Including Splice Joint Reinforcement Patents (Class 385/99)
  • Patent number: 11934009
    Abstract: A reinforcing sleeve for collectively reinforcing spliced portions of a plurality of optical fiber core wires disposed side by side includes a heat-shrinkable tube, a heat-meltable member, a tension member, and so on. The tension member and the heat-meltable member are inserted into the heat-shrinkable member. A thick portion is provided at a substantially center portion of a width direction of the heat-meltable member. Thus, on a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the heat-meltable member, an amount of the heat-meltable member at proximity of the center portion of the width direction of the heat-meltable member is greater than an amount of the heat-meltable member at proximity of the end portions of the width direction of the heat-meltable member. This forms a flow of the heat-meltable member from the center portion toward the end portions in the width direction at the time of melting the heat-meltable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Akiyama, Ryuji Takaoka, Akio Tanabe
  • Patent number: 11874499
    Abstract: A reinforcement sleeve is a member for reinforcing a connection part of an optical fiber tape core wire, and comprises a heat-shrinkable tube, a heat-meltable member, a tension member, and the like. The heat-shrinkable tube is a cylindrical member. The tension member is a rod-shaped member. The tension member and the heat-meltable member are inserted in the heat-shrinkable tube. The heat-meltable member is disposed above the tension member. The tension member is approximately circular or approximately elliptical in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the reinforcement sleeve. More specifically, the surface on the heat-meltable member side of the tension member is formed to have an arc-shaped convex curved surface in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Akiyama
  • Patent number: 11828997
    Abstract: An optical fan-out assembly includes: a fiber optic cable comprising a plurality of optical fibers and a surrounding jacket; a housing comprising first and second mating halves that mate to form a cavity, each of the first and second halves having opposite first and second ends and first and second lips adjacent respective first and second ends; the second half having a window, wherein the first lips create a seal with the cable jacket; a disk with a plurality of holes, a plurality of slots, and having a periphery, wherein a respective one of the plurality of slots extends between each hole and the periphery, the disk adjacent to and forming a seal with the second lips of the first and second halves; and a plurality of furcation tubes, each of the furcation tubes being inserted into a respective hole; wherein the optical fibers extend through the cavity, and each optical fiber is received in a respective furcation tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Oscar Bran de León, Thomas B. Marcouiller
  • Patent number: 11774677
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes first and second cable sections each having a jacket, at least one optical fiber, and multiple strength members. An intermediate cable section includes at least one splice joint as well as bundled sections of strength members of the cable sections formed into bundled sections that overlap and are adhered together. As adhered, the bundled strength members are shorter than the at least one spliced optical fiber in the intermediate section to ensure that the strength members bear tensile loads. A fabrication method includes binding unjacketed segments of strength members of two cable sections into bundled sections of strength members, fusion splicing ends of optical fibers, polymerically overcoating at least one splice joint, and adhering the bundled sections of strength members in an overlapping arrangement. An apparatus for thermoplastically coating cable assembly portions includes a trough for molten thermoplastic material, and a lateral insertion slot defined therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Corning Research & Development Corporation
    Inventor: Qi Wu
  • Patent number: 11658468
    Abstract: A splice couples together abutting barrier strips for a cable tray. The splice generally includes a base wall. Opposing sidewalls extend outward from opposite sides of the base wall. The opposing side walls and the base wall together define an open interior of the splice configured to receive the abutting barrier strips therein. A window may extend through the base wall to the open interior to allow the abutting barrier strips to be visible therethrough when the abutting barrier strips are received in the open interior of the splice. A grip may be on the opposing side walls to enhance gripping of the splice. At least one of the sidewalls may have a chamfered corner to enhance entry of the barrier strips into the open interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Sayali Shridhar Dhale, Nicholas R. Grahek
  • Patent number: 11644622
