Plural Fiber-to-fiber Connections Patents (Class 385/59)
  • Patent number: 7588373
    Abstract: For easy operation under a high density mounting circumstance, a multiple type optical connector plug to be connected with an optical adapter formed via a partition wall provided in a plural branch structured module, is provided with canceling levers (11), each including locking pieces (12) for engaging with the adapter and locking pieces (11a) on a rear end portion, on one surface in a longitudinal direction of a plug main body (1) from a front side toward a rear side, and a slider (13) movably attached to regulation regions in an axial direction of the plug main bodies (1) via a holder portion which is divided into upper and lower portions (19a, 19b) for incorporating plug main bodies (1), and the slider (13) has cam portions (13a) which engage with the canceling pieces (11a) on each of the canceling levers (11) so as to be capable of pressing them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignees: Sanwa Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sato, Tomoya Terashima, Michael Palmer, Travis Atkins, Jack Edwards, III
  • 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: 7578625
    Abstract: An optical fiber array 10 includes: a substrate 30 with housing grooves 34 for housing optical fibers 24 formed therein; a cover plate 12 for covering the optical fibers 24 that are housed in the housing grooves 34; and an adhesive layer 16 for joining the substrate 30 with the optical fibers 24 being housed in the housing grooves 34 and the coverplate 12. In the substrate 30, there are formed adhesive grooves 36 for introduction of the adhesive layer 16 between the housing grooves 34 for housing the optical fibers 24 and the end portions of the substrate 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hironori Tanaka, Naoaki Fujii
  • Patent number: 7568845
    Abstract: A fiber optic stub fiber connector for reversibly and nondestructively terminating an inserted field fiber having a buffer over at least a portion thereof. The connector includes a housing and a ferrule including a stub fiber disposed within and extending from a bore through the ferrule. The ferrule is generally at least partially disposed within and supported by the housing. The connector further includes a reversible actuator for reversibly and nondestructively terminating the inserted field fiber to the stub fiber. The reversible actuator includes a buffer clamp for engaging with the buffer to simultaneously provide reversible and nondestructive strain relief to the terminated field fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Shaun P. Brouwer, Vincent M. Barone, Scott R. Hartman, Andrew J. Stroede
  • Publication number: 20090180737
    Abstract: Optical fiber interconnection devices, which can take the form of a module, are disclosed that include an array of optical fibers and multi-fiber optical-fiber connectors, for example, two twelve-port connectors or multiples thereof, and three eight-port connectors or multiples thereof. The array of optical fibers is color-coded and is configured to optically interconnect the ports of the two twelve-port connectors to the three eight-port connectors in a manner that preserves transmit and receive polarization. In one embodiment, the interconnection devices provide optical interconnections between twelve-fiber optical connector configurations to eight-fiber optical connector configurations, such as from twelve-fiber line cards to eight-fiber line cards, without having to make structural changes to cabling infrastructure. In one aspect, the optical fiber interconnection devices provide a migration path from duplex optics to parallel optics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: William R. Burnham, Robert W. Dennis, Alan W. Ugolini, Terry L. Cooke, Tory A. Klavuhn
  • 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: 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
  • Patent number: 7553091
    Abstract: The connector modules that are designed and shaped to mate with one side of the receptacle of the panel have mating devices that enable them to be stacked one atop the other inside of the receptacle in a relatively rigid stack. The connector modules that are designed and shaped to mate with the other side of the receptacle of the panel have mating devices that enable them to be held in slots that are slightly separated from one another by air gaps to allow them to “float” in the receptacle. By floating the connector modules in one side of the receptacle while having a relative rigid stack of connector modules in the other side of the receptacle, it is ensured that very precise optical alignment will be maintained between the respective lenses in the connector modules that face each other in the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Laurence Ray McColloch
