( 54 ) MODULE AND ASSEMBLY FOR FIBER
`OPTIC INTERCONNECTIONS
`( 71 ) Applicant : CommScope , Inc . of North Carolina ,
`Hickory , NC ( US )
`( 72 ) Inventor : Richard L . Case , Omaha , NE ( US )
`( 73 ) Assignee : CommScope , Inc . of North Carolina ,
`Hickory , NC ( US )
`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 . : 14 / 995 , 966
`( 22 ) Filed :
`Jan . 14 , 2016
`( 65 )
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2016 / 0209614 A1 Jul . 21 , 2016
`Related U . S . Application Data
`( 60 ) Provisional application No . 62 / 103 , 850 , filed on Jan .
`15 , 2015 .
`Int . Ci .
`GO2B 6 / 44
`( 2006 . 01 )
`GO2B 6 / 38
`( 2006 . 01 )
`U . S . Cl .
`CPC . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; GO2B 6 / 3897
`( 2013 . 01 )
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`. GO2B 6 / 3897 ; GO2B 6 / 4452
`??? . . . . . . . . . . .
`See application file for complete search history .
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2 , 773 , 940 A *
`12 / 1956 Lebedinsky . . . . . . . . . . . . H04Q 1 / 04
`370 / 200
`3 , 833 , 840 A *
`9 / 1974 Sinden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H04Q 1 / 142
`H .
`361 / 730
`
`( 51 )
`
`( 52 )
`
`( 56 )
`
`| HAI LALA AT MATALA UN DA A MAN NA HATI
`
`US009885845B2
`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Case
`
`( 10 ) Patent No . :
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`
`US 9 , 885 , 845 B2
`Feb . 6 , 2018
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`4 , 510 , 565 A *
`4 / 1985 Dummermuth . . . G05B 19 / 4147
`700 / 169
`4 , 536 , 052 A *
`8 / 1985 Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`H04Q 1 / 06
`361 / 827
`4 , 824 , 196 A *
`4 / 1989 Bylander . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3821
`385 / 134
`4 , 989 , 317 A
`*
`2 / 1991 Firl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B41J 2 / 14072
`174 / 535
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`5 , 093 , 885 A *
`3 / 1992 Anton
`GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 134
`5 , 175 , 673 A * 12 / 1992 Roger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H04Q 1 / 14
`174 / 382
`5 , 289 , 558 A *
`2 / 1994 Teichler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`174 / 50
`5 , 323 , 454 A *
`6 / 1994 Shay . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`HO2G 15 / 076
`174 / 59
`5 , 401 , 193 A *
`3 / 1995 Lo Cicero . . . . . . . . . . HOIR 13 / 518
`361 / 823
`5 , 420 , 958 A *
`5 / 1995 Henson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3806
`385 / 135
`( Continued )
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2001119177 A
`*
`4 / 2001
`W O 2009045396 A2 *
`4 / 2009
`( Continued )
`
`GO2B 6 / 4454
`
`JP
`WO
`
`Primary Examiner - Peter Radkowski
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Merchant & Gould P . C .
`
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`A module for interconnecting fiber optic cables and / or cords
`includes : a housing having a rear wall ; a plurality of MPO
`adapters mounted in the rear wall ; and forty - eight fiber optic
`adapters mounted to a front portion of the housing , the
`duplex adapters being operatively connected with the MPO
`adapters .
`
`10 Claims , 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`De
`
`E
`
`PIE
`
`IL
`
`

