U.S. patent number RE43,542 [Application Number 11/439,824] was granted by the patent office on 2012-07-24 for assembly and method for use in terminating an optical fiber or fibers.
This patent grant is currently assigned to ADC GmbH. Invention is credited to Neil David Elliott, Ian George, David Patrick Murray.
United States Patent |
RE43,542 |
Murray , et al. |
July 24, 2012 |
Assembly and method for use in terminating an optical fiber or
fibers
Abstract
An optical fiber terminating assembly has an outer body (10), a
first member (11) locatable in the outer body (10) and which
carries a protruding length of optical fiber (36) which locates an
alignment structure (44, 45) and a housing (12) locatable in
alignment with the first member (11). The housing (12) has an
access opening for receiving an optical fiber (52, 53) to be
terminated so that the fiber can be located in the alignment
structure in abutment with the optical fiber length (35). The
housing has a compartment (47) which receives a heat responsive
adhesive element (57), a saddle (58) and a resistor (59). When a
current is passed through the resistor, the heat generated is
transmitted by the saddle to the adhesive which melts and flows
around the optical fiber (52, 53) to secure it in position in
abutment with the optical fiber length (35).
Inventors: |
Murray; David Patrick (Bristol,
GB), George; Ian (Churchdown, GB), Elliott;
Neil David (Cheltenham, GB) |
Assignee: |
ADC GmbH (Berlin,
DE)
|
Family
ID: |
26244466 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/439,824 |
Filed: |
June 11, 2001 |
PCT
Filed: |
June 11, 2001 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/GB01/02548 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
December 11, 2002 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO01/96923 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
December 20, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
10311026 |
Dec 11, 2002 |
6811323 |
Nov 2, 2004 |
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
385/80;
385/86 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B
6/3846 (20130101); G02B 6/3869 (20130101); G02B
6/3861 (20130101); G02B 6/3887 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G02B
6/36 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;385/80,86,59,55 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0 479 415 |
|
Apr 1992 |
|
EP |
|
0 689 070 |
|
Dec 1995 |
|
EP |
|
0 810 455 |
|
Dec 1997 |
|
EP |
|
1 290 479 |
|
Feb 2005 |
|
EP |
|
61-284710 |
|
Dec 1986 |
|
JP |
|
61284710 |
|
Dec 1986 |
|
JP |
|
4-40402 |
|
Feb 1992 |
|
JP |
|
4-40402 |
|
May 1992 |
|
JP |
|
Other References
"10 GFC Multi-fiber Connector," 20 pages (Dec. 5, 2000). cited by
other .
"Custom Video, Cabling & Distribution," Leviton, pp. 53-57.
cited by other .
"Fiber Optic Connectors,"
http://www.datacomtools.com/catalog/Fiber-connectors.htm, 4 pages
(Date Printed May 16, 2006). cited by other .
"SC Thread-Lock.RTM. Connector Assembly Instructions," Leviton, pp.
1-10 (Oct. 2002). cited by other .
"UniCam Connector Resources,"
http://www.corningcablesystems.com/web/privnet/privnet.nsf/ehtml/unicam,
1 page (Date Printed Apr. 26, 2006). cited by other .
"UniCam.RTM. Connectors," Corning Cable Systems, 12 pages. cited by
other .
"UniCam.RTM. Single-mode Connectors," Corning Cable Systems, 2
pages (Copyright 2001). cited by other .
North American Container Inc., v. Plastipak Packaging, Inc., 415
F3.d 1335 (Fed. Cir. 2005); 17 Pages. cited by other .
Ex parte Roger Youman and Marney Morris, Appeal 2010-007029; U.S.