  • Patent number: 7542653
    Abstract: A mesh optical network node has switch cards which carry active components, such as wavelength routers to switch the paths of optical signals through the node and a fiber organizer handles the numerous optical fiber interconnections among the switch cards. The fiber organizer has no active components and can include optical paths to verify not only that a switch card connection to the fiber organizer has been made but that the connection is properly made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Johnson, Stefano Piciaccia, Ornan Gerstel, Mauro Rudi Casanova
  • Patent number: 7540666
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-fiber fiber optic connector assembly providing articulated force application, including: a ferrule holder including an x-pivot component and a y-pivot component, wherein the x-pivot component of the ferrule holder is operable for providing relative rotational movement about the x-axis of the multi-fiber fiber optic connector assembly and the y-pivot component of the ferrule holder is operable for providing relative rotational movement about the x-axis of the multi-fiber fiber optic connector assembly; a multi-fiber ferrule comprising a plurality of optical connection points coupled to the ferrule holder; and a biasing member coupled to the ferrule holder and the multi-fiber ferrule, wherein the biasing member is operable for transferring a force through the ferrule holder and to the multi-fiber ferrule, and wherein the y-pivot component of the ferrule holder is coupled to the biasing member, the x-pivot component of the ferrule holder is coupled to the y-pivot component
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: James Phillip Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 7540667
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for securing an information network through positional distinguishing of connectors and adapters. A communications connector system associated with the present disclosure includes at least a first patch cord connector assembly including a patch cord terminated at least at one end by a duplex connector. The duplex connector includes: (i) a connector housing clip adapted to enclose and securely position at least a portion of the terminated end of the patch cord and at least a portion of each of a pair of ferrule housings; and (ii) a pair of connector subassemblies. Each subassembly defines an inner cavity to allow a ferrule mounted with respect to one of the pair of ferrule housings to pass through the connector subassembly. Each of the subassemblies extend outwardly with respect to the connector housing clip and the ferrule housings and are adapted to securely mate with a corresponding pair of receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Adam Murano
  • 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: 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: 20090052843
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug connection for a mobile optical multi-thread plug part (2, 3) which comprises various adaptive means. The adaptive section (PA1) of the first adaptive means (6, 8) is longer than the adaptive section (PA2) of the second adaptive means (7, 9) in relation to the longitudinal axis thereof. The adaptive means (6, 7, 8, 9) are embodied in such a manner that initially the first adaptive means (6, 8) and then the second adaptive means (7, 9), after surpassing an insertion path, can be impinged upon by associated guiding means of the plug part, when the plug part (2, 3) is inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Loic Cherel, Aaron Rossetto, Francois Caloz
  • Patent number: 7490993
    Abstract: The invention provides an adapter for an optical printed circuit board, the adapter comprising a socket for receiving a daughter card for connecting to a said optical printed circuit board; and a connector for engagement with the optical printed circuit board arranged such that when the connector engages with the optical printed circuit board an optical connection is established between the optical printed circuit board and the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Xyratex Technology Limited
    Inventor: Richard Charles Alexander Pitwon
  • Publication number: 20090034912
    Abstract: An M28876/NGCON/D38999 to MTP adaptor is disclosed as a low cost substitute for high density fiber systems. The MTP adaptor has a mechanical footprint that is substantially similar to a standard M28876/NGCON/D38999 connector. A kit is also provided that comprises an MTP cable, a pair of ST to MTP fan out cables, and a plurality of M28876/NGCON/D38999 to MTP adaptors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Raymond B. Sepe, JR.