    Abstract: A reinforcing sleeve is a member for collectively reinforcing spliced portions of a plurality of optical fiber core wires disposed side by side. The reinforcing sleeve includes a heat-shrinkable tube, a heat-meltable member, a tension member, and so on. The heat shrinkable tube is a cylindrical member having an approximately circular cross section. The tension member and the heat-meltable member are inserted into the heat-shrinkable tube. The heat-meltable member is disposed on an upper part of the tension member. Also, an optical fiber dispersion portion is formed on a surface of the tension member on a side of the heat-meltable member in a cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the reinforcing sleeve. The optical fiber dispersion portion includes an inclined portion that is formed so as to separate away from the heat-meltable member as being closer to an end portion of a width direction in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Akiyama, Akio Tanabe
  • Patent number: 11609380
    Abstract: A laser device includes: a laser unit that outputs laser light; an output end that launches the laser light; a first fusion splice portion; and a second fusion splice portion. In each of the first fusion splice portion and the second fusion splice portion, two multi-mode fibers are fusion-spliced. Each of the two multi-mode fibers include a core through which the laser light propagates and a cladding that surrounds the core. The first fusion splice portion is disposed closer to the laser unit than is the second fusion splice portion. At least a part of the core in the first fusion splice portion contains a dopant that is the same type as a dopant contained in the cladding in the first fusion splice portion for decreasing a refractive index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Yutaka Yamaguchi, Shinichi Sakamoto, Yasuto Chiba, Tatsuya Kishi
  • Patent number: 11493690
    Abstract: An optical fiber line of one embodiment comprises an HNLF, an SMF, and an MFD transition portion. The MFD transition portion includes end portions of both the HNLF and the SMF facing with a fusion point thereof, and is a section in which an MFD changes such that a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value is 0.3 ?m or more for a 100 ?m-length. A splicing loss of the HNLF and the SMF at 1,550 nm is one-fifth or less than an ideal butting loss at stationary portions thereof. A total length of the MFD transition portion is 10 mm or less. In a region between one end surface of the HNLF at the fusion point and the other end surface separated from the one end surface by 50 ?m or more and 300 ?m or less, the MFD increases monotonically from the other end surface to the one end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Suzuki, Yoshinori Yamamoto, Yoshiaki Tamura, Takemi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 11448846
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to structures and configurations for breaking out fibers from cables and/or securing the ends of protective mesh sleeves to other structures such as brackets, cables and trays/cassettes. The mesh sleeves can be adapted to protect optical fibers that pass therethrough. In one example, a mesh sleeve can be secured to another structure by an anchor including a reinforcing insert that fits in the mesh sleeve and a clamping housing that mounts over the mesh sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan R. Kaml, Cyle D. Petersen, Rodney C. Schoenfelder, James J. Solheid, Matthew J. Holmberg, Oscar Fernando Bran De León, Thomas Caesar Tinucci, Dennis Krampotich
  • Patent number: 11438077
    Abstract: An object to provide a submarine optical transmission apparatus capable of efficiently housing optical components and electric components. A submarine optical transmission apparatus includes a case, an electric component housing unit, and an optical component housing unit. The electric component housing unit and the optical component housing unit can house either or both of an optical component and an electric component and are stacked in a Z-direction. The case can house the electric component housing unit and the optical component housing unit that are stacked, and a longitudinal direction thereof is an X-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideo Asada, Kazuyuki Shishido
  • Patent number: 11409042
    Abstract: A reinforcement device for an optical fiber fusion-spliced portion, which reinforces a fusion-spliced portion of optical fibers by heating and shrinking a reinforcement sleeve covering the fusion spliced portion, includes a heater configured to heat the reinforcement sleeve. The heater includes a sleeve housing portion capable of housing the reinforcement sleeve. The sleeve housing portion includes a first wall portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the sleeve housing portion and a second wall portion facing the first wall portion. The first wall portion and the second wall portion are configured such that a distance therebetween increases from a bottom portion side of the sleeve housing portion toward a top portion side of the sleeve housing portion in a cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. At least one bent portion is formed to at least one of the first wall portion and the second wall portion in the cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC OPTIFRONTIER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Meo, Hiroshi Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 11131811
