At Or Immediately Surrounding An Optical Fiber End Face Patents (Class 385/77)
  • Patent number: 7857525
    Abstract: An optical connector according to the present invention comprises a ferrule and a V-groove board connected to the ferrule, wherein a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber being butt jointed in a V-groove formed in the V-groove board so as to be interconnected; the second optical fiber is connected to the first optical fiber through a refractive index matching material of cross-link curing type applied to an end surface on the V-groove board side of the first optical fiber; and spaces are provided in the V-groove so as to relax stress loaded on the refractive index matching material of cross-link curing type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanako Suzuki, Yoshihisa Kato, Noribumi Shiina, Kazumasa Ohsono, Tomoyuki Nisio
  • Patent number: 7856159
    Abstract: An optical element including a transmitting surface section and at least one reflective surface section integrally formed on a main body of the optical element. The transmitting surface section refracts incident light emitted from a predetermined light-emitting position and transmits the light. The reflective surface section reflects the incident light emitted from the light-emitting position such that the light returns to a position differing from the light-emitting position. An optical axis of the transmitting surface section and an optical axis of the reflective surface section are out of alignment such as to be mutually parallel or mutually tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventor: Shimpei Morioka
  • Patent number: 7853112
    Abstract: A telecommunications assembly includes a chassis and a plurality of fiber optic splitter modules mounted within the chassis. Each splitter module includes at least one fiber optic connector. Within an interior of the chassis are positioned at least one fiber optic adapter. Inserting the splitter module through a front opening of the chassis at a mounting location positions the connector of the splitter module for insertion into and mating with the adapter of the chassis. The adapters mounted within the interior of the chassis are integrally formed as part of a removable adapter assembly. A method of mounting a fiber optic splitter module within a telecommunications chassis is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Trevor Smith, Ponharith Nhep
  • Patent number: 7850371
    Abstract: A cable interface housing cover is disclosed. The cable interface housing cover is connected to a cable interface portion of a cable interface housing. The cable interface housing cover includes a U-shaped portion and a hinged portion connected to a rotating axis. The hinged portion is configured to rotate about the rotating axis upon being handled by the end user to expose the cable interface housing to allow a cable to be inserted into the cable interface housing once the housing cover is lifted via a lifting operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: Mike C Riley, Anthony P Noto, Clifford T Jones
  • Patent number: 7845859
    Abstract: A ferrule assembly for terminating at least one fiber of a ribbon cable in a ferrule, where the ferrule assembly is disposable in a housing of an optical connector, is provided. The ferrule assembly includes the ferrule having a mating face, at least one groove for receiving the fiber and at least one through-hole. The ferrule assembly also includes an alignment member holder having at least one alignment member and providing a first channel for the ribbon cable, the alignment member being insertable in the through-hole of the ferrule and having a first length such that an end of the alignment member extends beyond the mating face of the ferrule when the ferrule assembly is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Richard F. Roth, Joseph J. George, Sepehr Kiani
  • Patent number: 7841776
    Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Chris Ligtenberg, Michael Culbert
  • Patent number: 7844158
    Abstract: A terminal for mounting to a fiber distribution cable includes a housing having a base and a cover. The cover is connectedly engaged with the base. The terminal further includes a plurality of adapters disposed on the cover. A fiber routing tray having a top panel and a bottom panel is disposed in an interior cavity. The fiber routing tray includes a storage space defined between the top and bottom panels for storing a length of optical fiber. A method for installing a terminal includes providing a terminal having a housing defining an interior cavity. A cable is pulled from the interior cavity of the housing. The cable is spliced to a fiber distribution cable with a splice. The cable is inserted back into the interior cavity. A spliced end of the cable, a spliced end of the fiber distribution cable and the splice are inserted in a retention device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Gronvall, Paula Rudenick, Yu Lu
  • Publication number: 20100284651