  • Publication number: 20090034911
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for securing an information network through positional distinguishing of connectors and adapters. A communications connector system associated with the present disclosure includes at least a first patch cord connector assembly including a patch cord terminated at least at one end by a duplex connector. The duplex connector includes: (i) a connector housing clip adapted to enclose and securely position at least a portion of the terminated end of the patch cord and at least a portion of each of a pair of ferrule housings; and (ii) a pair of connector subassemblies. Each subassembly defines an inner cavity to allow a ferrule mounted with respect to one of the pair of ferrule housings to pass through the connector subassembly. Each of the subassemblies extend outwardly with respect to the connector housing clip and the ferrule housings and are adapted to securely mate with a corresponding pair of receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: ORTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Adam Murano
  • Publication number: 20090028495
    Abstract: An electro-optical hybrid connection assembly provides an optical connection of at least a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber that define a fiber axis and an electrical connection of at least a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor. The assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a first ferrule that encloses the first optical fiber, a centering sleeve surrounding the first ferrule and projecting beyond at least one end of the first ferrule, and at least one electrical plug-in contact connected to the first electrical conductor. The second connector includes a second ferrule enclosing the second optical fiber, and at least one electrical plug-in contact connected to the second electrical conductor. Each of the two optical fibers has a plane fiber end aligned at right angles to the fiber axis and provided with an anti-reflection coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: TRUMPF LASER MARKING SYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Martin Anrig, Dirk Bueche, Michael Sauerwein, Dieter Wildhaber, Hagen Zimer, Carsten Ziolek
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080317413
    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: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Faika, Dietrich Rund, Hans-Peter Sandeck
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080279506
    Abstract: A multi-tube terminal connector for connecting tubes into which optical fibres are to be installed by the blown fibre technique, comprising a first part (4) arranged to receive and fit onto a cable (1) of closely packed tubes, and a spreader (5) provided with guideways to splay the tubes received by the first part from their initially closely packed state to a spaced relationship where the spacing is greater than the spacing at the initially closely packed state, the arrangement being such that provision (3) is made so as to connect the connector to at least one further element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: John Kerry, Matthew John Kerry, Rosamund Carol Neat
  • Patent number: 7448809
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacture that minimizes the lateral offset of a plurality of optical fiber holes associated with a multi-fiber ferrule, including: determining an initial offset distance of each of the plurality of optical fiber holes from each of a plurality of corresponding target locations on an initial endface; removing a predetermined amount of material from the multi-fiber ferrule to form a subsequent endface; determining a subsequent offset distance of each of the plurality of optical fiber holes from each of the plurality of corresponding target locations on the subsequent endface; and, using the initial offset distance and the subsequent offset distance, determining an angle of each of the plurality of optical fiber holes relative to the initial endface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Todd Cody, David Lee Dean, Jr., Alan John Malanowski, Scott Timothy Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7441962
    Abstract: A multi-channel fiber optic cable connector is provided for connecting the terminal ends of fiber optic cables utilizing alignment sleeves to align the adjacent termini of optical fibers included within respective ones of the cables. A retention mechanism, a sleeve retainer, secured within the connector, is provided that secures the alignment sleeve within the connector. In another aspect, a single floating seal assembly extends around a termini and seals between the termini and a connector housing. The single seal assembly provides a dual sealing function, sealing between an aperture of a floating collar and the termini body and sealing between the floating collar and a seal surface of a bore in the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Optical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkata R. Penumatcha, Vincent A. Wouters
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080205823
