Magnetically Actuated Patents (Class 385/57)
  • Patent number: 11287579
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a first connector portion and a second connector portion. The first connector portion includes a first magnet, an electrical pin, and a first fiber optic connector. The second connector portion is configured to form a non-rigid connection to the first connector portion. The second connector portion includes a second magnet configured to mate with the first magnet of the first connector portion, an electrical contact configured to mate with the electrical pin of the first connector portion, and a second fiber optic connector configured to mate with the first fiber optic connector of the first connector portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Travis E. Day, Kurt M. Chankaya
  • Patent number: 11099333
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to an optical fiber guidewire, an array magnetic optical fiber connector and a method for using the same. The optical fiber guidewire includes an optical fiber and an array magnetic optical fiber connector. The connector includes optical fiber magnetic joints disposed on the optical fibers and further includes an array magnetic connector mated with the optical fiber magnetic joints. The array magnetic connector is provided with a plurality of holes. The optical fiber magnetic joint includes optical fiber pins that can be sleeved around a periphery of the optical fiber. When the optical fiber pins are inserted into the holes, the optical fiber pins on both sides of the holes are paired to connect two optical fibers wrapped in the optical fiber pins, so as to realize a light transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Inventor: Hua Shang
  • Patent number: 10446977
    Abstract: A coupling system includes a first connecting unit and a second connecting unit adapted to be connected to each other. Each of the first connecting unit and a second connecting unit includes an enclosure with a substantial even mating surface and a pair of lens module. Each lens module includes a lens enclosed within a magnet, and the magnets of the coupled lens modules have opposite magnet poles around the corresponding mating surfaces. The pair of lens modules are further equipped with a transmitting chip and a receiving chip in aligned with the corresponding lens, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: FOXCONN INTERCONNECT TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Shuo-Hsiu Hsu
  • Patent number: 10324265
    Abstract: An optical connector according to the present disclosure includes: optical transmission paths that have end faces aligned in a predetermined region, and transmit optical signals. The optical transmission paths correspond to transmission channels or reception channels. The optical transmission paths of the transmission channels are distributed and arranged on a periphery of the predetermined region as compared with a case where the optical transmission paths of the transmission channels are concentrated and arranged at a center of the predetermined region. This configuration can increase an output of an optical signal, and make it possible to improve transmission quality at a low cost while improving a safety standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Nakajima, Masanari Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9869826
    Abstract: The present application relates to a magnetic optical fiber coupling device. The magnetic optical fiber coupling device comprises a plug and a socket pluggable for each other, wherein the plug comprises a first pluggable part and a first connecting part, and the socket comprises a second pluggable part and a second connecting part. Both of the first pluggable part and the second pluggable part are magnetic and have opposite magnetic properties. The first pluggable part comprises a first optical fiber complex and a tube wall disposed outside of the first optical fiber complex. The second pluggable part comprises a second optical fiber complex and a casing disposed outside of the second optical fiber complex. The coupling device of the present application has a fast speed of plugging, a long durability, a good optical fiber alignability, and a high light conductivity. Further, it can be rotated in any axial direction after connecting with each other without affecting the light conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Hua Shang
  • Patent number: 9568678
    Abstract: Disclosed are lens blocks and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, the lens block includes at least one optical channel having an optical interface portion on a first side, and one or more magnetic materials attached to the lens block. In one embodiment, the lens block may include one or more opening for receiving the one or more magnetic materials. The one or more openings may be located on any suitable side of the lens block as desired. The magnetic materials provide attachment with a complimentary device having an optical interface. Consequently, the lens block allows for quick and easy assembly along with a robust structure for a large number of mating/unmating cycles. In other embodiments, the lens blocks disclosed may further include one or more electrical contacts for making a hybrid connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Micah Colen Isenhour, Dennis Michael Knecht, James Phillip Luther
  • Patent number: 9091829
