Tube-type Holding Structure Patents (Class 385/66)
  • Patent number: 11886025
    Abstract: A receptacle (6) includes an optical fiber stub (7). A lens (5) includes an incident-side curved surface (9), an emission-side curved surface (10), and a barrel (11) provided between the incident-side curved surface (9) and the emission-side curved surface (10). A receptacle holder (8) holds the receptacle (6) so that the lens (5) and the optical fiber stub (7) are not in contact but separated from each other. When light out from the optical fiber stub (7) enters the lens (5) through the incident-side curved surface (9), the light is condensed inside the lens (5) and then spreads again, and the light out from the emission-side curved surface (10) is condensed onto a light-receiving surface of the light-receiving device (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Yohei Mikami
  • Patent number: 11048047
    Abstract: In a general aspect, a device is disclosed for providing a reference frequency of light. The device includes a housing having a first opening and a second opening. A first optical window covers the first opening and is coupled to the housing by a first ceramic bond that forms a hermetic seal around the first opening. A second optical window covers the second opening and is coupled to the housing by a second ceramic bond that forms a hermetic seal around the second opening. The device also includes an etalon disposed within an evacuated volume enclosed by at least the housing, the first optical window, and the second optical window. The device additionally includes one or more supports suspending the etalon in the evacuated volume. The one or more supports are formed of a material having a thermal conductivity no greater than 5 W/m·K at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Quantum Valley Ideas Laboratories
    Inventors: Jennifer Ann Joe Erskine, Jaime Ramirez-Serrano, James Keaveney, Chang Liu, Hadi Amarloo, Geoffrey Gordon Gillett, James P. Shaffer
  • Patent number: 10895696
    Abstract: An epoxy-free, high-durability and low-cost plastic optical fiber splice design and fabrication process which meets commercial airplane environmental requirements. The splice design: (1) does not require the use of epoxy to join the end faces of two plastic optical fibers together; (2) incorporates double-crimp rings to provide highly durable pull force for the plastic optical fibers that are joined together; (3) resolves any vibration problem at the plastic optical fiber end faces using a miniature stop inside a splice alignment sleeve; and (4) incorporates a splice alignment sleeve that can be mass produced using precision molding or three-dimensional printing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Dennis G. Koshinz, Eric Y. Chan, Tuong K. Truong, Kim Quan Anh Nguyen
  • Patent number: 10151887
    Abstract: Hardened fiber optic connectors having a mechanical splice assembly are disclosed. The mechanical splice assembly is attached to a first end of an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber of a fiber optic cable by way of a stub optical fiber, thereby connectorizing the hardened connector. In one embodiment, the hardened connector includes an inner housing having two shells for securing a tensile element of the cable and securing the mechanical splice assembly so that a ferrule assembly may translate. Further assembly of the hardened connector has the inner housing fitting into a shroud of the hardened connector. The shroud aides in mating the hardened connector with a complimentary device and the shroud may have any suitable configuration. The hardened connector may also include features for fiber buckling, sealing, cable strain relief or a pre-assembly for ease of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventors: Michael de Jong, Wolf Peter Kluwe, Daniel Leyva, Jr., Min Tao
  • Patent number: 10146015
    Abstract: Optical connector arrangements terminate at least seventy-two optical fibers. The optical connector arrangements include multiple optical ferrules that each terminates multiple optical fibers. Some example optical connectors can terminate about 144 optical fibers. Each optical connector includes a fiber take-up arrangement and a flange extending outwardly from a connector housing arrangement. The fiber take-up arrangement manages excess length of the optical fibers. A threadable coupling nut can be disposed on the connector housing arrangement to engage the outwardly extending flange. Certain types of optical connector arrangements include furcation cables spacing the connector housing arrangement form the fiber take-up arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Yu Lu, Gregory J. Schaible
  • Patent number: 9759873
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method for manufacturing an optical module having an MCF and two connection components, and enables rotational alignment of the MCF to be implemented with high accuracy even in short-haul optical wiring. The MCF is arranged in a region between the two connection components while an end thereof projects from one connection component. As this arrangement state is maintained, array positions of cores in the projecting end are observed from a side face and the MCF is rotationally aligned by a rotation grasp jig grasping the projecting end to adjust the array positions of the cores, based on the observation result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nakanishi, Takashi Sasaki, Yasuomi Kaneuchi, Tetsuya Hayashi, Osamu Shimakawa
  • Patent number: 9268100
    Abstract: A fiber optic adapter includes a mounting block having a first opening and a through opening extending into the mounting block from the first opening with a seat for receiving a body portion of a fiber optic connector and at least one flexible projection with a first end defining an aperture that is smaller than the first opening. The at least one flexible projection is configured to flex away from a rest position and away from a longitudinal axis of the through opening to allow the body portion of the fiber optic connector to reach the seat and configured to return toward the rest position when the fiber optic connector reaches the seat and to substantially prevent the removal of the fiber optic connector in a direction opposite its insertion direction when the at least one flexible projection is in the rest position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventor: Ronald L. Mudd