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-fiber fiber optic connector assembly providing articulated force application, including: a ferrule holder including an x-pivot component and a y-pivot component, wherein the x-pivot component of the ferrule holder is operable for providing relative rotational movement about the x-axis of the multi-fiber fiber optic connector assembly and the y-pivot component of the ferrule holder is operable for providing relative rotational movement about the x-axis of the multi-fiber fiber optic connector assembly; a multi-fiber ferrule comprising a plurality of optical connection points coupled to the ferrule holder; and a biasing member coupled to the ferrule holder and the multi-fiber ferrule, wherein the biasing member is operable for transferring a force through the ferrule holder and to the multi-fiber ferrule, and wherein the y-pivot component of the ferrule holder is coupled to the biasing member, the x-pivot component of the ferrule holder is coupled to the y-pivot component
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: James Phillip Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20080205824
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacture that minimizes the lateral offset of a plurality of optical fiber holes associated with a multi-fiber ferrule, including: determining an initial offset distance of each of the plurality of optical fiber holes from each of a plurality of corresponding target locations on an initial endface; removing a predetermined amount of material from the multi-fiber ferrule to form a subsequent endface; determining a subsequent offset distance of each of the plurality of optical fiber holes from each of the plurality of corresponding target locations on the subsequent endface; and, using the initial offset distance and the subsequent offset distance, determining an angle of each of the plurality of optical fiber holes relative to the initial endface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Joseph Todd Cody, David Lee Dean, Alan John Malanowski, Scott Timothy Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7398021
    Abstract: An optical transmitter including a multi-lambda source to output injection light consisting of a plurality of injection wavelengths in channels, a circulator having a first port, a second port, and a third port, the circulator receiving the injection light at the first port, and outputting the received injection light to the second port, and further receiving signal light at the second port, and outputting the received signal light to the third port, an arrayed waveguide grating having a multiplexing port connected to the second port of the circulator, and a plurality of demultiplexing ports, spectrum-slicing injection light received from the circulator at the multiplexing port into a plurality of injection channels, and outputting the injection channels to the demultiplexing ports and further receiving and multiplexing a plurality of signal channels at the demultiplexing ports, into a signal light, and outputting the signal light to the multiplexing port, and a plurality of reflective semiconductor optical a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Seok Shin, Hyun-Cheol Shin, Seong-Taek Hwang, Dae-Kwang Jung
  • Patent number: 7380991
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector arrangement for optical wave guides for establishing multimedia connections in motor vehicles, e.g. in accordance with the MOST®-Standard wherein a first and a second fiber section are each enclosed by a sleeve and by connecting it fixedly with the sleeve, both sleeves form an integrally constructed, common fiber holder for the two fiber sections, which can be inserted into the rear fiber receptable of the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Otto Schempp
  • Publication number: 20080101751
    Abstract: A multi-fiber fiber optic ferrule comprising a ferrule body, at least one optically functional optical fiber received within at least one optical fiber bore defined by the ferrule body, and at least one optically non-functional guard fiber received within at least one guard fiber bore defined by the ferrule body. A multi-fiber ferrule defining at least one optical fiber bore opening through a front face, at least one optically functional optical fiber received within the ferrule and maintained within the at least one optical fiber bore, at least one guard fiber bore opening through the front face, and at least one optically non-functional guard fiber received within the at least one guard fiber bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn, Christopher Paul Lewallen, Hieu V. Tran, Terry Cooke, Tory A. Klavuhn, Robert B. Elkins
  • Publication number: 20080095501
    Abstract: The connector modules that are designed and shaped to mate with one side of the receptacle of the panel have mating devices that enable them to be stacked one atop the other inside of the receptacle in a relatively rigid stack. The connector modules that are designed and shaped to mate with the other side of the receptacle of the panel have mating devices that enable them to be held in slots that are slightly separated from one another by air gaps to allow them to “float” in the receptacle. By floating the connector modules in one side of the receptacle while having a relative rigid stack of connector modules in the other side of the receptacle, it is ensured that very precise optical alignment will be maintained between the respective lenses in the connector modules that face each other in the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Laurence Ray MCCOLLOCH
  • 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: 7349619