    Abstract: Disclosed are optical connections having a coupling portion that includes a piston and a magnet along with complimentary optical connections. In one embodiment, the optical connection includes an optical interface portion having at least one optical channel and a coupling portion. The coupling portion includes a piston that is movable between a first position and a second position, a resilient member for biasing the piston to the first position and a magnet for retaining the piston at the second position. In one embodiment, the piston may be disposed in a body of the optical connection. The piston may be formed from a ferrous material and since it is not magnetic it does not attract metal trash; however, it still allows coupling (e.g., mating) of optical connections using magnetic retention. Additionally, the piston may optionally include a cover portion if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Mark Alan Bradley, Micah Colen Isenhour, Dennis Michael Knecht, James Phillip Luther
  • Patent number: 9028153
    Abstract: An optical fiber includes a first end and a second end. The optical fiber includes a core for transmitting optical signals from the first end to the second end. The core has end surfaces at the first and second ends and a cladding is positioned around a circumference of the core. Magnetic elements are provided at the end surfaces of the first end and the second end. The magnetic elements are configured to magnetically couple the core to a magnetic element at an end of a core of another optical fiber. The magnetic elements form part of a light transmission path defined by the core. The magnetic elements are optically transmissive and allow optical signals to pass therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Aleksandar Kolev Angelov
  • Patent number: 8961041
    Abstract: A connector assembly (100) includes an insulative housing having a base portion and a tongue portion extending forwardly from the base portion, the tongue portion having a top surface and a bottom surface, with a mounting cavity recessed downwardly from the top surface of the tongue portion; an optical module (5) accommodated in the mounting cavity and capable of moving therein along a front-to-back direction; and at least two magnetic elements (91, 92) disposed along the front-to-back direction and arranged in same polarities facing to each other, one of the magnetic elements (92) mounted to the optical module, and the other of the magnetic elements (91) assembled to the insulative housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping-Sheng Su, Jun Chen, Qing Wang
  • Patent number: 8944702
    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 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 8920043
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector unit that can surely position and connect a plurality of optical fiber plugs in a short time and easily release a connected state of optical fiber connectors even if the number of optical fiber connectors increases. A connector unit includes a positioning member for positioning a plurality of optical fiber plugs, an adapter that has plug guide holes for inserting tip ends of the optical fiber plugs to connect with the optical fiber plugs, and guide portions for guiding the positioning member with respect to the adapter and inserting the tip ends of the optical fiber plugs into the plug guide holes of the adapter to connect with the optical fiber plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Iwaya, Masayuki Iwase
  • Patent number: 8899842
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a first optical-electric coupling element and a second optical-electric coupling element. The first optical-electric coupling element includes a first side surface and a second side surface facing away from the first side surface. The first optical-electric coupling element includes two position posts substantially perpendicularly extending from the first side surface. Each position post includes a connection surface substantially parallel with the first side surface. Each connection surface defines a position slot. The second optical-electric coupling element includes a third side surface facing the first side surface. The third side surface defines two position holes. The second optical-electric coupling element includes two position flanges each extending from an inner sidewall of each position hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Po-Wei Huang
  • Patent number: 8845206
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided and includes a housing, a block formed to define an array of holes corresponding to an array of plugs into which connectors with spring loaded sleeves are pluggable such that the block engages with a respective sleeve of each connector, the block being supportively disposed within the housing to be movable with respect to the housing between first and second block positions at which the sleeves are extended and retracted, respectively and a cam lever supported on the housing and coupled to the block, which selectively occupies first and second lever positions at which the cam lever causes the block to assume the first and second block positions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Y. Chan, Dennis Denizard, Michael J. Fisher, Gilles G. Labbe, James E. Tersigni
  • Patent number: 8814442
    Abstract: A multiport optical connector assembly (MOCA) includes an insertion optical fiber assembly having an insertion assembly housing and a connector disk that includes a first connector element having a first ferrule and a first optical fiber. The MOCA further includes a coupling optical fiber assembly having a second connector element including a second ferrule and a second optical fiber. The MOCA further includes an adapter assembly that includes an adapter assembly housing a docking unit for docking the first connector element and the second connector element when the MOCA is assembled. When the first connector element and the second connector element are docked, a tip of the first optical fiber and a tip of the second optical fiber abut one another and the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber form an optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: David Zhi Chen, George N. Bell
  • Patent number: 8770857
    Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Chris Ligtenberg, Michael Culbert
  • Patent number: 8734024
    Abstract: Optical couplings for optically coupling one or more devices are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an optical coupling includes an optical coupling body, an optical interface, and a coded magnetic array located at the optical coupling body. The coded magnetic array has a plurality of magnetic regions configured for mating the optical interface. The optical coupling further includes a reflective surface within the optical coupling body and positioned along an optical path of the optical coupling body. The reflective surface is operable to redirect an optical signal propagating within the optical coupling body such that it propagates through the optical interface. The optical coupling may be configured as a plug, such as a plug of a connector assembly, or as a receptacle, such as a receptacle on an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Micah C. Isenhour, Dennis M. Knecht, James P. Luther
  • Patent number: 8714834
    Abstract: An optical coupler is used to transmit optical data across a temporary connection. A housing is configured with a transparent interface window and positioned in front of a receiving optical coupler so that optical signals pass through the transparent interface window for reception by receiving optical coupler. The receiving optical coupler has a capability of accepting alignment errors caused by aligning the housing with a mating housing in an aquatic environment. Alignment is achieved via an alignment mechanism that mechanical positions the mating optical coupling components with sufficient alignment accuracy to permit the optical coupler to receive and transmit signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Steven J. Cowen, Samuel R. Bona, Charles M. Ringer
  • Patent number: 8702316
    Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Chris Ligtenberg, Michael Culbert
  • Patent number: 8636422
    Abstract: Device for the coaxial connection of fiber-optic cables, comprising a single-piece coupling housing (10) and a single-piece sleeve mount (20), the sleeve mount (20) being designed with at least one latching nose (21) and the coupling housing (10) being designed with at least one latching mount which complements the at least one latching nose (21), wherein the latching mount is designed with at least one latching hook (14) and at least one stop (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Kahle, Anne Kramer, Jorg Adomeit
  • Patent number: 8611705
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to optical switching devices. In embodiments, the optical switching devices are implemented in a silicon substrate and comprise an absorbent element selectively movable into and out of the evanescent field of a light beam which passes through a lamella. The absorbent element attenuates the evanescent part of the light beam such that the beam can be switched on and off by movement of the absorbent element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Thoralf Kautzsch
  • Patent number: 8573858
    Abstract: An assembly includes a connector and a carrier engaged therewith. Connector has a first mating end and a second end and a first fiber. The fiber defines a first end adjacent the mating end and a second end protruding from the connector second end. Carrier has a connector end and an opposite cable end and includes a heat activated meltable portion adjacent the cable end. An alignment structure is on the carrier and includes first and second ends, and a throughhole. The first end of the alignment structure receives the second end of the first fiber and the second end receives an end of a second fiber entering the carrier. The heat activated portion melts and assumes a flowable condition when exposed to a predetermined amount of heat and resolidifies when heat is removed, bonding the second fiber to the carrier after the first and second fibers are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Allen Skluzacek, Wagner Da Silva Aguiar, Jarrod Scadden, Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Publication number: 20130183000
    Abstract: A communication connector including a connector housing configured to hold at least one of optical fibers or electrical contacts. The connector housing has an engagement face that is configured to interface with a mating connector. The communication connector also includes a movable member that is held by the connector housing and that includes a magnetic material. The movable member is permitted to move toward and engage the mating connector when the movable member is magnetically drawn toward the mating connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: David Donald ERDMAN, Alan E. PLOTTS
  • Publication number: 20130170794
    Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Chris Ligtenberg, Michael Culbert
  • Patent number: 8226305
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector release mechanism for releasing a transceiver module in a cage permanently mounted on a PCB is disclosed. The release mechanism includes a bail rotating a U-shaped flange through a two stage travel path to urge the bail forward in a slide path on the transceiver module. The release mechanism includes a boss disposed on one of the bail and the arm assembly and a dimple disposed on another of the bail and the arm assembly to secure the bail in a locked position. As the bail moves forward from the locked position, wedge elements at the end of arms extending rearward may contact locking tabs on the cage, forcing the locking tabs outward. As the locking tabs are forced outward, the shoulders of the transceiver module are released, and the transceiver module is free to slide out of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fourte Design & Development, LLC.