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical pin-and-socket connector for the detachable connection of a plurality of optical cores (115) having an insert (112, 112?), in which the cores (115) are inserted on a first side, the cores (115) ending in said connector with the optical fibers (119, 120) thereof, and said connector having an expansion device (117, 118) on a second side, on which the beams exit the fibers (119, 120) in an expanded manner. A simplification of the assembly and installation is achieved in that the insert (112, 112?) comprises two separate partial elements (113, 117, 118) that can be assembled, one of which is configured as an expansion device (117, 118) and the other is configured as a retaining block (113) for receiving the ends of the optical cores (115).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: HUBER+SUHNER AG
    Inventors: Roger Krähenbühl, Thomas Ammer
  • Patent number: 7824110
    Abstract: The invention relates to a data transmission cable (10; 20), in particular for motor vehicles, at at least one of whose ends a plastics housing (14; 24) is arranged, said housing having mechanical dimensions in its interface region (30; 32) which conform to the FAKRA standardisation scheme. The data transmission cable (10; 20) has an optical waveguide, wherein a holding member (40) is provided in the plastics housing (14; 24), said holding member being configured for holding an optical imaging element (42) and for connecting the optical imaging element (42) to the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Rosenberger, Clemens Wurster
  • Publication number: 20100272399
    Abstract: A system for plugging a fibre optic cable into a fibre optic receptacle includes: a base element having at least one base port, and an adapter unit having at least one adapter, the at least one adapter and the at least one base port being spaced of a predetermined length. The system includes a cable adaptor associated with the fibre optic cable, the cable adaptor including a connector for being plugged into the adapter; an anchoring device for anchoring the fibre optic cable to said base port, and a connector retaining element for receiving the connector and a cable end portion, the connector retaining element defining the predetermined length and removably engaging with the anchoring device. A cable adaptor for a fibre optic cable and a method of installing a fibre optic cable into a fibre optic receptacle, especially into a joint closure, are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: PRYSMIAN CABLES & SYSTEMS UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Ian Griffiths, Paul Hubbard
  • Publication number: 20100272400
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber optic cable connector (1), the fiber optic cable contact (1) having a hot forming zone (100) at a free longitudinal end portion (10) and, at a portion (11) of the fiber optic cable contact (1) remote from the hot forming zone (100), a thermal barrier zone (110), the thermal barrier zone (110) being configured in such a way that it prevents heat from passing from the hot forming zone (100) into a portion of the fiber optic cable contact (1) on the other side of the thermal barrier zone (110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Jorg Bieber, Joachim Hahn, Wolfgang Mueller
  • Patent number: 7819590
    Abstract: A ferrule for an evanescence field sensor line is specified that has a lower part and a correspondingly attachable upper part. The upper and lower parts respectively have a recess substantially in the shape of a half shell in such a way that in the assembled state a guide tube is formed for holding an optical wavelength in a fashion enclosing the end face. A number of geometric structures for locally fixing the optical wavelength are respectively arranged in the recesses. Furthermore, a pressure sensor having such a ferrule is specified that contains an optical wavelength configured for pressure acquisition by influencing the assigned evanescence field, and at least one optoelectronic module. The ferrule is assigned to the optoelectronic module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Leoni Automotive Leads GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Neitzel, Wolfgang Waespy, Horst Kontants
  • Patent number: 7806600
    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: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel M. Marrs, Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer
  • Patent number: 7806599
    Abstract: An optical fiber interconnect system wherein the adapter employs a push-push interconnect mechanism wherein the adapter employs a spring loaded slider that moves in a single plane in response to a first pushing force to engage the connector with the adapter and a second pushing force to disengage the connector from the adapter so that the connector can be withdrawn from the adapter. The adapter includes an automatic shutter that is opened upon contact by the inserted connector housing with a cam on the lower portion of the shutter, but avoids contact with the ferrule polished end face. Angled latches are provided on the modular contact so as to enable disengagement and removal of the contact from the remainder of the connector assembly from the front thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Illum Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Margolin, Gregory Bunin
  • Patent number: 7794155