`

`US 9 , 885 , 845 B2
`Page 2
`
`( 56 )
`
`:
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5 , 448 , 675 A *
`9 / 1995 Leone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G02B 6 / 43
`324 / 66
`5 , 461 , 693 A * 10 / 1995 Pimpinella . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 134
`5 , 473 , 717 A * 12 / 1995 Baptiste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3897
`385 / 56
`5 , 511 , 144 A *
`4 / 1996 Hawkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 134
`5 , 566 , 836 A * 10 / 1996 Lerman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HO5K 7 / 186
`211 / 189
`5 , 575 , 668 A * 11 / 1996 Timmerman . . .
`A47B 21 / 06
`174 / 482
`5 , 613 , 030 A *
`3 / 1997 Hoffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`5 , 638 , 481 A *
`6 / 1997 Arnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3817
`385 / 135
`5 , 639 , 261 A *
`6 / 1997 Rutkowski . . .
`GO2B 6 / 4452
`439 / 31
`5 , 642 , 447 A *
`6 / 1997 Pan . . .
`GO2B 6 / 2746
`385 / 11
`5 , 659 , 648 A *
`8 / 1997 Knapp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 1221
`385 / 129
`5 , 659 , 650 A *
`8 / 1997 Arnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3817
`385 / 135
`5 , 664 , 955 A *
`9 / 1997 Arnett
`Arnett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3817
`174 / 67
`5 , 708 , 742 A *
`1 / 1998 Beun . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`GO2B 6 / 3897
`385 / 134
`5 , 712 , 942 A *
`1 / 1998 Jennings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H04B 10 / 079
`385 / 134
`5 , 734 , 776 A *
`3 / 1998 Puetz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4442
`385 / 134
`5 , 737 , 475 A *
`4 / 1998 Regester . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4454
`385 / 134
`5 , 788 , 087 A *
`8 / 1998 Orlando
`. . . . H04Q 1 / 13
`211 / 26
`5 , 793 , 909 A *
`8 / 1998 Leone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H04B 10 / 071
`385 / 134
`5 , 901 , 033 A *
`5 / 1999 Crawford . .
`HO2B 1 / 32
`174 / 51
`5 , 959 , 767 A *
`9 / 1999 Fatehi . . .
`H04Q 11 / 0005
`359 / 337 . 11
`5 , 969 , 294 A * 10 / 1999 Eberle . .
`GO2B 6 / 3825
`174 / 57
`5 , 984 , 720 A * 11 / 1999 Milner
`GO2B 6 / 3897
`439 / 534
`6 , 024 , 610 A *
`2 / 2000 Schaffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`439 / 719
`6 , 088 , 497 A *
`7 / 2000 Phillips
`GO2B 6 / 28
`385 / 134
`6 , 175 , 079 B1 *
`1 / 2001 Johnston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`174 / 50
`6 , 195 , 493 B1 *
`2 / 2001 Bridges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 134
`6 , 208 , 796 B1 *
`3 / 2001 Williams
`Vigliaturo . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4453
`324 / 66
`4 / 2001 Reitmeier . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4441
`385 / 134
`6 / 2001 Johnston . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3897
`385 / 135
`7 / 2001 Crosby , Jr . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3807
`385 / 134
`8 / 2001 BuAbbud . . .
`GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`9 / 2001 Wild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3897
`385 / 55
`12 / 2001 Bhalla . . . . . . . . . . . . . H04Q 11 / 0005
`398 / 163
`7 / 2002 Puetz
`GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`
`6 , 215 , 938 B1 *
`6 , 250 , 816 B1 *
`6 , 259 , 850 B1 *
`6 , 278 , 829 B1 *
`6 , 293 , 707 B1 *
`6 , 327 , 059 B1 *
`6 , 424 , 781 B1 *
`
