Network connection sensing connector assembly

[0001] The invention generally relates to a connector assembly that connects electronic components in a network, more specifically it relates to a connection module or cassette that connects network elements to a sensor element.

[0002] To better support a large electronic network, a sensor system has been created to monitor connections between elements in the network. The sensor system typically includes a connection module that is included in the patch panel, or any number of other network structures, and connects two separate network elements together. The connection module includes plug sockets, such as modular sockets, on the corresponding page. These sockets are used to connect connection cables, which in turn are connected to the first element of the network. Each jumper wire includes an electric cable containing signal wires connected at one end to a plug. The plug is inserted into the appropriate socket in such a way that the signal wires in the electric cable are electrically connected to the signal contacts coming from the back of the connection module. The signal contacts are in turn connected to a second set of signal wires that extend into the second network element. Thus, the connection module electrically connects the first and second network elements.

[0003] Conventional connection modules are connected to separate sensor configurations that allow the network to determine when the plug is connected to the socket. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a conventional connection module 600 in combination with a conventional sensor configuration. The sensor configuration includes a separate flexible digestive circuit (FEC) 602 containing several sensor contacts 604 located on belt 606. The strip 606 is glued to the front plate 608 near the sockets 610. Terminals coming from each sensor contact 604 along the length of FEC 602 across the front of the front plate 608 to the first connector 612, which is located on the side of the connection module 600. The first connector 612 is then attached to a second connector (not shown) which is connected to the sensor element (not shown). Alternatively, the first connector 612 may be arranged to protrude from the back of the connection module 600 instead of the front.

[0004] Each plug includes a sensor probe connected to a sensor cable that carries signals between the sensor probe and a corresponding network element. When the plugs are fully inserted into the plug-in sockets, the sensor probes contact and electrically engage the sensor contacts 604 on FEC 602 to form a sensor circuit. The sensor element can then be used to monitor and record connections of network elements over the network. For example, if one element of the network is connected to the wrong server, the network is down or downtime can occur, which can be very expensive. The sensor element determines where the faulty connection is located and determines how long it lasted so that downtime can be quickly remedied. In addition, an element

- 2 sensor can be used to determine if unwanted pages are connected to an element in the network and thus improve network security.

[0005] However, the conventional connection module 600 has several disadvantages. FEC 602 is expensive and connecting FEC 602 to the connection module 600 requires the use of glue and registering sensor contacts 604 near each socket 610. The installation process of the FEC 602 is therefore time consuming and difficult, especially when the connection module 600 is in a network structure with limited space. Also, the first connector 612 is generally connected to FEC 602, while the FEC 602 is connected to the connector module 600. The second connector hangs from the front of the connector module 600, so it can be easily damaged during installation and use. Also, the second connector takes up a lot of space, which makes installing the connection module 600 in network structures with limited space difficult. Connection module 600 requires cables and a second connector to connect the first connector 612 to the sensor element. Connectors and cables take up space and increase the risk of inadvertent disconnection, as well as limit the adaptability of the connection module 600 because they have a more complex structure of elements that must be considered when adding or replacing connections. In addition, cables should preferably be selected during installation of the FEC 602 so that they have a fixed length so that excess cable loops are not in the patch panel. In addition, if any 610 socket must be removed or added, the entire FEC 602 that covers part of the 610 socket must be removed and replaced. Also, setting the first connector 612 to protrude from the back of the connection module 600 requires a difficult and expensive mechanical routing process that requires removing or modifying items already on the back of the connection module 600.

[0006] Separately attached tracking modules according to the introduction to claim 1 are described in GB-A-2374941, but they are relatively complex, and have mechanically moving layers and micro-switches.

[0007] Thus, there is a need for a connection module that overcomes the above problems and other difficulties in the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, a connector assembly according to claim 1 is provided.