    Inventors: Raja Maruthu Thirugnanam, Gioni Bianchini, Rob Golden
  • Publication number: 20120183260
    Abstract: An electronic accessory connectable to a remote electronic device through a data interface. The electronic accessory includes an electronic circuit exchanges data through a data interface and an optical and electrical circuit connector. The optical and electrical circuit connector includes a connector body that engages a corresponding connector, at least one optical terminal for the data interface coupled to the connector body, and at least one electrical data interface terminal for the data interface coupled to the connector body. The at least one electrical data interface terminal conforms to an electrical data communications standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Sheldon Terry SCHWANDT, Omar George Joseph BARAKE, Lyall Kenneth WINGER, Raymond Michael DIKUN
  • Publication number: 20120183259
    Abstract: An electronic device with an optical and electrical circuit connector. The electronic device includes a processor, a memory, a wireless communications component that provides wireless data communications between the processor and a wireless data network, and an optical and electrical circuit connector. The optical and electrical circuit connector includes a connector body configured to engage a corresponding connector, at least one optical terminal coupled to the connector body, and at least one electrical data interface terminal coupled to the connector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Sheldon Terry SCHWANDT, Omar George Joseph BARAKE, Lyall Kenneth WINGER, Raymond Michael DIKUN
  • Publication number: 20120183258
    Abstract: A magnetically mating optical circuit connector. The magnetically mating optical circuit connector includes at least one optical terminal and a connector body configured to engage a corresponding connector. The connector body attached to the at least one optical terminal. The connector body comprising at least one alignment feature configured to align, when the connector body engages the corresponding connector, each of the at least one optical terminal with a respective corresponding optical terminal of the corresponding connector. The magnetically mating optical circuit connector further includes at least one magnetic attachment area, attached to the connector body. The at least one magnetic attachment area is configured to magnetically attach the connector body to the corresponding connector when the connector body is engaged into the corresponding connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Sheldon Terry Schwandt, Omar George Joseph Barake, Lyall Kenneth Winger, Raymond Michael Dikun
  • Publication number: 20120177324
    Abstract: An electronic device. The electronic device includes a processor, a memory that stores information operated upon by the processor, and a wireless communications component that provides wireless data communications between the processor and a wireless data network. The electronic device further has a magnetically mating optical circuit connector with at least one optical terminal, a connector body that engages a corresponding connector. The connector body comprising at least one alignment feature that aligns, when the connector body engages the corresponding connector, each of the at least one optical terminal with a respective corresponding optical terminal of the corresponding connector. The connector body further has at least one magnetic attachment area that magnetically attaches the connector body to the corresponding connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Sheldon Terry SCHWANDT, Omar George Joseph BARAKE, Lyall Kenneth WINGER, Raymond Michael DIKUN
  • Publication number: 20120177323
    Abstract: An electronic accessory connectable to a remote electronic device through a data interface. The electronic accessory includes an electronic circuit that exchanges data through a data interface, and a magnetically mating optical circuit connector. The magnetically mating optical circuit connector includes at least one optical terminal for the data interface, and a connector body that engages a corresponding connector. The connector body is attached to the at least one optical terminal and includes at least one alignment feature that aligns each of the optical terminals with a corresponding optical terminal of the corresponding connector. The magnetically mating optical circuit connector has at least one magnetic attachment area attached to the connector body and configured to magnetically attach the connector body to the corresponding connector when the connector body is engaged into the corresponding connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Sheldon Terry SCHWANDT, Omar George Joseph BARAKE, Lyall Kenneth WINGER, Raymond Michael DIKUN
  • Publication number: 20120177325
    Abstract: An electronic device with an optical and electrical circuit connector. The electronic device includes a processor, a memory, a wireless communications component that provides wireless data communications between the processor and a wireless data network, and an optical and electrical circuit connector. The optical and electrical circuit connector includes a connector body configured to engage a corresponding connector, at least one optical terminal coupled to the connector body, and at least one electrical data interface terminal coupled to the connector body. The optical and electrical circuit connector also has at least one magnetic attachment area that magnetically attaches the connector body to the corresponding connector. The at least one magnetic attachment area has an electrically conductive path with an electrical connection that conducts electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Sheldon Terry SCHWANDT, Omar George Joseph BARAKE, Lyall Kenneth WINGER, Raymond Michael DIKUN
  • Patent number: 8206043
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector release mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism may be used to release a transceiver module housed in a cage that is permanently mounted on a printed circuit board. The release mechanism may include a cam mounted bail that rotates a U-shaped flange through a two stage travel path to urge the bail forward in a slide path on the transceiver module. As the bail begins to move forward, wedge elements at the end of a pair of slide arms extending rearward from the bail may contact locking tabs on the cage, forcing the locking tabs outward. As the locking tabs are forced outward, the shoulders of the transceiver module are released, and the transceiver module is free to slide out of the cage as the operator pulls on the bail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Fourte Design & Development, LLC