    Abstract: A device and method of blocking customer access to a fiber optic distribution cable. A service blocker is positioned between a fiber distribution cable and a customer drop cable within a fiber optic adapter. The service blocker includes a unitary body which does not permit optical transmission between the fiber distribution cable and the customer drop cable. The service blocker includes a first end configured to be inserted within the fiber optic adapter and a second end configured receive a fiber optic cable connector. A system for mounting fiber optic cables including a service blocker positioned within a bulkhead mounted adapter between two fiber optic cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Beck, Scott C. Kowalczyk
  • Publication number: 20080069500
    Abstract: A termination is formed on an optical fiber by securing the fiber in a mold which defines a cavity for forming the termination. A liquid is injected into the cavity, which solidifies to form the termination. At least a portion of the mold is removed to expose the termination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Weston Lee Harness, John E. Calow
  • 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: 7344316
    Abstract: A connector for making an optical and/or electrical connection underwater or in a wet or severe environment, comprising first and second connector parts which are axially interengageable to establish the optical or electrical connection, the first connector part having relatively movable portions for relative movement to allow the optical or electrical connection to be established when the first and second connector parts are interengaged, and having latching means to prevent such relative movement. The latching means is preferably releasable by engagement with the second connector part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Tronic Limited
    Inventor: Gillian Anne McKinnon
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7325979
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removably connecting two groups of individual, parallel fibers that are delimited by end faces that are perpendicular to the fiber axis. The two groups of fibers are moved towards each other in an axial direction until each of the fibers abuts against the end face of the assigned fiber from the other group. The fibers of the two groups are aligned in pairs relative to each other before being moved into contact with each other, and any differences in fiber lengths is compensated for by elastically deforming the fiber along the fiber main axis. This method eliminates the disadvantages associated with bending the fibers because length variations are essentially compensated for by axially compressing the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Huber + Suhner AG
    Inventors: Thomas Ammer, Uhland Goebel, Martin Strasser, Falk Draheim, Peter Nuechter, Carlo Compare
  • Patent number: 7325980
    Abstract: A yoke member is provided for selective insertion into a passage of a first-half housing portion of a connector interface assembly, wherein the first-half housing portion is selectively matable with a complementary second-half housing portion. The yoke member includes a base wall; a pair of side walls; and an intermediate wall disposed between the side walls. The base wall, the pair of side walls and the intermediate wall define a pair of channels. A fiber optic connector is selectively positionable within each channel of the yoke member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Paul John Pepe
  • Publication number: 20080008425
    Abstract: In one aspect, a connector is described. The connector comprises a plurality of optical fibers, at least two MT fiber optic connectors, communicatively coupled to one another utilizing the plurality of optical fibers, each MT fiber optic connector comprises a mating end. The connector further comprises a connector body formed around the MT fiber optic connectors and the plurality of optical fibers, said mating ends of the MT fiber optic connectors accessible from opposite ends of the connector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Robert B. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7317746
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and device for precision and passive alignment such as precision and passive alignment technology for low cost array fibre access components. A laser carrier is passively aligned to an MT-interface using alignment structures on a replicated carrier. The laser carrier is based on a self-aligned semiconductor laser, flip-chip mounted on a silicon substrate with planar polymeric waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson
    Inventors: Thomas Ericson, Paul Eriksen, Mats Granberg, Krister Fröjd, Göran Palmskog, Pontus Lundström, Lennart Bäcklin, Christian Vjeider, Paul Asger Eriksen
  • Patent number: 7316578
    Abstract: The present invention provides a test apparatus which comprises: a test head which applies a test pattern to the electronic device; a main frame which includes multiple frame-side connectors and which supplies control signals to the test head via the frame-side connectors; and a cable unit which provides optical connection between the frame-side connectors and the test head, and which transmits the control signals to the test head. With such an arrangement, the cable unit comprises: multiple optical fiber cables which transmit the control signals; multiple unit-side connectors which are provided at the ends of the optical fiber cables, and which are provided corresponding to the multiple frame-side connectors; a unit fixing portion which fixes the cable unit to the main frame; and a connector holder which holds the unit-side connectors in a manner which enables each unit-side connector to be inserted/extracted into/from the frame-side connector independent of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Ono, Toshiyuki Okayasu, Akihiro Fujimoto, Masashi Shibata
