Low profile fiber distribution hub

(54) Title: LOW PROFILE FIBER DISTRIBUTION CUBE (30) Unionist Priority: 30/09 / 2008US 12 / 241,576,31 / 10/2007 US 60 / 984,356 (73) Holder (s): ADC Telecommunications, Inc.

(72) Inventor (s): Jonathan R. Kami, Scott C. Kowalczyk, Trevor D. Smith (57) Summary: LOW PROFILE FIBER DISTRIBUTION CUBE. The present invention relates to certain modalities of a connection port for fiber distribution which include an oscillating frame hingedly mounted within a box having a small profile. For example, the box may be less than approximately 23 cm (nine inches) in depth. The termination modules can be mounted on the oscillating frame and oriented to slide at least partially in a direction from front to back to facilitate access to the connectors fitted to the termination modules. Splitter modules and connector storage regions can be provided inside the box.

<img file="BRPI0805110A2_D0001.tif" />

<img file="BRPI0805110A2_D0002.tif" />

<img file="BRPI0805110A2_D0003.tif" />

I

Descriptive Report of the Invention Patent for LOW PROFILE FIBER DISTRIBUTION CUBE.

Background

The present invention relates to passive optical networks that are becoming prevalent in part because service providers want to distribute high bandwidth communication capabilities to consumers. Passive optical networks are a desirable choice for distributing high-speed communication data because they do not need to use active electronic devices, such as amplifiers and repeaters, between the central office and a subscriber termination. The absence of active electronic devices can decrease network complexity and / or cost and can increase network reliability.

Figure 1 illustrates a network 100 having passive fiber optic lines. As shown, network 100 may include a central office 110 that connects a number of end subscribers 115 (also called end users 115 here) to a network. The central office 110 can additionally connect to a larger network such as the Internet (not shown) and a public switched telephone network (PSTN). The network 100 may also include fiber distribution connection nozzles (FDHs) 130 having one or more optical dividers (for example, 1 to 8 dividers, 1 to 16 dividers or 1 to 32 dividers) that release a number of individual fibers that can lead to an end user's facilities 115. The various lines of the network can be overhead or housed within underground conduits.

The portion of network 100 that is closest to central office 110 is generally referred to as the F1 region, where F1 is the "feeder fiber" of the central office. The F1 portion of the network may include a distribution cable 120 having on the order of 12 to 48 fibers, however, alternative embodiments may include fewer or more fibers. The portion of network 100 that includes!

an FDH 130 and a number of end users 115 can be referred to as an F2 portion of network 100. Network 100 includes one or more leakage locations 125 in which branch cables are separated from the main cable lines.

Branch cables are often connected to drop terminals 104 which include interfaCé ^ dé ^ oríèctõriPársrfãõilifaro coupling the fibers of the branch cables in a plurality of different subscriber locations.

The splitters used in an FDH 130 can accept a feeder cable having a number of fibers and can split those fibers into, for example, 216 to 432 individual distribution fibers that can be associated with a similar number of end user locations . In typical applications, an optical divider is provided prepackaged in an optical divider module housing and provided with divider output tails extending from the module. The splitter output pins are typically with connectors with, for example, SC, LC or LX.5 connectors. The optical divider module provides protective packaging for the optical divider components in the housing and thus provides easy handling for otherwise fragile divider components. This modular approach allows the optical splitter modules to be added incrementally to the FDHs 130 as required.

The FDHs 130 can be supplied outdoors or indoors. For example, some FDHs 130 can be mounted on pedestals or external posts. Other FDHs 130, however, are installed in compact spaces where space can be limited. For example, an FDH 130 can be mounted inside a cubicle or other enclosed space in which a bulky cabinet can be harmful. In this way, an FDH 130 having small dimensions can be beneficial.

summary

Certain aspects of the description refer to fiber distribution connection nozzles (FDHs) that provide an interface between the F1 portion of the network and an F2 portion of the network. Certain aspects refer to characteristics that reduce the profile and other dimensions of the FDH. Other aspects refer to characteristics adapted to improve access to components within the FDHs. Still other aspects refer to characteristics that improve the handling of the cable, ease of use and scalability.

A variety of additional inventive aspects will be presented in the description that follows. Inventive aspects can relate to individual characteristics and combinations of characteristics. It is to be understood that both the preceding general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts on which the modalities disclosed here are based.

Brief Description of Drawings

With reference to the drawing, in which similar numerals represent similar parts across all the various views:

Figure 1 illustrates a network having passive fiber optic lines and including a central office that connects a number of end subscribers (also called end users here) to a network in accordance with the principles of this description.

Figure 2 is an upper frontal isometric view of a connection port for exemplary fiber distribution (FDH) including a frame and a door in accordance with the principles of the present description.

Figure 3 is a side view of the exemplary FDH of figure 2 according to the principles of the present description.

Figure 4 is a front view of the exemplary FDH in figure 2 according to the principles of the present description.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the exemplary FDH of figure 2 according to the principles of the present description.

Figure 6 is an isometric upper frontal view of the exemplary FDH of figure 2 with the door arranged in an open position to facilitate access to the telecommunication components mounted on a front side of an oscillating frame arranged in a first position within the FDH according to with the principles of this description.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cable routing scheme for an exemplary FDH in accordance with the principles of the present description.

Figure 8 is a partially exploded isometric view of the exemplary FDH in Figure 6 with a divider mounting location and an exploded frame storage location and with a divider module exploded from the divider mounting location, an exploded termination module. a termination location and a storage module exploded from the storage location in accordance with the principles of this description.

Figure 9 is a front view of the FDH in Figure 6 showing feeder fibers routed to the divider modules, a first divider tail routed from one of the divider modules to a storage module and a second divider tail routed from another from the divider modules to a termination module in accordance with the principles of this description.

Figure 10 is an isometric upper front view of the exemplary FDH in Figure 6 with the swing frame having been pivoted from the first position inside the FDH through the open front side to a second position such that the rear side of the swing frame is accessible according to the principles of this description.

Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a splitter mounting location including multiple fiber optic adapters configured to receive input fibers in first holes and input splitter connectors in second holes to connect input fibers to a splitter in order to splitting the signals carried by the input fibers to multiple splitters of the divider according to the principles of the present description.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of an upper plan view of an oscillating frame including a termination module having a geometric sliding fiber axis extending completely in a direction from front to back in accordance with the principles of the present description.

Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a top plan view of an oscillating frame including a termination module having a geometric sliding fiber axis extending at least partially in a front to back direction in accordance with the principles of the present description.

Figure 14 is a top frontal isometric view of another exemplary FDH including a frame and a door in accordance with the principles of the present description.

Figure 15 is a front view of the exemplary FDH of figure 14 according to the principles of the present description.

Figure 16 is a side view of the exemplary FDH of figure 14 according to the principles of the present description.

Figure 17 is an upper frontal isometric view of the exemplary FDH of figure 14 with the door open and an oscillating frame contained within the inside of the frame of the FDH according to the principles of the present description.

