Multi-part (e.g., Two Pieces Screwed Together Or Bayonet Latched) Patents (Class 385/56)
  • Patent number: 7686519
    Abstract: A female fiber optic connector includes an outer housing, a single internal male fiber optic connector, and a fiber optic adapter. The outer housing has a first end, which receives a fiber optic cable, positioned opposite from a second end, which defines a connector port for receiving an external male connector. The single internal male fiber optic connector is positioned within the outer housing and includes a ferrule in which a fiber is terminated. The fiber optic adapter is positioned within the outer housing and includes an alignment sleeve, a first end, which receives the single internal male fiber optic connector with the ferrule of the single internal male fiber optic connector positioned within the alignment sleeve, and an opposite second end facing toward the connector port and being configured so that a ferrule of the external male connector fits within the alignment sleeve when inserted in the connector port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu Lu
  • Patent number: 7680377
    Abstract: Techniques for ultra-high density connection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultra-high density connector includes a bundle of substantially parallel elongate cylindrical elements, where each cylindrical element is substantially in contact with at least one adjacent cylindrical element. Ends of the elongate cylindrical elements are disposed differentially with respect to each other to define a three-dimensional interdigitating mating surface. At least one of the elongate cylindrical elements has an electrically conductive contact positioned to tangentially engage a corresponding electrical contact of a mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Raytheon Sarcos, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, David P. Marceau, Shayne M. Zurn, David T. Markus
  • Publication number: 20100061681
    Abstract: An adapter for receiving an optical fiber connector, such as an SC connector, and methods of manufacturing and using the adapter. In one embodiment, the adapter includes: (1) a fiber socket having cantilevered retaining arms, (2) a shell radially surrounding the fiber socket and (3) a release mechanism extending from without the shell to within the shell, coupled to the cantilevered retaining arms and configured to translate to change a separation of the cantilevered retaining arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Alcatel-Lucent
    Inventor: Bruce D. Powell
  • Patent number: 7665901
    Abstract: Devices to enhance the reliability of optical networks and to reduce the cost of repair are disclosed in this invention. In particular, compact and inexpensive fiber optic union adapters with built-in protective isolation prevent the transfer of damage from one connectorized fiber optic cable to another. The fiber optic union includes a split sleeve with an interior channel and a fiber stub centrally located within the interior channel. The fiber stub makes direct optical contact with the cable endfaces to enable efficient optical transmission between interconnected cables while providing a low loss, low back reflection adiabatic transition between the waveguide cores of the two cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Telescent Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Stephen Kewitsch
  • Patent number: 7658548
    Abstract: A coupling device includes a first coupling element having a first passage, and an end section connected to the free end of the light guide; as well as a second coupling element with a second passage for holding/fixing an intermediate section following the end section of the light guide. In one implementation, the first coupling element and the second coupling element can be detachably joined in a coupled state, where the first passage and the second passage form a common passage and/or have (or surround) a common longitudinal axis. The first passage can be configured with a funnel-shaped section that, in the coupled state, the first passage faces the second passage and widens toward the second passage. In addition, the first coupling element may be formed from ceramic material at least on its inner surface in the region of the funnel-shaped section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: A.R.C. Laser GmbH
    Inventor: Reinhardt Thyzel
  • Patent number: 7641396
    Abstract: A connection device for connecting an optical fiber to an electrical device has a housing, a cable gland, and a plug for insertion into the corresponding socket of the electrical device, the housing having a cable passage for insertion of the optical fiber, the plug being held at least partially in the housing and being connectable to the fibers of the optical fiber which has been inserted into the cable passage. The housing has a first housing part for holding the plug and a second housing part for connection to the cable gland. The first and second housing parts are connectable in a manner enabling them to be axially moved relative to each other in the connected state by an extent defined by at least one stop on the second housing part that is engageable with at least one opposing stop on the first housing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Feldner
  • Patent number: 7641395
    Abstract: A fiber optic splice housing and integral dry mate connector system. In a described embodiment, a fiber optic connection system includes optical fiber sections in respective conduit sections. Each of the conduit sections is received in the housing assembly. An optical connection between the optical fiber sections is positioned within the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Serives, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Neal G. Skinner, John L. Maida, David O. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7635852