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the connector assembly are subject to the dependent claims, wherein, according to one preferred embodiment, the connector assembly is provided in the form of a connection cassette configured for electrical communication with a network element, which connector assembly has features as defined in any of the claims from 8 to 14 respectively.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment of the connector assembly, the output cassette may be configured to generate an output signal by the front of the sensor panel or the back of the network element as needed. In another favorable

- 3rd embodiment, the printed circuit includes a card edge connector for convenient attachment to replaceable output cassettes as desired. The sensor contacts in the embodiment are metal plates located between the sensor panel and the interface of the network element sockets to facilitate accurate and reliable detection of connections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011]

Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the front of a connection cassette configured to cooperate with a sensor belt assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a side cross-section of a portion of a connection wire formed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a one-dimensional axononet view of the rear of the connection cassette according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 ρΐ'χγ \ Μ; ι \\ · ί; ι zzut ilksonometlγ-cznγ jednovvy has an ares rear connection wedługη ^ Υγ according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 shows a front view of a conventional connection module with a flexible printed circuit mounted to it.

Figure 6 shows a front view of a conventional flexible printed circuit.

Figure 7 shows a partial exploded view of the connection cassette assembly according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 is a view of the connection cassette assembly shown in Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the connection cassette assembly shown in Figure 7 in assembled condition.

[0012] The above summary, as well as a detailed description of some embodiments of the invention, will be better understood upon reading with reference to the accompanying drawings. To illustrate the invention, the drawings show some embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the arrangements and recommendations set forth in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0013] Figure 1 is a isometric view of the front of a connection cassette 300 configured to cooperate with a separate and discrete sensor belt assembly 350 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The connection cassette 300 includes a housing 304 defined by side walls 306, top surface 308, base 310, rear wall 312 and socket interface 314. The socket interface 314 includes a plurality of plug sockets 370 and plug sockets of the sensor belt 316 located

- 4 on the side of the socket 370. Each socket 370 has a channel 386 along one side thereof and is configured to receive plugs 18 (as shown in Figure 2) on the connection cables 10.

[0014] Figure 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of the connection wire 10 formed according to one embodiment of the invention. The connection cable 10 includes an insulated cable 14 and a plug 18 held in a sheath 22. The cable 14 extends into a first network element (not shown), which, by way of example only, may be a server, a connection module or other connection cassette 300. Cable 14 contains several signal wires (not shown) which, by way of example only, may be shielded or unshielded and made of optical fibers or copper. The probe wire 26 extends from the cable 14 to the sensor probe 30. The sensor probe 30 can generally be positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug 18. The sensor probe 30 has a probe head 98 extending outside the sheath 22. The flexible plug 38 extends from the front end 42 of the plug 18 backwards at an acute angle to the bottom surface 36 of the plug 18 and is configured to hold the plug 18 in the connection cassette 300.

[0015] Again with reference to Figure 1, socket outlets 370 are arranged in two rows (A and B), each of which has six socket outlets 370. Rows A and B of socket outlets 370 are arranged one above the other. Optionally, the socket interface 314 may have more or less than two rows of socket outlets 370. In addition, more or less than six socket outlets 370 may be provided in each row. In addition, the sensor belt plug sockets 316 may be located above or below the rows A and B of the socket receptacles 370 depending on the location of the sensor belt plugs 342 on the sensor panel 302.

[0016] The connection cassette 300 may be connected to a network connection element such as a patch panel, wall mounted box, floor box, or any other network connection structure (not shown). Fastening elements, such as mounting holes 343, are provided in the socket interface 314 to allow mounting of the connection cassette 300 in a rack unit (not shown) or other such organizing and supporting structure. The connection cassette 300 connects the socket outlets 370 to the corresponding wires, printed circuit board, flexible circuit, insertion frame or the like in the housing of the connection cassette 300 as opposed to directly connecting each socket 370 to the corresponding structure in a different network connection. Wires electrically connected to sockets 370 can be tied inside the connection cassette 300 and electrically connected to the signal input / output (I / O) interface 320 (as shown below with reference to Figures 3 and 4). The 320 I / O signal interface can then be connected to a cable or other connection path (such as cable 311), which in turn is electrically connected to a component or network connector 313, such as a patch panel. Because the wires from the plug-in sockets 370 are connected inside the connection cassette 300 and are then routed to the corresponding elements in the signal I / O interface 320 in the connection cassette 300, there is no need to direct

- 5 numerous cables and wires from the connection cassette 300 to the network element 313. Rather, a single cable, such as cable 311, may contain a plurality of wires and connect the connection cassette 300 to the network connector 313. Optionally, sockets 370 may be electrically connected to a flexible or printed circuit board (not shown in Figure 1) in the connection cassette 300, which in turn is electrically connected to the signal input / output interface 320 located on the front or back of the connection cassette 300. An assembly of this type is described below with reference to Figure 7.

