With Splice (permanent Connection) Patents (Class 385/95)
  • Patent number: 11573388
    Abstract: The present disclosure incudes a fiber optic cable having a conduit including a conduit wall defining a conduit passage that extends longitudinally through the conduit. The conduit also includes an adhesive injection port defined through the conduit wall and at least one optical fiber within the conduit passage. The cable further includes a fiber lock including an adhesive volume in communication with the adhesive injection port. The adhesive volume includes a main adhesive volume positioned within the conduit passage and bonded to the optical fiber. The main adhesive volume is fixed to prevent longitudinal movement relative to the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Robert Mosier, Scott L. Carlson, Yu Lu, Ryan Kostecka, Samuel Taylor Finnegan, Joseph Michael Marrazzo
  • Patent number: 11525960
    Abstract: An optical fiber module is disclosed. The optical fiber module includes a first optical fiber as an MCF, a plurality of second optical fibers as MCFs, a first unit, and a second unit. The first unit has an hole holding the first optical fiber and a plurality of holes respectively holding the second optical fibers. These holes are independent of each other. Each optical fiber has a first part and a second part. An outer surface of a cladding of the first part is coated with a resin. An outer surface of a cladding of the second part is exposed from the resin. The first unit holds the first part. The second unit holds the second part. A boundary between the first part and the second part is positioned in a space between the first unit and the second unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Osamu Shimakawa
  • Patent number: 11502484
    Abstract: An installation tool and methods for installing a splice kit for a heating cable is provided. The installation tool includes a body, a first channel, and a first cavity. The first channel is defined in the body and configured to retain a first insulating tubing of the splice kit. The first cavity is within the first channel and configured to retain a first connector of the splice kit. The body is configured to retain the first insulating tubing and the first connector in a predetermined formation during installation of the first insulating tubing and the first connector to the heating cable, and the body is further configured to be removed from the first insulating tubing and the first connector following installation of the first insulating tubing and the first connector to the heating cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: nVent Services GmbH
    Inventors: William Edward Jarvis, Wesley Dong
  • Patent number: 11493067
    Abstract: A toolless clamp comprises a shaft, a base, a latch, a first biasing member, and a clamping member. The base has a base bore configured and arranged to slidably receive a portion of the shaft. The latch has a latch bore configured and arranged to slidably receive a portion of the shaft and a portion of the base. The first biasing member is configured and arranged to bias the latch in a first direction away from the clamping member in an unclamped position and bias the shaft and clamping member in a second direction toward the base in a clamped position. The clamping member is operatively connected to a proximal end of the shaft and is configured and arranged to disengage the connecting member when the latch is in the unclamped position and engage the connecting member when the latch is in the clamped position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Domaille Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory A. Schumacher, Jill B. Christie, Timothy E. Kanne, Peter N. Torgerson, Brian M. Fredrickson
  • Patent number: 11300728
    Abstract: Solder reflow compatible connections between optical components are provided by use of reflow compatible epoxies to bond optical components and remain bonded between the optical components at temperatures of at least 260 degrees Celsius for at least five minutes. In some embodiments, the reflow compatible epoxy is index matched to the optical channels in the optical components and is disposed in the light path therebetween. In some embodiments, a light path is defined between the optical channels through at least a portion of an air gap between the optical components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Traverso, Jock T. Bovington, Ashley J. M. Erickson
  • Patent number: 11163208
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical component, being configured to function as an optical frequency converter in a broadband radiation source device. The optical component comprises a gas cell, and a hollow-core photonic crystal fiber at least partially enclosed within said gas cell. The local cavity volume of said gas cell, where said hollow-core photonic crystal fiber is enclosed within the gas cell, comprises a maximum value of 36 cm3 per cm of length of said hollow-core photonic crystal fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Patrick Sebastian Uebel, Sebastian Thomas Bauerschmidt, Peter Maximilian Götz
  • Patent number: 11104605