    Abstract: A device unit 46 is constituted by including a lead frame 50 on which a light-emitting mold portion 48 and a light-receiving mold portion 49 are mounted. Moreover, an exterior casing for housing the device unit 46 is constituted of two parts dividable into an upper casing 45 and a lower casing 47. Thus, by holding the device unit 46 by the upper casing 45 and the lower casing 47, external connection terminals 43 constructed of one end portion of the lead frame 50 can be fixed to the exterior casing and positioned in a connector portion 42. Therefore, by reducing the parts count to three and allowing the device unit 46 to be fixed to the exterior casing by a fixed fitting mechanism of the upper casing 45 and the lower casing 47 without performing welding, soldering, thermal caulking or the like, the assembling becomes easy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takehisa Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20090304334
    Abstract: The invention relates to a female connector (1) for a connector system (2) that couples first and second signal transmission conductor means. The connector system comprises a self-locking system of the push-pull type, some elements of which are secured to the female connector (1). The female connector (1) comprises a tubular body (10) housing an insert (11) equipped to accept each of the ends of the first signal conducting means. The elements (12) of the self-locking system that are secured to the female connector are formed on said insert (11). The invention also relates to a male connector (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: David Robert
  • Patent number: 7630610
    Abstract: A loop back device can include a dust cap with which to protect the loop back ferrule after use to facilitate reuse of the loop back device. The dust cap can be provided at a free end of the loop back device when the loop back device is secured to a tether connector. When the loop back device is removed from the tether connector, the dust cap is removed from the free end of the device and is mounted over the ferrule to protect the loop back ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: John Clifton Cobb, III, Yu Lu, Randy Reagan
  • Patent number: 7628545
    Abstract: A fiber optic plug assembly of a fiber optic connector assembly is provided and generally includes a fiber optic plug mounted upon an end of a fiber optic cable; a pre-molded boot placed over the fiber optic plug and the fiber optic cable; and a crimp band mated over the pre-molded boot to secure the boot to the fiber optic cable; wherein the fiber optic plug assembly is operable to mate to a fiber optic receptacle. The plug assembly eliminates the need for an overmolded boot. Further, the present invention eliminates the need to perform a heat shrink between the buffer tube and crimp body through the internal O-ring. The plug assembly meets the standards of GR-3120-CORE while at the same time providing a simpler hardware package that can be assembled with ordinary connectorization tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Todd Cody, James Phillip Luther, Christopher Paul Lewallen, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 7621676
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a receptacle body 40 having an engage hole 46 formed in a peripheral wall 45 of a chamber 44, a pigtail body 50 having a base body 51 contained in the chamber 44 and a locking protrusion 56 engaged in the engage hole 46 to attach the pigtail body 50, and a ferrule assembly 60 being inserted in a container 53 in the base body 51 so that the ferrule 62 is positioned in a receptacle cylinder 52, and a spring 70 inserted through an opening 54 in the base body 51 and pressing the ferrule 62 forward, wherein a stopper 73 is formed in the spring 70 as an integral part of the spring 70. A locking part 73b included in the stopper 73 is positioned in a recess 63 in the ferrule 62.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakagawa, Takeshi Isoda
  • Patent number: 7611290
    Abstract: Fiber optic wet connector acceleration protection and tolerance compliance. In a described embodiment, a fiber optic connection system for use in a subterranean well includes two assemblies, each having a fiber optic connector. A biasing device applies a biasing force which maintains the fiber optic connectors operatively connected to each other while the assemblies are secured to each other in the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Ringgenberg
  • Patent number: 7597483
    Abstract: A three dimensional optical circuit featuring an optical manifold for organizing, guiding and protecting individual optical fibers is shown. One aspect of the present invention is a three dimensional manifold which may be constructed using a rapid prototyping process such as, but not limited to, stereolithography (“SLA”), fused deposition modeling (“FDM”), selective laser sintering (“SLS”), and the like. The manifold has a number of input openings in a first ordered arrangement at one end connected by passageways to a number of output openings in a second ordered arrangement at the opposite end. A plurality of optical fibers may be directed through the passageways of the manifold to produce a three dimensional optical circuit such as a shuffle. Moreover, the optical manifold may be used in conjunction with a number of connections or terminations to form a various optical modules. These modules may be configured for rack mounting within enclosures for electrical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Simmons, Curtis L. Shoemaker
  • Publication number: 20090238520
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that include a fiber optic connection with an alignment chamber. In the alignment chamber is a first fiber optic terminal and a second fiber optic terminal coupled to the first fiber optic terminal. In addition, a securing mechanism is placed within the alignment chamber and forces the first fiber optic terminal and second fiber optic terminal together. Also in this embodiment an ejection mechanism is disclosed that ejects the first fiber optic terminal upon the removal of the securing mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: APPLIED OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Vincent A. Wouters
  • Patent number: 7585116