As shown in Figure 1, the sensor panel 302 includes a frame 324 defined by horizontal frame members 326 formed integrally with the vertical frame members 328. Frame 324 includes a front side 330, contact surface with cassette 332 and belt plug column 342 located on one of the vertical frame members 328. Parts of the contact surface of the cassette 332 (e.g., edges of the contact surface with the cassette 332) may be bevelled, with a cutout or rib in such a way that the contact surface with the cassette 332 engages with the corresponding structures in the socket interface 314 to enable latching, catching, removable or other reliable holding of the sensor panel 302 through the interface of the sockets 314 of the connection cassette 300. Optionally, the sensor panel 302 can be securely held by the connection cassette 300 without the use of glue or other adhesive means.

[0018] The belt plugs 342 protrude outwardly from the contact surface with the cassette 332 and can optionally be formed on one of the horizontal frame members 326 (in the form of a row) or on the other vertical frame member 328. Also optionally, the belt plugs 342 can be positioned on more than one of the vertical and horizontal frame members 328 and 326 (as long as they correspond to the belt plug sockets formed in the connection cassette 300). The sensor belt 334 attached to each vertical frame member extends longitudinally across the sensor panel 302 parallel to the horizontal members of the frame 326. The sensor panel 302 can be molded with the frame 324, extruded on it, or otherwise integrally molded therewith. Alternatively, the horizontal frame members 328 may include slots configured to receive and retain supporting tabs formed as sensor belt ends. Thus, the sensor belt 334 can be detachable from the 324 frame. The two open cavities 336 are defined between the horizontal frame members 326 and the sensor belt 334 and are configured to allow passage of plugs 18. Sockets cavities 336 allow the cooperation of plugs 18 connection cables 10 with plug sockets 370 as described below.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the sensor belt 334 is a flexible circuit having conductive pads or sensor contacts 340, such as those commonly used as sensors for connecting to connection modules (such as the connection module 600 shown in Figure 5). The sensor contacts 340 are electrically connected to the respective belt plugs 342 extending outwardly from the interface surface of the cassette 332. The sensor contacts 340 can be electrically connected to the corresponding belt plugs by means of paths (example path which is located below the surface of the belt

6 sensor 334 and vertical member 328 are represented by line 341), which may be formed in or on sensor belt 334 and frame 324.

[0020] The sensor panel 302 is received and held by the connection cassette 300. The connection cassette 300 comprises means that allow the belt assembly 350 to be attached to the interface of the socket 314 of the connection cassette 330 in a snap, hook or other manner. The sensor panel 302 is attached to the connection cassette 300 without the use of glue or other adhesive means. The sensor panel 302 can be quickly and efficiently attached (and removed) to the connection cassette 300 through a snap-in, clip-on or other suitable connection between the socket interface 314 and the contact surface with the cassette 332. Also, belt plugs 342 can be reliably held by belt plug connectors 316 in such that the belt assembly 350 is securely located on the interface of socket 314 of the connection cassette 300. When the sensor panel 302 is mounted on the socket interface 314 towards the dashed lines, the belt plugs 342 are received and retained by the belt plug sockets 316. The belt plugs 342 then electrically connect with contacts (not shown) in the belt plug sockets 316, which are in turn electrically connected to the input / output (I / O) sensor interface 318 or the isolation cutting contact (DC) 322 assembly (as discussed below in with reference to Figures 3 and 4) by means of internal paths, wires or the like. The I / O sensor interface 318 or DC 322 may then be in electrical communication with the sensor element 317 contained or separated from the network element 313 by cable 315 or other electrical path.