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fiber ferrule assembly that includes inserting an exposed end portion of a plurality of optical fibers including a core and a cladding into an array of insertion holes disposed in a glass ferrule plate. The glass ferrule plate includes a glass material that differs from a glass material of both the core and the cladding. The method further includes chemically etching the glass ferrule plate and the exposed end portion of the plurality of optical fibers using a chemical etchant for an etching time period. The glass ferrule plate etches at a first etching rate, the exposed end portion etches at a second etching rate, and the first etching rate is faster than the second etching rate such that, after the etching time period, the exposed end portion of each of the plurality of optical fibers protrude from a second surface of the glass ferrule plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Corning Research & Development Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Frank Evans
  • Patent number: 10798398
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a decoding device, a decoding method, an encoding device, and an encoding method, which are capable of enabling a decoding side to accurately recognize a color gamut of an encoding target image. The decoding device includes circuitry configured to receive an encoded stream including encoded data of an image and color primary information indicating a coordinate of at least one color primary of the image. The circuitry extracts the encoded data and the color primary information from the received encoded stream. The circuitry decodes the encoded data to generate the image. Further, the circuitry adjusts a color space of the generated image based on the extracted color primary information. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a decoding device of a high efficiency video coding (HEVC) scheme.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinobu Hattori, Hiroaki Eto, Takumi Tsuru, Kenichi Kanai, Toshiya Hamada
  • Patent number: 10598856
    Abstract: A method for assembling a fiber optic splice is provided. A first optical fiber end is inserted into a first clamp of the apparatus and a second optical fiber end is inserted into a second clamp of the apparatus. Situated between the first clamp and the second clamp is a curing chamber comprising a capillary tube containing resin and an ultra violet light. The first clamp moves a first distance, based on a first measured strain, towards the curing chamber. The second clamp is moved a second distance, based on a second measured strain, towards the curing chamber. The first clamp is then moved a third distance, based on a third measured strain, towards the curing chamber. The ultraviolet light is activated to cure the resin in the capillary tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Mark Beranek, Nicholas Peterson, Bradley Yost, Michael Block
  • Patent number: 10473859
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector comprising a fusion assembly for strengthening a splice point. The fusion assembly comprises an elongate mechanical support positioned adjacent the splice point and snugly encased by a flexible tube. In one embodiment, a meltable adhesive in the form of a hollow tube is positioned over the splice point and the flexible tube comprises a heat shrinkable material. In another embodiment, the mechanical support is an elongate plate having a concave surface positioned adjacent the splice point and a C shaped cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Belden Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno Chabot, David Hubbard
  • Patent number: 10429589
    Abstract: An optical fiber for efficient coupling of optical signals to photonic devices. The optical fiber includes a Cl doped tapered core region with a changing outer diameter and changing maximum core refractive index to provide improved coupling at wavelength of interest to photonic devices. The photonic devices may be, for example, silicon photonic devices with an operating wavelength at or near 1310 nm, or at or near 1550 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Dana Craig Bookbinder, Ming-Jun Li, Dale Robert Powers, Pushkar Tandon
  • Patent number: 10054742
    Abstract: An optical fiber fusion splicer disclosed. The optical fiber fusion splicer includes: a first microscope configured to observe first and second optical fibers from a first direction by receiving light emitted from a first light source; a second microscope configured to observe the first and second optical fibers from a second direction by receiving light emitted from a second light source, the second direction crossing the first direction; a fusion splicing mechanism configured to fusion-splice an end portion of the first optical fiber and an end portion of the second optical fiber; and a control unit configured to control the fusion splicing mechanism. The first microscope is movable in the first direction. The second microscope is secured to not move in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SEI OPTIFRONTIER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuichiro Sato, Toshihiko Homma
  • Patent number: 9950455
    Abstract: A dielectric waveguide comprising a dielectric probe at each end, wherein the dielectric probes are arranged to transfer energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: City University of Hong Kong
    Inventors: Sai Tak Chu, Jacky Ping Yuen Tsui, Peng Zhou, Edwin Yue Bun Pun