    Abstract: A hermaphroditic connector for mounting to a cable having a plurality of optical fibers and connecting the fibers to mating optical fibers wherein the optical fibers and mating optical fibers have termini mounted to the respective ends thereof, and wherein the termini of at least one of the optical fibers is slidably mounted and biased to provide a predetermined amount of longitudinal travel during connection includes a plug insert for mounting the termini, a generally cylindrical plug body for receiving the plug insert through an open end thereof, the plug body including a mating end with a plurality of mating features configured to cooperate with corresponding mating features of a second connector to align the termini of the first and second connectors in opposed relationship, a plurality of ears extending radially from the mating end of the plug body, a coupling nut slidably mounted on the plug including a groove formed between a plurality of ribs extending around an inside nut so that rotation of the coup
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Fiber Systems International
    Inventors: Bryan D. Cull, Jon M. Woodruff, Jaime Castillega
  • Patent number: 7572063
    Abstract: The device includes a housing, an insert, a first ferrule, a second ferrule, a first ball lens, a second ball lens, a first contact pin, a second contact pin, a first contact socket, a second contact socket, an alignment pin, and an alignment socket. The housing has a first key and a second key. The insert is mounted in the housing. The first ferrule is mounted in the insert. The second ferrule is mounted in the insert. The first ball lens is mounted in the insert, and the first ball lens is in optical communication with the first ferrule. The second ball lens is mounted in the insert, and the first ball lens is in optical communication with the second ferrule. The first and second contact pins, and the first and second contact sockets are mounted in the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Stratos International, Inc.
    Inventors: Geoffrey Neil Mynott, Christopher M. Warnes, Graham Woolmer
  • Publication number: 20090185777
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector arrangement includes a locking device for fastening together a pair of male plug and female socket components, which locking device consists of locking elements mounted solely on a pair of telescopic adapter housings that support the plug and socket components when in the engaged condition. In order to increase the operational life of the connector components, one of the plug and socket components contains a recess for receiving an auxiliary second locking device that extends longitudinally in a normally non-stressed unlocked inoperative condition from the other component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Juergen Ziemke, Ralf Schumacher, Michaela Muecke, Andreas Muhs, Volker Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7559700
    Abstract: A shading member-equipped optical connector plug is compact while having the compatibility to engage existing connector receptacles. The connector plug includes a shading member having a shutter housing enclosing a plug frame slidably on an outside thereof. The shutter housing is inserted into an engagement opening of a connector receptacle to be engaged when the shading member-equipped optical connector is connected. The shading member also has a shutter one end of which is supported by the shutter housing at a front part of the housing and another end of which is urged by an elastic force and closes so as to shade the optical fibers at a position in front of the ferrule, and an elastic member disposed between the plug frame and the shutter housing that urges the shutter housing forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Tsushin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Eguchi, Naohide Goto, Yasuaki Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 7561775
    Abstract: A protection system for a fiber optic coupling having a first housing with a guide slot in a side wall includes a protective cap with a slot in a side wall and defining a passage for receiving the first housing whereby the protective cap slot aligns with the guide slot in the first housing and a protective shutter pivotally connected to the protective cap for covering a distal end of the fiber optic coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Senko Advanced Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel I. En Lin, Stephen O'Riorden
  • Patent number: 7556436
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical connector system including a backpanel and at least one substrate, said substrate having at least one substrate housing assembly and said backpanel having at least one backpanel housing assembly for establishing an optical interface. The substrate housing assembly is attached to said substrate and includes a further housing slidably mounted in a z-direction of said substrate housing assembly. Accordingly no residual forces are exerted on the backpanel after establishment of the optical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventor: Hendrikus Petrus Gijsbertus Van Der Steen
  • Publication number: 20090154883
    Abstract: An adjustable at least four-way electrical connector for signal, power, voice and/or data communication, comprising at least four adjustable electrical connections utilizing a ball and socket type physical connection device and including a weatherproofing gasket; also an adjustable fiber optic connection device utilizing ball and socket type construction wherein an optical fiber can be split into a plurality of optical fibers via a connection device providing for rotation and pivoting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventor: John R. Robb
  • Publication number: 20090148101
    Abstract: A fiber optic connection system includes a ruggedized fiber optic adapter and a ruggedized fiber optic connector and can further include a standard fiber optic connector (e.g., an SC connector), a pre-existing ruggedized fiber optic adapter, a first converter for converting the standard fiber optic connector to be compatible with the ruggedized fiber optic adapter, a second converter for converting the ruggedized fiber optic connector to be compatible with the pre-existing ruggedized fiber optic adapter, and a standard fiber optic adapter (e.g., an SC adapter). The ruggedized fiber optic connector is compatible with the ruggedized fiber optic adapter and with the standard fiber optic adapter. To retain the various connectors within the various adapters, various retention members and features (e.g. threaded retention members and latches) can be included in the fiber optic connection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Randy Reagan, Craig M. Standish