    Inventors: Raja Maruthu Thirugnanam, Rob Golden, Gioni Bianchini
  • Patent number: 8100588
    Abstract: A small form factor pluggable (SFP) optical transceiver module and method for performing optical communications are provided. The SFP optical transceiver module has a housing to which a duplex receptacle is secured. The duplex receptacle has a C-shaped opening, the upper and lower portions of which are defined by upper and lower flexible retaining elements for receiving and retaining a duplex optical connector therein. An electrical assembly of the module is secured within the transceiver module housing. The electrical assembly comprises a PCB, the back end of which is configured as a plug end for removably plugging the PCB into a receptacle of an external communications management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Sheau Tung Wong, Adrianus Van Haasteren, Tze Wei Lim
  • Patent number: 7942587
    Abstract: A strain-relief assembly for a field-installable fiber optic connector is disclosed, wherein the assembly includes a ferrule holder, an intermediate sleeve, and a crimp sleeve. The ferrule holder back section holds a buffered section of a fiber optic cable, while the ferrule holder front end holds a ferrule and a splice assembly. A stub fiber is held within the ferrule and the splice assembly so as to interface with a section of field optical fiber protruding from the buffered section. The intermediate sleeve engages and generally surrounds a portion of the ferrule holder back section and thus surrounds a portion of the buffered layer. An intermediate sleeve handler may be used to handle the intermediate sleeve and attached the intermediate sleeve to the ferrule holder back section. Stress-relief strands from the fiber optic cable are flared around the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve. A crimp sleeve is placed over the intermediate sleeve to hold the ends of the stress-relief strands in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ray S. Barnes, Kristine A. McEvoy, David W. Meek, Scott E. Semmler
  • Publication number: 20110038582
    Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Chris Ligtenberg, Michael Culbert
  • Patent number: 7874739
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a fiber assembly is provided. The fiber assembly has a first fiber having at least one core. The core has a length, a first end, and a second end, and light may be transmitted along the core. The second end has an obtusely angled end surface. The assembly also has a second fiber having at least one core having a first end. Light may be transmitted along the core. The second end of the first fiber is optically coupled to the first end of the second fiber such that light emitted from the first fiber may be transmitted to the second fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Martin Fenwick, Richard John Luebs, Terrel L. Morris, Duane A. Wegher, Jeffrey D. Yetter
  • Patent number: 7841776
    Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Chris Ligtenberg, Michael Culbert
  • Patent number: 7824110
    Abstract: The invention relates to a data transmission cable (10; 20), in particular for motor vehicles, at at least one of whose ends a plastics housing (14; 24) is arranged, said housing having mechanical dimensions in its interface region (30; 32) which conform to the FAKRA standardisation scheme. The data transmission cable (10; 20) has an optical waveguide, wherein a holding member (40) is provided in the plastics housing (14; 24), said holding member being configured for holding an optical imaging element (42) and for connecting the optical imaging element (42) to the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Rosenberger, Clemens Wurster
  • Patent number: 7798727
    Abstract: Various embodiments of duplex fiber optic connectors and optical transceiver modules are provided. One embodiment comprises an optical transceiver module comprising: an integrally-formed housing having a duplex front port with a pair of alignment holes for receiving a pair of ferrules from a duplex fiber optic connector, the duplex front port having an upper flexible retaining element and a lower flexible retaining element for retaining the pair of ferrules from the duplex fiber optic connector; an opto-electronic assembly contained within the housing; and an electrical interface extending from the integrally-formed housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Sheau Tung Wong, Adrianus J. P. van Haasteren, Tze Wei Lim
  • Patent number: 7766556
    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 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 7753596
    Abstract: A multiport includes a multiport housing top piece, and a multiport housing bottom piece welded to the housing top piece. Alternatively, a method for fabricating a multiport includes providing a multiport housing top piece, providing a multiport housing bottom piece, and welding the housing top piece to the housing bottom piece. Additionally, a method of fabricating a multiport housing piece includes providing a body, and welding a plurality of connector adapters to the body. Alternatively, an optical fiber connector closure includes a connector housing top piece, a connector housing bottom piece, and a strength seal positioned between the top piece and the bottom piece such that said connector closure has a burst test rating of about 5 to about 125 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: Terry D. Cox
  • Patent number: 7717625
    Abstract: An optical fiber interconnect system wherein the adapter is connected to and released from the holder and the connector is connected to and released from adapter through two push-release connection and release mechanisms. The connector is engaged with the adapter by applying an insertion force to the connector. The connector is released by applying a releasing force to the connection mechanism on the adapter. The system of the invention includes a holder for attachment of the adapter to a front panel. A release opening is provided on the holder for the release of the adapter from the holder from the front of the panel so as to provide access to the back connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Illum Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Margolin, Gregory Bunin