Figure 18 is a front view of the exemplary FDH of figure 17 in accordance with the principles of the present description.

Figure 19 is an upper frontal isometric view of the exemplary FDH of figure 17 with the oscillating frame articulated through an access opening defined in a front part of the frame of the FDH according to the principles of this description.

Fig. 20 is a top isometric front view of the exemplary FDH of Fig. 19 having a connection tray type subscriber distribution cable interface in accordance with the principles of the present description.

Fig. 21 is a top isometric front view of the exemplary FDH of Fig. 19 having a multi-termination connector type subscriber distribution cable interface in accordance with the principles of the present description.

Figure 22 is an isometric upper front view of an exemplary swing frame configured for mounting within an FDH in accordance with the principles of the present description.

Figure 23 is an upper frontal isometric view of another

Exemplary FDH including a frame and a door in accordance with the principles of this description.

Figure 24 is a front view of the exemplary FDH of Figure 23 in accordance with the principles of the present description.

Figure 25 is a side view of the exemplary FDH of figure 23 in accordance with the principles of the present description.

Fig. 26 is an isometric upper frontal view of the exemplary FDH of Fig. 23 with the door open and an oscillating frame contained within the frame of the FDH in accordance with the principles of the present description.

Figure 27 is a front view of the exemplary FDH of figure 26 according to the principles of the present description.

Figure 28 is an isometric upper frontal view of the exemplary FDH of figure 26 with the oscillating frame articulated through an access opening defined in a front part of the frame of the FDH according to the principles of the present description.

Fig. 29 is a top isometric front view of the exemplary FDH of Fig. 28 having a multi-termination connector type subscriber distribution cable interface in accordance with the principles of the present description and

Figure 30 is an isometric upper front view of an exemplary swing frame configured for mounting within an FDH in accordance with the principles of the present description.

Detailed Description

The present description relates to a connection port for fiber distribution 200 having a small, generally rectangular profile box 202 (see figures 2-5). Box 202 has a generally rectangular main frame 204 having an upper wall 204a (figure 3), a lower wall 204b (figure 3), a first side wall 204c (figure 4), a second side wall 204d (figure 2) and a rear wall 204e (figure 3) defining an interior. The frame 204 also defines a generally open front side 204f (figure 6) opposite the rear wall 204e.

Box 202 also includes a door 205 typically mounted on the open front side 204f of main frame 204. Door 205 is pivotally movable from an open position (see figure 6) in which the interior of box 202 can be accessed to a closed position ( see figures 2-5) in which the open front side 204f of the main frame 204 is at least partially covered. In one embodiment, housing 202 may include two or more doors 205 covering the open front side 204f. A seal 208 (figure 6) can be provided at the interface between door 205 and main frame 204 to seal box 202 when door 205 is closed. In the example shown in figure 6, the seal 208 is mounted on the rear side of the door 205.

In general, each box 202 may include one or more telecommunications components including telecommunications circuits (for example, optical outputs for subscribers). For example, in one embodiment, an exemplary box can include at least 32 circuits (for example, 32 fiber optic adapters such that the box can provide 32 outputs to subscriber locations). In another embodiment, an exemplary box can include at least 64 circuits (for example, 64 fiber optic adapters such that the box can provide 64 outputs to subscriber locations). In another embodiment, an exemplary box can include at least 72 circuits (for example, 72 fiber optic adapters such that the box can provide 72 outputs to subscriber locations). In another embodiment, an exemplary box can include at least 96 circuits (for example, 96 fiber optic adapters such that the box can provide 96 outlets for subscriber locations). In another embodiment, an exemplary box can include at least 144 circuits (for example, 144 fiber optic adapters such that the box can provide 144 outputs to subscriber locations). In another embodiment, an exemplary box can include at least 288 circuits (for example, 288 fiber optic adapters such that the box can provide 288 outputs to subscriber locations). In another embodiment, an exemplary box can include at least 576 circuits (for example, 576 fiber optic adapters such that the box can provide 576 outputs to subscriber locations). In each of these modes, the boxes can have depths less than 22.86 cm (9 inches). Although for small profile applications it is desirable that the boxes have depths less than 22.86 cm (9 inches), other embodiments of the present box may have depths greater than 22.86 cm (9 inches).

The small profile box 202 is preferably sized to be placed in a location, such as a cubicle, without taking up a large amount of space. In general, the depth D of the housing 202 is kept small to improve the ability of the housing 202 to fit within a compact space. In one embodiment, box 202 may have a depth D less than or equal to approximately 23 centimeters (for example, approximately 9 inches). In another embodiment, housing 202 may have a depth D less than or equal to approximately 20 centimeters (for example, approximately 8 inches). In yet another embodiment, housing 202 may have a depth D less than or equal to approximately 18 centimeters (for example, approximately 7 inches).

The width W and height H of box 202 may vary depending on the number of circuits present in the connection port for fiber distribution 200. In certain embodiments, the height H of box 202 is greater than width W, which is greater than than depth D (see figure 2). In some embodiments, the height H of the housing 202 is at least twice the width W of the housing 202. In other embodiments, the height H is at least four times more than the depth D of the housing 202. In other embodiments, height H is at least five times more than depth D. In other embodiments, height H of box 202 is at least three times more than depth D and width W of box 202 is at least 1.5 times the depth D. In still other embodiments, the width W of box 202 is at least twice the depth D. In additional embodiments, the height H of the box 202 is at least 5 times as large as the depth D and the width W of the box 202 is at least twice as large as the depth D.

For example, in an exemplary embodiment of an FDH 200, box 202 may have a depth D of approximately 18 cm (7 inches), a height H of approximately 81 cm (for example, approximately 32 inches) and a width W of approximately 38 cm (for example, approximately 15 inches). In another exemplary embodiment of an FDH 200, box 202 may have a depth D of approximately 18 cm (7 inches), a height H of approximately 104 cm (for example, 41 inches) and a width W of approximately 38 cm ( 15 inches). In yet another exemplary embodiment of an FDH 200, box 202 may have a depth D of approximately 18 cm (7 inches), a width W of approximately 76 cm (for example, approximately 30 inches) and a height H of approximately 104 cm (41 inches). In other embodiments, exemplary FDHs 200 have D depths less than approximately 23 cm (9 inches), W widths greater than 23 cm (9 inches) and H heights greater than W widths.

The fiber delivery connection port 200 includes an oscillating frame 230 hingedly mounted inside the housing 202 (see figure 10). The swing frame 230 has a front side 233 and a rear side 234. In one embodiment, the swing frame 230 is connected to housing 202 by an articulation arrangement 231 defining a vertical axis of articulation 232 located adjacent to a front corner of the frame main 204 of the small profile box 202 (see figure 6). The vertical pivot geometry axis 232 allows the swing frame 230 to be oscillated between a first position (see figure 6) in which the swing frame 230 is completely arranged within the main frame 204 of housing 202 and a second position (see figure 10) in which the swing frame 230 is pivoted through the open front side 204f of the main frame 204, such that the rear side 234 of the swing frame 230 is accessible.