  • Patent number: 7537393
    Abstract: A connectorized fiber optic cabling assembly includes a loose tube fiber optic cable and a connector assembly. The cable has a termination end and includes: an optical fiber bundle including a plurality of optical fibers; at least one strength member; and a jacket surrounding the optical fiber bundle and the at least one strength member. The connector assembly includes a rigid portion and defines a fiber passage. The connector assembly is mounted on the termination end of the cable such that the optical fiber bundle extends through at least a portion of the fiber passage. The plurality of optical fibers of the optical fiber bundle have a ribbonized configuration in the rigid portion of the connector assembly and a loose, non-ribbonized configuration outside the rigid portion. The plurality of optical fibers undergo a transition from the ribbonized configuration to the loose, non-ribbonized configuration in the rigid portion of the connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Commscope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Timothy W. Anderson, Richard L. Case
  • Patent number: 7534050
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector and a carrier. The connector, defining a longitudinal bore extending through the connector and having a first end region and a second end region, includes a ferrule assembly, having an optical fiber extending through the connector, at least partially disposed in the longitudinal bore at the first end region, a tube, defining a passage and having a first end portion disposed in the longitudinal bore at the second end region and a second end region, and a spring disposed in the bore between the ferrule assembly and the tube. The carrier includes a cable end and a connector end engaged with the connector, a termination region disposed between the connector end and the cable end, a fiber support region disposed between the connector end and the termination region, and a take-up region disposed between the connector end and the fiber support region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 7534051
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-cost attachable/detachable optical fiber connector, and the like. The optical fiber connector comprises first and second fiber connecting members. The first fiber connecting members has a ferrule that holds a first optical fiber in its inserting hole in a slidable state, a housing that covers the first optical fiber, and a fixing member that fixes the inserted first optical fiber to the housing behind the ferrule so as not to protrude out from the ferrule. The second fiber connecting members has a housing that has a ferrule engaging portion having a recess therein and an optical fiber holding portion that holds a second optical fiber in its inserting hole in a slidable state, and a fixing member that fixes the inserted second optical fiber to the housing behind the optical fiber holding portion so as to protrude into the recess from the optical fiber holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daizo Nishioka, Kenichiro Ohtsuka, Toshifumi Hosoya
  • Patent number: 7520678
    Abstract: A junction box and hybrid fiber optic cable connector which permit repair of damaged fibers or copper conductors carried by a hybrid fiber/copper cable without requiring replacement of the entire cable assembly or retermination of the cable. A method of repairing a hybrid fiber/copper cable and connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: M'hamed Anis Khemakhem, Dean Michael Rosenthal, Duane Sand, Jeffery Louis Peters, Joy K. McKnight, Ross Heggestad, Patrick Jude Nault, Foad Abdulkadir Mohamed Ahmed
  • Patent number: 7513693
    Abstract: A fiber optical connector release mechanism is disclosed. The fiber optical connector is incorporated in a cage assembly through a transceiver module. The front end of the transceiver module is disposed with a handle and a bail which is rotated to operate the release mechanism such that a pair of guiding tenons disposed at the inner wall are urged to push a pair of longitudinal guiding slots at the front end of the handle during the rotation process to move two rearward extending arms of the handle forward and in turn render wedge elements at its rear end disengaged from the snap engagement of the lock tabs due to the forward motion of the arms. Further, the locating structure of the arms and their corresponding slide paths is released from the locked state such that the transceiver module may be pulled out of the cage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Liverage Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Dong-Yang Wang
  • Publication number: 20090080837
    Abstract: First and second connector units each have a contact chamber with a front wall having an opening closed by a stopper. Seals in the respective openings surround and seal the stoppers prior to mating. The stopper in the first connector unit is retracted into the housing during mating while the front wall of second connector unit is retracted into its housing during mating, pushed back by the front wall of the first connector unit, separating the stoppers from the end wall openings and allowing communication between the contact chambers through a passageway defined by the aligned openings. The seals in the end walls seal the passageway during and after mating. A contact assembly in the first connector unit is mounted on a movable arm and moves transversely into alignment with the passageway for contact with a corresponding fixed contact assembly in the second connector unit as the units move into mating engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: OCEAN DESIGN, INC.