Appl. No. 09/313,532, Patent 5,629,733, 22 Pages. cited by
other.
|
Primary Examiner: Hyeon; Hae Moon
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Merchant & Gould P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An optical fiber terminating assembly comprising: a housing
which can receive an optical fiber to be terminated so that it is
located in alignment with a length of another optical fiber, or an
optoelectronic device, the housing including a compartment through
which the optical fiber to be terminated can extend; a heat
responsive adhesive element; and a thermally conductive element,
said compartment for receiving said heat responsive adhesive
element and said thermally conductive element, said thermally
conductive element being coupleable to a source of energy so that
heat in the thermally conductive element causes the adhesive to
melt and flow around the optical fiber to secure it in
position.
2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said compartment
accommodates said heat responsive adhesive, said thermally
conductive element, and an electrically conductive element, said
electrically conductive element being mounted such that when an
electrical current is passed through the electrically conductive
element the heat in the thermally conductive element melts the
adhesive.
3. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said compartment
accommodates said heat responsive adhesive and said thermally
conductive element, said compartment having access for a heat
source to be coupled with the thermally conductive element.
4. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein said electrically
conductive element is a resistor.
5. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the thermally
conductive element is a metallic element.
6. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein said thermally
conductive element is a saddle which straddles the adhesive
element.
7. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the thermally
conductive element is a ceramic saddle provided with resistive
portions to which an electrical current can be applied.
8. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing is formed
to terminate more than one optical fiber.
9. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the optical fiber
includes a sleeve, said compartment is configured to receive a
portion of the sleeve, so that the heat in said thermally
conductive element causes the adhesive to melt and flow around the
sleeve to secure it in position.
10. The assembly according to claim 9, wherein said compartment
includes at least one groove configured to receive the portion of
the sleeve of the optical fiber.
11. An optical fiber terminating assembly comprising an outer body
member, a first member locatable within said body member, said
first member carrying a length of optical fiber which protrudes
therefrom, a housing locatable in alignment with the first member,
an optical fiber alignment means for receiving the end of the
length of optical fiber which protrudes from the first member, said
housing having an access opening for receiving an optical fiber to
be terminated so that said fiber can be located in the alignment
means so as to be aligned and abutted with the optical fiber
length, said housing including a compartment through which the
optical fiber to be terminated extends, said compartment being
designed to receive a heat responsive adhesive element and a
thermally conductive element, which can be coupled to a source of
energy so that heat in the thermally conductive element causes the
adhesive to melt and flow around the optical fiber to secure it in
position.
12. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein said compartment
accommodates said heat responsive adhesive, said thermally
conductive element, and an electrically conductive element, said
electrically conductive element being mounted such that when an
electrical current is passed through the electrically conductive
element the heat in the thermally conductive element melts the
adhesive.
13. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein said compartment
accommodates said heat responsive adhesive and said thermally
conductive element, said compartment having access for a heat
source to be coupled with the thermally conductive element.
14. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein said electrically
conductive element is a resistor.
15. The assembly according to claim 12, wherein the thermally
conductive element is a metallic element.
16. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein said thermally
conductive element is a saddle which straddles the adhesive
element.
17. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the thermally
conductive element is a ceramic saddle provided with resistive
portions to which an electrical current can be applied.
18. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the outer body
member includes one or more openings located to allow either
connection of an electrical power source to said electrically
conductive element, or the application of an external energy
source.
19. The assembly according to claim 11, wherein the housing is
formed to terminate more than one optical fiber.
20. A method of terminating an optical fiber or fibers using an
assembly with a housing which can receive the optical fiber to be
terminated in alignment with a length of another optical fiber, or
an optoelectronic device, the housing including a compartment
through which the optical fiber to be terminated can extend, a heat
responsive adhesive element and a thermally conductive element, the
method comprising: positioning an end of the optical fiber to be
terminated in the housing so it is in alignment with the length of
the other optical fiber, or optoelectronic device; heating said
thermally conductive element such that the adhesive assumes the
state in which it can flow around the optical fiber to be
terminated and secured in position in alignment with the optical
fiber length, wherein the compartment accommodates the heat
responsive adhesive element and the thermally conductive
element.
