standardised pitch or width unit W duplex type module arranged horizontally in two rows . In a
`wherein one standardized width unit accommodates a single
`first cassette size four ( 4 ) of such duplex modules 52 are
`receptacle module 52 comprising four ( 4 ) receptacles 54. 45 provided to provide for eight ( 8 ) receptacles 54 for termi
`Illustratively , a 2 W cassette 32 comprising two ( 2 ) modules
`nating a fiber optic cable ( not shown ) comprised of eight ( 8 )
`52 accom mmodating eight ( 8 ) optic fibers ( FIG . 4A ) is pro
`optic fibers . Cassettes comprising six ( 6 ) , eight ( 8 ) and
`vided , a 3 W cassette 32 comprising three ( 3 ) modules 52
`twelve ( 12 ) duplex type modules 52 are provided to provide
`accommodating twelve ( 12 ) optic fibers ( FIG . 4B ) is pro
`respectively twelve ( 12 ) , sixteen ( 16 ) and twenty - four ( 24 )
`vided , a 4 W cassette 32 comprising four ( 4 ) modules 52 50 receptacles . Again , as the width of the cassettes is an integer
`accommodating sixteen ( 16 ) optic fibers ( FIG . 4C ) is pro
`multiple of the same pitch / width , cassettes of different
`vided and a 6 W cassette 32 comprising six ( 6 ) modules 52
`widths can be used in the same tray system or in some cases
`accommodating twenty - four ( 24 ) optic fibers ( FIG . 4D ) is
`on the same tray without modification or changing the
`provided for . The 2 W , 3 W , 4 W and 6 W cassettes 32 are
`density of the receptacles 54 for terminating optic fibres .
`typically used only with like cassettes 32 as illustrated and 55
`Referring now to FIGS . 6A and 6B in addition to FIG . 1 ,
`such that respectively six ( 6 ) , four ( 4 ) , three ( 3 ) and two ( 2 )
`in an alternative embodiment of an assembly for securing
`cassettes fit snuggly side by side on the 12 W tray , although
`the cassettes 32 to the tray 12 the tray 12 is manufactured
`in a particular embodiment cassettes 32 of different widths
`from a ferrous material such as steel or the like and the
`fastener comprises a magnet 66 which is attracted to the tray
`could be used together .
`Although the present illustrative embodiment In a par- 60 and embedded or otherwise secured within a recess 68
`ticular embodiment the pitch / width W is based on a LC
`formed in the underside 50 of the cassette 32. The tray 12 ,
`Quad ( SC Duplex ) technology footprint comprising four ( 4 )
`further comprises a series of spaced slots 70 arranged along
`connectors , in an alternative embodiment the pitch / width W the raised shoulder 46 which engage bosses 72 to ensure
`could be based on a different technology footprint , including
`correct positioning of the cassettes 32 on the tray 12 .
`SC Duplex comprising two ( 2 ) connectors and MPO type 65
`Referring now to FIG . 7A in a second alternative illus
`connectors comprising inter alia multiple optic fibers such as
`trative embodiment other equipment , such as a cable man
`agement bracket 74 can be provided with the same width W
`MPO - 12 , MPO - 16 and MPO - 24 .
`
`