    Abstract: A method for protecting fusion spliced optical fibers includes immersing sections of fusion spliced first and second optical fibers in a pool of molten thermoplastic material, followed by removal and cooling of liquid-coated areas, to yield a solid thermoplastic overcoating that extends over a splice joint as well as previously stripped sections and pre-coated sections of the first and second optical fibers. Optionally, a strength member may be adhered to the solid thermoplastic overcoating to provide a reinforced fusion spliced section. A strength member may include a metal rod or a secondary, thick thermoplastic coating. A fiber optic cable assembly includes a solid thermoplastic overcoating that extends over the splice joint as well as previously stripped sections and pre-coated sections of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Corning Research & Development Corporation
    Inventor: Qi Wu
  • Patent number: 11086076
    Abstract: A method for protecting fusion spliced optical fibers includes immersing sections of fusion spliced first and second optical fibers in a pool of molten thermoplastic material, followed by removal and cooling of liquid-coated areas, to yield a solid thermoplastic overcoating that extends over a splice joint as well as previously stripped sections and pre-coated sections of the first and second optical fibers. Optionally, a strength member may be adhered to the solid thermoplastic overcoating to provide a reinforced fusion spliced section. A strength member may include a metal rod or a secondary, thick thermoplastic coating. A fiber optic cable assembly includes a solid thermoplastic overcoating that extends over the splice joint as well as previously stripped sections and pre-coated sections of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Corning Research & Development Corporation
    Inventor: Qi Wu
  • Patent number: 10281671
    Abstract: An assembly can include a barrel housing having an opened end. The barrel housing can also include a barrel port for mounting a first compression fitting. A racetrack tray can be positioned within the barrel housing. The racetrack tray can receive an optical fiber and an electrical cable of a hybrid cable. A cap can be secured to the opened end of the barrel housing. The cap can include a cap port for receiving a second compression fitting. A primary seal can be positioned in a groove on one of the cap or the barrel housing. The primary seal can create a pressure seal between the cap and the barrel housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Vandellyn Park, Michael Edwin Pollard
  • Patent number: 10162144
    Abstract: A cable assembly includes a distribution cable, a tether cable, and a network access point (NAP) assembly having a cavity defined therein. The distribution cable includes optical fibers and the tether cable includes an optical fiber. The optical fiber of the tether cable is tightly constrained within the tether cable and portion thereof extends from the tether cable into the cavity of the NAP assembly and is spliced to a portion of one of the optical fibers of the distribution cable extending into the cavity of the NAP assembly from a side of the distribution cable. The splice is positioned in the cavity. Tight constraint of the optical fiber of the tether cable within the tether cable limits transmission of fiber movement to the portion of the optical fiber of the tether cable extending into the cavity of the NAP assembly, thereby protecting the splice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventors: Lars Kristian Nielsen, Humberto Perez Toledo, Ricardo Andre Rivas Alas
  • Patent number: 10162130
    Abstract: A flat optical fiber cable assembly includes a flat optical fiber cable having an optical fiber cord and at least one tension wire, and a reinforcement mechanism having a reinforcing sleeve sleeved on the at least one tension wire, and a reinforcing body having an outer surface, a through groove indented inwardly from the outer surface, and a positioning groove that is indented inwardly from the outer surface, that is angularly spaced apart from the through groove and that has an engaging portion. The optical fiber cord is inserted into the through groove, and the at least one tension wire is inserted into the positioning groove with the reinforcing sleeve engaging the engaging portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignees: AMPHENOL FIBER OPTIC TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN), GLORIOLE ELECTROPTIC TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Bo-Lin Jiang, Song-Sheng Li, Min Chen, Chia-Hua Wu
  • Patent number: 10072836
    Abstract: Environmentally sealed optical systems, and methods for sealing them, are disclosed. Such optical systems include area lighting panels and other optical systems. For example, in one exemplary aspect of the invention, a sealed optical system includes a substrate having first and second light sources disposed thereon, and a light-shaping panel with first and second optics formed therein that are positioned (e.g., aligned) to receive light from the first and second light sources, respectively. A sealing membrane is disposed between the substrate and the light-shaping panel, with a first adhesive surface contacting the substrate and a second adhesive surface contacting the light-shaping panel. The sealing membrane has first and second openings formed therein that allow light to pass from the first and second light sources to the first and second optics, respectively, while allowing the sealing membrane to independently seal the light sources from one another and from the external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Fraen Corporation