  • Patent number: 7296935
    Abstract: An adapter for holding a multi-fiber ferrule in position to mate with a fiber optic connector includes an adapter body having a first side and a second side, with a first opening disposed in the first side that is configured to receive the multi-fiber ferrule. A second opening is disposed in the second side of the adapter end is configured to receive a fiber optic connector. An engagement member, which preferably rotates about an axis transverse to the opening, is disposed adjacent the first opening to engage and hold the multi-fiber ferrule in the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R Childers, Russell J. Granger, Joseph P Howard, Myron W Yount
  • Patent number: 7295743
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical waveguide including an optical waveguide core for transmitting optical signals, a plate-shaped clad portion containing the optical waveguide core therein, and at least one of a concave portion and a convex portion at an end surface portion of the clad portion which end surface portion is disposed near one end of the optical waveguide core; an optical waveguide ferrule having an opening portion for receiving an optical waveguide, and at least one of a convex portion and a convex portion having a concave portion on an inner surface thereof at one end of the opening portion; and an optical connector in which the optical waveguide is inserted in the opening portion of the optical waveguide ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Yatsuda, Keishi Shimizu, Shigemi Ohtsu, Eiichi Akutsu
  • Patent number: 7281858
    Abstract: In an optical connector, a holding member is coupled to a ferrule and attached to a housing. The ferrule has a flange portion brought into contact with the contact surface. The ferrule is adapted to receive an optical fiber. The housing has a contact surface and an engaging surface faced inward with respect to each other in an optical axis direction. The holding member includes a cylindrical main body for receiving the ferrule inserted therein, a first engaging portion connected to the main body and engaged with the engaging surface, and a second engaging portion connected to the main body and engaged with the flange portion, the second engaging portion being elastically deformable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Jun Takeda, Yuichi Koreeda
  • Patent number: 7264402
    Abstract: A fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly adapted to be mounted within an opening through a wall of a connection terminal. The receptacle and plug define complimentary alignment and keying features for ensuring that the plug is mated with the receptacle in a predetermined orientation. An alignment sleeve is disposed within the plug for receiving a multi-fiber receptacle ferrule and a multi-fiber plug ferrule. The fiber optic receptacle and corresponding plug each include a biasing member assembly for urging the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule towards one another, wherein the biasing member assembly includes a round spring, a spring centering cuff and a ferrule boot that operatively engage the rear of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule, respectively, to substantially center a spring biasing force on the end face of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Theuerkorn, Martin E. Norris, James P. Luther
  • Patent number: 7261471
    Abstract: There is provided an optical connector device which prevents leakage of light until right before connectors are connected to each other and is small-sized by a reduction in space for housing shutters. The optical connector device is an optical connector device comprising a first optical connector and a second optical connector. When shutters for shutting out light from the optical connectors are collided with each other, the shutters move to positions where they do not shut out the light. Therefore, the first optical connector and the second optical connector are connected to each other. After moving, the shutter of the first optical connector and the shutter of the second optical connector are inserted into the second optical connector while remaining contacting each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignees: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, NTT Electronics Corporation, Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Limited
    Inventors: Masahiro Tsuchida, Yoshiteru Abe, Masaru Kobayashi, Ryo Nagase, Koichi Arishima, Yuichi Koreeda, Akihiro Onogawa
  • Patent number: 7252130
    Abstract: While clamped by a clamping jig 100, polarization-maintaining fiber cables 11 and 12 are automatically oriented with an orientation adjusting unit 200 and then heated by a heater 105 for curing thermoset resins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Totoku Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Nonomura, Hidetoku Iida, Atsushi Koyama
  • Patent number: 7252438
    Abstract: An optical fiber coupling assembly is provided herein for the coupling of at least a pair of fiber cables. A connector is installed to an end of a fiber cable. The connector is then inserted into a through channel of a coupler. A spring-loaded latch inside the through channel is used to force the cores of the fiber cables to be tightly joined together, reducing the power loss of the light signal transmission over the pair of coupled fiber cables. The coupling assembly is structurally simple, has a smaller form factor, and is able to increase installation efficiency and reduce production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: Chong-Nien Wang