21. The method according to claim 20, including sensing alignment
of the optical fiber to be terminated with the optical fiber length
by passing radiation along the fibers and observing the level of
radiation detectable at the junction of the optical fiber and the
optical fiber length.
22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising
positioning a portion of a sleeve of the optical fiber in the
compartment so that the step of heating causes the adhesive to flow
around the sleeve to secure it in position.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the compartment
includes at least one groove configured to receive the portion of
the sleeve of the optical fiber.
.Iadd.24. A fiber optic device comprising: a plug assembly
including a first end positioned opposite from a second end, the
first end of the plug assembly being adapted to receive a first
optical fiber; the plug assembly including a first member through
which a second optical fiber extends, the first member having an
end face located at the second end of the plug assembly, the second
optical fiber having a first end and a second end, the first end of
the of the second optical fiber being substantially flush with the
end face of the first member; the plug assembly including a housing
part positioned between the first and second ends of the plug
assembly, the housing part defining one or more internal
compartments, the one or more internal compartments including a
first compartment and a second compartment; an alignment component
positioned within the second compartment, the alignment component
for use in aligning the first and second optical fibers such that
the second end of the second optical fiber abuts with an end of the
first optical fiber; an adhesive positioned within the first
compartment; and a flow-causing element carried by the plug
assembly, the flow-causing element having at least a portion
located within the first compartment, the first and second
compartments being in fluid communication with one another such
that the flow-causing element can selectively cause the adhesive to
flow from the first compartment to the second compartment to secure
the first and second optical fibers together within the alignment
component..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The fiber optic device of claim 24, wherein the alignment
component defines a v-groove, the v-groove having a cross-sectional
shape that enlarges at opposite ends of the v-groove to form
funnels..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The fiber optic device of claim 24, wherein the plug
assembly includes an outer body into which the housing part and the
first member can be inserted, the outer body including a resilient
catch..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The fiber optic device of claim 24, wherein the
flow-causing element is a thermally conductive
element..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The fiber optic device of claim 27, wherein the thermally
conductive element is in contact with a resistor..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. An optical fiber terminating assembly comprising: a
housing which can receive an optical fiber to be terminated so that
it is located in alignment with a length of another optical fiber,
or an optoelectronic device, the housing including a compartment
through which the optical fiber to be terminated can extend; an
adhesive element; and a flow-causing element, said compartment for
receiving said adhesive element and said flow-causing element, said
flow-causing element causing the adhesive element to flow around
the optical fiber to be terminated to secure it in
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. An optical fiber terminating assembly comprising: an
outer body member, a first member locatable within said body
member, said first member carrying a length of optical fiber which
protrudes therefrom, a housing locatable in alignment with the
first member, an optical fiber alignment means for receiving the
end of the length of optical fiber which protrudes from the first
member, said housing having an access opening for receiving an
optical fiber to be terminated so that said optical fiber can be
located in the alignment means so as to be aligned and abutted with
the optical fiber length, said housing including a compartment
through which the optical fiber to be terminated extends, said
compartment being designed to receive an adhesive element and a
flow-causing element which causes the adhesive to flow around the
optical fiber to be terminated to secure it in position..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an assembly for use in terminating an
optical fiber or optical fibers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of optical fibers as a signal-carrying medium for
communications is now extremely widespread and continues to
increase. Optical fibers are used not only in cables which
interconnect geographically separated locations, but also within
buildings themselves. As such there is a need for an optical fiber
termination which can be used in the field in order to terminate an
optical fiber or fibers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is
provided an assembly for use in terminating an optical fiber
comprising a housing which can receive the optical fiber to be
terminated so that it is located in alignment with a length of
another optical fiber, or an optoelectronic device, the housing
including a compartment through which the optical fiber to be
terminated can extend, the compartment being designed to receive a
heat responsive adhesive element and a thermally conductive
element, which can be coupled to a source of energy so that heat in
the thermally conductive element causes the adhesive to melt and
flow around the optical fiber to secure it in position.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is
provided an assembly for use in terminating an optical fiber
comprising an outer body member, a first member locatable within
the body member, the first member carrying a length of optical
fiber which protrudes therefrom, a housing locatable in alignment
with the first member, an optical fiber alignment means for
receiving the end of the length of optical fiber which protrudes
from the first member, the housing having an access opening for
receiving an optical fiber to be terminated so that such fiber can
be located in the alignment means so as to be aligned and abutted
with the optical fiber length, the housing including a compartment
through which the optical fiber to be terminated extends, the
compartment being designed to receive a heat responsive adhesive
element and a thermally conductive element, which can be coupled to
a source of energy so that heat in the thermally conductive element
causes the adhesive to melt and flow around the optical fiber to
secure it in position. By heat responsive adhesive is meant a
material which in the presence of heat can assume a condition in
which it can flow or be caused to flow and subsequently harden
again on cooling in order to secure an optical fiber in
position.