  • Patent number: 9863825
    Abstract: A sensing element for sensing a mechanical property of a sample defining a sample surface using a contact force exerted the sample surface. The sensing element includes: a deformable element defining a contact surface and a deformable section in register with the contact surface, the deformable section being deformable between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration; a deformation sensor operatively coupled to the deformable section for sensing and quantifying a deformation of the deformable section between the deformed and undeformed configurations, the deformation sensor being an optical deformation sensor; and a force sensor operatively coupled to the deformable element for sensing the contact force exerted on the contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventors: Muthukumaran Packirisamy, Roozbeh Ahmadi, Javad Dargahi
  • Patent number: 9739954
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector is described herein. The fiber optic connector includes a ferrule for supporting at least one optical fiber of a fiber optic cable, a ferrule holder from which the ferrule extends, a housing in which the ferrule holder is received, and a strain relief device at least partially located within the housing. The strain relief device has at least one resilient clamping member selectively applying a compressive force to at least a portion of the fiber optic cable. The strain relief device also has an actuator at least partially surrounding the ferrule holder, and used to place the at least one resilient clamping member into compressed contact with the fiber optic cable, thus retaining the fiber optic cable within the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventors: Ashley Wesley Jones, Andrey Nikolayevich Levandovskiy, Brandon Andrew Barnes
  • Patent number: 9606310
    Abstract: In a sealing structure of optical communication module using a sealing material, it has been difficult to secure the reliability without influencing optical fiber characteristics. A sealing structure of optical communication module of the present invention comprises: a cylindrical barrel unit fixed to a package; a cylindrical flange which is disposed inside the barrel unit and through which an optical fiber pierces; and a sealing material disposed between the barrel unit and the flange, wherein the flange has on its surface a plurality of regions having different surface conditions, and the sealing material is disposed in only one of the regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Isao Tomita
  • Patent number: 9395486
    Abstract: An optical PCB includes a substrate, conductive traces, a solder resist layer, and a light waveguide. The substrate includes a surface. The surface includes a flat area. The conductive traces are formed on the surface of the substrate and only positioned outside of the flat area. The solder resist layer is formed on the substrate and covers the conductive traces. The light waveguide is positioned on the solder resist layer. An orthogonal projection of the light waveguide on the surface of the substrate coincides with the flat area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kai-Wen Wu
  • Patent number: 9176275
    Abstract: A dispersion-compensating system and a dispersion-compensating fiber have an improved figure of merit and effective area. The dispersion-compensating system comprises a bulk dispersion-compensating module for providing optical-domain bulk dispersion compensation for an optical signal transmission. Additionally, the system may further comprise residual dispersion compensation, which can be performed in the electrical domain following coherent detection of both amplitude and phase of an optical signal. The dispersion-compensating fiber comprises an up-doped core region; a down-doped trench; an up-doped ring; and an outer cladding, and is configured to have a high figure of merit (FOM).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLC
    Inventors: Lars Gruner-Nielsen, Dan P Jakobsen, Kim G Jespersen
  • Patent number: 9140851
    Abstract: A dispersion compensation fiber comprises a fiber core and cladding. The fiber core is a core layer mainly doped with germanium and having a positive relative refractive index difference. The cladding covering the fiber core comprises a trench cladding mainly doped with fluorine, an annular cladding mainly doped with germanium, a matching cladding mainly doped with fluorine, and an outermost mechanical cladding in order. Relative refractive index differences of the fiber core and the claddings are respectively: ?1% being 1.55% to 2.20%, ?2% being ?0.55% to ?0.30%, ?3% being 0.40% to 0.65%, ?4% being ?0.20% to ?0.01%, and ?5% being 0. Radius ranges, from R1 to R5, of the fiber core and the claddings are respectively: R1 being 1.4 to 1.7 ?m, R2 being 4.1 to 4.8 ?m, R3 being 6.7 to 8.8 ?m, R4 being 10 to 17 ?m, and R5 being 38 to 63 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: YANGTZE OPTICAL FIBRE AND CABLE JOINT STOCK LIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: Shuqiang Zhang, Mingfeng Fan, Song Wang, Jin Xu, Jie Luo, Beibei Cao
  • Patent number: 9057861