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector housing, a connector base, and an optical fiber connector. The connector housing extends along a center axis from a mating end to a cable receiving end with a passage extending therebetween. The mating end is received in a mating connector that is mounted to a panel. The connector base is secured to the mating end of the connector housing and includes a channel extending therethrough. The channel receives an optical fiber. The optical fiber connector is coupled to the optical fiber and mates with the mating connector to optically couple the optical fiber with the mating connector. The optical fiber connector is slidably joined to the connector base to permit the optical fiber connector to axially move along the center axis relative to the connector housing when the connector housing mates with the mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Edmund J. Haley, David Robert Baechtle
  • Patent number: 7794154
    Abstract: Plug connector for an optical fiber, provided with a housing (15a, 15b, 9), in which at least two sleeves (10, 13) are located, the first sleeve (10) being fixed to a first housing part (15a) and the second sleeve (13) being fixed to a second housing part (15b), the first sleeve (10) engaging with a cladding (B) on the optical fiber and the second sleeve (13) engaging with a jacket (D) of the optical fiber, wherein, between the sleeves (10, 13), a length (Z) of the optical fiber is defined, in which the optical fiber is provided with the jacket (D), the curvature of the optical fiber may change in this region and the jacket can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the cladding (B) and the sleeve (10) in this region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Roland Berger
  • Publication number: 20100220961
    Abstract: Duplex fiber optic connectors and fiber optic cable assemblies suitable for polarity reversal along with methods of polarity reversal are disclosed. The duplex fiber optic connector assemblies and fiber optic cable assemblies allow rotation of individual fiber optic connectors within the housing assembly for polarity reversal. In one embodiment, the duplex fiber optic cable assembly may use a single boot and a single fiber optic cable, thereby reducing the backside footprint of the cable assembly for improved access and/or airflow. In another embodiment, the housing of the duplex assembly has integral detents to limit rotation, and may further include a removable trigger mechanism and/or a rotatable boot to facilitate polarity reversal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Michael de Jong, Ashley W. Jones, Harley J. Staber
  • Patent number: 7785017
    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: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ray S. Barnes, Kristine A. McEvoy, David W. Meek, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 7773843
    Abstract: Bi-directional tap assemblies for two-way fiber topologies are disclosed. The assembly includes a fiber-optic cable having a cable optical fiber adapted to carry bi-directional optical signals and that is preterminated at a mid-span location to form at least one first cable fiber end and at least one second cable fiber end. First and second tether fibers are respectively spliced to the first and second cable fiber ends. In one version of the assembly, the tether fibers are contained in respective first and second tether covers to form first and second tethers that extend in opposite directions from the tap point. In another version of the assembly, the tether fibers are bend-insensitive fibers and are contained in a single tether cover to form a single tether. The tether fibers bend back on themselves within the tether cover and terminate at a common end of the tether, thereby allowing both downstream and upstream optical signals to be accessed at the tether end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Todd Cody, Michael Paul Kunigonis, Jr., Christopher Paul Lewallen, James Phillip Luther
  • Patent number: 7762726
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector and a fiber optic adapter are disclosed that are manually connectable and disconnectable with each other by a slideable latching means. The fiber optic connector includes an end defining a plug portion. The plug portion holds a ferrule and also directly engages a port on the fiber optic adapter. The plug portion includes a protrusion which also forms a latch catch. The port of the fiber optic adapter includes a flexible retention latch within a slot. The slot engages the protrusion and thus rotationally aligns the fiber optic connector and adapter. The flexible retention latch snaps into and out of the latch catch when the plug portion of the fiber optic connector is slid into and out of the port of the fiber optic adapter thus providing the slideable latching means. Angled retaining surfaces are provided on the retention latch and the latch catch that engage each other. Angles defining the angled retaining surfaces are chosen to provide desired holding and release characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Randy Reagan
  • Publication number: 20100183265
    Abstract: Termination systems and devices disclosed herein use a handler that attaches to the optical fiber or cable and cooperates with other components for preparing the optical fiber and/or making the optical connection, thereby providing a simple, reliable, and easy termination for the optical fiber. For instance, the handler may cooperate with one or more of the following a strip tool, strip/clean tool, cleave tool for preparing the end of the optical fiber(s), and/or a connector-to-handler adapter for making the optical connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Kevin C. Beach, Greg James Scherer, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 7758257