`6 , 487 , 356 B1 * 11 / 2002 Harrison . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`6 , 489 , 565 B1 * 12 / 2002 Krietzman . . . . . . . . . . . . HO2G 3 / 045
`174 / 101
`6 , 524 , 134 B2 *
`2 / 2003 Flickinger . . . . . . . . . . . HO5K 9 / 0058
`439 / 607 . 2
`6 , 535 , 682 B1 *
`3 / 2003 Puetz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`6 , 537 , 106 B1 *
`3 / 2003 Follingstad . . . . . . . . . . HOIR 13 / 518
`439 / 534
`6 , 565 , 260 B2 *
`5 / 2003 Belaidi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4466
`385 / 135
`6 , 579 , 014 B2 *
`6 / 2003 Melton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3825
`385 / 55
`6 , 584 , 267 B1 *
`6 / 2003 Caveney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 134
`6 , 587 , 630 B2 *
`7 / 2003 Spence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4471
`385 / 134
`6 , 616 , 344 B1 *
`9 / 2003 Van Deventer . . . . H04Q 11 / 0005
`385 / 135
`6 , 631 , 237 B2 *
`10 / 2003 Knudsen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`174 / 50
`6 , 668 , 127 B1 * 12 / 2003 Mahony . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4451
`385 / 135
`6 , 758 , 600 B2 *
`7 / 2004 Del Grosso . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4471
`385 / 59
`6 , 760 , 531 B1 *
`7 / 2004 Solheid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`6 , 761 , 585 B2 * 7 / 2004 Clark
`HOIR 13 / 518
`439 / 540 . 1
`6 , 766 , 095 B1 *
`7 / 2004 Bjorklund . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`6 , 804 , 447 B2 * 10 / 2004 Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`GO2B 6 / 4453
`385 / 134
`6 , 809 , 258 B1 * 10 / 2004 Dang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`HOUG 15 / 117
`174 / 50
`6 , 824 , 312 B2 *
`11 / 2004 McClellan . . . . . . . . . . . HO5K 7 / 1448
`385 / 53
`6 , 850 , 685 B2 *
`2 / 2005 Tinucci . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4455
`385 / 134
`6 , 866 , 541 B2 *
`3 / 2005 Barker
`GO2B 6 / 4452
`439 / 540 . 1
`6 , 869 , 227 B2 *
`3 / 2005 Del Grosso . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4471
`385 / 71
`6 , 870 , 095 B1 *
`3 / 2005 Whitted
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`H04Q 1 / 066
`174 / 135
`6 , 881 , 076 B2 *
`4 / 2005 Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H04Q 1 / 146
`333 / 260
`6 , 885 , 564 B2 *
`4 / 2005 Hockett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GOOF 1 / 181
`174 / 50
`6 , 916 , 199 B2 *
`7 / 2005 Follingstad . . . . . . . . . . HOIR 13 / 518
`385 / 75
`6 , 944 , 389 B2 *
`9 / 2005 Giraud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4455
`385 / 134
`6 , 955 , 479 B2 * 10 / 2005 Erdman . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3871
`385 / 78
`6 , 974 , 348 B2 * 12 / 2005 Bentley . . . . . .
`H04Q 1 / 13
`439 / 540 . 1
`6 , 980 , 725 B1 * 12 / 2005 Swieconek . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`6 , 981 , 893 B2 *
`1 / 2006 Barker
`GO2B 6 / 4452
`439 / 540 . 1
`6 , 983 , 095 B2 *
`1 / 2006 Reagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`7 , 070 , 459 B2 *
`7 / 2006 Denovich
`H04Q 1 / 13
`385 / 134
`7 , 088 , 899 B2 *
`8 / 2006 Reagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`7 , 094 , 095 B1 * 8 / 2006 Caveney . . . .
`GO2B 6 / 3897
`385 / 134
`7 , 103 , 255 B2 *
`9 / 2006 Reagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`7 , 118 , 286 B2 * 10 / 2006 Gurreri . . . . . . . . . .
`GO2B 6 / 3831
`385 / 58
`7 , 142 , 764 B2 * 11 / 2006 Allen
`GO2B 6 / 4454
`385 / 134
`
`