A number of telecommunications components can be mounted on the swing frame 230. In the example shown in figure 6, a splitter mounting location 320 for mounting the fiber optic splitter modules 325 (figure 8) is located adjacent to the top of the swing frame 230. A termination field 340 is located below the mounting location of divider 320. A storage location for connector 330 is positioned below the termination field 340 on the swing frame 230. One or more vertical cable management channels 350 (figure 7) extend vertically along the swing frame 230. In other embodiments, however, the telecommunication components can be mounted on the swing frame 230 in different configurations.

The FDH 200 generally manages connections on a termination panel between the incoming fiber and the outgoing fiber. As the term is used here, “a connection” between fibers includes both direct and indirect connections. Examples of incoming fibers include fibers from a feeder cable entering box 202 and intermediate fibers that connect fibers from the feeder cable in the termination region. Examples of such intermediate fibers include connector dies that extend from one or more dividers and fibers that extend from a divider and that are attached or otherwise connected to the feeder cable. Examples of outgoing fibers include the subscriber cable fibers exiting box 202 and any intermediate fibers that connect the subscriber cable fibers in the termination region.

The termination region (for example, termination field 340 of figure 6) of the FDH 200 provides an interconnect interface for optical transmission signals at a location on the network where operational access and reconfiguration are desired. For example, as mentioned above, the FDH 200 can be used to split the feeder cables and terminate the feeder cables divided into distribution cables routed to subscriber 115 locations (figure 1). In addition, the FDH 200 is designed to accommodate a range of alternative sizes and fiber counts and to support factory installation of pigtails, fan outlets and dividers.

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary cable routing scheme 300 to an FDH 200. As shown in Figure 7, a cable from feeder 310 can be routed initially through housing 202 (for example, typically through the rear or bottom of main frame 204 as shown in figure 10). In the example shown, the cable jacket can be attached to the box and the 31 Of fibers of the feeder cable 310 can be routed over the swing frame 230. In certain embodiments, the 31 Of fibers of the feeder cable 310 may include ribbon fibers . An exemplary feeder cable 310 can include twelve to forty-eight individual fibers 31 Of connected in a central office of service provider 110 (figure 1).

After being routed to the swing frame 230, the fibers 31 Of the feeder cable 310 can be routed to a fan-out device 311 disposed in the swing frame 230. The fan-out device 311 separates the fibers 31 Of from the cable of the feeder 310. The fan-out device 311 can also fully coat the 31 Of fibers of the feeder cable 310. In some embodiments, the separate fibers 31 Of the feeder cable 310 are routed from the fan output device 311 to the region of the divider 320. In the region of the divider 320, the fibers of the feeder cable 31 Of are connected in divider modules separate 325, in which the signals carried over the fibers of the feeder cable 31 Of are each divided into multiple signals carried over rabbits of divider 312, each having an end with connector 314. The ends of the 31 Of fibers can be with a connector and can be connected to the divider modules by fiber optic adapters. A typical divider tail 312 includes a coated and possibly separated fiber, a coating covering the fiber and resistance elements (e.g., aramid yarn) positioned between the fiber and the coating.

In other embodiments, however, the fibers of the feeder cable 310 can be routed to a feeder cable interface (for example, a fiber optic adapter module, a connection tray, a multi-termination connector, etc.). At the feeder cable interface (not shown), one or more of the feeder cable fibers 310 are individually connected to separate intermediate splitter input fibers (not shown) that are routed to the divider region 320.

When the splitters of the divider 312 are not in service, the connector ends 314 can be temporarily stored in a storage module 335 that is mounted in the storage region 330 of the swing frame 230. When the splitters 312 are required for service, the splits 312 are routed from the splitter modules

325 for a termination module 345 which is provided in the termination region 340 of the oscillating frame 230. Termination module 345 is the dividing line between incoming and outgoing fibers. A typical distribution cable 318 forms the F2 portion of a network (see figure 1) and typically includes a plurality of fibers (for example, 144, 216 or 432 fibers) that are routed from FDHs 130 to subscriber 115 locations (figure 1 ).

In the 345 termination module, the connector ends 314 of the splitter's 312 strands are connected at the connector ends 316 of the fibers optically coupled (that is, connected) with the distribution cable 318. These fibers can be ribboned at an output in fan 317 provided in oscillating frame 230. In some embodiments, the ends with connector 316 terminate the fibers of the distribution cable 318. In other embodiments, the ends with connector 316 are provided at the ends of the intermediate fibers that connect to a

25, distribution 318. For example, in one embodiment, the intermediate fibers can be connected to fibers of a distribution cable 318 at a location within the box (for example, in connection trays mounted on the rear wall of the box). In other embodiments, the ends with connector 316 are provided at the ends of the fibers of a tip cable which is routed out of the cabinet and connected or otherwise connected to fibers of a distribution cable in a location outside the box. In an additional embodiment, the intermediate fibers can be terminated with a multi-termination connector (i.e., a multiple-fiber connector) that can be optically coupled to a subscriber cable terminated in a multiple-termination connector. Additional details regarding intermediate fibers terminated with a multi-fiber connector can be found in co-pending order US N²11 / 513,910, deposited on August 30, 2006 as “Fiber distribution hub with modular termination blocks”, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In some embodiments, one or more fibers of the feeder cable 310 are not connected to any of the divider 325 modules. Preferably, these fibers of the feeder cable 310 are connected via a pass-through interface device (not shown) ) having ends with connector. The connector ends of the passing fibers are connected to the connector ends 316 of the subscriber cable fibers 318 in the termination region 340 of the oscillating frame 230 without first connecting in the splitter region 320. Refraining from splitting a fiber 310, a stronger signal can be sent to one of the subscribers 115. The connector ends of the pass fibers can be stored in the storage region 330 of the swing frame 230 when not in use. In other embodiments, however, a feeder cable 310 having one end with connector can be routed directly to the termination region 340 on the swing frame 230.

Referring to Figures 8-10, some oscillating frame modalities 230 have a generally rectangular configuration having a height H2 that generally corresponds to the height H of the housing 202 and a width W₂ which generally corresponds to the width W of box 202 (see figure 10). The swing frame 230 also has a depth D₂ (figure 10) which is less than the depth D of box 202 to accommodate cable handling structures provided on the rear side 234 of the swing frame 230. The swing frame 230 has a rectangular rear wall 235a (figure 9). An upper wall 235b, a lower wall 235c, a first sidewall 235d and a second sidewall 235e project forward from the rear wall 235a (figures 8-10). The rear, top, bottom and side walls of the swing frame 230 form a forward facing tray / recess 235 (figure 8) on which the telecommunications equipment can be mounted.