    Abstract: A cable management apparatus includes a flexible planar body and a plurality of channels aligned along a longitudinal axis on a surface of the flexible planar body. The flexible planar body has a plurality of fasteners aligned along a first edge and a second edge of the flexible planar body, the flexible planar body capable of forming a substantially circular bundle along the longitudinal axis. Each channel of the plurality of channels is configured to secure an individual cable to keep the cable from intersecting with another cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark S. Fleming, Steven E. McNeal, Michael A. Nelsen
  • Publication number: 20150148480
    Abstract: Optical materials including polymerizable compositions and oligomeric and polymeric material formed therefrom. The oligomer or polymer material include structural repeat units. The optical material has low or substantially no absorbance of wavelengths in at least one of the spectral regions of interest. Optical components include adhesives, waveguides, spherical or non-spherical optical lenses, architectural articles, automotive components, laminated structures and composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Matthew McBrayer Ellison, Bernard Miles Malofsky, Adam Gregg Malofsky, Tanmoy Dey, Jeffrey M. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20150131949
    Abstract: A method of assembling optoelectronic and/or photonic components, said method comprising: (i) providing at least two optoelectronic and/or photonic components; (ii) aligning and situating these components relative to one another and in close proximity with one another so as to: (a) provide optical coupling between these components; and (b) maintain the distance d between the adjacent parts of these components, where d is 0 to 100 ?m; (iii) adhering these components to one another with while maintaining optical coupling therebetween; and (iv) laser welding these components together while maintaining optical coupling therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventors: Venkata Adiseshaiah Bhagavatula, Roy Joseph Bourcier, Satish Chandra Chaparala, John Himmelreich
  • Patent number: 9004781
    Abstract: A method and structure for reinforcing a fusion splice part where optical fiber cores extending from sheaths of a pair of optical cables are spliced to each other, wherein a reinforcing member is provided along the fusion splice part so that both ends of the reinforcing member overlap with each of the sheaths of the optical cables; an adhesive tube covers the periphery of the fusion splice part provided with the reinforcing member so that both ends of the adhesive tube overlap with each of the sheaths of the optical cables, and is contracted; and a protective tube covers the periphery of the adhesive tube so that both ends of the protective tube overlap with each of the sheaths of the optical cables, the adhesive tube is outwardly projected in the length direction, and is contracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation
    Inventors: Toshihiko Homma, Kensuke Ito, Masahiro Hasegawa, Naoto Tanaka, Sayuri Kagami
  • Patent number: 8998511
    Abstract: In aligning ends of optical fibers, e.g. for performing a prealignment of ends of large mode area double-clad fibers (LMA-DCFs) in order to thereafter perform a core alignment process, in a fiber optic fusion splicer a best, optimum or near optimum position or setting of the optical system for observing the self-focusing effect is first determined and then the very alignment operation may be performed using the determined setting. The very alignment process may then be performed by adjusting stepwise the offset distance between the observed fiber ends by e.g. using a cascade technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Wei-Ping Huang, Kjell Ahlstedt
  • Publication number: 20150086166
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for accessing and/or repairing a select subset of fibers in an ADSS fiber optic cable. The apparatus includes a housing extending from a first end to a second end. A first fiber optic spice tray is positioned within the housing closer to the first end than to the second end. A second fiber optic spice tray is positioned within the housing and spaced apart from the first spice tray. A tension member extends through the housing and includes a first mechanical connector near the first end and a second mechanical connector near the second end. The connectors provide art attachment location for deadends at either end for transferring tension from the undamaged portion of the ADSS fiber optic cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventor: Brian D. COATE
  • Patent number: 8979395
    Abstract: A tool set for terminating an optical fiber with a fiber optic connector includes a crimping tool and a polishing tool. The crimping tool includes a locating feature for locating a housing of the fiber optic connector, a stop for locating an end of an optical fiber relative to the housing, and at least one anvil for crimping a crimp of the fiber optic connector to secure a position of the optical fiber relative to the housing. The polishing tool includes a locating feature for locating the housing and thereby locating the end of the optical fiber and a seat for activating a compression member of the fiber optic connector thereby securing the end of the optical fiber to the polishing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: James Ott Michael