  • Patent number: 9239439
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to an optical USB (OUSB) to enhance the data rate of USB by adding super-high data rate (e.g. 10 Gbps) optical communication on top of its current specification so that backward compatibility is achievable. Mechanical tolerances may be achieved by using embedded lenses to expand a beam emerging from the connector prior to entering its mating connector and using an identical lens in the mating connector to collimate the beam back onto a fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Jamyuen Ko, Hengju Cheng, Tom Mader
  • Patent number: 9190538
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a circuit board. The circuit board includes a substrate and a circuit unit. A photoelectric element and a driver chip are located on the substrate. The photoelectric element includes a conductive pin and a metallic layer. The conductive pin is formed on a surface of the photoelectric element away from the circuit board, and the metallic layer is formed on another surface of the photoelectric element facing the circuit board. The conductive pin and the metallic layer serve as terminals of the photoelectric element. The driver chip is electrically connected to the photoelectric element by the circuit unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kuo-Fong Tseng
  • Patent number: 9042698
    Abstract: A fiber holder is provided which includes first and second holder plates having first and second main surfaces, respectively. The first holder plate includes a first channel insert including a first fiber channel configured to receive a fiber therein, and a first insert channel disposed on the first main surface such that the first insert channel extends through a length of the first main surface and is configured to receive the first channel insert. The second holder plate includes a second channel insert including a second fiber channel configured to receive the fiber therein, and a second insert channel disposed on the second main surface such that the second insert channel extends through a length of the second main surface and is configured to receive the second channel insert. The first and second channel inserts are disposed within the first and second insert channels, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: William R. Klimowych, Douglas Duke, Yoshiharu Kanda
  • Patent number: 9011021
    Abstract: A first link and a second link are articulated relative to each other via a joint coupled between the first and second links. A shape-sensing optical fiber is used to sense a position of the first link and the second link relative to each other. The fiber passes through a channel having an opening defining a lip and extending from the first link toward the joint. The lip has a curved surface that begins substantially tangent to a wall of the channel, and during bending of the optical fiber, the optical fiber is positioned tangent to the curved surface of the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore W. Rogers, Giuseppe Maria Prisco
  • Patent number: 8992098
    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: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Timothy W. Anderson, Richard L. Case
  • Patent number: 8920049
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for improved field termination optical fiber connector members and/or splicers for use in terminating or fusing optical fibers. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for convenient, low-cost, accurate, and effective methods for terminating or fusing optical fibers utilizing advantageous field termination optical fiber connector members and/or splicers. Improved apparatus and methods are provided for use in terminating or fusing a broad variety of optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Grandidge, Rudolph A. Montgelas, Adam Murano, William Dietz, Alex Richard, Jose Mozota
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140205241
    Abstract: An alignment sleeve for an optical fiber adapter includes features to bring precision alignment between optical fiber cores. The sleeve includes a tubular inner area to accept first and second ferrule ends of first and second connectors. First and second tabs project from first and second ends of the sleeve. The first and second tabs slide into holes in the ferrule holders or barrels of the first and second connectors, so as to provide rotational alignment of the first and second ferrules, which may be presenting multi-core optical fibers. A mid-portion of the sleeve may include geometrical features to enable a snap fit of the sleeve into a housing of the adapter. More than one tab may be employed at the ends of the sleeve, and the tabs may have defined spacing and/or dimensions to enable security keying, only permitting coupling between connectors possessing matching holes in the ferrule barrels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Nielson
  • 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: 8770859
    Abstract: The optical adapter includes a first housing 3, a second housing 5, and a sleeve 7. The first housing 3 includes a connector holding part 31, a first holder portion 33, an alignment part 35, and coupling portions 36. The first holder portion 33 is integrally formed with the connector holding part 31. The alignment part 35 includes an alignment part main body 351, a second holder portion 352 integrally formed with the alignment part main body 351, and a plurality of guide portions 352, 354, and 355, integrally formed with the alignment part main body 351. Protrusion-shaped coupling portions 36 for coupling the connector holding part 31 and the alignment part 35 are integrally formed with one of the connector holding part 31 and the alignment part main body 35.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Yuichi Koreeda, Yasutaka Hiroki, Naoki Katagiyama
  • Patent number: 8702324
    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: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Shaun P. Brouwer, Vincent M. Barone, Scott R. Hartman, Andrew J. Stroede
  • Patent number: 8702318