The compartment may accommodate the heat responsive adhesive, the
thermally conductive element, and an electrically conductive
element.
The compartment may accommodate the heat responsive adhesive and
the thermally conductive element, with access to the compartment
being provided for a heat source. The electrically conductive
element may be a resistor.
The thermally conductive element may be a metallic element. The
thermally conductive element may be a saddle which straddles the
adhesive element.
The outer body member may include one or more openings so located
as to allow connection of an electrical power source to the
electrically conductive element or thermal contact to an external
heat source.
The plug assembly may be used to terminate more than one optical
fiber. The assembly may include a plurality of optical fiber
alignment elements. The alignment element or elements may comprise
a sleeve or sleeves, a V groove or grooves, ceramic or metal
ferrules, glass capillary triple rod aligners or a combination of
these.
A third aspect of the present invention provides a method of
terminating an optical fiber or fibers using an assembly such as
described, which comprises positioning the end of an optical fiber
to be terminated in the housing so it is in alignment with the
length of the other optical fiber, or optoelectronic device,
heating the thermally conductive element such that the adhesive
assumes the state in which it can flow around the optical fiber to
be terminated and secured in position in alignment with the optical
fiber length.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention
are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and
forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of
the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects
attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of
the invention are illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an assembly in the form of a plug
assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plug assembly;
FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the plug assembly;
FIG. 4 is a section taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a modification of a component
in the plug assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a modification of the embodiment of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the modification according to FIG.
7;
FIG. 9 is a side view of the modification according to FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken on the line 10-10 of FIG. 9;
and
FIG. 11 shows a modified form of saddle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings in particular, FIGS. 1 to 5 shows a plug
assembly for use in terminating an optical fiber or optical fibers
comprises an outer body member 10, a first member part 11 and a
housing part 12. These parts can all be molded from suitable
plastics materials.
The outer body member has a body portion 14 which defines therein a
space of generally rectangular cross-section which can receive the
first member 11. Two opposite side walls of the body portion 14
each have an aperture 16 formed therein at a generally central
location. The open end of the body portion 14 has four
longitudinally extending slots identified by reference number 18,
the slots 18 being arranged so that one slot 18 is formed in each
of the walls of the body portion 14.
The internal surface of the body portion 14 is formed with a step
20 which is illustrated in FIG. 5 of the drawings. The top wall of
the body portion 14 can have a transparent section 19.
The other end of the outer body member 10 has an enlarged portion
21 which is formed integrally with the body portion 14. In the top
wall of the enlarged portion 21 are formed two spaced through holes
22. Internally, as shown in FIG. 4, opposite side walls of the body
10 portion 21 have steps shown at 54. The lower wall of the portion
21 has an integrally formed resilient catch element 25 which can be
used to secure the plug assembly in another part of an optical
fiber connector in a manner which will be apparent to those skilled
in the art.