    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: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Timothy W. Anderson, Richard L. Case
  • Patent number: 7756383
    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 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 connect with 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: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald A. Beck
  • Patent number: 7744286
    Abstract: A fiber optic connection system includes a ruggedized fiber optic adapter and a ruggedized fiber optic connector and can further include a standard fiber optic connector (e.g., an SC connector), a pre-existing ruggedized fiber optic adapter, a first converter for converting the standard fiber optic connector to be compatible with the ruggedized fiber optic adapter, a second converter for converting the ruggedized fiber optic connector to be compatible with the pre-existing ruggedized fiber optic adapter, and a standard fiber optic adapter (e.g., an SC adapter). The ruggedized fiber optic connector is compatible with the ruggedized fiber optic adapter and with the standard fiber optic adapter. To retain the various connectors within the various adapters, various retention members and features (e.g. threaded retention members and latches) can be included in the fiber optic connection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Randy Reagan, Craig M. Standish
  • Publication number: 20100135617
    Abstract: One embodiment of an optical device comprises a fiber cap, an optical fiber and a bond between the fiber cap and the optical fiber. The fiber cap comprises a cap body having a closed distal end and a bore having a tapered section. The optical fiber comprises cladding surrounding a core. A distal end of the cladding comprises a tapered section that engages the tapered section of the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: AMS RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: John Novak, JR., Michael W. Sasnett
  • Patent number: 7717626
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector (100) includes a first insulative housing (1), a door (2) assembled in the first housing and an elastic piece (3) with one end retained in the first housing and the other end elastically abutting against the door. The first housing defines a top face (10), a front face (11) connecting with the top face and a pair of sidewalls (13). The first housing further defines a receiving cavity (111) opening through the front face thereof, and each sidewall defines a recess (112) opening through the top face and the inner surface of the receiving cavity near an opening of the receiving cavity. The door is movably assembled at the opening of the receiving cavity and defines a pair of shafts (22) received in the recesses. Each recess integrally defines a protrusion (113) over the shaft therein, so as to prevent the shafts from breaking off the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Yung-Chang Cheng
  • Patent number: 7712976
    Abstract: An active cable that is configured to communicate over much of its length using one or more optical fibers, and that includes an integrated electrical connector at least one end. The active cable includes an integrated retiming mechanism. Thus, multiple links of cable may be used while reducing the chance that the jitter will exceed allowable limits. The cable may be an electrical to optical cable, and electrical to electrical cable, or one of many other potential configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis B. Aronson, Greta Light, The-Linh Nguyen, Darin J. Douma
  • Patent number: 7712974
    Abstract: An optical connector and a method of assembling an optical connector that is capable of avoiding generation of unnecessary tension in the optical fiber cable in which plain fiber portions are optically connected to each other using a splice assembly. The optical connector comprises a connector housing having splice means configured to abut a stripped and cleaved end surface of a plain fiber of an optical fiber cable (2) onto an end of a fiber stub predisposed in the splice means to form an optical connection; and a cable fixing assembly (26, 40), that includes a cable fixing member (26) and a cable holder (40), for fixing an outer covering (2c) of the optical fiber cable (2) introduced into said connector housing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Akihiko Yazaki, Tomoyasu Oike, Takaya Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20100111479
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modified pre-ferrulized cable assembly that facilitates installation of an optical fiber communication cable through narrow cable guides having sharp bends. The pre-ferrulized cable assembly includes a communication cable having a free, front end, a semi-finished communication connector, and a suction plug. The invention further relates to efficient methods for installing the modified pre-ferrulized cable assembly through a cable guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: DRAKA COMTEQ B.V.