    Abstract: Dense fiber optic connector assemblies and related connectors and cables suitable for establishing optical connections for optical backplanes in equipment racks are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic connector is provided. The fiber optic connector is configured to be directly optically connected in an optical backplane. The fiber optic connector is comprised of at least one fiber optic connector body, at least one fiber optic ferrule in the at least one fiber optic connector body. The fiber optic ferrule is configured to support a fiber count and to optically align fiber openings with lenses disposed on the fiber optic connector body. The dense fiber optic connectors may be optical backplane fiber optic connectors or blade fiber optic connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Micah Colen Isenhour, Dennis Michael Knecht, James Phillip Luther
  • 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: 8628253
    Abstract: An optical connector is provided having a housing with a cavity formed therein through which an optical fiber passes. Within the cavity, a slightly bent, unjacketed portion of the core of the optical fiber is disposed. If conditions are such that pistoning of the core begins to occur, the slightly bent, unjacketed portion of the core straightens, thereby causing the end of the core to remain substantially flush with the end of the ferrule of the connector housing. In this way, the pistoning effect at the end of the fiber is prevented and optical losses associated with the occurrence of the pistoning effect are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tobias Bitter, Frank Weberpals, Josef Wittl
  • Patent number: 8616782
    Abstract: A first link and a second link are articulated relative to each other via a joint coupled between the first and second links. A shape-sensing optical fiber is used to sense a position of the first link and the second link relative to each other. The fiber passes through a channel having an opening defining a lip and extending from the first link toward the joint. The lip has a curved surface that begins substantially tangent to a wall of the channel, and during bending of the optical fiber, the optical fiber is positioned tangent to the curved surface of the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore W. Rogers, Giuseppe Maria Prisco
  • Patent number: 8573854
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a front housing and a rear housing movably coupled to the front housing between retracted and advanced positions. A drive mechanism is coupled to the rear housing that moves the rear housing from the retracted position to the advanced position. Fiber optic connectors are fixedly coupled to the rear housing with a mating end driven with respect to the front housing in a mating direction when the rear housing is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position. Optionally, the fiber optic connector assembly may be side-loaded into position with respect to a fixed connector assembly, and then the fiber optic connector is driven to the advanced position in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Briggs, David R. Baechtle, Edmunc J. Haley
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8517614
    Abstract: A fiber optic link connection system facilitates connection between two arrays of optical fibers. Two female-type connector plugs, each attached to a respective end of two fiber optic arrays, are inserted into the open ends of a connector guide sleeve. Two guide pins are captured by intrusions within the guide sleeve in order to mate with and align the two plugs. Guide capture pins and associated springs are disposed within the guide pin intrusions to capture the guide pins. Such an arrangement not only protects the guide pins from damage, but also promotes connector compatibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Michael L. Wach
  • Patent number: 8480310
    Abstract: Devices to enhance the reliability of optical networks and to reduce the cost of repair are disclosed in this invention. In particular, compact and inexpensive fiber optic union adapters with built-in protective isolation prevent the transfer of damage from one connectorized fiber optic cable to another. The fiber optic union includes a split sleeve with an interior channel and a fiber stub centrally located within the interior channel. The fiber stub makes direct optical contact with the cable endfaces to enable efficient optical transmission between interconnected cables while providing a low loss, low back reflection adiabatic transition between the waveguide cores of the two cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Telescent Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Stephen Kewitsch
  • Patent number: 8430572
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector and a carrier. The connector has a first mating end and a second end and an optical fiber terminated thereto. The fiber defines a first end adjacent the mating end and a second end protruding out of the second end of the fiber optic connector. A carrier having a connector end and an oppositely disposed cable end is engaged with the connector. An alignment structure is disposed on the carrier that includes a first end and a second end and a throughhole extending therebetween, the alignment structure including a cutaway portion extending perpendicularly to and communicating with the throughhole. The optical fiber terminated to the fiber optic connector is positioned within at least a portion of the throughhole with the second end of the optical fiber located within the cutaway portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarrod Scadden, Wagner Da Silva Aguiar, Wayne M. Kachmar, Jeff Bearwald, Alan Shores
  • Patent number: 8425129
    Abstract: An optical couple connector includes a first main body and a second main body. A through hole is defined in the first main body. A blind hole and a lens are defined in the second main body. The diameter of the blind hole is less than that of the through hole. The through hole is coaxial with the blind hole and is used to hold an optical fiber. The lens couples to the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: I-Thun Lin
  • Patent number: 8388237
