Patents by Inventor Robert B. Elkins
Robert B. Elkins has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 9620249Abstract: A nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly including: a fuel bundle including an array of fuel rods and water rods mounted in an upper tie plate and housed in walls of a channel, and a pore type debris shield mounted at least partially in the channel, above or below the upper tie plate, the shield extending to or over the walls of the channel, whereby deflecting and/or capturing falling debris from entering the fuel assembly, wherein the shield is design to be durable, yet flexible, and porous.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: Global Nuclear Fuel—Americas, LLCInventors: Robert B. Elkins, Russell Fawcett, David Smith, Michael Kiernan, Russell Stachowski, Gerald A. Luciano, Michael S. DeFilippis, Carlton Clark, Richard Carl Longren
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Patent number: 9529162Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a fiber alignment body including a continuous optical fiber guide channel extending therethrough. The continuous optical fiber guide channel has a lead-in channel portion, a lead-out channel portion and a turn portion that connects the lead-in channel portion and the lead-out channel portion. The fiber alignment body has a reflective surface formed of metal that receives light traveling from an optical fiber located within the lead-in channel portion of the continuous optical fiber channel and reflects the light into the lead-out channel portion of the continuous optical fiber channel.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2012Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLCInventors: Jeffrey D. Danley, Robert B. Elkins, II, Kevin B. Sparks
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Publication number: 20140099060Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a fiber alignment body including a continuous optical fiber guide channel extending therethrough. The continuous optical fiber guide channel has a lead-in channel portion, a lead-out channel portion and a turn portion that connects the lead-in channel portion and the lead-out channel portion. The fiber alignment body has a reflective surface formed of metal that receives light traveling from an optical fiber located within the lead-in channel portion of the continuous optical fiber channel and reflects the light into the lead-out channel portion of the continuous optical fiber channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventors: Jeffrey D. Danley, Robert B. Elkins, II, Kevin B. Sparks
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Patent number: 8238705Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly including a mid-span access location, a cable having at least fiber therein, and a tether in optical communication with the at least one fiber of the cable. The access location and portions of the cables are substantially encapsulated within a flexible body having dimensions sufficient to accommodate the optical splitter therein. A method for making a fiber optic cable assembly including an access location, distribution cable, tether and optical splitter maintained within a flexible overmolded body while providing an assembly having a relatively small cross-sectional diameter.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Christopher Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther, Robert B. Elkins, III, Costas Saravanos, Elli Makrides-Saravanos
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Patent number: 7729583Abstract: Flexible closures and other flexible optical assemblies that are installed within a factory, or in the field, and then deployed using cable installation methods, wherein the flexible closures and assemblies have the ability to bend and twist without incurring physical damage to their structure, optical fibers and splices disposed within, and without significant attenuation in the optical fibers when exposed to conventional installation stresses. Flexible closures that replace conventional substantially rigid closures in order to facilitate pre-engineered and assembled distribution cable installation within an optical network, and the physical, bending and material properties of such closures, and methods of manufacturing and installing the same.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2007Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Robert B. Elkins, II, Lars K. Nielsen, James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn
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Patent number: 7658549Abstract: A pre-connectorized fiber optic distribution cable assembly includes a plurality of optical fibers and at least one mid-span access location along the length of the distribution cable. At least one of the optical fibers is accessed, terminated and then connectorized at the mid-span access location to an optical connector disposed within a receptacle. The mid-span access location, the accessed, terminated and connectorized optical fiber, the optical connector and at least a portion of the receptacle are encapsulated with a protective overmolded shell. A tether including at least one optical fiber connectorized at a first end of the tether is optically connected to the optical connector through the receptacle. A second end of the tether opposite the first end terminates in a network optical connection terminal, thereby compensating for a span length measurement difference between the actual location of the mid-span access and the desired location of the optical connection terminal.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Robert B. Elkins, II, Thomas Theuerkorn, Lars K. Nielsen, James P. Luther
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Patent number: 7660501Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly comprising a first fiber optic cable having pre-selected optical fibers pre-terminated and branched at a cable access point, a second cable optically connected to the pre-terminated optical fibers, and a flexible body encapsulating the cable access point. A method for manufacturing a fiber optic cable assembly comprising providing a fiber optic cable, making an opening in the cable for access, pre-terminating pre-selected optical fibers, optically connecting the pre-selected optical fibers with optical fibers of a tether cable, and encapsulating at least a portion of the cable access location within a flexible overmolded body.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2008Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Robert B. Elkins, II, James P. Luther, Lars K. Nielsen, Thomas Theuerkorn