The first member 11 comprises a main body portion 30 of generally
rectangular cross-section and an end portion 31 whose dimensions
are slightly greater than the body portion 30 so that a step 32 is
formed around their junction. The first member 11 has secured
therein a pair of optical fiber lengths 35 which at one end are
substantially flush with an end face 36 of the first member and at
the other end protrude from the end portion 31 as illustrated in
FIG. 1. Also the first member 11 has two longitudinally extending
bores formed therein, these extending for the full length of the
body. The housing part 12 has a first generally channel-shaped
section 40 from one end of which projects a pair of spaced pins 41,
42. The channel section 40 defines a compartment 43 which can
receive a pair of optical fiber alignment elements in the form of a
pair of guide sleeves 44,45 which preferably are optically
transparent. Each guide sleeve has a through bore with a diameter
corresponding to that of an optical fiber. The ends of each bore
are widened to facilitate insertion of an optical fiber. One side
wall of the channel-shaped section has an outwardly extending
projection 38.
The housing part 12 also includes an end housing part 46 which is
formed integrally with the channel-shaped section 40. The end part
46 defines a compartment 47. The lower surface of the compartment
47 defines two side-by-side grooves 48, 49 in which can be located
the protective outer sleeves 50, 51 of two optical fibers 52, 53,
which are to be terminated. The outer surface of opposite side
walls of the end part 46 are stepped at 24. The end wall 55 of the
end part 46 has formed therein an aperture 56. The compartment 47
can accommodate above the optical fibers 52, 53 and sleeves 50, 51
a heat responsive adhesive in the form of a glue pellet 57 which is
straddled by a thermally conductive saddle 58 on top of which is
located an electrical resistor 59 which has conductive pads 60, 61.
The saddle may be formed from aluminum or other suitable thermally
conductive material.
In order to assemble the plug assembly the pins 41, 42 on the
housing part 12 are located within the longitudinally extending
bores formed in the first member 11, the housing part 12 is moved
towards the first member 11 and the protruding parts of the optical
fibers 35 locate into one end of the sleeves 44, 45, which sit
within the compartment 43 of the housing part 12.
The assembly of the glue pellet 57, the saddle 58, and the resistor
59 are located in the compartment 47 as shown in FIG. 4 of the
drawings. The first member 11 and housing part 12 are moved into
the outer body member 10 so that they assume the position shown in
FIG. 5 of the drawings. It will be noted that this movement is
arrested when the step 32 on the first member 11 comes into contact
with the step 20 formed on the interior surface of the outer body
member 10. Also at this point the projection 38 on the
channel-shaped section 40 locates within the opening 16 to secure
the body parts in position. The step 24 on the outer surface of the
end part 46 sits on the step 54 on the interior of the body portion
21.
In use the optical fibers to be terminated are fed through the
aperture 56 in the end wall 55 into the compartment 47 so that the
outer sleeves 50, 51 of the fibers sit within the grooves 48, 49 at
the base of that compartment. The optical fibers 52, 53 which
protrude from the sleeves 50, 51 are fed into the end of the
sleeves 44, 45 until they meet and abut with the optical fiber
lengths at a position shown at 65 in FIG. 5.
Optical radiation is then passed through the optical fibers 52, 53
and the junction of the fibers 52, 53 with the optical fiber
lengths 35 is detected through the transparent section 19 of the
body member 10. If radiation is detectable, this is an indication
that the fibers 52, 53 and optical fiber lengths 35 are not aligned
and/or abutted correctly. They are then manipulated until the
radiation is substantially extinguished indicating correct abutment
and/or alignment. At this point an electrical power source is
connected to the pads 60, 61 of the resistor by passing electrical
conductive terminals of the power source through the apertures 22
formed in the portion 20 of the outer body member 10 so that they
contact the pads 60, 61. Electrical current is passed through the
resistor 59 which heats up the glue pellet 57 by way of the
thermally conducting saddle 58. The power source is in the form of
a tool which can be used to apply pressure to the resistor and
hence the adhesive in order to cause it to flow around the fibers.