    Inventors: Peter R. Baxter, Srikanth Ramasubramanian, Stewart M. Barlow
  • Publication number: 20090080836
    Abstract: A connector has first and second connector units, each unit incorporating an oil-filled chamber housing one or more contact elements to be joined. At least one connector unit has a face seal assembly which seals the forward end of the contact chamber in the unmated condition. The face seal assembly comprises three elements. One element is an annular elastomeric seal situated radially outward. The two other elements are inner seal elements which are pressed together radially to form a substantially disc-like shape. The resulting disc-like shaped seal fills the central, circular end face opening of the outer annular seal. As the connector units are mated, elements of the elastomeric face seal assembly are displaced, one axially, and others both axially and radially, creating an opening between the oil-filled chambers that is sealed from the outside environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: OCEAN DESIGN, INC.
    Inventors: James L. Cairns, Srikanth Ramasubramanian, Stewart M. Barlow
  • Patent number: 7500789
    Abstract: A fibre optic coupler assembly for optically aligning a sectioned fibre optic cable, the cable having a first end and a second end and comprising one or more fibre optic cores. The assembly comprises a first holder for holding the first end; a second holder for holding the second end coupled to the first end; a retractor for retracting the second end; an aligning unit comprising a resilient construction having a conduit passing through it, for linear alignment of the ends; whereby the first and second ends are coupled by the respective holders and whereby the second end can be linearly aligned in the conduit of the aligning unit, retracted using the retractor, and rotated to obtain rotational alignment of the fiber cores of the ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: BioScan Ltd.
    Inventors: Ilan Grunberg, Avram Matcovitch
  • Publication number: 20090060419
    Abstract: A connector enclosure for enclosing a cable assembly includes a main body that has a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion is adapted for selective releasable engagement with the second body portion. Each of the first and second body portions defines a cavity having a first connector portion and a second connector portion. The cavity of each of the first and second body portions cooperatively defines a passage through the main body. The passage is configured to retain a cable assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Thomas G. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 7490998
    Abstract: An optical component package is disclosed. The package has a housing. The interior of the housing is adapted to house an optical component. The package includes at least two fiber optic connectors, each comprising an component side adapted to connect to the optical component and each having a pluggable exterior element. Each of the at least two fiber optic connectors are mounted in the housing with their component side accessible from the interior of the package and their pluggable exterior element accessible from the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: BTI Photonic Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Ahmad Atieh, John Mills
  • Patent number: 7484897
    Abstract: There is provided an optical module for coupling with a fiber optic cable through an optical connector, including a module body connectable with a plug of the optical connector by a dedicated guide pin, with a side surface of the module body being opposed to a mating surface of the connector plug at which an end face of the fiber optic cable is exposed, and an optical element mounted to the module body and having an optical axis brought into alignment with an optical axis of the fiber optic cable upon fitting of the guide pin into the module body and the connector plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Ono, Toshikatsu Takada, Toshifumi Kojima, Takeshi Ohno, Susumu Wakamatsu, Toshikazu Horio, Ayako Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20090028507
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to fiber optic connectors and adapters, and more specifically to a simplified fiber optic adapter assembly and integrated shutter mechanism. In various embodiments, the simplified fiber optic adapter assembly includes a one-piece outer housing, a one or two-piece inner housing, and several different clip arrangements, reducing the number of parts associated with conventional fiber optic adapter assemblies and eliminating the need for ultrasonic welding or the like. In various embodiments, the integrated shutter mechanism includes one or more shutter doors that are opened internally via the motion required for connector installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Ashley Wesley Jones, Daniel Leyva, JR., Ronald Lee Mudd, Louis Edward Parkman, III, Peter Timothy Travis
  • Patent number: 7476035
    Abstract: A hermaphroditic connector for mounting to a cable having a plurality of optical fibers and connecting the fibers to mating optical fibers wherein the optical fibers and mating optical fibers have termini mounted to the respective ends thereof, and wherein the termini of at least one of the optical fibers is slidably mounted and biased to provide a predetermined amount of longitudinal travel during connection includes a plug insert for mounting the termini, a generally cylindrical plug body for receiving the plug insert through an open end thereof, the plug body including a mating end with a plurality of mating features configured to cooperate with corresponding mating features of a second connector to align the termini of the first and second connectors in opposed relationship, a plurality of ears extending radially from the mating end of the plug body, a coupling nut slidably mounted on the plug including a groove formed between a plurality of ribs extending around an inside nut so that rotation of the coup