`

`US 9 , 885 , 845 B2
`Page 3
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`7 , 146 , 089 B2 * 12 / 2006 Reagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G02B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`7 , 147 , 383 B2 *
`12 / 2006 Sullivan . . . . . . .
`GO2B 6 / 4472
`385 / 55
`7 , 171 , 102 B2 *
`1 / 2007 Reagan . . . .
`GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`7 , 182 , 523 B2 *
`2 / 2007 Abendschein . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3831
`385 / 56
`7 , 188 , 415 B2 *
`3 / 2007 Robinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4471
`174 / 154
`7 , 200 , 317 B2 *
`4 / 2007 Reagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G02B 6 / 4452
`385 / 134
`7 , 207 , 835 B2 *
`4 / 2007 Levesque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H04Q 1 / 066
`439 / 540 . 1
`7 , 220 , 145 B2 *
`5 / 2007 Denovich . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`439 / 540 . 1
`7 , 233 , 731 B2 *
`6 / 2007 Solheid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3849
`385 / 135
`7 , 244 , 144 B2 *
`7 / 2007 Follingstad . . . . . . . . . . HOIR 13 / 518
`439 / 534
`7 , 300 , 308 B2 * 11 / 2007 Laursen . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3897
`439 / 540 . 1
`7 , 302 , 153 B2 * 11 / 2007 Thom . . . . . .
`. . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 134
`7 , 306 , 468 B2 * 12 / 2007 Baker . . . . . . .
`H04Q 1 / 146
`439 / 620 . 08
`7 , 315 , 681 B2 *
`1 / 2008 Kewitsch . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4457
`385 / 135
`7 , 325 , 976 B2 *
`2 / 2008 Gurreri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3831
`385 / 58
`7 , 335 , 056 B1 *
`2 / 2008 Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOIR 13 / 518
`439 / 534
`7 , 357 , 667 B2 *
`4 / 2008 Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H04Q 1 / 136
`439 / 540 . 1
`7 , 367 , 823 B2 *
`5 / 2008 Rapp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4453
`439 / 137
`7 , 393 , 243 B2 *
`7 / 2008 Caveney . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOIR 25 / 16
`439 / 540 . 1
`7 , 416 , 347 B2 *
`8 / 2008 Livingston . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3831
`385 / 53
`7 , 439 , 449 B1 * 10 / 2008 Kumar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4292
`174 / 254
`7 , 455 , 548 B2 * 11 / 2008 Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`HOIR 13 / 518
`439 / 247
`7 , 457 , 503 B2 * 11 / 2008 Solheid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3849
`385 / 135
`7 , 488 , 205 B2 *
`2 / 2009 Spisany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H04Q 1 / 13
`385 / 135
`7 , 563 , 102 B2 *
`7 / 2009 Nordin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H04Q 1 / 136
`439 / 49
`7 , 623 , 749 B2 * 11 / 2009 Reagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`7 , 651 , 277 B2 *
`1 / 2010 Gurreri
`B29D 11 / 0075
`385 / 58
`7 , 668 , 430 B2 *
`2 / 2010 McClellan . . . . . . . . . . . HO5K 7 / 1448
`385 / 134
`7 , 689 , 079 B2 *
`3 / 2010 Burnham . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4453
`385 / 15
`7 , 760 , 516 B2 *
`7 / 2010 Johnson , Jr . . . . . . . . . . HO5K 7 / 1457
`361 / 600
`7 , 762 , 839 B2 *
`7 / 2010 Chen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOIR 4 / 2416
`439 / 540 . 1
`7 , 821 , 792 B2 * 10 / 2010 Belady
`HO5K 1 / 14
`. . . . . . . . . . . .
`361 / 679 . 01
`7 , 844 , 159 B2 * 11 / 2010 Solheid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3849
`385 / 135
`7 , 874 , 869 B2 *
`1 / 2011 Chern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOIR 13 / 518
`439 / 540 . 1
`7 , 945 , 138 B2 *
`5 / 2011 Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`GO2B 6 / 4454
`385 / 135