Still referring to figures 8-10, a number of telecommunications components are mounted inside the tray defined by the front side 233 of the oscillating frame 230. For example, a splitter mounting location 320 for mounting the fiber optic splitter modules 325 it is located adjacent to the top 235a of the swing frame 230. A termination field 340 is located below the mounting location of the divider 320. A storage location for connector 330 is positioned below the termination field 340. One or more vertical cable management channels 350 extend vertically along side 235e on the front side 233 of the swing frame 230. The cable management structures ( for example, fiber storage circuits, fiber beam curve limiters, storage clamps, etc.) are provided in the cable management channels 350.

The mounting location of divider 320 has an automatic type configuration. In this configuration, the fiber optic splitter modules 325 containing fiber optic splitters 324 are inserted at the splitter mounting location 320 and optically connected to the feeder fibers 310. A schematic diagram of an exemplary splitter mounting location 320 is shown in Figure 11. The splitter 320 mounting location includes one or more 322 fiber optic adapters. One connector end of one of the feeder fibers 310 (that is, or a splitter input fiber) fits into a first end of one of the 322 adapters. A 323 fiber optic connector mounted on a fiber optic splitter module 325 fits into the second end of adapter 322 to couple the fiber from feeder 310 to a splitter 324 disposed within the fiber optic splitter module 325. Within the divider modules 325, the fiber signals from feeder 310 are divided into divider 324 and directed to a plurality (e.g., 8, 16, 32, etc.) of scribes 312.

As shown in Figure 9, the splitters of the splitter 312 are routed laterally away from the splitter modules 325 and then down along the vertical cable management channel 350. The ends of the splitters 312 include fiber optic connectors 314. Some of the rabbits 312 are routed downwards and then returned upwards and fitted to the termination adapters 345 in the termination field 340, in order to be optically connected to another optical fiber (for example, a fiber 318 corresponding to a subscriber 115 ). Other pigtails with connector 312 can be routed down along the vertical cable management channel 350 and stored in the storage location of connector 330. Divider 325 modules and automatic configuration arrangements similar to those shown here are described in more detail in the commonly owned US Patent Nos. 10 / 980,978, filed on November 3, 2004, 11 / 138,063, filed on May 25, 2005, 11 / 138,889, filed on May 25, 2005 and 11 / 354,297, filed on February 13, 2006, whose descriptions whole are incorporated here by reference.

The termination field 340 includes a plurality of adapter modules 345 which are arranged in oscillating frame 230. Each adapter module 345 includes a horizontal row of fiber optic adapters (for example, a row of 6 fiber optic adapters). Each of the fiber optic adapters includes a first orifice facing the second side wall 235e of the swing frame 230 for receiving a connector 314 terminating one of the splines of the divider 312. Each of the fiber optic adapters also includes a second hole facing the first side wall 235d of the oscillating frame 230 to receive a fiber optic connector 316 corresponding to one of the fibers 318 routed from the FDH 200 to a remote location (for example, to a location of subscriber 115 of figure 1). As is known in the art, fiber optic adapters are configured to provide an optical coupling between the fiber optic connectors inserted into the holes.

The 345 adapter modules are movable (for example, sliding) between a stowed position and an extended position. The retractable / extensible configuration of the 345 adapter modules facilitates access to densely populated fiber optic adapters. The movement of the adapter module 345 to the extended position provides improved access to the holes of the extended adapter module 345 and thereby to the connectors 314, 316 fitted into the holes. Similar sliding adapter modules are described in more detail in commonly owned US Nos. 5,497,444, 5,717,810, 6,591,051 and in US Patent Publication N² 2007/0025675, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The 345 adapter modules move (for example, slide) along a sliding geometric axis As (figures 12 and 13) when moved from the retracted position to the extended position. For example, adapter modules 345 can be oriented to slide in a direction from front to back (i.e., in a front direction F and a rear direction R). In such an embodiment, the adapter modules 345 slide away from and back to the rear wall 235a of the swing frame 230 when moving between the retracted and extended positions. In another mode, the sliding axis A_s extends in a direction from front to back with respect to the rear wall 204e of box 202.

The adapter modules 345 can be oriented such that the sliding axis As extends at an angle α with respect to the housing 202 and / or the swing frame 230. In general, the sliding axis A_s extends at least partially in a direction from front to back. As the term is used here, a geometric axis that extends “at least partially in a direction from front to back” extends at an angle α that is greater than zero and less than ninety degrees with respect to box 202 or the oscillating frame 230. In some exemplary embodiments, the sliding geometric axis As extends mainly in a direction from front to back as shown in figure 13. As the term is used here, a geometric axis that extends "primarily in a direction from front to back" extends at an angle ct that is greater than forty-five degrees and less than ninety degrees. In other exemplary embodiments, the sliding geometric axis As extends completely in a direction from front to back as shown in figure 12. As the term is used here, a geometric axis that extends “completely in a direction from front to back” extends at a cc angle of approximately ninety degrees (more or less a reasonable tolerance).

In one embodiment, the sliding axis As generally extends horizontally with respect to the bottom wall 204b of box 202 and / or the bottom wall 235c of the swing frame 230. In another embodiment, the sliding axis A_s extends at an upward or downward angle with respect to the bottom wall 204b of the housing 202 and / or the bottom wall 235c of the swing frame 230.

Fiber optic adapters on adapter 345 modules have holes defining geometric insertion axes along which fiber optic connectors 314, 316 can be fitted to fiber optic adapters. The holes are turned outwards towards the sides 235d, 235e of the swing frame 230. The fiber optic connectors 314, 316 extend laterally out of the holes of the adapter modules 345 along the geometric insertion axes (see insertion geometric axis A | exemplary in figures 12 and 13). The width W₂ oscillating frame 230 is wide enough to accommodate the minimum radius of curvature of the splitters of the splitter 312 and the subscriber cables 318, as these cables extend outward from connectors 314, 316. Due to the orientation of adapter modules 345, the depth D2 of the oscillating frame 230 and, thus, the depth D of the housing frame 204 need not be deep enough to accommodate such a minimum radius of curvature limit.

In general, the insertion geometry axis A | extends and the holes are turned at least partially in a lateral direction. As the term is used here, a geometric axis that extends “at least partially in a lateral direction” extends at an angle β that is greater than zero and less than ninety degrees with respect to the side walls 235d, 235e of oscillating frame 230. In some embodiments, the geometric insertion axis Ai extends mainly in a lateral direction. As the term is used here, a geometric axis that extends “mainly in a lateral direction” extends at an angle β that is greater than forty-five degrees and less than ninety degrees with respect to the 235d, 235e sides of the frame oscillating 230. In other modalities, the insertion geometric axis A | extends completely in a lateral direction. As the term is used here, a geometric axis that extends "completely in a lateral direction" extends at an angle β of approximately ninety degrees (more or less a reasonable tolerance) with respect to the 235d, 235e sides of the swing frame 230.