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Fiber Systems International
    Inventors: Bryan D. Cull, Jon M. Woodruff, Jamie Castillega
  • Patent number: 7463803
    Abstract: A substantially flat fiber optic drop cable assembly comprises: a fiber optic connector comprising a fiber optic ferrule and a housing; a crimp body coupled to the housing of the fiber optic connector; a fiber optic cable comprising a pair of strength members disposed partially within the fiber optic cable; a first sheath disposed between the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic cable, the first sheath coupled to the crimp body; a second sheath disposed between the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic cable, the second sheath coupled to the fiber optic cable; and a demarcation element joining the first sheath and the second sheath, wherein the demarcation element comprises a substantially tubular element; wherein the pair of strength members are configured to engage the crimp body about the first sheath, the second sheath, and the demarcation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Joseph T Cody, Radawan Hall, Christopher Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther
  • Patent number: 7461980
    Abstract: A transmitter optical sub-assembly receptacle includes a thicker split sleeve positioned within a cylindrical shell structure and partly within a base structure such that a fiber ferrule, which is positioned within the base structure, is partly within the thicker split sleeve. The split sleeve has a thickness larger than 0.187 millimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng Kwang Han, Hock Aun Neoh, Albert Wooi Quan Khor
  • Patent number: 7458729
    Abstract: An optical connecting method for optically connecting ends of a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber secured side to a first plug and a second plug, respectively, wherein the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are threaded through the first and second plugs, and respective optical fiber is secured to respective plugs with securing parts, a bending step of bending a part of at least one of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber that is present ahead of the securing part, an aligning step of aligning the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber and fixing a relative position between the first and second plugs, and an abutting step of abutting the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber by releasing flexure of at least one of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoichi Sasaki, Masayoshi Suzuki, Tatsushi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7457492
    Abstract: A multichannel optical communication module includes: a board, and a signal-converting element having optical-action points aligned with a first pitch to emit and receive signal light. The element performs conversion between an optical signal and an electric signal at each of the optical-action points. The module further includes an optical waveguide that includes optical waveguide cores each having a first and a second optical-signal ends that are opposed to each other. The first optical-signal ends are aligned with the first pitch and optically connected to the respective optical-action points, while the second optical-signal ends are aligned with a second pitch longer than the first pitch. The module further includes a coupling component fixed on the board and coupling, to the module, an optical connector that holds ends of optical fibers aligned with a pitch equal to the second pitch, thereby optically connecting the second optical-signal ends to the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoki Umezawa
  • Patent number: 7452137
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, and a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of the buffer, the second diameter portion positioned between the first diameter and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end to the second diameter portion. A hub holds the ferrule. A method of assembling a terminated fiber optic cable is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Droege, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 7442137
    Abstract: An eccentric adjustment and mounting system is useful for belt engaging engine components such as alternators or water pumps. The system includes a housing fixed to the engine, a socket rotatable in pawl-and-ratchet fashion within the housing, and a socket aperture eccentrically disposed relative to the socket's axis. The aperture receives the belt engaging component, whereby rotation of the socket moves the component to adjust belt tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: David N. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20080260332
    Abstract: Systems and methods for securing a keyed fiber optic network assembly are provided. A typical network system includes an assembly having a security feature and adapted to facilitate fiber optic communication between two mating fiber optic connectors. The security feature is uniquely keyed to disengaged when mated with a corresponding uniquely keyed connector. The security feature includes at least an inner door and a spring and is adapted to prevent optical communication and mating with a receiving connector during illegitimate connector insertion. A typical network includes a plurality of assemblies each having a uniquely keyed security feature. Each of the plurality of assemblies is color coded to match with a legitimate color coded connector to provide guidance to a network user. The connector and the security feature are uniquely keyed through unique positioning of protruding bosses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: ORTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Adam Murano, Chester Rynaski