  • Patent number: 7684660
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to mount an optical waveguide to a substrate are disclosed. A disclosed method involves providing a substrate having a first layer and a second layer. The first layer includes at least one alignment fiducial and the second layer covers the at least one fiducial. At least a portion of the second layer is removed to render the fiducial visible and a waveguide is automatically aligned with the first fiducial. The waveguide is then fixed to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Henning Braunisch, Daoqiang Lu, Nathaniel Arbizu
  • Publication number: 20100027941
    Abstract: An electro-optical connector including a first connector end and a second connector end. The first connector end is coupled to a first electro-optical device. The second connector end coupled to a second electro-optical device. The second connector is flexibly coupled to a connector base so a second connector face can move flexibly with respect to a first connector face. A force mechanism on at least one connector end applies a force on an interface between the first connector end and the second connector end. The force is applied when the first connector face is within a predefined proximity of the second connector face. A mechanical guide on the connector end can align the first connector face with the second connector face when the force mechanism applies the force. The connector end for the force mechanism or the mechanical guide can be the first connector end or the second connector end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Duncan Stewart, Paul Rosenberg, Michael Tan
  • 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: 7522793
    Abstract: A device for coupling beam guides of optical systems for unidirectional or bidirectional transmission of beams via a beam transition between the optical systems is provided, the device having a connecting device and mechanical centering means. The connecting device provides a magnetic coupling for implementing a coupling connection in a coupling area. The centering means are situated opposite one another on the optical systems and coupled in such a way to cause the beam guides to self-center due to the attraction caused by the magnetic forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Pawel Drabarek, Jochen Straehle, Stefan Franz, Matthias Fleischer, Ralf Kochendoerfer, David Rychtarik, Jan Fischer
  • Publication number: 20090016682
    Abstract: A downhole optic fiber wet-connect system including first and second matable portions of a tool body. First and second matable portions of a connector body further including a first magnet associated with one of the first and second matable portions of the connector body, and a second magnet associated with the other of the first and second matable portions of the connector body. The first and second magnets being oriented to attract one another. A first opening in one of the first and second matable portions of the tool body. A second opening in the other of the first and second matable portions of the tool body. At least one of the first and second openings in the first and second matable portions of the tool body being configured and dimensioned to laterally loosely receive one of the first and second matable portions of the connector body therein and method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: MARTIN PAUL CORONADO
  • 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: 7350982
    Abstract: A sub-mount includes a recess for holding a polymer optical waveguide film and recesses for embedding and holding a light emitting element and a light detecting element. The sub-mount further has an adhesive filling groove formed adjacent to respective recesses. When mounting the polymer optical waveguide film, the light emitting element, and the light detecting element onto the sub-mount, an adhesive is accurately applied and is prevented from flowing out as the adhesive filling grooves are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Shigemi Ohtsu, Toshihiko Suzuki, Keishi Shimizu, Akira Fujii, Kazutoshi Yatsuda, Eiichi Akutsu
  • Patent number: 7344315
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a fiber assembly is provided. The fiber assembly has a first fiber having at least one core. The core has a length, a first end, and a second end, and light may be transmitted along the core. The second end has an obtusely angled end surface. The assembly also has a second fiber having at least one core having a first end. Light may be transmitted along the core. The second end of the first fiber is optically coupled to the first end of the second fiber such that light emitted from the first fiber may be transmitted to the second fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Martin Fenwick, Richard John Luebs, Terrel L. Morris, Duane A. Wegher, Jeffrey D. Yetter
  • Patent number: 7330546
    Abstract: A multimedia patching box including a generally rectangular housing. The housing includes a first wall positioned opposite from a second wall. The housing also includes opposing third and fourth walls that extend between the first and second walls. A panel is mounted adjacent the front of the housing. The panel is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The pivot axis is located adjacent to the third wall of the housing and extends generally along the third wall of the housing. A plurality of multimedia connectors are mounted on the panel. The housing defines at least one cable access opening defined through at least one of the first and second walls at a location adjacent the third wall. A cable management structure is connected to the back side of the panel. The cable management structure defines a cable guiding channel that extends generally along the pivot axis of the panel and generally aligns with the at least one cable access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Scott Kessler, Jeffrey Scott Hartzler, Cory Lee Grabinger