  • Publication number: 20150023639
    Abstract: A side pump fiber and a method of making a side pump fiber are provided. A plurality of pump fibers can be joined to a side of a signal fiber, at different locations. The method includes creating a lengthwise, tapered, concave pocket cut in a pump (or side pump) fiber, inserting the signal fiber in the pocket cut, and then coupling the side pump fiber to the center fiber at the pocket cut. Optical amplifiers and lasers, as examples, can be made using the above method and side pump fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Robert G. Wiley
  • Patent number: 8915659
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes a first cable segment; a second cable segment; and a splice enclosure. The first cable segment can have a different configuration than the second cable segment. The splice enclosure is coupled to the strength member and strength component of the first cable segment and the second cable segment. One example splice enclosure includes a first enclosure body having a first threaded connection region and a second enclosure body having a second threaded connection region. Another example splice enclosure includes a tubular enclosure with two end caps. Cable retention members are positioned within the splice enclosure at fixed axial positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Marcouiller, Paula Rudenick
  • Patent number: 8899848
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for splicing fiber optic lines having a first and second holder for direct or indirect receiving of at least one fiber optic line each, an alignment means for aligning the ends of the fiber optic lines received in the first and in the second holder to one another and electrodes in the region of the ends of the fiber optic lines aligned to one another for creating a slice connection. The two holders on one side and the alignment means and preferably the electrodes on the other side can move relative to one another between a splicing position and a release position such that the splice connection is released in the release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Diamond SA
    Inventor: Aaron Rossetto
  • Patent number: 8886003
    Abstract: An apparatus with a housing with a splitter compartment and a splicer compartment, a multiple fiber adapter attached to a wall of the housing, a multiple fiber connector connected to the multiple fiber adapter, an optical splitter in the splitter compartment of the housing, an input fiber optically connected to the optical splitter, and a plurality of output fibers optically connected to the optical splitter and the multiple fiber connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Nieves, Wilfred Courchaine, Kheng Hwa Seng, Matthew Johnston
  • Patent number: 8870473
    Abstract: A method of terminating a fiber optic cable includes removing a portion of an outer jacket from an end of a fiber optic cable to expose an end portion of an optical fiber so that an end of the optical fiber extends a first axial length from the outer jacket. A portion of the fiber optic cable is coiled about a spool so that the end of the optical fiber extends a second axial length from the outer jacket. The second axial length is greater than the first axial length. A second optical fiber is spliced to the optical fiber of the fiber optic cable. The portion of the fiber optic cable is uncoiled so that the optical fiber retracts into the outer jacket of the fiber optic cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Scott Carlson, Andy Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8861907
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an optical fiber that may have a surface non-normal to a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber. The surface may define a portion of an interface configured to redirect electromagnetic radiation propagated from within the optical fiber and incident on the interface to a direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may also include a doped silica cap that may be fused to the optical fiber such that the surface of the optical fiber may be disposed within a cavity defined by the doped silica cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Zerfas, Richard P. Tumminelli
  • Patent number: 8851766
    Abstract: A fiber optic mechanical splicer includes a fiber connection base, a base cover and one or more fastening clamps. The base includes a plurality of insertion parts, fiber connection parts, and auxiliary protuberances. Each of the insertion parts having an insertion hole through which an optical cable is inserted. A connection groove is formed at a central portion of the fiber connection parts and extends in a lengthwise direction of the fiber connection parts. The base cover covers the fiber connection parts and is supported by the auxiliary protuberances. The one or more fastening clamps elastically fit around the fiber connection base and the base cover to fixedly hold the fiber connection base and the base cover with each other while pressing the optical fiber seated in the connection groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: A.J. World Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: An Joon Choi
  • Patent number: 8834042