    Inventors: Willem Griffioen, Pieter Lock
  • Publication number: 20100111478
    Abstract: A fiber array unit (FAU) having plurality of optical transmission channels (e.g., fiber optics) terminating at a side surface thereof for carrying optical signals to and/or from waveguides in a planar lightwave circuit (PLC). The optical transmission channels of the FAU terminate at the side surface thereof in a non-linear, cross-sectional pattern (e.g., a curved pattern). The non-linear pattern is determined by a pattern of grooves formed in a substrate of the FAU, in combination with a lid which may also have an inverse, non-linear pattern, to thereby rigidly, reliably and permanently hold the optical transmission channels in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: AiDi Corporation
    Inventor: Takaharu Fujiyama
  • Patent number: 7708470
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to ferrule holders and associated fiber optic connectors used in optical communications networks, optical devices, and the like to optically couple optical fibers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ferrule holder and an associated fiber optic connector having improved anti-withdrawal and anti-rotation features, such as a twin-threaded configuration, a single-threaded configuration, a splined configuration, a broached configuration, a counter-bored configuration, a dented configuration, a finned configuration, etc. These anti-withdrawal and anti-rotation features assist in holding an optical fiber in secure optical and/or physical contact with a ferrule within the ferrule holder and associated fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Terry Lee Cooke, James Phillip Luther, Joel Christopher Rosson, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira
  • Patent number: 7703990
    Abstract: Furcation bodies and furcation assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, a furcation body includes a channel forming a passageway extending from the front end to a back end of the furcation body. The furcation body may accommodate different styles and/or sizes of fiber optic cables. For instance, the furcation body may be secured to either a buffer tube of a buffered drop cable or a cable jacket of an unbuffered drop cable. Additionally, assemblies may include a furcation tube secured to the furcation member back end for protecting the optical fiber extending from the furcation body and/or a fiber optic connector. Furcation assemblies having multiple fibers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael de Jong, Paul X. Devereaux, Chanh C. Vo
  • Patent number: 7699534
    Abstract: A plastic ferrule (1) for optical connecting systems, in which a optical wave guide (3) of an optical fibre (6) is guided through a support element (2), whereby the optical wave guide (3) is surface-conditioned in a partial area (4) in order to bond in a force-actuated way to a hardened casting mass (5) in this partial area (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Reichle & De-Massari AG
    Inventors: Werner Leutwyler, Giorgio Friedrich, Oliver Eckstein, Rolf Weber
  • Patent number: 7695198
    Abstract: A latch protection clip for a connector mounted at an end of a cable and having a latch extending from a connector housing to a distal end includes a clip body having fingers configured to engage the cable directly behind the connector housing to secure the clip body to the cable. The latch protection clip also includes a trigger extending from the clip body. The trigger has a lever arm extending from the clip body and a trigger handle at an end of the lever arm opposite the clip body. The trigger handle has an outer surface and at least one pocket recessed inward from the outer surface. Each pocket is configured to receive the distal end of a corresponding latch. The trigger is configured to actuate the latch in an actuation direction when the trigger handle is deflected toward the connector housing. The pocket restricts lateral movement of the latch in a direction transverse to the actuation direction of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: David R. Baechtle, Eric Hopkins
  • Patent number: 7690848
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fiber 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 fiber plug connector made from few components may be achieved, whereby the coupling is made from only one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Faika, Dietrich Rund, Hans-Peter Sandeck
  • Patent number: 7686518
    Abstract: A shuttered adapter for a communications connector is formed of two pieces in the form of a retainer and a door. The retainer is formed of plastic and includes facing resilient lips for snap-on attachment to a connector body. A resilient tab and a first hinge portion are integrally formed as features of the retainer during an initial molding process of the retainer. The door is formed of plastic and includes a second hinge portion integrally formed therewith during an initial molding process of the door. The second hinge portion is attached to the first hinge portion to permit the door to pivot relative to the retainer. The resilient tab contacts a top of the door to urge the door into a position covering an opening in the connector for receiving a mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Richard L. Case, Timothy W. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7670063
    Abstract: An optical transceiver includes a transceiver housing configured to receive an optical sub-assembly insert. The optical sub-assembly insert includes duplex cavities configured to hold a transmit optical sub-assembly front end and a receive optical sub-assembly front end in a fixed spatial orientation for a given optical connector interface. The optical sub-assembly insert is configurable to fit inside a transceiver housing with a relatively wide range of X and Y dimensional tolerance. In one implementation, the X-Y position of the optical sub-assembly insert is dictated by the position of the transmit optical-sub assembly front end after its corresponding back end has been mounted to a heat dissipation element. Any gaps that form between the optical sub-assembly insert and the inside surface of the transceiver housing as a result of the transmit optical sub-assembly position can be accommodated with filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventor: Donald A. Ice
  • Patent number: 7665904
    Abstract: An optical transceiver includes a housing formed to be inserted into or extracted from a cage in a host device, a movable lock member for preventing the housing from being extracted from the cage, where the cage includes a lock hole for preventing the housing from being extracted from the cage when the movable lock member is placed into the lock hole, and an integration parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventor: Juhyun Yu
  • Patent number: 7665902
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modified pre-ferrulized cable assembly that facilitates installation of an optical fiber communication cable through narrow cable guides having sharp bends. The pre-ferrulized cable assembly includes a communication cable having a free, front end, a semi-finished communication connector, and a suction plug. The invention further relates to efficient methods for installing the modified pre-ferrulized cable assembly through a cable guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Draka Comteq, B.V.