[0021] When the sensor panel 302 is securely attached and thus in working connection with the connection cassette 300, the plug sockets 370 can receive the plugs 18 of the connecting wires 10 in such a way that the flexible plugs 38 are held in the channels 386 and inclined towards the bottom surface 36 plugs 18. The resistance of flexible plugs 38 to channels 386 holds plugs 18 in plugs 370. Optionally, the flexible plugs 38 may include a latch element that connects to the corresponding latch element in channel 386. When the plugs 18 are fully received in the sockets 370, the probe heads 98 contact and electrically engage the corresponding sensor contacts 340. When the plugs 18 are inserted into the respective sockets 370, the sensor probes 30 align and engage with the respective sensor contacts 340 on the sensor belt 334, thus allowing the sensor signals to pass in any direction between the plug 18 and the connection cassette 300.

[0022] Optionally, instead of a plug and socket configuration, the sensor panel 302 may be tightly attached to the connection cassette 300. For example, instead of the plugs 342 and sockets 316, the sensor panel 302 may include a system of insulators and conductors. Insulators can be longer or higher than conductors. However, when the system is pressed between the sensor panel 302 and the connection cassette 300, the insulators can be compressed along the length or height of the conductors.

[0023] When the sensor belt 334 is operatively connected to the connection cassette 300, a plug or other such element, such as the sensor probe 30, on the plug 18 or cable

- 7 connection 10 contacts the sensor belt 334 if the plug 18 is fully fitted into the corresponding socket 370. In particular, the sensor probe 30 of the plug 18 contacts the sensor contact 340 when the plug is fully fitted in the plug socket 370. After The plug 18 fully fits into socket 370, an electric circuit is formed between plug 18 and sensor contact 340 by contacting the sensor probe 30 with sensor contact 340. The sensing element 317 detects this electrical circuit as a connection between the plug 18 and its respective socket 370. However, if the plug 18 moves from its respective socket 370, the sensor probe 30 no longer contacts the sensor contact 340. Thus, the electric circuit remains interrupted and the sensor element 317 detects that there is no connection between the plug 18 and its respective socket 370. Connection information is forwarded to a processing unit (not shown), which in turn can display connection information to the operator or supervisor.

[0024] Figure 3 is an axonometric view of the rear of the connection cassette 300 according to one embodiment of the invention. The back wall 312 of the connection cassette 300 includes an input / output (I / O) sensor interface 318 and a signal input / output (I / O) interface 320. The I / O sensor interface 318 connects electrically to the belt connector sockets 316 via electrical paths, cables, wires, circuit boards or the like. Similarly, the signal 320 I / O interface is electrically connected to sockets 370 by means of electrical paths, cables, wires, circuit boards or the like. Thus, the connection cassette 300 can connect to a patch panel, or other network structure, such as a network element 313, by means of an electric cable, such as a 311 cable, which connects a plurality of signal wires and connects them to an I / O interface on the element networks 313. Similarly, sensor information is transmitted to sensor element 317 via a cable 315 that connects the sensor 318 I / O interface with the interface on sensor element 317.

[0025] Figure 4 is an axonometric view of the rear of the connection cassette 300 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. Instead of the sensor interface 318 shown in Figure 3, the connection cassette 300 may include a DC 322 assembly that can communicate with the corresponding sensor assembly 317.

[0026] US Patent Application entitled Receptacle and Plug Interconnect Module With Integral Sensor Contacts, filed June 18, 2002, attorney docket 17862US 1 (MHM No. 13761US01), to the applicants Pepe et al. (Pepe application), discloses a connector assembly having sensor contacts integrally formed with the connector assembly housing. Pepe's application discloses a connection module having integrally formed multiple sensor contacts thereon. The sensor belt 334 shown above with reference to Figure 1 may include the sensor contacts shown in the Pepe application, instead of the flexible belt 338. Each contact sensor, or conductive contact sensor pad is connected

- 8 electrically with belt plugs 342 via tracks 341 or similar electrical tracks.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sensor belt 334 and the I / O sensor interface 318 or the DC 322 assembly can be connected to each other by means of a printed circuit board which extends in the housing 304 of the connection cassette 300. The printed circuit board has electronic paths that extend along its length and are connected to the sockets of the 316 sensor belt. The printed circuit board may include signal conditioning circuits, an exclusive identification code for each socket 370, and / or processing elements that analyze and identify the type of plug inserted.