    Abstract: An optical connector that is assembled at the terminal of an optical fiber cable that integrates an optical fiber and a tension-resisting member extending in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, the optical connector including: a connector body having a stationary portion at the rear end thereof, the stationary portion having a threaded portion formed on the outer periphery surface, and a fixing cap that is screwed onto the threaded portion of the stationary portion, wherein the fixing cap fixes the tension-resisting member that has been drawn out from the optical fiber cable terminal by sandwiching the tension-resisting member between the fixing cap and the connector body when the fixing cap is screwed onto the stationary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Daigo Saito, Kazuhiro Takizawa, Serin Khee Yen Tan
  • Patent number: 8388235
    Abstract: A modular and scalable high optical fiber count connector assembly (800) is formed by engagement mating of a plug connector (500) to a receptacle connector (700). The plug connector (500) includes a plug shell unit (200) and a pin subassembly unit (400), which includes a plurality of small form factor engagement mate pin connectors (100). The plug connector (500) is formed by inserting the pin subassembly unit (400) into the plug shell unit's (200) hollow body (230). The receptacle connector (700) includes a receptacle shell unit (300) and a socket subassembly unit (600), which includes a plurality of small form factor engagement mate socket connectors (150). The receptacle connector (700) is formed by inserting the socket subassembly unit (600) into the receptacle shell unit (300) hollow body (330).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Herbert B. Volker, Martin S. Moran
  • Patent number: 8376632
    Abstract: A strain-relief member having a body formed from a block copolymer and designed for use in a fiber optic drop cable assembly. The body has a central channel and a cylindrical connector-end portion sized to surround an end-portion of a connector. The body also has a tapered cable-end portion sized to surround an end portion of a fiber optic cable that connects to the connector and that has a preferential bend axis. The strain-relief member is configured to limit an amount of strain in the strength components to less than 0.041 when subjected to flex and proof testing. A fiber optic drop cable assembly that has a fiber optic cable with a preferential bend axis and that employs the strain-relief member is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: James D. Blackburn, Mary C. Corpening, Gregory A. Lochkovic, Allen M. Miller, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 8376288
    Abstract: A system including an overhead cable pathway structure and a cable storage device that mounts overhead to the cable pathway structure. The cable storage device including a storage spool and a cable pathway exit having a curved surface that guides excess cable exiting from the overhead cable pathway structure to the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Smrha, Hutch Coburn, Chad J. Sjodin, John Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8369005
    Abstract: A fiber light source includes an exciting light source to emit exciting light and an optical fiber to guide the exciting light. The optical fiber contains, in a portion in the longitudinal direction, phosphors that emit fluorescence in accordance with the application of exciting light. The optical fiber includes a high reflection film covering the outer surface of a portion through which fluorescence emitted from the phosphor travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Eiji Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8366327
    Abstract: A communication media having a first media portion defining a first end, a second media portion having first and second ends, the first end of the second communication media fused to the first end of the first media portion at a media joint, the second media portion configured to transmit data received from the first media portion; and a support sleeve disposed about the media joint. The support sleeve defines an end face, the second end of the second communication media terminating at an end surface parallel with the end face, the end face configured to be selectively connected to a media component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: David Zhi Chen, Vijay Jain
  • Patent number: 8322932
    Abstract: A coupling device for coupling optical fiber cables reduces contact with the internal parts when coupling a connector. The coupling device includes a projection of a connector device housing insertable into a groove of an adapter device groove of an adapter device housing. The coupling device which connects optical fiber cables compresses an elastic member, and connects an optical fiber connector of the connector device and the optical fiber end on the adapter device side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuichiro Irisawa
  • Patent number: 8313248
    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: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Kahle, Anne Kramer, Jörg Adomeit
  • Patent number: 8292514
    Abstract: To provide an optical connecting member capable of positioning and connecting a coated fiber by a simple connecting work with high precision, and a method of fitting the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ohtsuka, Masaki Ohmura, Mitsuaki Tamura, Masahiro Hamada, Mitsuru Kihara, Ryo Koayama
  • Patent number: 8256970
    Abstract: An improved, reversibly terminable fiber stub connector assembly is provided that can be readily and positively terminated in the field using simple termination tools. This allows repositioning or replacement of fiber optic cable field fibers if termination is not acceptable in performance. The tool may be a hand-held tool, or used in conjunction with a connector support structure to provide simplified and expeditious field termination of fiber optic cables. The cam tool can include a throughbore that enables connection of a patchcord to the stub fiber of the connector during or shortly after termination without removal of the termination tool. Accordingly, field testing of the connection can be made at the site of termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel M. Marrs, Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer
  • Patent number: 8256971