    Inventors: Willem Griffioen, Pieter Lock
  • Patent number: 7661888
    Abstract: A female ferule is fixed to a terminal of a multi-core optical fiber in which a sheath is provided outside a large number of optical fibers being tied in a bundle and a portion of the sheath is removed. The female ferule includes a ferule body which includes a cylindrical portion and a step which is formed on an outer surface and at a rear side of the cylindrical portion, and a sleeve which includes an insertion-connected portion for a male ferule serving as a connection partner at the one end and a coupling-connected portion for the cylindrical portion at the other end. The sleeve is retrofitted to the ferule body. The cylindrical portion includes a caulking-fed portion for the bundle optical fibers and an insertion/coupling-fixed portion for the coupling-fixed portion, the caulking-fixed portion and the insertion/coupling-fixed portion are formed successively from a front end face of the cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Oshima
  • Patent number: 7658553
    Abstract: A mechanical splice connector is shown and described for sequentially performing a splice actuation followed by a strain relief actuation by rotating a single, multiple-position cam member or multiple cam members from an unactuated position to a first actuated position and a second actuated position. The mechanical splice connector aligns and retains at least one stub optical fiber and the bare glass portion of at least one adjoining field optical fiber, as well as strain relieving a coated portion of the field optical fiber, or alternatively, a buffered portion of the field optical fiber. A method is also described for sequentially performing a splice actuation followed by a strain relief actuation, wherein the splice actuation is reversible prior to performing the strain relief actuation in the event that the optical continuity of the splice coupling is unacceptable, thereby avoiding potential damage to the field optical fiber or the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Scott E. Semmler, Brandon A. Barnes, Kevin C. Beach, Bradley S. Billman, Donald G. Doss, David W. Meek
  • Patent number: 7658550
    Abstract: An optical fiber which, at an optical fiber connecting end having a plurality of voids around the periphery of a core, has a light-permeable substance, such as a resin or glass whose refractive index is lower than that of quartz type substances, filled in the voids adjacent to the connecting end. An optical fiber connecting section where an optical fiber having a plurality of voids in a clad around the periphery of a core is connected to another optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber is connected end-to-end to aforesaid another optical fiber through a refractive index matching agent whose refractive index at the minimum temperature in actual use is lower than that of the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignees: Hitachi Cable Ltd., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Kurosawa, Bing Yao, Kazumasa Ohsono, Masao Tachikura, Hisanori Nakai, Toshio Kurashima, Eiji Araki, Katumi Hiramatu
  • Publication number: 20100028017
    Abstract: An optical and electric signals transmission apparatus includes a receptacle having a light-receiving element and/or a light-receiving element and electrical connecting terminals, a plug having electrical connecting terminals to establish electrical coupling with the receptacle and optical coupling with the light-emitting element and/or the light-receiving element, an electric signal transmission line, and an optical signal transmission line. The receptacle has a fitting recess, and when the plug is fitted in the fitting recess in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the light-emitting element or the light-receiving element, the optical coupling, the electrical coupling, and engagement of the receptacle with the plug are established at a location where the fitting recess and the plug are adjacent to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Takatoshi MIZOGUCHI
  • Patent number: 7654749
    Abstract: Fiberoptic connector and adapter assembly includes a fiberoptic connector received within an adapter. The connector has a cover on the connector housing. The cover pivots between open and closed positions to expose or cover, respectively, a optical fiber contained within the connector. Longitudinal guides of the connector are received cooperating with longitudinal guides of the adapter to direct the connector into the adapter in a prescribed alignment. A cam pin is carried on the adapter to engage a cam pin receiving slot on the cover to urge the cover to the open position as the connector is inserted into the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Publication number: 20100014814