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Publication number: 20090285539Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly including a mid-span access location, a cable having at least fiber therein, and a tether in optical communication with the at least one fiber of the cable. The access location and portions of the cables are substantially encapsulated within a flexible body having dimensions sufficient to accommodate the optical splitter therein. A method for making a fiber optic cable assembly including an access location, distribution cable, tether and optical splitter maintained within a flexible overmolded body while providing an assembly having a relatively small cross-sectional diameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2009Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventors: Christopher Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther, Robert B. Elkins, III, Costas Saravanos, Elli Makrides-Saravanos
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Patent number: 7542651Abstract: A cable assembly comprising a first fiber optic cable, a second fiber optic cable attached to the first fiber optic cable, and an apparatus for remotely releasing at least a portion of the second fiber optic cable from attachment to the first fiber optic cable. A cable assembly comprising a distribution cable, a tether cable attached and optically interconnected to the distribution cable at a first position, and removably attached to the distribution cable at one or more second positions, and a tether cable release apparatus for remotely releasing at least a portion of the tether cable from the distribution cable to allow the tether and a tethered assembly to be pulled to a predetermined location within a network.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Christopher Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther, Robert B. Elkins, II, Lars K. Nielsen, Joseph Cody
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Publication number: 20090060113Abstract: A nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly including: a fuel bundle including an array of fuel rods and water rods mounted in an upper tie plate and housed in walls of a channel, and a pore type debris shield mounted at least partially in the channel, above or below the upper tie plate, the shield extending to or over the walls of the channel, whereby deflecting and/or capturing falling debris from entering the fuel assembly, wherein the shield is design to be durable, yet flexible, and porous.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: Global Nuclear Fuel - Americas, LLCInventors: Robert B. Elkins, Russell Fawcett, David Smith, Michael Kiernan, Russell Stachowski, Gerald A. Luciano, Michael S. DeFilippis, Carlton Clark, Richard Carl Longren
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Publication number: 20090034676Abstract: A nuclear reactor fuel bundle assembly has been developed that includes: a fuel bundle including an array of fuel rods attached to a lower tie plate, an upper tie plate and housed in walls of a channel, and a water rod, having an upper discharge end below and unattached to the upper tie plate, and the upper discharge end having an unobstructed opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: GLOBAL NUCLEAR FUEL - AMERICAS, LLCInventors: Robert B. Elkins, Mason Makovicka, Michael S. DeFilippis
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Publication number: 20090034921Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly comprising a first fiber optic cable having pre-selected optical fibers pre-terminated and branched at a cable access point, a second cable optically connected to the pre-terminated optical fibers, and a flexible body encapsulating the cable access point. A method for manufacturing a fiber optic cable assembly comprising providing a fiber optic cable, making an opening in the cable for access, pre-terminating pre-selected optical fibers, optically connecting the pre-selected optical fibers with optical fibers of a tether cable, and encapsulating at least a portion of the cable access location within a flexible overmolded body.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Robert B. Elkins,, II, James P. Luther, Lars K. Nielsen, Thomas Theuerkorn
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Patent number: 7450804Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly comprising a first fiber optic cable having pre-selected optical fibers pre-terminated and branched at a cable access point, a second cable optically connected to the pre-terminated optical fibers, and a flexible body encapsulating the cable access point. A method for manufacturing a fiber optic cable assembly comprising providing a fiber optic cable, making an opening in the cable for access, pre-terminating pre-selected optical fibers, optically connecting the pre-selected optical fibers with optical fibers of a tether cable, and encapsulating at least a portion of the cable access location within a flexible overmolded body.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Robert B. Elkins, II, James P. Luther, Lars K. Nielsen, Thomas Theuerkorn
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Patent number: 7393142Abstract: A ferrule comprising a molded ferrule body defining fiber bores, an end face of a connective end of the ferrule positioned about the fiber bores, and an integral reference surface for determining the angularity of the end face. The integral reference surface is not machined subsequent to a ferrule molding process and is accessible after assembly of the ferrule body into a connector body. A multi-fiber ferrule comprising a connective end defining an end face, a rear non-connective portion defining a protruding shoulder, and an integral reference datum positioned on a surface of the shoulder accessible for determining the angularity of a plane defined by the end face, wherein the integral datum is accessible when the ferrule is received within a connector body.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: David L. Dean, Jr., James P. Luther, Robert B. Elkins, II