    Inventors: John R. Householder, John E. Audette, James B. Audette
  • Patent number: 9513445
    Abstract: A compact optical splitter module is disclosed. One type of compact optical splitter module is a planar attenuated splitter module that includes a branching waveguide network having j?1 50:50 splitters that form up to n?2j output waveguides having associated n output ports, wherein only m<n output ports are suitable for transmitting light to the at least one external output device. This provides a 1×m splitter module wherein each output port has the attenuation of a 1×n splitter module, thereby obviating the need for external attenuation. Another type of compact optical splitter module is a direct-connect splitter module that eliminates the need for an optical fiber array when coupling to external optical fibers. Another type of compact optical splitter module is a microsplitter module that serves as device and module at the same time and that eliminates the differentiation between device and module. The integration of device and module also makes manufacturing the microsplitter module cost-effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventors: Terry Dean Cox, Klaus Hartkorn, Angela Rief, Markus Melnelt, Wolfgang Schwelker
  • Patent number: 9372309
    Abstract: A method for making a splice between optical fibers in a joint device suitable for housing the joint between a first electrical cable includes a first optical fiber and a second electrical cable including a second optical fiber. The joint device includes a sleeve having a cylindrical portion. The method includes (i) splicing the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber so as to form the splice and (ii) winding at least a portion of the excess length of the first optical fiber and at least a portion of the excess length of the second optical fiber around the cylindrical portion of the sleeve in a helix substantially coaxial with the cylindrical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: PRYSMIAN S.P.A
    Inventors: Alberto Ferrari, Roberto Riolo, Fabio Abbiati
  • Patent number: 9235005
    Abstract: A method of fusion-splicing includes attaching a stab to a stub cap having a non-axisymmetric structure, positioning an embedded optical fiber to a fusion splicing working part by fixing the stub cap thereto; positioning an outside optical fiber to the fusion splicing working part; fusion-splicing the embedded optical fiber and the outside optical fiber; repositioning the embedded optical fiber to a reinforcing working part by fixing the stub cap thereto and repositioning the outside optical fiber to the reinforcing working part such that a relative positional relationship between the embedded optical fiber and the outside optical fiber becomes the same as that at the fusion splicing working part; and reinforcing a spliced portion between the embedded optical fiber and the outside optical fiber while a tension is applied to the embedded optical fiber and the outside optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SEI OPTIFRONTIER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryuichiro Sato, Hiroyasu Toyooka, Hiroshi Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 9086538
    Abstract: A method for fusion splicing of a holey optical fiber with a cladding having a large number of air holes along the axis thereof to another optical fiber includes the use of arc discharge heating. First, the method uses arc discharge heating such that the temperature of a position rearward of an end surface of the holey optical fiber is higher than the temperature of the end surface, thereby making a tip portion of the holey optical fiber transparent. Next, the cores are aligned with one another. Then the method includes performing fusion splicing by second arc discharge heating. The first arc discharge heating is performed between discharge electrodes positioned rearward of the end surface of the holey optical fiber. The arc heating time of the first arc discharge heating is preferably 200 to 400 milliseconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: SEI Optifrontier Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soichi Endo, Osamu Ikejima, Kazunari Hattori
  • Patent number: 9063286
    Abstract: A splice protector is provided having a trough configuration body form a chamber therein with first and second openings at opposing ends of the body, and first and second end caps coupled to the first and second openings of the body of the splice protector, the first and second separable end caps each including at least one channel for passing through an optical fiber. At least one optical core having been coupled using fusion splicing, passes through the channels of the first and second end caps and the chamber, wherein the splice is located within the chamber, and a flexible filler is filled within the chamber to secure the spliced fibers therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Fiber Products, Limited
    Inventors: Richard Colin Edward Durrant, Roger Kevin Helmick
  • Publication number: 20150110450