`8 , 014 , 171 B2 *
`9 / 2011 Kelly
`H04Q 1 / 064
`. . . . . . . . . . .
`361 / 810
`
`6 / 2012 German . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3895
`8 , 203 , 450 B2 *
`340 / 10 . 1
`4 / 2013 Dunwoody . . . . . . . . . . HO5K 7 / 1491
`8 , 410 , 364 B2 *
`174 / 68 . 1
`8 , 576 , 580 B2 * 11 / 2013 Kelly
`3 Kelly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H04Q 1 / 064
`361 / 825
`9 , 042 , 699 B2 *
`5 / 2015 Barry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`361 / 826
`2001 / 0001270 A1 *
`5 / 2001 Williams
`Vigliaturo . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4453
`385 / 135
`9 / 2002 Knudsen . . . . .
`GO2B 6 / 4452
`2002 / 0125800 A1 *
`312 / 223 . 6
`2002 / 0181896 A1 * 12 / 2002 McClellan . . . . . . . . . . . HO5K 7 / 1448
`385 / 88
`2003 / 0113086 Al *
`6 / 2003 Jun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`GO2B 6 / 3897
`385 / 135
`2003 / 0129871 A1 *
`7 / 2003 Follingstad . . . . . . . . . . HO1R 13 / 518
`439 / 534
`2003 / 0174996 A1 *
`9 / 2003 Henschel . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 2804
`385 / 135
`2003 / 0185535 A1 * 10 / 2003 Tinucci . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4455
`385 / 134
`2003 / 0194187 A1 * 10 / 2003 Simmons . . . . . . . . . . B60R 16 / 0215
`385 / 53
`2004 / 0022494 A1 *
`2 / 2004 Liddle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3636
`385 / 48
`2004 / 0086252 A1 *
`5 / 2004 Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4453
`385 / 135
`2004 / 0114326 A1 *
`6 / 2004 Dodgen . . . . . . . . . . . . HO5K 7 / 206
`361 / 694
`2004 / 0184741 Al *
`9 / 2004 Del Grosso . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4471
`385 / 71
`2004 / 0209515 A1 * 10 / 2004 Caveney . . . . . . . . . . . . HOIR 13 / 518
`439 / 540 . 1
`2005 / 0002633 A1 *
`1 / 2005 Solheid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3849
`385 / 135
`2005 / 0105873 Al *
`5 / 2005 Reagan
`GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`2005 / 0111800 A1 *
`5 / 2005 Cooke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4473
`385 / 100
`2005 / 0129375 A1 *
`6 / 2005 Elkins , II . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4472
`385 / 100
`2005 / 0129379 A1 *
`6 / 2005 Reagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`2005 / 0135770 Al *
`6 / 2005 McClellan . . . . . . . . . . . HO5K 7 / 1448
`385 / 135
`2005 / 0146828 A1 *
`7 / 2005 Baker . . . . . . .
`H04Q 1 / 146
`361 / 119
`2005 / 0175308 A1 *
`8 / 2005 Elkins , II . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4472
`385 / 135
`2005 / 0191010 A1 *
`9 / 2005 Gurreri . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3831
`385 / 58
`2005 / 0207134 A1 *
`9 / 2005 Belady . .
`. . . . . . . . . . HO5K 1 / 14
`361 / 796
`2005 / 0220393 A1 * 10 / 2005 Riester
`GO2B 6 / 4201
`385 / 15
`2006 / 0008231 A1 *
`1 / 2006 Reagan . . . .
`GO2B 6 / 3849
`385 / 135
`2006 / 0029334 A1 *
`2 / 2006 Quinby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3851
`385 / 59
`2006 / 0063436 A1 *
`3 / 2006 Gurreri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3831
`439 / 680
`2006 / 0133736 A1 *
`6 / 2006 Sullivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4472
`385 / 59
`2006 / 0165365 A1 *
`7 / 2006 Feustel . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`2006 / 0165366 Al *
`7 / 2006 Feustel . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 2804
`385 / 135
`2006 / 0193591 A1 *
`8 / 2006 Rapp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4453
`385 / 137
`2006 / 0203460 A1 *
`9 / 2006 Aviv
`HO5K 7 / 1492
`AVIV . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`Y 2006
`361 / 788
`2006 / 0269208 A1 * 11 / 2006 Allen
`GO2B 6 / 4471
`385 / 135
`
`

