US Patent 9703060 Ultra-compact, software-defined fiber optic patch-panels

An automated, robotic patch-panel system in a highly compact form factor implementing Knots and Braids switching algorithms is disclosed. This system incorporates stacked layers of connector ports, each row of connector ports defining an arc with a radius of curvature, wherein the radius of curvature is substantially larger than the total height of the stacked layers. A synchronized gripper pair on a three axis actuation system is used to disconnect, weave and connect fibers arbitrarily across an array of dense connector ports on a curvilinear surface. Each row of connector ports is independently translatable by slight rotation to generate the proper relationship between surrounding fibers and the individual fiber undergoing the multi-step reconfiguration process.