The adhesive melts and flows around the optical fibers 52, 53. The
thermally conducting saddle has a good thermal conductive bond with
the resistor 59. When the current is interrupted the adhesive then
resets to secure the fibers 52, 53 in their correct position in
alignment and abutment with the optical fiber lengths 35.
It will be appreciated that the above described plug assembly
represents a very convenient way of terminating optical fibers in
the field since it is relatively simple to use.
The plug assembly as described above is used to terminate a pair of
optical fibers. It will be appreciated that the assembly can be
used to terminate one or several optical fibers. Also the assembly
as described includes a single compartment 47 for receiving the
adhesive pellet. It will be appreciated that assemblies can be
constructed which have more than one compartment.
Also the assembly as described is used to terminate optical fibers
so that they are aligned with optical fiber lengths 35. It will be
appreciated that the basic principle of activating a heat
responsive adhesive by heating it using an electrically conductive
element can be applied generally to many different types of optical
fiber splice or connector and not just that described in the above
embodiment.
An alternative form of saddle and resistive heating element is
shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. In this arrangement the resistor
and saddle are effectively combined into a single element.
The arrangement shown in FIG. 6 comprises a U-shaped member 80
which is formed from ceramic material and which, in use, straddles
the glue pellet 57 in much the same way as the saddle 58 of FIG.
1.
A pair of conductive contacts 82, 83 are formed on the upper
surface of the U-shaped member 80 and a resistive element 85
extends around the upper surface between the contacts 82, 83.
In use the arrangement operates in a manner similar to that
described for FIGS. 1 to 5. Electrically conductive terminals of a
power source are passed through the apertures 22 of the portion 21
so that they contact the contacts 82, 83 on the U-shaped member 80.
Electrical current from the power source is then passed through the
resistive element 85 and the heat generated is conducted through
the U-shaped member 80 and melts the glue pellet which then flows
around the fibers 52, 53.
In the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 the
alignment means for the fiber lengths 36 and the fibers 52, 53 are
sleeves 44, 45.
It will be appreciated that other alignment means can be employed.
One example is a V-groove type arrangement which is employed in an
alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10. The connector
shown in these Figures is similar to that of FIGS. 1 to 5, but the
alignment is achieved using a pair of V-grooves 90, 91 formed in a
component 92. The component 92 is located over the fiber ends to be
aligned and abutted which are located on the base of the
compartment 43. Each pair of fibers extends along one of the
grooves 90, 91 in a manner which will be apparent to those skilled
in the art. The component 92 is retained in position in the
channel-shaped section 40 by a clip 94.
Other differences with respect to the first embodiment are the
location of the aperture 16 and cooperating projection 38, the
provision of slots 95 rather than holes 22 for the terminals or
electrodes of the power source, and the provision of a cable clamp
96.
In the arrangements described above the resistor is accommodated in
the compartment 47. It is possible to produce an embodiment in
which the resistor is external to the compartment. One example is
illustrated in FIG. 11. In this arrangement the saddle is formed
with a thicker upper part 98 so that when located in the
compartment 47, its upper surface is substantially flush with the
upper edges of the walls of the compartment 47. In this example the
body part 21 will have a rectangular opening corresponding in shape
to the top surface of the saddle, instead of the holes 22.
In use an external resistor, which will be part of the power
source, is located in that rectangular opening so that it rests
against the upper surface of the saddle. When a current is passed
through the resistor the adhesive is heated substantially as
described before.
Alternatively the power source can be provided with a coil which
can be located against or near the saddle to heat the saddle
inductively.
It will be appreciated that the embodiments described are MTRJ type
connectors. The basic principle of using a heat responsive adhesive
in conjunction with a thermally conductive element such as saddle
58 to can be employed in other types of connector such as SC, LC,
ST, LX5, MU, MTP, E200 connectors.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and
described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles
of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be
embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.
* * * * *
References