    Abstract: A quick terminating fiber optic assembly and method of making same is provided. A pre-terminated fiber optic assembly having an optical fiber already terminated therein includes an exposed optical fiber. The exposed fiber is aligned and contacted with a second exposed optical fiber of another optical cable, and the two fibers are spliced. A sleeve is provided to cover and protect the splice and any exposed fibers. The sleeve secures the pre-terminated fiber optic termini to second optical fiber. This process terminates the second optical fiber at the termini in less time and with the same or similar tools as a conventional method of terminating optical fibers at a termini.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Optical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent A. Wouters
  • Patent number: 8814446
    Abstract: The invention relates to a splice protection device for spliced optical fibers and to a method particularly for providing an access point to an optical fiber cable in a dwelling unit of a multi dwelling unit. To facilitate mounting of a splice protection device, the splice protection device according to the invention comprises a first and a second tube, the second tube being arranged concentrically and slidable within the first tube, the first and second tubes being adapted to receive at least one spliced fiber. The present invention furthermore relates to a method for providing an access point to a provider optical cable in a dwelling unit of a multi-dwelling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Raychem BVBA
    Inventors: Mohamed Labraymi, Sam Leeman, Kristof Vastmans, Bart Mattie Claessens, Kathleen Bellekens
  • Patent number: 8761559
    Abstract: Fiber optic distribution cables and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The fiber optic distribution cables present one or more optical fibers outward of the protective covering for distribution of the same toward the subscriber. In one fiber optic distribution cable, a length of distribution optical fiber that is removed from the distribution cable and presented outward of the protective covering is longer than the opening at access location. In another embodiment, a demarcation point is provided for inhibiting the movement (i.e., pistoning) of the distribution optical fiber into and out of the distribution cable. In still another embodiment, an indexing tube is provided for indexing a tether tube within the indexing tube for providing the distribution optical fiber with a suitable excess fiber length. Additionally, other embodiments may include a fiber optic distribution cable having a dry construction and/or a non-round cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Todd Cody, Christopher Paul Lewallen, Dennis Michael Knecht, James Phillip Luther
  • Publication number: 20140169747
    Abstract: A method of coupling optical fibers containing cores or other structures that twist about the axis of one or both fibers. The fiber end faces are aligned axially to confront one another, and side view images of end regions of the fibers including the contained cores or structures are produced. For each fiber, a brightness profile of a side view image is obtained at an axially offset position from the fiber end face. One or both fibers are rotated about their axes until the brightness profiles for each fiber indicate certain cores or structures in the fibers are aligned. For each fiber, an additional amount of twist from the offset position to the fiber end face is determined. One or both fibers are rotated again to compensate for the additional twist in each fiber, so that the fibers are aligned optimally when coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth S Feder, Yue Liang
  • Patent number: 8746991
    Abstract: A method of repairing an embedded optical fiber of a composite material structure including an embedded optical fiber embedded in a composite material, includes removing a portion of the composite material including a damaged portion of the embedded optical fiber to form an opening portion; polishing an end surface of the embedded optical fiber exposed in the opening portion and an end surface of the composite material exposed in the opening portion; and performing position adjustment such that a core of the polished embedded optical fiber and a core of a replacement optical fiber are aligned with each other, butting the end surface of the embedded optical fiber and an end surface of the replacement optical fiber with each other, and connecting the end surface of the embedded optical fiber and the end surface of the replacement optical fiber together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignees: The University of Tokyo, Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuo Takeda, Shu Minakuchi, Tadahito Mizutani, Junichi Kimoto, Noriyoshi Hirano, Hiroaki Tsutsui
  • Patent number: 8740479
    Abstract: An optical connector to which an optical fiber cord including an optical fiber ribbon and a sheath is to be attached includes: a ferrule member a fusion splice protection sleeve, housing and a fixing member. The ferrule member holds a plurality of embedded fibers which are to be fusion-spliced respectively to a plurality of optical fibers constituting the optical fiber ribbon. The fusion splice protection sleeve protects a fusion-spliced portion. The housing houses the ferrule member and the fusion splice protection sleeve. The housing has, at the rear end, a recess for receiving a bifurcated portion of the sheath. The fixing member fixes the sheath to the housings and by holding it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: SEI Optifrontier Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Shitama, Yoshikyo Tamekuni, Yukihiro Yokomachi, Yoshio Ukita, Motoyoshi Kimura