[0028] The connection cassette 300 and the separate sensor panel 302 provide several advantages. First, the connection cassette 300 uses individual sensor contacts 340 positioned near each socket 370. The sensor contacts 340 are individually held in front of the sensor panel 302 and are connected to the sensor plugs 342 via paths 341 or the like. Thus, the sensor contacts 340 directly connect to the sensor probes of the plugs 18. The sensor contacts 340 are separate and discreet from each other, thus allowing easy removal and replacement of plugs 18 from plug sockets 370 without disconnecting other plugs 18 from plug sockets 370 that are not replaced / removed. This means that only sensor strip 334 needs to be removed, while sensor panel 302 and plugs remain in place. Also, if the sensor contacts 34 are damaged, only the sensor panel 302 needs to be replaced (as opposed to the entire connection cassette 300). Furthermore, the sensor belt 334 of the sensor panel 302 can be removable in such a way that only the sensor belt 334 or the individual sensor contacts 340 need to be replaced. Finally, the sensor contacts eliminate the need for fixed cable lengths and numerous connectors to connect the sensor pads to the sensor wires, thus saving time and space.

[0029] Embodiments of the invention can be used with various applications including modular sockets. For example, the invention can be applied to components for electrical connection or by means of optical fibers.

[0030] Figures 7-9 show another embodiment of a connection cassette 400 including a connection cassette 402. Connection cassette 402 includes a number of plug sockets 404 placed side by side in horizontal rows across the front end 403 of the connecting cassette and forming the socket interface 405 (Figure 9). A plurality of connectors 406 are located behind each respective socket 404, and each connector 406 is mechanically and electrically coupled to the respective circuit board 408 extending above the bottom wall 410 of the connection cassette 402. The sockets 404 are aligned and positioned such that the front sides sockets 404 are accessible through the open socket cavity 407 (Figure 8) in the socket interface 405 of the connection cassette 402. When the connecting wire, such as the connecting wire 10 (shown in Figure 2) is received in the open end of the socket 404, the signal wires of the connecting wires are connected

9 electrically with a suitable printed circuit board, and the sensor probes 30 (shown in Figure 2) of the connecting wires are electrically connected to the replaceable output cassette 424, described below.

[0031] The sensor panel 414 is coupled to the socket interface 405 of the connection cassette 402 and provides the ability to detect monitored connections. The sensor panel 414 in one embodiment is made of known plastics and includes a molded sensor belt 416 extending longitudinally below the open cavity cavity 413 formed in the sensor panel 414. In the embodiment shown, the sensor belt 416 is a printed circuit board having electronic paths that extend along its length and are connected to the sensor contacts 420. Printed circuit board 416 may include signal conditioning circuits, an exclusive identification code for each socket 404, processing elements that analyze and identify the type of plug inserted into the connection cassette 402, and the like that will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In alternative embodiments, it should be appreciated that instead of the printed circuit board, the sensor belt 416 may include a flexible circuit known to those skilled in the art. It will be appreciated that the sensor belt 416 may be otherwise mounted on panel 414 instead of sprinkling as described above.

[0032] In the embodiment shown, the sensor contacts 420 are separately provided metal plates that are inserted into the sensor panel 414 in electrical contact with one of the electronic paths on the printed circuit board 416. However, it should be understood that other conductive members with different shapes, sizes and configurations can be used in alternative embodiments of the invention. In addition, the sensor contacts 420 may be molded or otherwise provided in a unitary or integral arrangement with the sensor panel 414. In yet another alternative embodiment, the sensor contacts 420 may be coupled or otherwise provided on the socket interface 405 of the connection cassette 402.