The storage location of connector 330 includes a panel 331 defining one or more openings 332 into which connector storage blocks mounted on panel 335 can be mounted. Each connector 335 storage block includes a snug plug connection mechanism 337 to secure the connector 335 storage block to one of the openings in panel 332. The connector 335 storage blocks are adapted to store and protect the 314 connector ends of the divider 312 pins when the divider 312 pins are not connected in the 340 termination field. In one embodiment, the connector 335 storage blocks are configured to receive ends with connector 314 when dust caps are mounted on end ferrules with connector 314. In another embodiment, each of the storage blocks of connector 335 includes an integral housing (one piece) defining openings leading inwards into which the ends with connector 314 can be stored. In another embodiment, housing 336 is made of plastic. Additional details regarding the exemplary modalities of the 345 connector storage blocks can be found in US Patent Nos. 7,277,620 and 7,198,409, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to Figure 10, a cable from the coated feeder 310 having fibers from the feeder 313 is routed into the box 202 through the bottom wall 204b of the box 202. In some embodiments, the cable from the feeder 310 includes a tip cable having ends of fibers located outside box 202 that are attached or otherwise connected in another length of the feeder cable that extends to a location, such as a central office. In one embodiment, the tip cable is installed in box 202 prior to installation of box 202. The fiber ends of the tip cable are attached to the other length of the feeder cable during installation of box 202.

A clamp 291 can be used to secure the coated feeder cable 310 to the back wall 204e of the housing 202. Once inside the housing 202, the fibers of the feeder 313 of the coated feeder cable 310 are fully coated in a separator tube and routed to upwards along the pivot geometry axis 232 of the swing frame 230 to the upper rear side of the swing frame 230. On the upper rear side of the oscillating frame 230, the fibers 313 are spread over a fan outlet module 311 to which the separator tube is attached. The scattered fibers 313 can be routed around a storage reel 372 to store the excess fiber. After routing around storage reel 372, the feeder fibers 313 are routed through a vertical slot 236 extending through the rear wall 232a of the swing frame 230. After passing through the vertical slot 236, the fibers 313 are routed to the mounting location of the divider 320 where the fibers 313 are optically connected to corresponding automatically configured divider modules 325 located at the mounting location of the divider 320.

Referring also to figure 10, a coated distribution cable 318 also enters the box 202 through the bottom wall 204b of the box 202. In some embodiments, the coated distribution cable 318 includes a tip cable having fiber ends located outside the box 202 that are connected or otherwise connected in another length of the distribution cable that extends to subscriber locations. In one embodiment, the tip cable is installed in box 202 prior to installation of box 202. The fiber ends of the tip cable are attached to the other length of the distribution cable during installation of box 202.

With entry into box 202, the coated distribution cable

318 it is preferably attached to the rear wall 204e of the housing 202 with a cable clamp 292. Subscriber fibers 319 located within the distribution cable 318 are entirely coated in separator tubes which are routed upwards along the pivot geometry axis 232 of the oscillating frame 230 and along the rear wall 202e of the housing 202 through the rear wall 232a of the swing frame 230. For example, fibers 318 are shown extending through the rear side 234 of the swing frame 230 (i.e., in a direction away from the hinge axis 232) and then down along the rear side 234 of the swing frame 230 .

Subscriber fibers fully coated 319 are routed to fan output modules 317. In fan output modules 317, fibers 319 are spread. The scattered fibers 319 can be looped around the fiber storage spools 274 mounted on the rear side 234 of the swing frame 230 to store the excess fiber. From the storage spools 274, the fibers of the subscriber 319 are routed laterally through the rear side 234 of the swing frame 230 and through the slots 308 defined through the rear wall 235a of the swing frame 230 at a location close to the geometric axis of articulation 232 of the swing frame 230. In one embodiment, the slots 308 generally extend horizontally across the rear wall 235a of the oscillating frame 230 and may include enlarged portions sized to allow a fiber optic connector (e.g., a SC connector) to pass through the slits 308. In certain embodiments, a plurality of slits 308 or portions of a plurality of slits 308 can be defined through a removable panel portion that forms at least a portion of the back wall of the swing frame. During installation, the portion of the panel can be removed to facilitate routing the fibers from the rear to the front of the oscillating frame and to facilitate the positioning of the fibers in the slits 308.

After passing through horizontal slots 308, subscriber fibers 319 that have been pre-terminated with fiber optic connectors 316, are routed to termination field 340 and are fitted into the second holes of fiber optic adapters in adapter modules 345 . In this way, when the rabbits with connector 312 are fitted in the first holes of the fiber optic adapters, the rabbits 312 are optically connected in corresponding subscriber fibers 318 fitted in the second holes of the fiber optic adapters.

Although cables 310 and 318 have been shown to enter box 202 from the bottom, in other embodiments, these cables can enter from the top or any other side of box 202. In certain embodiments, the feeder cable 310 and the distribution cable 318 can be terminated with fiber optic connectors, which can be plugged directly into the 345 adapter modules without any fibers or intermediate splitters. Also, the connection port for fiber distribution 200 can be provided with numerous cable handling structures, such as fiber radius bend limiters 276, channel supports 278, cable ties 279 and other structures.

Figures 14-21 show other modalities of the connection nozzles for distribution of the 500, 500 'and 500 ”fiber. The connection nozzles for fiber distribution each have a small, generally rectangular 502 profile box (see figures 14-16). Box 502 has a generally rectangular main frame 504 having an upper wall 504a (figure 14), a lower wall 504b (figure 16), a first side wall 504c (figure 15), a second side wall 504d (figure 15) and a rear wall 504e (figure 16) defining an interior. The frame 504 also defines a generally open front side 504f (figure 19) opposite the rear wall 504e defining an access opening. The box 502 also includes a door 505 typically mounted on the open front side 504f of the main frame 504. The door 505 is pivotally movable from an open position (see figure 17) in which the interior of the box 502 can be accessed to a closed position ( see figures 14-16) in which the door 505 at least partially covers the open front side 504f of the main frame 504. A seal can be provided at the interface between door 505 and main frame 504 to seal case 502 when door 505 is closed.

Box 502 defines at least one first inlet hole 503 through which a feeder cable can enter frame 504 and at least one first outlet hole 507 through which a subscriber distribution cable can exit frame 504. In some modalities, box 502 can define additional inlet and / or outlet holes. In the example shown, the first entrance orifice 503 and two exit orifices 507 extend through the upper panel 502a of the housing frame 504. In other embodiments, however, the entrance orifice 503 and exit orifice 507 can be defined in any of the walls 502a-502e of the frame 504. In one embodiment, one or more of the holes 503, 507 includes strain relief elements extending out of the frame 504.