`

`US 9 , 885 , 845 B2
`Page 4
`
`( 56 )
`
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2007 / 0025674 A1 *
`2 / 2007 Kowalczyk . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3849
`385 / 134
`2007 / 0058641 Al *
`3 / 2007 Cicchetti . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H04L 49 / 357
`370 / 400
`2007 / 0104449 A1 *
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`GO2B 6 / 4452
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`2007 / 0131628 A1 *
`6 / 2007 Mimlitch , III . . . . . . . A47B 47 / 024
`211 / 26
`2007 / 0165995 A1 *
`7 / 2007 Reagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`2007 / 0184712 A1 *
`8 / 2007 Martich
`HOIR 13 / 74
`439 / 540 . 1
`2007 / 0189693 A1 *
`8 / 2007 Smrha . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
`385 / 135
`2008 / 0008436 A1 *
`1 / 2008 Reagan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 3849
`385 / 135
`2008 / 0008437 A1 *
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`1 / 2008 Reagan
`GO2B 6 / 3849
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`6 / 2008 Kelly
`H040 1 / 064
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`7 / 2008 Shifris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOIR 9 / 2416
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`2008 / 0247723 A1 * 10 / 2008 Herzog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4452
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`3 / 2009 Solheid . . . . . . . .
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`2009 / 0163043 A1 *
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`. . . . . . . . . . . . .
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`2009 / 0196563 A1 *
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`385 / 135
`2009 / 0236117 A1 *
`9 / 2009 Garza
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`H04Q 1 / 09
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`
`2009 / 0245743 A1 * 10 / 2009 Cote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GO2B 6 / 4454
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`2 / 2010 Russell
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`385 / 135
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`6 / 2010 Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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`6 / 2010 Chen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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`
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`WO 2009045396 A9 *
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`Wo
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`WO 2009091465 A3 *
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`WO 2010024842 A1 *
`3 / 2010
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`* cited by examiner
`
`. . . . . .
`. . . . . . . . . . .
`
`

`

`atent
`
`Feb . 6 , 2018
`
`Sheet lof 5
`
`US 9 , 885 , 845 B2
`
`??? III
`
`FIG 1
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`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Feb . 6 , 2018
`
`Sheet 2 of 5
`
`US 9 , 885 , 845 B2
`
`DDDD2DPDF
`
`aºs
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`FIG . 2
`
`FIG . 3
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb . 6 , 2018
`Feb.6, 2018
`
`Sheet 3 of 5
`Sheet 3 of 5
`
`| US 9 . 885 , 845 B2
`US 9,885,845 B2
`
`
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`Page 7
`
`CommScope Ex. 1036
`
`

`

`U . S . Patent
`
`Feb . 6 , 2018
`
`Sheet 4 of 5
`
`US 9 , 885 , 845 B2
`
`n
`
`54
`
`30
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`01
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`1 . PROBLEM
`
`( 01 - 12
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`FIG . 5
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`

`

`atent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.6, 2018
`Feb . 6 , 2018
`
`Sheet 5 of 5
`Sheet 5 0f 5
`
`?
`
`US 9 , 885 , 845 B2
`
`FIG . 7
`
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`US 9,885,845 B2
`
`Page 9
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`CommScope Ex. 1036
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`