    Abstract: A fixing structure of an exterior member to an optical fiber cable containing an optical fiber cable having a coating layer formed on an outer circumference of a bare optical fiber, and the exterior member having a through-hole through which the optical fiber cable can be inserted, wherein the exterior member of the optical fiber cable has a light shielding member to cover an outer circumference of the optical fiber cable, the light shielding member is fixed at a part where the exterior member is externally mounted, and an inner surface of the through-hole of the exterior member is bonded to the light shielding member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Hirokazu TANIGUCHI, Shigeru SASAKI, Takeshi SATAKE
  • Patent number: 7637671
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical connector for connecting plastic optical fibers for establishing multimedia connections in motor vehicles according to the MOST® standard with an ESD protection. The object formulated for the invention is to provide a connector which is resistant to voltage flashovers and, in particular, can be handled in a simple manner even after the effect of moisture. The object is achieved by means of an optical connector comprising a dielectric connector housing with a receptacle, an optical connection element and an electro-optical converter, wherein provision is made of at least an electrically conductive protection element against electrostatic discharges in the region of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Otto Schempp
  • Patent number: 7628545
    Abstract: A fiber optic plug assembly of a fiber optic connector assembly is provided and generally includes a fiber optic plug mounted upon an end of a fiber optic cable; a pre-molded boot placed over the fiber optic plug and the fiber optic cable; and a crimp band mated over the pre-molded boot to secure the boot to the fiber optic cable; wherein the fiber optic plug assembly is operable to mate to a fiber optic receptacle. The plug assembly eliminates the need for an overmolded boot. Further, the present invention eliminates the need to perform a heat shrink between the buffer tube and crimp body through the internal O-ring. The plug assembly meets the standards of GR-3120-CORE while at the same time providing a simpler hardware package that can be assembled with ordinary connectorization tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Todd Cody, James Phillip Luther, Christopher Paul Lewallen, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 7630610
    Abstract: A loop back device can include a dust cap with which to protect the loop back ferrule after use to facilitate reuse of the loop back device. The dust cap can be provided at a free end of the loop back device when the loop back device is secured to a tether connector. When the loop back device is removed from the tether connector, the dust cap is removed from the free end of the device and is mounted over the ferrule to protect the loop back ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: John Clifton Cobb, III, Yu Lu, Randy Reagan
  • Patent number: 7621675
    Abstract: According to an example embodiment of the invention a one-piece retention housing is utilized for terminating an optical fiber cable. The retention housing attaches to strength members within the cable, providing tensile strength and a means for further mating with components of an optical fiber connector assembly. The retention housing is used as part of a kit for terminating and securing the optical fiber cable connector to a complementary receptacle or terminal for drop-cable deployments in optical access networks and outside plant applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventor: Kelvin B. Bradley
  • Patent number: 7621676
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a receptacle body 40 having an engage hole 46 formed in a peripheral wall 45 of a chamber 44, a pigtail body 50 having a base body 51 contained in the chamber 44 and a locking protrusion 56 engaged in the engage hole 46 to attach the pigtail body 50, and a ferrule assembly 60 being inserted in a container 53 in the base body 51 so that the ferrule 62 is positioned in a receptacle cylinder 52, and a spring 70 inserted through an opening 54 in the base body 51 and pressing the ferrule 62 forward, wherein a stopper 73 is formed in the spring 70 as an integral part of the spring 70. A locking part 73b included in the stopper 73 is positioned in a recess 63 in the ferrule 62.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakagawa, Takeshi Isoda