    Abstract: A fiber optic splice protecting system and method includes a tubular sized to fit around spliced ends of optical fibers, and a sealant positioned in an annular space defined between the optical fibers and the tubular. The sealant is configured to cure from a liquid to a solid. The tubular is at least partially formed of a material that is gas permeable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Emory E. Jones, III, Carl W. Stoesz
  • 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: 8992101
    Abstract: An optical fiber reinforcing heating device has a base part, to which a first lid part for covering a sleeve accommodation groove for containing a fiber reinforcement sleeve covering a fusion-splicing part of optical fibers is attached so as to be openable and closable. A pair of fiber holders for holding and securing the optical fibers are disposed on both end sides of the first lid part. Each fiber holder has a second lid part which is attached to a fiber container so as to be openable and closable and presses the optical fiber against the fiber container. A switch lever which is movable longitudinally of the sleeve accommodation groove is disposed on the upper face of the second lid part built in with a pin adapted to move in conjunction with the switch lever. A joint hole adapted to engage the pin is formed within the first lid part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: SEI Optifrontier Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Fukuda, Ryuichiro Sato, Hisao Yui, Hiroshi Takayanagi
  • Publication number: 20150078715
    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: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Marcouiller, Paula Rudenick
  • Patent number: 8950955
    Abstract: An optical fiber reinforcing heating device 6A is equipped with a base part 12, while the base part 12 is provided with a sleeve accommodation groove that contains a fiber reinforcement sleeve and a heater having a U-shaped cross section, which heats the fiber reinforcement sleeve. A pair of fiber holders 19 that holds and clamps fusion-spliced optical fibers 3 are disposed on both end sides of the sleeve accommodation groove. A lid part 23 that covers the fiber accommodation groove 13 is attached openably and closably to the base part 12 through a rotary axis. A protector 24 for windbreak and heat insulation is joined to the lid part 23 through a rotary axis 25. The protector 24 is a member for preventing winds from entering the sleeve accommodation groove from a gap between a side wall of the base part 12 and the lid part 23.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: SEI Optifrontier Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Fukuda, Ryuichiro Sato, Hisao Yui, Hiroshi Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 8920050
    Abstract: An assembly and method for splicing optical fibers is provided. A termination assembly may include a housing having an engagement element for engagement with an engagement component of a fixture and a support or splicer joint between which a first optical fiber extends in a longitudinal direction. A locking mechanism or a splicer joint may be operable to be biased against the first optical fiber to maintain an end of the first optical fiber at the support or the splicer joint fixed in position and only in a predetermined alignment with an end of a second optical fiber fixedly supported by the support or the splicer joint, such that the end of the second optical fiber is fixed at a predetermined orientation and a predetermined position at the support associated with the predetermined alignment by engagement of the engagement element with the engagement component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Go!Foton Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Takeuchi, Haiguang Lu
  • Patent number: 8920049
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for improved field termination optical fiber connector members and/or splicers for use in terminating or fusing optical fibers. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for convenient, low-cost, accurate, and effective methods for terminating or fusing optical fibers utilizing advantageous field termination optical fiber connector members and/or splicers. Improved apparatus and methods are provided for use in terminating or fusing a broad variety of optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Grandidge, Rudolph A. Montgelas, Adam Murano, William Dietz, Alex Richard, Jose Mozota
  • Patent number: 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
  • Publication number: 20140355940
    Abstract: A fiber optic splice protecting system includes a tubular sized to fit around spliced ends of optical fibers and a sealant positioned in an annular space defined between the optical fibers and the tubular configured to cure from a liquid to a solid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Emory E. Jones, III
  • Patent number: 8885998
    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 member and a second enclosure member. The strength component can be glued to one end of the splice enclosure and the strength member can be clamped or otherwise retained by another end of the splice enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Marcouiller, Paula Rudenick
  • Patent number: 8861919
