Patent ID: 6014713
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: G02B,G06F,H01R,H02G

Abstract:
A computer comprising microprocessor means, memory means and I/O means operatively coupled together, said I/O means including associated optoelectronic structure including a substrate and an optical subassembly including at least one plastic optical fiber, said I/O means further including a retractable optical fiber connector assembly having a rotatable spool rotatably positioned on said substrate of said I/O means, at least one plastic optical fiber adapted for being wound about said spool and including a terminal end, said plastic optical fiber wound about said spool adapted for optically coupling said computer to a peripheral component, said rotatable spool including means for retaining said terminal end of said plastic optical fiber wound about said spool such that said terminal end is optically aligned with said plastic optical fiber of said optical subassembly of said associated optoelectronic structure of said I/O means of said computer in an end-to-end, facing relationship when said spool is rotated to a predetermined position on said substrate of said I/O means.