In general, box 502 may include one or more telecommunications components including telecommunications circuits (for example, optical outputs for subscribers). For example, box 502 shown in figures 14-21 is configured to maintain approximately 144 telecommunications circuits. Other modes can be configured to maintain more or less circuits. Typically, box 502 has a depth of less than approximately 23 cm (9 inches). In some embodiments, box 502 has a depth of less than approximately 20 cm (8 inches). In fact, in some embodiments, box 502 has a depth of less than approximately 18 cm (7 inches).

The frame of box 504 contains cable interface components that optically facilitate joining incoming feeder cable (s) and outgoing distribution cable (s). In general, frame 504 contains at least one first feeder cable interface 542 and at least one first distribution cable interface 544 (see figures 20 and 21).

In the examples shown in figures 20 and 21, the first feeder cable interface 542 includes a connection tray 543. In other embodiments, however, the first feeder cable interface 542 may include one or more adapter modules for coupling ends with connector of the feeder cable in the intermediate fibers.

In the exemplary fiber delivery connection port 500 'shown in figure 20, the first interface of the distribution cable 544 includes a connection tray 545. In some embodiments, box 502 may include multiple connection trays in which the distribution cables can connect to intermediate fibers. In other embodiments, however, the first interface of the distribution cable 544 may include another type of interface. For example, the first distribution cable interface 544 may include one or more adapters for optically coupling ends with intermediate fiber connector and one or more distribution cables. In the connection port for exemplary fiber distribution 500 ”, shown in figure 21, the first interface of the distribution cable 544 includes a panel or shelf 547 in which one or more adapters 546 configured to receive multiple termination (MT) connectors can be installed. In another embodiment, adapters for single-ended connectors can be installed on shelf 547. In still other embodiments, box 502 can include multiple distribution cable interfaces 544 of various types (for example, connection trays and adapters).

The fiber delivery connection port 500 includes an oscillating frame 530 hingedly mounted inside the box 502 (see figure 19). The swing frame 530 has a front side 533 (figure 17) and a rear side 535 (figure 19). In one embodiment, the oscillating frame 530 is connected to box 502 by an articulation arrangement 531 (figure 17) defining a geometric axis of vertical articulation located adjacent to a front corner of the main frame 504 of the small profile box 502. The swing frame 530 is configured to be moved between a first position (see figure 17) in which the swing frame 530 is arranged completely within the main frame 504 of box 502 and a second position (see figure 19) in which the swing frame 530 it is articulated through the open front side 504f of the main frame 504, such that the rear side 535 of the swing frame 530 is accessible.

Swing frame 500 may include one or more locking assemblies for locking swing frame 500 in one or more positions. For example, the swing frame 530 shown in figure 19 includes a first locking assembly 670 mounted on the front of a side panel and a second locking assembly 675 mounted on a rear side 535 of the swinging frame 530. Locking assembly 670 engages a tab provided at the bottom of housing 502 to retain the swing frame in the first position. Locking assembly 675 engages a front edge of housing 502 to retain the swing frame in the second position. Other oscillating frame types may have more or less locking sets.

Referring to figure 22, an exemplary swing frame 600 includes an upper panel 602a, a lower panel 602b, a first side panel 602c and a second side panel 602d extending in front of a rear panel 610. A number of telecommunications components can be mounted on the swing frame 600. In the example shown in figure 20, a splitter mounting location 620 for mounting the fiber optic splitter modules 625 is located adjacent to the top of the swing frame 600. A termination field 650 is located below the splitter mounting location 620. A storage location for connector 630 is located below termination field 650 on swing frame 600. One or more vertical cable management channels 640 extend vertically along oscillating frame 600. Channel 640 is located on side 602d positioned opposite hinge side 602c of oscillating frame 600. In other embodiments, however, the telecommunication components can be mounted on the swing frame 600 in different configurations.

In the example shown in figure 22, the top panel 602a defines the mounting location of the divider 620 in which a housing of the divider module 622 can be mounted. One or more divider modules 625 can be installed in each divider housing 622. An end panel 621 is positioned adjacent to the divider mounting location

620. End panel 621 makes it easy to route one or more input cables to divider modules 625 installed in the divider housing

622. Splitter rabbits coming out of divider modules 625 can be routed through a bend radius limiter 623 defining an opposite end of the top panel 602a of the end panel

621. Side panels 626-628 facilitate the routing of the divider droplets of the 625 divider modules and over the bend radius limiter

623. Fiber optic adapters 629 are mounted on a rear side of the 622 splitter housing. Fiber optic adapters 629 connect connectors 631 of the input cables to corresponding connectors mounted on the divider modules 625.

The splitter's pigtails are routed through the cable management channels 640 before being optically coupled in the termination field 650 or in the storage location of the connector 630. In some embodiments, the cable management channels 640 include a cable management channel side cable 641 extending along the second side 602d of oscillating frame 600. In general, the side cable handling channel 641 facilitates the storage of the excessive length of the splitter's tails.

In the example shown, a cover flange 643, side flanges 644 and a lower flange 645 define limits of the side cable management channel 641. In one embodiment, the side cable management channel 641 may include a separating panel 642 extending vertically along the second side 602d of the swing frame 600 to divide channel 641 on a first side and a second side. Splitter dies can be routed over the bend radius limiter 623 from the divider 620 mounting location, directed downward along the first side of the side cable management channel 641, hung from a half loop on the lower flange 645 and routed upwards along a second side of the channel 641 to a front side of the swing frame 600.

On the front side, the additional excessive length of the dies can be absorbed by one or more bend radius limiters extending to the front of the rear panel 610 of the swing frame 600. In the example shown, the excessive length of the divider's pigtails can be routed over a first bend radius limiter 646, which extends from the rear panel 610 adjacent to the top of the swing frame 600 and around a second bend radius limit 647 positioned below the first bend radius limiter 646. Inclined bend radius limiters 648 can be arranged along one side of the termination field 650 to facilitate routing the divider's tail to specific rows of the termination field 650. Projections 649 can cooperate with a lower edge projecting upward from the bottom panel 602b to prevent portions of the divider's rabbits from spilling over the front of the swing frame 600.

In some embodiments, connector ends of the divider's tails are routed to storage location 630 when first installed on swing frame 600. In the example shown, storage location 630 is defined by a storage panel 635 coupled to rear panel 610. The storage panel 635 defines openings 631 allowing one or more storage modules to be mounted on the storage panel 635. In one embodiment, openings 631 are sized and configured to receive a projection and latch mechanism from the storage modules. In another embodiment, the openings 631 are dimensioned and configured to enable the storage modules to be mounted inside the openings 631. In other embodiments, the storage modules can be installed in another way in the storage location 630.

When a signal is to be sent to a subscriber location, a splitter tail can be routed from storage location 630 to a first end of an appropriate adapter in termination field 650 for optical coupling on a fiber extending from a fiber. second end of the adapter that is optically connected to a distribution cable routed to a subscriber location. In some embodiments, the termination field 650 includes one or more adapter modules 655 mounted on a termination panel 651. In the example shown, the adapter modules 655 are positioned in a vertical column. Other configurations of the 655 adapter modules can be used, however.