`

`US 9 , 885 , 845 B2
`
`5
`
`modules is configured to be oriented in the shelf in an
`upright or an inverted orientation , and wherein each module
`further comprises a faceplate indicating the upright and
`inverted orientations .
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
`FIG . 1 is a front perspective view of a module for
`interconnecting fiber optic cables and cords according to
`10 embodiments of the invention .
`FIG . 2 is a rear perspective view of the module of FIG . 1 .
`FIG . 3 is an enlarged partial front perspective view of one
`of the latches of the module of FIG . 1 used to attach the
`module to a fiber shelf .
`FIG . 4 is an enlarged partial front perspective view of
`another of the latches of the module of FIG . 1 used to attach
`the module to a fiber shelf .
`FIG . 5 is front perspective view of the module of FIG . 1
`attached to a fiber shelf .
`FIG . 6 is a front view of a labeling plate attached to the
`front side of the module of FIG . 1 .
`FIG . 7 is a rear perspective view of an alternative embodi
`ment of a module for interconnecting fiber optic cables and
`cords .
`
`MODULE AND ASSEMBLY FOR FIBER
`OPTIC INTERCONNECTIONS
`RELATED APPLICATION
`The present application claims priority from and the
`benefit of U . S . Provisional Patent Application No . 62 / 103 ,
`850 , filed Jan . 15 , 2015 , the disclosure of which is hereby
`incorporated herein in its entirety .
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention is directed to datacommunications
`equipment , and in particular datacommunications equip -
`ment for fiber optic interconnections .
`BACKGROUND
`A network patching system is typically used to intercon -
`nect the various communication lines within a closet or 20
`computer room . In a conventional network patching system ,
`the communication lines are terminated within a closet in an
`organized manner via one or more patch panels mounted on
`a rack or frame . Multiple ports are included in the patch
`panel , typically in some type of organized array . Each of the 25
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`different ports is connected with a communications line . In
`small patching systems , all communications lines may ter
`The present invention is described with reference to the
`minate on the patch panels of the same rack . In larger
`accompanying drawings , in which certain embodiments of
`patching systems , multiple racks may be used , wherein
`different communications lines terminate on different racks . 30 the invention are shown . This invention may , however , be
`Interconnections between the various communications lines
`embodied in many different forms and should not be con
`are made connecting patch cords to the ports . By selectively
`strued as limited to the embodiments that are pictured and
`connecting the various communications lines with patch
`described herein ; rather , these embodiments are provided so
`cords , any combination of communications lines can be
`that this disclosure will be thorough and complete , and will
`35 fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the
`interconnected .
`It may be desirable to provide different devices for
`art . It will also be appreciated that the embodiments dis
`interconnecting datacommunications lines .
`closed herein can be combined in any way and / or combi
`nation to provide many additional embodiments .
`SUMMARY
`Unless otherwise defined , all technical and scientific
`40 terms that are used in this disclosure have the same meaning
`As a first aspect , embodiments of the invention are
`as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
`directed to a module for interconnecting fiber optic cables
`to which this invention belongs . The terminology used in the
`and / or cords . The module comprises : a housing having a rear
`below description is for the purpose of describing particular
`wall ; a plurality of MPO adapters mounted in the rear wall ;
`embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the
`and forty - eight fiber optic adapters mounted to
`a front 45 invention . As used in this disclosure , the singular forms “ a ” ,
`portion of the housing , the fiber optic adapters being opera -
`" an ” and “ the ” are intended to include the plural forms as
`tively connected with the MPO adapters .
`well , unless the context clearly indicates otherwise . It will
`As a second aspect , embodiments of the invention are
`also be understood that when an element ( e . g . , a device ,
`directed to an assembly for interconnecting fiber optic cables
`circuit , etc . ) is referred to as being " connected ” or “ coupled ”
`and / or cords comprising a 1 U telecommunications shelf and 50 to another element , it can be directly connected or coupled
`two fiber optic telecommunications modules mounted to the
`to the other element or intervening elements may be present .
`shelf . Each of the modules comprises : a housing having a
`In contrast , when an element is referred to as being “ directly
`rear wall ; a plurality of MPO adapters mounted in the rear
`connected " or " directly coupled ” to another element , there
`wall ; and forty - eight fiber optic adapters mounted to a front
`are no intervening elements present .
`portion of the housing , the fiber optic adapters being opera - 55
`Referring now to FIGS . 1 and 2 , a telecommunications
`module for interconnecting fiber optic cables and cords ,
`tively connected with the MPO adapters .
`As a third aspect , embodiments of the invention are
`designated broadly at 10 , is shown therein . The module 10
`includes a box - like housing 12 with a ceiling 14 , a floor ( not
`directed to an assembly for interconnecting fiber optic cables
`and / or cords comprising a 1 U telecommunications shelf
`shown ) , side walls 18 , and a rear wall 20 . The housing 12 is
`having a window with side edges and two fiber optic 60 sized to mount on a shelf sized at 1 U ( i . e . , approximately
`telecommunications modules mounted to the shelf . Each
`1 . 75 inches in height ) . On its front side , the module 10
`module comprises : a housing having a rear wall ; a plurality
`includes two sets of 24 duplex fiber optic adapters 22 . Each
`of MPO adapters mounted in the rear wall ; forty - eight fiber
`set of fiber optic adapters 22 is arranged in upper and lower
`optic adapters mounted to a front portion of the housing , the
`rows of twelve adapters each , with the sets of adapters 22
`fiber optic adapters being operatively connected with the 65 being side - by - side across the front of the module 10 . The
`MPO adapters ; and latches that engage the side edges of the
`adapters 22 are conventional fiber optic adapters and need
`window to snap - mount the module to the shelf . Each of the
`not be described in detail herein .
`
`