`

`US 10,795,107 B2
`
`25
`
`6
`5
`plug receiving receptacles arranged side by side in a row
`and such that they can be mounted to together with the
`along a front thereof for each standard width unit .
`cassettes 32 to the tray 12. In this regard , and with reference
`5. The modular fiber optic cassette system of claim 1 ,
`to FIG . 7B in addition to FIG . 7 , the cable management
`wherein said system is for mounting in a rack and further
`bracket 74 is provided with tabs 76 comprising an inverted
`“ T ” cross section which engage with engage a slot 38 on the 5 comprising a pair of mounting brackets , one of said brackets
`tray 12. A flexible tab 78 is provided which comprises a boss
`attached to each of said sidewalls on either side of an outside
`80 that engages one of the apertures 44 in the tray 12 when
`of said case , said mounting brackets for securing said case
`the tab 76 is engaged within its respective slot 38 , thereby
`to the rack .
`releasable securing the cable management bracket 74 to the
`6. The modular fiber optic cassette system of claim 1 ,
`tray 12. In order to better orient the cable management 10 wherein said tray is manufactured from a ferrous metal and
`bracket 74 on the tray during installation , the raised shoulder
`said fastener comprises a magnet .
`46 of the tray 12 is received within a channel 82 moulded or
`7. The modular fiber optic cassette system of claim 1 ,
`otherwise formed in the underside 84 of the cable manage
`further comprising at least one elongate cable management
`ment bracket 74. Additionally , each cable management
`bracket 74 includes a cable management loop 86 for receiv- 15 bracket comprising a cable management loop and a fastener
`for removeably securing said at least one bracket to said tray ,
`ing a plurality of optic fibres ( not shown ) which are termi
`said bracket having a bracket width of one of said standard
`nated at respective ones of the receptacles 54. A flexible strip
`width units and further wherein when installed on said tray
`88 across the mouth of the cable management loop 86 is
`provided to releasably retain the plurality of optic fibers
`adjacent an installed one of said cassettes , said cable man
`20 agement loop is positioned in front of and to a side of said
`within the loop 86 .
`Although the present invention has been described here
`plurality of optic plug receiving receptacles of said installed
`inabove by way of specific embodiments thereof , it can be
`cassette .
`modified , without departing from the spirit and nature of the
`8. A method for organising a tray comprising a front edge
`subject invention as defined in the appended claims .
`in a fiber optic interconnect system , the method comprising :
`The invention claimed is :
`defining a standard width unit wherein a width of the front
`1. A modular fiber optic cassette system , the system
`edge is substantially evenly divisible by said standard
`comprising :
`width unit ;
`a case comprising a top and a bottom wall and two
`selecting a plurality of cassettes for installation on the tray
`opposed side walls , each of said sidewalls attached
`from a set of cassettes having a plurality of different
`between respective side edges of said top and bottom 30
`widths , wherein each of said different widths is evenly
`wall , said walls together defining a tray receiving space
`divisible by said standard width unit ; and
`there between and a forward edge of each said wall
`releasably securing said selected cassettes along the front
`together defining an opening to said tray receiving
`edge of the tray ;
`space ;
`wherein when arranged on the tray each of said selected
`at least one tray slideably received within said tray 35
`cassettes touches at least one other selected cassette .
`receiving space for movement between a stored posi
`9. The method for organising a tray of claim 8 , wherein
`tion wherein said tray is completely inside said tray
`receiving space and an accessible position wherein a
`said set of cassettes comprises cassettes comprising widths
`of one , two , three , four and six standard width units .
`front end of said tray is in front of said opening and
`outside of said tray receiving space ;
`10. The method for organising a tray of claim 8 , wherein
`a set of fiber optic cassettes , a selected plurality of the
`said selected cassettes all comprise the same width .
`cassettes arrangeable side by side along said tray front
`11. The method for organising a tray of claim 8 , wherein
`end wherein each of said cassettes comprises a plurality
`said selected cassettes comprise a first cassette having a first
`of optic plug receiving receptacles arranged side by
`width and a second cassette having a second width different
`side in a row along a front thereof , a first of said set of 45 from said first width .
`cassettes comprising a first cassette width of one of one ,
`12. The method for organising a tray of claim 8 , wherein
`two , three , four and six standard width units and a
`the width of the front edge is substantially evenly divisible
`second of said cassettes comprising a second cassette
`by a maximum of twelve ( 12 ) of said standard width units .
`width different from said first cassette width and one of
`13. The method for organising a tray of claim 12 , wherein
`one , two , three , four and six standard width units ; and 50 said selected cassettes further comprise a third cassette
`a fastener for removeably securing each of said cassettes
`comprising a third width different from said first width and
`to said tray
`said second width .
`wherein when arranged on said at least one tray each of
`14. A modular fiber optic cassette for releasably securing
`said fiber optic cassettes touches at least one other fiber
`to a tray fabricated from a ferrous metal and comprising a
`55 plurality of spaced slots , the cassette comprising :
`optic cassette .
`2. The modular fiber optic cassette system of claim 1 ,
`an elongate rectangular optic fiber receiving housing ;
`wherein said tray has a width dimensioned to receive at least
`a plurality of optic plug receiving receptacles arranged in
`a row along a front of said housing ;
`twelve standard width units side by side .
`3. The modular fiber optic cassette system of claim 1 ,
`a multi fiber connector receiving receptacle on a rear
`wherein each of said cassettes comprises a multi fiber 60
`thereof ;
`connector receiving receptacle arranged on a rear thereof
`a plurality of optic fibers interconnecting a respective one
`and a plurality of optic fibers , one of said optic fibers
`of said optic plug receiving receptacles with said multi
`interconnecting a respective one of said optic plug receiving
`fiber connector receiving receptacle ;
`receptacles with said multi fiber connector receiving recep
`a magnet secured to an underside of said housing ; and
`a pair of stabilizing bosses on said underside of said
`tacle .
`4. The modular fiber optic cassette system of claim 1 ,
`housing , each of said bosses on opposite sides of said
`wherein each of said cassettes comprises four fiber optic
`magnet ;
`
`40
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`65
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`

`US 10,795,107 B2
`
`7
`wherein when said cassette is placed on said tray , each of
`said bosses engages a respective one of said spaced
`slots .
`15. The modular fiber optic cassette of claim 14 , wherein
`the tray has a tray width substantially evenly divisible by a
`plurality of standard width units , wherein a plurality of the
`modular cassettes are arrangeable side by side along a front
`end of the tray and further wherein said cassette comprise a
`cassette width of one of one , two , three , four and six
`standard width units .
`
`5
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`10
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`8
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`