In general, the 655 adapter modules move (for example, slide) from a stowed position to an extended position. For example, in some embodiments, the 655 adapter modules can be oriented to slide at least partially in a front to back direction. In fact, in some exemplary embodiments, the 655 adapter modules slide mainly in a front to back direction. In fact, in some embodiments, the 655 adapter modules slide completely in a direction from front to back.

The termination panel 651 is configured to be installed on the rear panel 610 of the swing frame 600. For example, the termination panel 651 can be mounted over an opening 612 defined in the rear panel 610. In some embodiments, the termination panel 651 includes openings 652 through which fasteners (for example, screws, rivets, pins, etc.) can be inserted to securely couple the termination panel 651 to a rear side of the rear panel 610 with the adapter modules 655 projecting forward through opening 612. When termination panel 651 is mounted on rear panel 610, opening 652 is located adjacent to a first edge 611 of opening 612. In a certain embodiment, the termination panel 651 also includes projections 654 defining openings 653 that align with openings 614 in the rear panel. Fasteners can be inserted through the openings in the projection 653 and openings in the rear panel 614 to also couple the termination panel 651 to the rear panel 610. In one embodiment, the projections 654 extend from the top and bottom of the termination panel 651.

In general, individually coated fibers optically coupled / connected to a subscriber distribution cable are routed from the sliding adapter 655 modules, through the rear panel 610, to the rear side of the swing frame 600. In some embodiments, the coated fibers can be pre-wired in adapter 655 modules before installation of termination field 650 in oscillating frame 600. In such embodiments, the coated fibers can be inserted through the opening 612 defined in the rear panel 610 when the termination field 650 is attached to the rear panel 610. To facilitate the organization of the coated fibers, a second edge 613 of the rear panel 610 may include tips 615 defining slits 616 between them into which the coated fibers can be slid during installation. In one embodiment, each slot 616 can hold coated fibers associated with a 655 adapter module. In another mode, each slot 616 can hold coated fibers associated with two or more modules of the 655 adapter. Fan outlets 657 are mounted on the side rear of the termination panel 651 adjacent to the slits 616 to spread and individually coat the fibers corresponding to the subscriber's distribution cable. In certain embodiments, the coated fibers may include a single fiber wrapped within a 2 mm coating and may also include aramid wire reinforcement positioned between the coating and the fiber. The coated fibers can also include a separator layer or tube positioned between each optical fiber and the reinforcement layer.

In some embodiments, one or more tips 615 can define an opening 617 configured to receive a fastener to assist in fixing the end panel 651 to the rear panel 610. In the example shown, each tip 615 defines an opening 617. A fastener can be inserted through the termination panel 651 and through the opening 617 at the tip 615. In one embodiment, the fastener can extend through one of the adapter modules 655, the termination panel 651 and the opening 617 at the tip 615. In other embodiments, the coated fibers can be routed in another way to the rear side of the frame oscillating

600.

Figures 23-29 show other modalities of the connection ports for fiber distribution 700 and 700 '. Each of the connection ports for fiber distribution includes a small profile box, usually rectangular 702 (see figures 23-25). Box 702 has a generally rectangular main frame 704 having an upper wall 704a (figure 23), a lower wall 704b (figure 23), a first side wall 704c (figure 23), a second side wall 704d (figure 23) and a rear wall 704e (figure 24) defining an interior. The frame 704 also defines a generally open front side 704f (figure 28) opposite the rear wall 704e. The box 702 also includes a door 705 typically mounted on the open front side 704f of the main frame 704. The door 705 is hingedly movable from an open position (see figure 27) in which the interior of the box 702 can be accessed to a closed position ( see figures 23-25) in which the door 705 covers at least partially the open front side 704f of the main frame 704. A seal can be provided at the interface between door 705 and main frame 704 to seal case 702 when door 705 is closed.

Box 702 defines at least one first inlet hole 703 through which a feeder cable can enter frame 704 and at least one first outlet hole 707 through which a subscriber distribution cable can exit frame 704. In some modalities, box 702 can define additional inlet and / or outlet holes. In the example shown, the first inlet hole 703 and two outlet holes 707 extend through the top panel 702a of the housing frame 704. In other embodiments, however, inlet hole 703 and outlet hole 707 can be defined in any of the walls 702a-702e of the frame 704. In one embodiment, one or more of the holes 703m 707 includes strain relief elements extending out of the frame 704.

In general, box 702 may include one or more telecommunications components including telecommunications circuits (for example, optical outputs for subscribers). For example, box 702 shown in figures 23-28 is configured to maintain approximately 288 telecommunications circuits. Other modes can be configured to maintain more or less circuits. Typically, box 702 has a depth of less than approximately 23 cm (9 inches). In some embodiments, box 702 has a depth of less than approximately 20 cm (8 inches). In fact, in some embodiments, box 702 has a depth of less than approximately 18 cm (7 inches).

The frame of box 704 includes cable interface components in which incoming feeder cable (s) and outgoing distribution cable (s) can be optically joined within box 702. In general, connection port 700 includes at least a first feeder cable interface 742 and at least first and second feeder cable interfaces 744, 746. In the examples shown in figures 28 and 29, the first feeder cable interface 742 includes a connection tray. In other embodiments, however, the first feeder cable interface 742 may include one or more adapter modules for coupling the feeder cable connector ends to the input conductors of the divider modules.

In the example of the fiber delivery connection port 700 shown in figure 28, the first distribution cable interface 744 and the second distribution cable interface 746 include connection trays 745. In other embodiments, however, the first and / or second distribution cable interfaces 744, 746 may include another type of interface. For example, the second distribution cable interfaces 744, 746 may include one or more adapters for optically coupling the connector ends of the intermediate fibers routed to a termination panel on one or more distribution cables. In the example of the fiber delivery connection port 700 'shown in figure 29, the first distribution cable interface 744 includes a connection tray 745 and the second distribution cable interface 746 includes a panel or shelf 747 on which one or more adapters configured to receive multi-termination (MT) connectors can be installed. In another modality, adapters for single-ended connectors can be installed on the 747 shelf. In still other embodiments, the box 702 may include more or less interfaces of the distribution cable 744, 746.

Referring again to figures 26-28, the fiber distribution connection port 700 includes an oscillating frame 730 hingedly mounted inside the box 702 (see figure 28). The swing frame 730 has a front side 733 (figure 27) and a rear side 735 (figure 28). In one embodiment, the swing frame 730 is connected to the housing 702 by an articulation arrangement defining a geometric axis of vertical articulation located adjacent to a front corner of the main frame 704 of the small profile housing 702. The swing frame 730 is configured to be moved between a first position (see figure 27) in which the swing frame 730 is completely arranged within the main frame 704 of box 702 and a second position (see figure 28) in which the swing frame 730 it is articulated through the open front side 704f of the main frame 704, such that the rear side 735 of the swing frame 730 is accessible.