`

`US 9 , 885 , 845 B2
`
`The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and
`Referring now to FIGS . 1 and 4 , the front side of the
`is not to be construed as limiting thereof . Although exem
`module 10 also includes features that enable the module 10
`plary embodiments of this invention have been described ,
`to be attached to a 1 U fiber shelf 50 . A pair of snap latches
`those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many
`24 are located between the sets of adapters 22 and project
`forwardly . Each of the snap latches 24 has a hook 26 and an 5 modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments
`opposed shoulder 28 that enables it to receive a vertical edge
`without materially departing from the novel teachings and
`of the shelf 50 . In addition , a latch 30 ( FIG . 3 ) projects
`advantages of this invention . Accordingly , all such modifi
`forwardly from each of the lateral edges of the module 10 ;
`cations are intended to be included within the scope of this
`each latch 30 includes a hook 31 and a shoulder 32 that can
`invention as defined in the claims . The invention is defined
`receive a vertical edge of the shelf 50 .
`10 by the following claims , with equivalents of the claims to be
`Referring now to FIGS . 1 and 3 , the front side of the
`included therein .
`module 10 also includes two latching projections 34 that are
`That which is claimed is :
`located on opposite sides of the sets of adapters 22 . These
`1 . An assembly for interconnecting fiber optic cables
`latching projections 34 enable the module to mount a kit for
`and / or cords , comprising :
`“ intelligent patching ” ( i . e . , a system that can track connec - 15
`a 1 U telecommunications shelf ; and
`tivity of cords and cables connected to the adapters 22 ) . An
`two fiber optic telecommunications modules mounted to
`exemplary system / kit is the iPATCH® system , available
`the shelf , each comprising :
`from CommScope , Inc . , ( Hickory , N . C . ) .
`a housing having a rear wall ;
`Referring now to FIG . 2 , three MPO connectors 36 are
`a plurality of MPO adapters mounted in the rear wall ;
`mounted to the rear wall 20 of the housing 12 . These MPO 20
`forty - eight fiber optic adapters mounted to a front portion
`connectors 36 are sixteen fiber connectors that receive a
`of the housing , the fiber optic adapters being opera
`tively connected with the MPO adapters , wherein each
`sixteen fiber MPO attached to a fiber optic cable .
`The housing 12 protects optical fibers ( not shown ) that
`module comprises a first set of latches that snap - mount
`extend between the MPO connectors 36 and the adapters 22 .
`the module to the shelf , wherein each module further
`There are multiple arrangements of such fibers known to 25
`comprises a second set of latches having a different
`configuration than the first set of latches , the second set
`those of skill in this art that need not be described in detail
`of latches configured to allow the module to be snap
`herein .
`FIG . 5 illustrates the module 10 mounted in the shelf 50 .
`mounted to a piece of telecommunications equipment
`different than the telecommunications shelf , the second
`As can be seen in FIG . 5 , the shelf 50 includes four windows
`52 with vertical side edges 54 ( only two windows 52 are 30
`set of latches being configured such that the second set
`of latches are free to receive the piece of telecommu
`visible in FIG . 5 ) . The module 10 is mounted on the shelf 50
`by inserting the adapters 22 through the windows 50 ; the
`nications equipment that is different than the telecom
`latches 24 contact the side edges 54 and deflect , then
`munications shelf when the module has been mounted
`to the telecommunications shelf with the first set of
`recover , as the module 10 is moved forward to snap - mount
`the module 10 on the shelf 50 . The side edges 54 of the 35
`latches .
`2 . The assembl