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Patent number: 7391950Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly including a mid-span access location, a cable having at least fiber therein, and a tether attached and spliced to at least one fiber of the cable. The access location and portions of the cables are substantially encapsulated within a flexible body having dimensions sufficient to accommodate a slack coil or loop of bend performance optical fiber therein. A method for making a fiber optic cable assembly including an access location, distribution cable, tether and slack coil of optical fiber maintained within a flexible overmolded body while providing an assembly having a cross-sectional diameter less than about 1.25 inches.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Christopher Paul Lewallen, Robert B. Elkins, III, James P. Luther, Costas Saravanos, Elli Makrides-Saravanos
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Publication number: 20080112675Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly including a mid-span access location, a cable having at least fiber therein, and a tether attached and spliced to at least one fiber of the cable. The access location and portions of the cables are substantially encapsulated within a flexible body having dimensions sufficient to accommodate a slack coil or loop of bend performance optical fiber therein. A method for making a fiber optic cable assembly including an access location, distribution cable, tether and slack coil of optical fiber maintained within a flexible overmolded body while providing an assembly having a cross-sectional diameter less than about 1.25 inches.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Christopher Paul Lewallen, Robert B. Elkins, James P. Luther, Costa Saravanos, Elli Makrides Saravanos
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Publication number: 20080101751Abstract: A multi-fiber fiber optic ferrule comprising a ferrule body, at least one optically functional optical fiber received within at least one optical fiber bore defined by the ferrule body, and at least one optically non-functional guard fiber received within at least one guard fiber bore defined by the ferrule body. A multi-fiber ferrule defining at least one optical fiber bore opening through a front face, at least one optically functional optical fiber received within the ferrule and maintained within the at least one optical fiber bore, at least one guard fiber bore opening through the front face, and at least one optically non-functional guard fiber received within the at least one guard fiber bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2006Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn, Christopher Paul Lewallen, Hieu V. Tran, Terry Cooke, Tory A. Klavuhn, Robert B. Elkins
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Publication number: 20080080830Abstract: A cable assembly comprising a first fiber optic cable, a second fiber optic cable attached to the first fiber optic cable, and an apparatus for remotely releasing at least a portion of the second fiber optic cable from attachment to the first fiber optic cable. A cable assembly comprising a distribution cable, a tether cable attached and optically interconnected to the distribution cable at a first position, and removably attached to the distribution cable at one or more second positions, and a tether cable release apparatus for remotely releasing at least a portion of the tether cable from the distribution cable to allow the tether and a tethered assembly to be pulled to a predetermined location within a network.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2006Publication date: April 3, 2008Inventors: Christopher Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther, Robert B. Elkins, Lars K. Nielsen, Joseph Cody
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Patent number: 7330621Abstract: Flexible closures and other flexible optical assemblies that are installed within a factory, or in the field, and then deployed using cable installation methods, wherein the flexible closures and assemblies have the ability to bend and twist without incurring physical damage to their structure, optical fibers and splices disposed within, and without significant attenuation in the optical fibers when exposed to conventional installation stresses. Flexible closures that replace conventional substantially rigid closures in order to facilitate pre-engineered and assembled distribution cable installation within an optical network, and the physical, bending and material properties of such closures, and methods of manufacturing and installing the same.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Robert B. Elkins, II, Lars K. Nielsen, James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn
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Overmolded multi-port optical connection terminal having means for accommodating excess fiber length
Patent number: 7302152Abstract: An overmolded multi-port optical connection terminal for a fiber optic distribution cable includes a tether cable containing a plurality of optical fibers optically connected to a corresponding plurality of optical fibers terminated from the fiber optic distribution cable at a first end of the tether cable, an overmolded housing a the second end of the tether cable, at least one connector port, and plenum means for accommodating excess fiber length (EFL) caused by shrinkage of the tether cable and/or pistoning of the optical fibers of the tether cable during connector mating. In one embodiment, a centralized plenum means is defined by an internal cavity within the overmolded housing sufficient for accommodating the EFL without micro bending. In another embodiment, a distributed plenum means is defined by an oversized tubular portion of the tether cable having an inner diameter sufficient for accommodating the EFL without micro bending.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: James P. Luther, Robert B. Elkins, II, Lars K. Nielsen