  • Patent number: 7427164
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical connector arrangement wherein the connector and the converter are connected by short plastic fiber sections. The aim of the invention is to provide one such connector arrangement which can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner, can be easily and economically mounted on a circuit carrier and reliably and efficiently soldered to the conductors thereof, enables a modular assembly, and is at least partially heat-resistant during the assembly in such a way that, for example, a vibration-resistant reflow soldering can be carried out. To this end, the fiber sections are connected to a double ferrule which is fixed to the converters by means of a clamp. A false cover can be used for the transport and soldering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Otto Schempp
  • Patent number: 7422375
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical connection structure and optical connection method for enabling a connection characterized by a simple structure, ability to retain optical fibers in an adhered state, easy installation and detachment/attachment, and excellent optical stability. The optical connection structure proposed by the present invention has a solid viscous connection member having refractive-index matching property disposed in a single layer state between the end faces of mutually opposing optical transmission media or between the end face of an optical transmission medium and an optical component that are mutually opposing. The solid viscous connection member should desirably be made of silicone resin or acrylic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Suzuki, Kyoichi Sasaki, Tatsushi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7419309
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fibre plug connector, comprising at least one pair of plug connectors and a coupling, whereby each plug connector comprises a ferrule, each two ferrules of a pair of plug connectors are detachably guided and aligned together within a guide sleeve and the coupling has a housing, for each of the plug connectors. According to the invention, a compact space-saving optical fibre plug connector made from few components may be achieved, whereby the coupling is made from only one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Faika, Dietrich Rund, Hans-Peter Sandeck
  • Patent number: 7399123
    Abstract: Provided are optical fiber connectors having top and bottom, front and back orientation comprising: a jacketed optical cable comprising a terminating fiber (11), the cable having molded thereon a locking component (13) comprising at least one locking lug (14), the locking component (13) being formed from a flexible moldable material; and an inner housing (18) having a radial cross-section which is generally rectilinear and comprises at least three corners, the inner housing (18) comprising at least a portion which defines an opening (25) for receiving the locking component (13), the opening (25) being configured such that upon insertion of the locking component (13) therein the locking lug (14) in a corner of the inner housing (18) such that the locking component (13) and inner housing (18) are secured to each other in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Lee Andrew Barkus
  • Publication number: 20080142744
    Abstract: A device unit 46 is constituted by including a lead frame 50 on which a light-emitting mold portion 48 and a light-receiving mold portion 49 are mounted. Moreover, an exterior casing for housing the device unit 46 is constituted of two parts dividable into an upper casing 45 and a lower casing 47. Thus, by holding the device unit 46 by the upper casing 45 and the lower casing 47, external connection terminals 43 constructed of one end portion of the lead frame 50 can be fixed to the exterior casing and positioned in a connector portion 42. Therefore, by reducing the parts count to three and allowing the device unit 46 to be fixed to the exterior casing by a fixed fitting mechanism of the upper casing 45 and the lower casing 47 without performing welding, soldering, thermal caulking or the like, the assembling becomes easy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Takehisa Ishihara
  • Patent number: 7387447
    Abstract: A secure fiber optic connector and adapter system including at least one connector including a first housing portion defining a first key slot and a second housing portion defining a second key slot independent of the first key slot, and at least one adapter including a first cavity for receiving the first housing portion and defining a first key therein for engaging with the first key slot, and a second cavity for receiving the second housing portion and defining a second key therein for engaging with the second key slot, wherein only a connector and an adapter having corresponding key slots and keys may mate. A secure fiber optic connector and adapter system for providing a level of secure access within a fiber optic network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ronald L. Mudd, Joshua D. Raker
  • Patent number: 7377699
    Abstract: To extend the service life of a latch of a plug housing and facilitate assembly and aligning operations of an optical connector. The optical connector includes a latch provided in a cantilever form on an external surface of the optical connector and deformable for attachment/detachment with respect to an adaptor, and an excessive deformation preventing unit that prevents excessive deformation of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuhiro Terakura