Referring to Figure 30, an exemplary swing frame 800 includes an upper panel 802a, a lower panel 802b, a first side panel 802c and a second side panel 802d extending in front of a rear panel 810. A number of telecommunications components can be mounted on the swing frame 800. In the example shown in figure 31, a mounting location of the splitter 820 for mounting the fiber optic splitter modules 825 is located adjacent to the top of the swing frame 800. A termination field 850 is located below the mounting location of the splitter 820. A storage location for connector 830 is positioned below termination field 850 on oscillating frame 800. One or more vertical cable management channels 840 extend vertically along the oscillating frame 800. In other embodiments, however, the telecommunication components can be mounted on the oscillating frame 800 in different configurations.

In the example shown in figure 31, the top panel 802a defines the mounting location of the divider 820 in which a first housing of the divider module 822 and a second housing of the divider module 822 'can be mounted. In the example shown, the second housing of the divider module 822 'is stacked above the first housing of the divider module 822. In other embodiments, the housings of the divider module 822, 822' may otherwise be positioned adjacent to each other. In still other embodiments, more or less divider module housings can be installed at the divider 820 mounting location. One or more divider 825 modules can be installed in each divider 822, 822 'housing.

An end panel 821 is positioned adjacent to the mounting location of the divider 820. The end panel 821 facilitates the routing of one or more input cables to the divider modules 825 installed in the divider housings 822, 822 '. Splitter rabbits extending from splitter modules 825 installed in the first housing of splitter module 822 can be routed through a bend radius limiter 823 defined at an opposite end of the upper panel 802a of the end panel 821. Splitter rabbits extending from splitter modules 825 installed in the second splitter module housing 822 'can be routed over a second bend radius limiter 823' extending out from the bottom of the splitter module housing 822 '. Retention projections 824, 824 'facilitate the routing of the divider pigtails of the divider modules 825 and over the bend radius limiters 823, 823'.

The divider pigtails are routed along a front side of the swing frame 800 through the cable management channel 840 before being optically coupled in the termination field 850 or in the storage location of the connector 830. In general, the management channel 840 side cable makes it easy to store the excess length of the divider pigtails. In some embodiments, the cable management channel 840 is defined by the rear panel 810 of the swing frame 800, the side panel 802d of the swing frame 800 and a front flange 842 extended into the side panel 802d. The projections 846 can cooperate with a lower edge 847 projected on top of the lower panel 802d of the swing frame 800 to prevent portions of the divider's tails from spilling over the front of the swing frame 800.

The additional excessive length of the scribbles can be absorbed by one or more bend radius limiters extended in front of the rear panel 810 of the swing frame 800. In the example shown, the excessive length of the divider scribes can be routed around a first limit curvature radius 844, which extends on the rear panel 810 adjacent to an intermediate region of the swing frame 800. Inclined bend radius limiters 848 can be arranged along one side of the 850 termination field to facilitate routing the divider dies to specific rows of the termination field 850. In the example shown, the inclined bend radius limiters 848 are arranged in a single vertical row along the side of the 850 termination field. Other configurations of the 848 bend radius limiters that direct splitter scraps to appropriate areas of the 850 termination field, however, are consistent with the scope of the description.

In some embodiments, connector ends of the divider's tails are routed to storage location 830 when first installed on swing frame 800. In the example shown, storage location 830 is defined by a storage panel 835 attached to rear panel 810. One or more storage modules can be mounted on the 835 storage panel. When a signal is to be sent to a subscriber location, a divider tail can be routed from storage location 830 to termination field 850 for optical coupling on a subscriber distribution cable.

In some embodiments, the 850 termination field includes one or more adapter modules mounted on one or more termination panels. Each adapter module is configured to slide away from the rear panel 810 of the oscillating frame 800 to allow access to the connectors fitted to the adapter modules. In general, adapter modules move (for example, slide) from a stowed position to an extended position. For example, in some embodiments, the adapter modules can be oriented to slide at least partially in a direction from front to back. In fact, in some exemplary embodiments, the adapter modules slide mainly in a direction from front to back. In fact, in some embodiments, the adapter modules slide completely in a direction from front to back.

In the example shown in figure 31, a first group of adapter modules 855 is positioned on a vertical column on a first termination panel 851 and a second group of modules on adapter 855 'is positioned on a vertical column on a second termination panel 851 '. In other embodiments, more or less groups of adapter modules can be arranged in any suitable configuration. Each end panel 851, 851 'is configured to be installed on the rear panel 810 of the swing frame 800. For example, the first end panel 851 can be mounted in a first opening 812 defined in the back panel 810 and the second end panel 851 'can be mounted in a second opening 812' defined in the rear panel 810.

In some embodiments, the end panels 851, 851 'include openings 852, 852', respectively, through which fasteners (eg screws, rivets, pins, etc.) can be inserted to securely couple the end panels 851 , 851 'at least first vertical edges of the opening 812, 812', respectively. In a certain embodiment, the terminating panels 851, 851 'also include projections 854, 854' defining openings 853, 853 'that align with openings 814, 814', respectively, in the rear panel 810. Fasteners can be inserted through the openings the projection 853, 853 'and the rear panel openings 814, 814' to also couple the termination panels 851, 851 'to the rear panel 810. In one embodiment, the projections 854, 854 'extend from the top and bottom of the terminating panels 851, 851'.

Coated fibers corresponding to subscriber distribution cables are routed from the sliding adapter modules 855, 855 ', through the rear panel 810, to the rear side of the oscillating frame 800. In some embodiments, the coated fibers can be pre-prepared in the adapter modules 855, 855 'before the installation of the terminating panels 851, 851' on the swing frame 800. In some embodiments, the coated fibers can be inserted through the openings 812, 812 'defined in the rear panel 810 when the end panels 851, 851' are attached to the rear panel 810. To facilitate the organization of the coated fibers, second vertical edges of the openings 812, 812 'can include tips 815, 815' defining slits 816, 816 ', respectively, into which the coated fibers can be slid during installation. In one embodiment, each slot 816, 816 'can hold coated fibers associated with an adapter module 855, 855', respectively. In another embodiment, each slot 816, 816 'can hold coated fibers associated with two or more adapter modules 855, 855'. In some embodiments, one or more tips 815, 815 'can define an opening configured to receive a fastener to assist in fixing the termination panel 851.851' to the rear panel 810.

Modalities of the FDH described above are suitable for use inside buildings or units of multiple residences. For example, some modalities are suitable for mounting inside cubicles or other confined spaces of limited size. Aspects of the FDH facilitate access to optical components inside the FDH box. For example, an articulated swing frame facilitates access to components stored at the rear of the FDH box. Sliding termination modules facilitate access to the individual terminated fibers while allowing for dense storage of the attached fibers.

The above specification provides examples of how certain aspects can be put into practice. It will be seen that the aspects can be practiced in ways other than those specifically shown and described here without departing from the spirit and scope of this description.