US Patent 7856166 High-density patch-panel assemblies for optical fiber telecommunications

Patch panel assemblies (150) that contain patch panel modules (50) for use in optical fiber telecommunication systems are disclosed. One of the patch panel assemblies includes a front mounting frame (210F) and at least one internal mounting frame (210I) that support a plurality of patch panel modules. The patch panel assembly also includes a hinge assembly (224) configured allow bend-insensitive fiber cables (70) to be routed therethrough. One of the patch panel assemblies includes a housing (152) with a drawer (270) that supports a plurality of patch panel modules. The patch panel modules employ bend-insensitive optical fibers (12C) to connect front and rear ports (92, 98) so that the patch panels have a reduced size as compared to conventional patch panel modules. The patch panel assemblies include a cable distribution box (300) that can store excess cable and that assists in routing bend-insensitive fiber optic cables within the patch panel assembly interior (200) in order to connect to select patch panel module jacks (90).