    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: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Shaun P. Brouwer, Vincent M. Barone, Scott R. Hartman, Andrew J. Stroede
  • Patent number: 8182158
    Abstract: Localized strain is effectively eliminated in a shape sensing optical fiber where the fiber exits a link in a kinematic chain. In one aspect, the fiber is positioned in a channel within a fiber fixture portion of the link, and a surface of a lip of the channel is curved. The curved surface of the lip begins tangent to a wall of the channel and has a maximum radius of curvature that is less than the minimum bend radius that the fiber will experience during shape sensing. In another aspect, the fiber is positioned within a shape memory alloy tube that extends from the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodore W. Rogers, Giuseppe Prisco
  • Patent number: 8132969
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly and method for venting gas inside in a fiber optic connector sub-assembly. The fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector sub-assembly including a ferrule and a ferrule holder having a passage extending therethrough. A stiffener tube having a tube body disposed about a portion of at least one optical fiber supports insertion of the optical fiber into the ferrule holder passage. The stiffener tube contains at least one opening in its tube body configured to vent gas trapped inside the stiffener tube during assembly. In this manner, the trapped gas does not form a gas pocket in the bonding agent, which could compromise bonding among the optical fiber, stiffener tube, and connector sub-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Xin Liu, Darrin M. Miller, Joel C. Rosson
  • Patent number: 8123415
    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: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Kahle, Anne Kramer, Jörg Adomeit
  • Patent number: 8109678
    Abstract: An optic connector jack is provided with a punch-down fiber optic cable termination. The jack is made up of a housing with a connector mating interface, for connection to a plug connector, and a cradle for receiving a fiber optic cable. The cradle has at least one U-shaped punch-down blade for securing each fiber optic cable with respect to the housing. A crimping plate overlies the cradle and mates to the housing for securing each fiber optic cable in the cradle. The U-shaped punch-down blade has an open top portion, a closed bottom portion, and an inside diameter about equal to a fiber optic cable diameter. The U-shaped punch-down blade has an interior blade edge, the interior blade edge securing a fiber optic cable by slicing into at least a part of the fiber optic cable circumference. In one aspect, the jack includes a lens for each fiber optic cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Micro Circuits Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Zhovnirovsky, Subhash Roy
  • Patent number: 8070367
    Abstract: An LC format optical connector for terminating an optical fiber includes a housing configured to mate with an LC receptacle, the housing including a shell, a first resilient latch disposed on a surface of the shell, and a backbone. The LC format connector also includes a collar body disposed in the housing and retained between the outer shell and the backbone, wherein the collar body includes a fiber stub disposed in a first portion of the collar body. The collar body further includes a mechanical splice disposed in a second portion of the collar body, the mechanical splice configured to splice the second end of the fiber stub to a second optical fiber. The LC format connector further includes a trigger coupled to an outer surface of the housing backbone, the trigger including a second latch that engages the first latch when acted upon by a pressing force. An optical connector with a single piece latch structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Paul N. Winberg, Donald K. Larson, Wesley A. Raider
  • Patent number: 8047727
    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: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ray S. Barnes, Kristine A. McEvoy, David W. Meek, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 8023794
    Abstract: An apparatus for establishing an optical circuit path spanning a discontinuity in an optical channel supported by a first cable oriented about a first axis on a first side of the discontinuity and supported by a second cable section oriented about a second axis on a second side of the discontinuity includes: (a) a first coupling member coupled with the optical channel on the first side; (b) a first supporting member fixed with the first coupling member in an installed orientation in a clamping relation with the first cable section; (c) a second coupling member coupled with the optical channel on the second side; (d) a second supporting member fixed with the second coupling member in an installed orientation clamped with the second cable section; and (e) a connecting member optically coupling the first coupling member with the second coupling member to establish the optical circuit path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Charles Eugene Morris, Thomas L. Weaver, Kirby J. Keller
  • Patent number: 8002476
    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: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Shaun P. Brouwer, Vincent M. Barone, Scott R. Hartman, Andrew J. Stroede
  • Publication number: 20110176777
    Abstract: An apparatus for optical fiber connection is provided, including a shell base and at least an optical fiber coupling tube. The inner shape and the outer shape of the shell base are made according to the different types of optical fiber connection apparatus specifications. The optical fiber coupling tube is fixed to the inside of the shell base. The optical fiber tube includes a hard tube wall along the axis of the tube and at least a deformable tube wall. The deformable tube wall is resilient and can be slightly deformed and restored to original shape. When used for connecting optical fibers, the present invention provides precise positioning and the optical signal loss and pulling torque are all within specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Chien-Wen Chen
  • 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