  • Publication number: 20140140668
    Abstract: A mechanical splice unit of the invention includes: a mechanical splice having an optical fiber guide groove that is formed at matching surfaces of both a base and a lid in a two-part-divided structure, the mechanical splice being capable of grasping a first optical fiber at one end side of the lid; and an optical fiber splice auxiliary tool used for splice of the first optical fiber that is grasped by the mechanical splice, wherein the optical fiber splice auxiliary tool includes: a mechanical splice grasping portion that holds the mechanical splice; and a guided portion that is slidable along a guide portion formed at a splicing tool to which a second optical fiber to be spliced to the first optical fiber is fixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicants: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION, FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki MORIOKA, Takashi YAMAGUCHI, Kazuhiro TAKIZAWA, Kazutoshi TAKAMIZAWA, Tetsuhiro NUMATA, Atsushi HAMAOKA, Atsushi DAIDO, Tadashi SASAKI, Masahiro IDA, Hayato MINAMI, Chihiro SUZUKI
  • Patent number: 8721196
    Abstract: A multi-electrode system includes a fiber holder that holds at least one optical fiber, a plurality of electrodes arranged to generate a heated field to heat the at least one optical fiber, and a vibration mechanism that causes at least one of the electrodes from the plurality of electrodes to vibrate. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum. The system can be used for processing many types of fibers, such processing including, as examples, stripping, splicing, annealing, tapering, and so on. Corresponding fiber processing methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett Clark, Jared C. Meitzler, Clyde J. Troutman
  • Patent number: 8702326
    Abstract: A fiber optic assembly includes first and second fiber optic ribbons and a splice protector. Each of the first and second fiber optic ribbons includes a plurality of optical fibers coupled in a substantially flat arrangement, where the optical fibers are aligned side-by-side with one another. The optical fibers of the first ribbon are fusion spliced with the optical fibers of the second ribbon such that the spliced ribbons at the splice have a common lengthwise axis, widthwise axis orthogonal to the lengthwise axis, and thickness axis orthogonal to the lengthwise and widthwise axes. The splice protector supports the optical fibers of the first and second fiber optic ribbons that are spliced to one another at the splice. The splice protector includes an ultra-violet light (UV-) curable adhesive that provides a flexible support for the splice, and is at least half as flexible when cured over the splice as the first and second ribbons in bending about the widthwise axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael T. Faulkner, Lars K. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20140105552
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector has a mechanical splice assembly and a mechanical splice assembly holder. The mechanical splice assembly holder includes a body section and a cable retention section. The cable retention section includes a pair of cable retention arms extending from the body section and a guiding groove that is extended out from the body section. The guiding groove is located between the two cable retention arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: CORNING CABLE SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventor: JiWei Sun
  • Patent number: 8690454
    Abstract: The optical connector in accordance with an embodiment comprises a ferrule for holding a built-in fiber to be coupled to a coated optical fiber of an optical cord, a first housing for containing the ferrule, a second housing arranged behind the first housing, and a sheath pressing member and a securing member which are mounted to the second housing. The sheath pressing member presses a sheath of the optical cord against the second housing. The securing member secures a tension fiber of the optical cord to the second housing so as to contain the sheath pressing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignees: SEI Optifrontier Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikyo Tamekuni, Yuji Suzuki, Yukihiro Yokomachi
  • Patent number: 8641300
    Abstract: A spliced optical cable assembly is reinforced at a spliced portion of coated optical fibers to have adequate strength. The spliced optical cable assembly includes: a pair of optical fiber cables in which high-strength fibers are aligned in the longitudinal direction around coated optical fibers. The outer circumference of the coated optical fibers being covered by sheaths. The spliced optical cable assembly further includes a connecting portion in which the pair of optical fiber cables are connected and the coated optical fibers extend from the sheaths. Glass fibers exposed from the coating of the coated optical fibers spliced to each other. The connected portion is covered and formed into an integral unit, together with the high-strength fibers exposed from the sheaths, by a reinforcing tube placed over the optical fiber cables and caused to contract so that both ends of the reinforcing tube engage the sheaths of the respective optical fiber cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Murashima, Hiroyasu Toyooka, Toshihiko Homma, Ryuichiro Sato, Keitaro Iwai
