Fiber optic modules with a lever-actuator de-latching mechanism

Abstract

Rotate-and-pull mechanisms for fiber optic modules. The rotate-and-pull mechanisms have a lever-actuator to unlatch and withdraw a fiber optic module from a cage assembly or a module receptacle. The lever-actuator pivotally couples to the fiber optic module so that when lever-actuator is rotated about its pivot point, the lever-actuator causes the second actuator to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly. The lever-actuator includes an actuating-tab to cause the second actuator to move when the lever-actuator is rotated. By pulling the lever-actuator away from the cage assembly, the fiber optic module is withdrawn from the cage assembly. A belly-to-belly mounting configuration is introduced for the rotate-and-pull release fiber optic modules.

1 - 23 . (Cancelled)  
   
   
       24 . A fiber optic module comprising: 
 a nose receptacle including 
 a fiber optic cable receptacle to receive one or more fiber optic cable plugs,  
 a lever-actuator to release the fiber optic module from a cage assembly using a rotational action;  
 a second actuator coupled to the lever-actuator, the second actuator to release a keeper from a latch to release the fiber optic module in response to a rotational action on the lever-actuator; and  
   a printed circuit board including one or more electro-optic transducers to convert optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals.    
   
   
       25 . The fiber optic module of  claim 24  wherein, 
 the fiber optic module is a small form pluggable (SFP) fiber optic module and the cage assembly is a small form pluggable (SFP) cage assembly.    
   
   
       26 . The fiber optic module of  claim 24  further comprising: 
 a housing to couple to the nose receptacle and cover the printed circuit board.    
   
   
       27 . The fiber optic module of  claim 26  wherein, 
 the housing is shielded to protect the printed circuit board from electromagnetic interference.    
   
   
       28 . The fiber optic module of  claim 24  wherein, 
 the lever-actuator includes one or more pins to rotationally engage the nose receptacle.    
   
   
       29 . The fiber optic module of  claim 24  wherein, 
 the lever-actuator includes one or more holes to rotationally engage the nose receptacle.    
   
   
       30 . The fiber optic module of  claim 24  wherein, 
 the second-actuator slides to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.    
   
   
       31 . The fiber optic module of  claim 24  wherein, 
 the second-actuator includes    grooves to slideably couple the second-actuator to the nose receptacle.    
   
   
       32 . The fiber optic module of  claim 24  wherein, 
 the second-actuator includes    rails to slideably coupled the second-actuator to the nose receptacle.    
   
   
       33 . The fiber optic module of  claim 24  wherein, 
 the lever-actuator includes 
 an orientation indicator to indicate the fiber optic module which the lever-actuator releases.  
   
   
   
       34 . The fiber optic module of  claim 24  wherein, 
 the lever-actuator includes 
 a pull-arm.  
   
   
   
       35 . The fiber optic module of  claim 34  wherein, 
 the pull-arm is a semi-circular ring.    
   
   
       36 . The fiber optic module of  claim 34  wherein, 
 the pull-arm is a rectangular ring.    
   
   
       37 . The fiber optic module of claim  34  wherein, 
 the pull-arm is a tab.    
   
   
       38 - 54 . (Cancelled)  
   
   
       55 . A fiber optic module comprising: 
 means for converting optical signals into electrical signals or electrical signals into optical signals; and    means for disengaging the fiber optic module from a cage assembly by rotating a lever-actuator.    
   
   
       56 . The fiber optic module of  claim 55  further comprising: 
 means for withdrawing the fiber optic module by pulling on the lever-actuator.    
   
   
       57 . The fiber optic module of  claim 56  wherein the means for disengaging also provides a means for withdrawing.  
   
   
       58 . The fiber optic module of  claim 55  further comprising: 
 means for pivotally disengaging the fiber optic module from a cage assembly when the lever-actuator is rotated.    
   
   
       59 . The fiber optic module of  claim 55  further comprising: 
 means for coupling the disengaging means to the fiber optic module.    
   
   
       60 . The fiber optic module of  claim 55  further comprising: 
 means for indicating the fiber optic module which the disengaging means releases.    
   
   
       61 . A method for disengaging and withdrawing a fiber optic module from a cage assembly comprising: 
 rotating a lever-actuator to disengage the fiber optic module from the cage assembly; and    pulling on the lever-actuator to withdraw the fiber optic module from the cage assembly.    
   
   
       62 . The method of  claim 61  further comprising: 
 releasing the lever-actuator if the fiber optic module has been released from the cage assembly.    
   
   
       63 - 93 . (Cancelled)