Patents by Inventor Sean M. Kerr

Sean M. Kerr 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).

  • Patent number: 8496386
    Abstract: Ferrules having anti-rotation features along with fiber optic connectors using the same are disclosed. The ferrules have a body with a first diameter and at least one bore extending from a rear end of the ferrule to a front end of the ferrule. The ferrule has at least one anti-rotation feature such as a rib. The ferrule may be part of a ferrule assembly that includes a ferrule holder where the anti-rotation feature improves the bond between the ferrule and the ferrule holder. Methods for making the ferrules and assemblies using the ferrule are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Sean M. Kerr, Louis E. Parkman, III, Glenn G. Riddell
  • Publication number: 20110158592
    Abstract: Ferrules having anti-rotation features along with fiber optic connectors using the same are disclosed. The ferrules have a body with a first diameter and at least one bore extending from a rear end of the ferrule to a front end of the ferrule. The ferrule has at least one anti-rotation feature such as a rib. The ferrule may be part of a ferrule assembly that includes a ferrule holder where the anti-rotation feature improves the bond between the ferrule and the ferrule holder. Methods for making the ferrules and assemblies using the ferrule are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Sean M. Kerr, Louis E. Parkman, III, Glenn G. Riddell
  • Patent number: 7512308
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the need for a stress relieving device and protective jacket for exposed fiber within a field-installed optical network enclosure, such as a network interface device. The present invention incorporates a furcation tube coupled with a furcation body. The coupling may be accomplished by a direct connection or with use of an external or internal transition body. The present invention enables a field-installer to transition an optical fiber cable from the field into a furcation tube thereby providing a means for attaching an optical connector, such as a mechanical splice connector, onto the optical fiber and furcation tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Bradley S. Billman, Sean M. Kerr, Joshua D. Raker, Charles A. Yow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6931193
    Abstract: Methods are provided for validating the continuity of one or more optical fibers upon which a fiber optic connector is mounted. Typically, the fiber optic connector is mounted upon an optical field fiber by actuating a cam mechanism to secure the optical field fiber in position relative to an optical fiber stub. If subsequent testing indicates that the continuity of the optical field fiber and the optical fiber stub is unacceptable, the cam mechanism can be deactuated, the optical field fiber can be repositioned and the cam mechanism can be reactuated without having to remove and replace the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Thomas A. Church, Michael de Jong, Markus A. Giebel, Sean M. Kerr
  • Patent number: 6816661
    Abstract: Methods are provided for validating the continuity of one or more optical fibers upon which a fiber optic connector is mounted. Typically, the fiber optic connector is mounted upon an optical field fiber by actuating a cam mechanism to secure the optical field fiber in position relative to an optical fiber stub. If subsequent testing indicates that the continuity of the optical field fiber and the optical fiber stub is unacceptable, the cam mechanism can be deactuated, the optical field fiber can be repositioned and the cam mechanism can be reactuated without having to remove and replace the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Michael de Jong, Thomas A. Church, Markus A. Giebel, Sean M. Kerr
  • Patent number: 6669377
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a ferrule that is compatible with a mini-MT ferrule and an E-ferrule and, if sized properly, an MT ferrule is provided. Additionally, a guide pin retention mechanism is provided that permits guide pins to be inserted in the field following assembly of the connector and polishing of the front face of the ferrule. The connector includes a ferrule having a shank and a first shoulder portion proximate one end of the shank. The first shoulder portion has a cross-sectional profile that is larger than the shank. The ferrule may also include a second shoulder portion proximate the first shoulder portion that is smaller in lateral cross-section than the first shoulder portion. The connector can also include a pin retainer for engaging guide pins that extend along the second shoulder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Michael deJong, Sean M. Kerr, Daniel Leyva, Jr., Susan E. Rinehart, Scott E. Semmler
  • Publication number: 20030027497
    Abstract: A polishing fixture and method suitable for use with springless fiber optic connectors, as well as connectors with integrated springs, is provided. The polishing fixture comprises at least a base plate and a plurality of connector assemblies. Each connector assembly includes a spring and the movement of the connector against the force of the spring applies a spring force to the connector during polishing to compensate for the variation of the protrusion of the connector and optical fiber below the base plate of the polishing fixture. The polishing fixture of this invention can be used with circular and non-circular shaped connectors and with single and multi-fiber connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Michael deJong, Sean M. Kerr, Daniel Leyva
  • Publication number: 20020186932
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a ferrule that is compatible with a mini-MT ferrule and an E-ferrule and, if sized properly, an MT ferrule is provided. Additionally, a guide pin retention mechanism is provided that permits guide pins to be inserted in the field following assembly of the connector and polishing of the front face of the ferrule. The connector includes a ferrule having a shank and a first shoulder portion proximate one end of the shank. The first shoulder portion has a cross-sectional profile that is larger than the shank. The ferrule may also include a second shoulder portion proximate the first shoulder portion that is smaller in lateral cross-section than the first shoulder portion. The connector can also include a pin retainer for engaging guide pins that extend along the second shoulder portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Michael deJong, Sean M. Kerr, Daniel Leyva, Susan E. Rinehart, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: RE42094
    Abstract: Methods are provided for validating the continuity of one or more optical fibers upon which a fiber optic connector is mounted. Typically, the fiber optic connector is mounted upon an optical field fiber by actuating a cam mechanism to secure the optical field fiber in position relative to an optical fiber stub. If subsequent testing indicates that the continuity of the optical field fiber and the optical fiber stub is unacceptable, the cam mechanism can be deactuated, the optical field fiber can be repositioned and the cam mechanism can be reactuated without having to remove and replace the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Michael de Jong, Sean M. Kerr, Thomas A. Church, Markus A. Giebel
  • Patent number: RE45482
    Abstract: Methods are provided for validating the continuity of one or more optical fibers upon which a fiber optic connector is mounted. Typically, the fiber optic connector is mounted upon an optical field fiber by actuating a cam mechanism to secure the optical field fiber in position relative to an optical fiber stub. If subsequent testing indicates that the continuity of the optical field fiber and the optical fiber stub is unacceptable, the cam mechanism can be deactuated, the optical field fiber can be repositioned and the cam mechanism can be reactuated without having to remove and replace the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: CCS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Michael deJong, Thomas A. Church, Markus A. Giebel, Sean M Kerr
  • Patent number: RE46270
    Abstract: Methods are provided for validating the continuity of one or more optical fibers upon which a fiber optic connector is mounted. Typically, the fiber optic connector is mounted upon an optical field fiber by actuating a cam mechanism to secure the optical field fiber in position relative to an optical fiber stub. If subsequent testing indicates that the continuity of the optical field fiber and the optical fiber stub is unacceptable, the cam mechanism can be deactuated, the optical field fiber can be repositioned and the cam mechanism can be reactuated without having to remove and replace the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: CCS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Michael deJong, Thomas A. Church, Markus A. Giebel, Sean M. Kerr