[0033] When the sensor panel 414 is attached to the socket interface 405 of the connection cassette 402, the open recess 418 of the sensor panel 414 is substantially aligned with the open front sides of the socket 404 and surrounds it. The sensor contacts 420 are located between the printed circuit board 416 of the sensor panel 414 and the interface of the sockets 405 of the connection cassette 402, and each sensor contact 420 is located adjacent to one of the sockets 404. When the connection cable, such as the connection cable 10 described above, is connected to the socket 404 through the open cavity 418, the sensor probe 30 contacts the corresponding of the sensor contacts 420 corresponding to the connected socket 404 and allows signals to pass in any direction between the cable connection 10 and printed circuit board 416 of sensor panel 414. The sensor panel 414 can be coupled to or attached to the socket interface 405 of the connection cassette 402 via known fastening methods, including but not limited to connection by known connectors that protrude through holes 422 in the sensor panel 414 and socket interface 405

- 10 connection cassette 402. Electrical insulation can be used as required or when necessary to avoid short circuits.

[0034] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, in one embodiment, the sensor panel 414 includes opposite end sections 411 and 413, and interface sections 415, 417 extending between them. Sections 411, 413, 415 and 417 are coupled to each other 419 clamps and known fasteners. In other embodiments, sections 411, 413, 415 and 417 contain respective parts of a continuous printed circuit board defining the sensor belt 416, or comprise separate sensor belts electrically coupled to each other.

[0035] To provide a sensor output for monitoring and analyzing network connections, an output cassette 424 is provided communicating with the printed circuit board 416 of the sensor panel 414. In the illustrated embodiment, the replaceable output cassette 424 includes a printed circuit board 426 and a number of connectors 428 mechanically and electrically coupled to electronic paths on printed circuit board 426. Printed circuit board 426 of output cassette 424 is connected to printed circuit board 416 of sensor panel 414, which in turn is electrically connected to sensor contacts 420. In one embodiment, printed circuit board 416 of sensor panel 414 includes a known card edge connector 430 which adopts printed circuit board 426 of output cassette 424.

[0036] In one embodiment, the card edge connector 430 extends through the slot 432 in the socket interface 405 of the connection cassette 402 when the sensor panel 414 is installed and the output cassette 424 is located behind the socket interface 405 in connection with the edge connector of the card 430 In an alternative embodiment, known connection schemes may be used, including but not limited to the strip connectors described above.

[0037] In one embodiment, the output cassette 424 includes an output connector 434 (shown in Figure 7) coupled to the connectors 428 and adapted to output a signal from the printed circuit board 426 for detecting, monitoring and analyzing network connections. Output connector 434 is positioned adjacent to output hole 436 of socket interface 405, and as desired, output connector 426 is accessible through complementary hole 438 (shown in the figure in Figure 7). When the hole 438 is knocked out or otherwise formed in the sensor panel 414, and more specifically in the final section 411 (shown in Figure 8) of the sensor panel 414, the output connector 434 provides an output signal in front of the sensor panel 414. In other words, in contrast to known connections , the output signal can be provided on the front of the 405 socket interface when the connector, plug or cable is coupled to the 434 output connector. Additionally and desirably, outlet 438 may remain closed as illustrated in Figure 9, and a sensor output interface may be provided at the rear of the connection cassette 402 (similar to interface 318 shown in Figure 3 of interface 322 shown in Figure 4).

[0038] The output cassette 424 is adapted to the desired signal output for connection to the desired network element. For various applications or for connection to various types of equipment, the 424 output cassette can be replaced with another differently configured output cassette that is better suited or more desirable for a particular application. A given output cassette can be removed and replaced with another output cassette that is better suited or more desirable for the selected application. By providing a number of replaceable output cassettes 424 that are configured differently, multiple output signals can be generated for detecting, monitoring and analyzing network connections with a single sensor panel 414. In other words, replaceable output cassettes provide different output signals without modifying the panel or sensor elements (i.e., printed circuit board 416 or contacts 420). In addition, by providing front and rear signal output capabilities, the cassette assembly 400 provides the flexibility and versatility of connecting the cassette assembly 400 to another network element or elements, such as a sensor element and an analyzing element. Still additional; sensor panel 414 and sensor contacts 420 provide reliable and reliable electrical and mechanical connection to the printed circuit board 416 of sensor panel 414 for accurate detection of network connection.

[0039] While the invention has been described with reference to various specific embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the invention may be made with modifications within the scope of the claims.

Prepared and verified

Anna Stenzel Patent Attorney