  • Publication number: 20140010502
    Abstract: A combination of an inner crimp tube and a crimp sleeve provide a basis for securing a connection between respective first and second cables through which optical fibers extend and can be spliced together for signal transmission. The combination of the inner crimp tube and the crimp sleeve includes the inner crimp tube receiving at least one strength member from each respective cable, wherein the inner crimp tube is positioned along lengths of the strength members such that the strength members extend through the inner crimp tube. Loose ends of respective strength members fold back over opposite ends of the inner crimp tube to join strength members of each cable to a common structure. At least one crimp sleeve secures the respective loose ends of the strength members to the inner crimp tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Vincent A. Wouters
  • Patent number: 8616788
    Abstract: An optical transceiver provides a TOSA, a ROSA, a base member, a circuit board and a shield member. The shield member is formed by cutting and bending a metal sheet without welding or soldering. The shield member includes a center partition and a pair of sides, which forms two spaces each receiving the TOSA or the ROSA. The center partition has a V-shaped cross section which is able to be inserted into a cut of the circuit board so as to shield the ROSA from the TOSA. The shield member provides a frame ground by being in the bottom of the center partition in contact with the base member and also in contact with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Device Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Hidemi Sone, Toru Ukai
  • Publication number: 20130336621
    Abstract: An enclosure system for enclosing a fiber optics splicer so that the fiber optic splicer can be used in hazardous area is disclosed. The enclosure system comprises of an enclosure wherein the top side of the enclosure is adapted to become door of the enclosure and a purging unit connected to the enclosure for performing pressure purging within the enclosure system, wherein the purging unit comprises a pressure purge unit, an air-pumping device, and pressure gauges. A fusion splicer and fiber optic cables to be spliced are installed inside the enclosure and the top side of the enclosure is locked and sealed using a sealing unit. The sealing unit is made of soft materials that conforms around the fiber optic cables to be spliced, hence do not damage the fiber optic cables. Using the purging unit of the enclosure system, flammable gas inside the fiber optics enclosure system is displaced with non-flammable air or inert gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: AMRTUR Corporation Sdn. Bhd
    Inventors: Amir Zaxquarim, Vilas Nabaji Koinkar, Mahmod Yakop, Yeow Yock San
  • Patent number: 8596884
    Abstract: An optical fiber mechanical splice connector system that couples with a field fiber includes a connector body comprising a ferrule receiving portion, a pellet receiving portion and a support portion between the ferrule receiving portion and pellet receiving portion. The pellet receiving portion includes one or more engagement fingers connected at a first end to the support portion and extending away from the ferrule receiving portion to a second, free end adjacent a pellet receiving opening of a pellet receiving cavity at the pellet receiving portion. A ferrule is connected to the connector body at the ferrule receiving portion. A stub fiber is captured within the ferrule. The stub fiber extends from the ferrule into a fiber receiving cavity provided within the connector body for connecting with the field fiber. A fiber carrying pellet carries the field fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Michael de Jong, Greg J. Scherer
  • Publication number: 20130301997
    Abstract: A method for connecting an optical waveguide embedded in a fibre composite component, in particular of an aircraft and spacecraft, to an external optical waveguide, comprising the following steps: ascertaining a path of the embedded optical waveguide in the fibre composite component; determining a nodal position at which the embedded optical waveguide is to be coupled with the external optical waveguide; exposing, at least in portions, the embedded optical waveguide at the nodal position by removing at least part of the fibre composite component around the embedded optical waveguide; severing the exposed embedded optical waveguide; aligning relative to each other an end portion of the severed, embedded optical waveguide and an end portion of the external optical waveguide; and splicing the mutually aligned end portions of the optical waveguides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas E. Brownjohn, Stefan Osternack