Patent ID: 8414309
Filing Date: 2013-04-09
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An optical communications system comprising: an optical transceiver module having at least first, second, third, and fourth outer sides, a top portion, and a bottom portion; a non-hermetically-sealing protective socket comprising a bottom and first, second, third, and fourth side walls, each of the side walls having a first side that is in contact with the bottom and having a second side that is parallel to the first side, the first side wall extending between the second and fourth side walls, the second side wall extending between the first and third side walls, the third side wall extending between the second and fourth side walls, the fourth side wall extending between the first and third side walls, the bottom having a bottom surface and a top surface, wherein a combination of the side walls and the bottom of the protective socket define a receptacle for holding the optical transceiver module, the receptacle having a length and a width that are slightly larger than a length and width, respectively, of the optical transceiver module to allow the optical transceiver module to be held within the receptacle, the receptacle having a height that is approximately equal to a height of the optical transceiver module, wherein the optical transceiver module is seated within the receptacle such that the bottom portion of the optical transceiver module is adjacent the top surface of the bottom of the protective socket and such that the first, second, third, and fourth outer sides of the optical transceiver module are surrounded by the first, second, third, and fourth side walls of the protective socket, and wherein the side walls and the bottom of the protective socket provide a physical barrier that impedes ingress of airborne particles into an interior portion of the optical transceiver module; a first array of electrical contacts disposed on the bottom surface of the protective socket; and a second array of electrical contacts disposed on the top surface of the bottom of the protective socket, wherein respective electrical contacts of the first array of electrical contacts are electrically coupled to respective electrical contacts of the second array of electricalcontacts, and wherein respective electrical contacts disposed on the bottom portion of the optical transceiver module are in contact with respective electrical contacts of the second array of electrical contacts.