    Abstract: A component for a closure is disclosed herein. The component includes a collar extending around a central axis. The component also includes a first expansion housing positioned outside the collar in a radial direction relative to the central axis. The first expansion housing has an interior region in communication with an interior of the collar. The first expansion housing also includes a first adapter mounting wall defining a plurality of first adapter mounting openings in which a plurality of first fiber optic adapters are mounted. The first fiber optic adapters include first connector ports adapted for receiving connectors from outside the first expansion housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Eric E. Alston, Daniel B Hangebrauck, Jack Smith
  • 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: 20140161401
    Abstract: An optical splice for optically coupling two fibers, the splice comprising: (a) a housing having two ends and defining a reservoir; (b) a fiber clamp for clamping two fibers together disposed in the housing; (c) two cable clamps, one on each end of the housing, the cable clamps comprising a purchase point for anchoring strength members of the fibers, the purchase point being operatively connected to the housing; and (d) a sealant in the reservoir, the sealant adapted to engulf and adhere to a fiber extending from each cable clamp to the fiber clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Gurreri, Frederick Sauers, Douglas Harold Rohde, David James Fabian
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8696221
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for splicing an optical fiber element (13, 23) of an optical cable (1, 2) reinforced with at least one strain relief fiber element (14, 24) and a splice effected by such method. In order to improve the strain resistance of the spliced optical cables (1, 2), the method according to the invention comprises the steps removing a jacket (11, 21) thereby exposing the optical fiber elements (13, 23) and the at least one strain relief fiber element (14, 24) of each of the two optical cables (1, 2) to be spliced, joining the optical fiber elements (13, 23) of the two optical cables (1, 2) to be spliced, providing a splicing sleeve (40) in such a way that it surrounds the joint of the two optical fiber elements (13, 23), attaching said splicing sleeve (40) against the circumferential surface of said optical cables (1, 2) thereby connecting the exposed strain relief fiber elements (14, 24) of the two optical cables (1, 2) to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Raychem BVBA
    Inventors: Kristof Vastmans, Yan Kelecom
  • 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: 8678670
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a ferrule, an inserted optical fiber, an external optical fiber, and a pair of reinforcing members that pinches and reinforces a fusion-spliced portion of the other end portion of the inserted optical fiber and the front end portion of the external optical fiber. The reinforcing members include adhesion layer on the inner surface thereof which comes in contact with the other end portion of the inserted optical fiber and the front end portion of the external optical fiber. The adhesion layer is depressed at the position where the inserted optical fiber and the external optical fiber come in contact with each other so as to closely adhere to the outer circumferential surfaces of the optical fibers in the fusion-spliced portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Takahashi, Kazuhiro Takizawa
  • Patent number: 8678675
    Abstract: A protection sleeve includes a heat shrinkable tube and an adhesive tube and a reinforcing rod housed inside the heat shrinkable tube. The heat shrinkable tube, the adhesive tube, and the reinforcing rod are adhered together in a section spanning across a lengthwise section of the heat shrinkable tube. A protection sleeve manufacturing apparatus includes a jig for securing protection sleeves and a heating device. The jig is contrived to hold a plurality of protection sleeves (each including a heat shrinkable tube, an adhesive tube and a reinforcing rod housed inside the heat shrinkable tube) in a parallel arrangement with spaces in-between. The heating device includes a plurality of hot air vents, means for setting a first distance between the jig and the hot air vents, and means for setting the jig and the hot air vents to a second distance that is closer than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Homma
  • Patent number: 8641295
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a ferrule, an inserted optical fiber, an external optical fiber, and a pair of reinforcing members that pinches and reinforces a fusion-spliced portion of the other end portion of the inserted optical fiber and the front end portion of the external optical fiber. The reinforcing members include adhesion layer on the inner surface thereof which comes in contact with the other end portion of the inserted optical fiber and the front end portion of the external optical fiber. The adhesion layer is depressed at the position where the inserted optical fiber and the external optical fiber come in contact with each other so as to closely adhere to the outer circumferential surfaces of the optical fibers in the fusion-spliced portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Takahashi, Kazuhiro Takizawa
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8642891
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a dry silicone gel in a closure or interconnect system. The dry silicone gel may be made by reacting a crosslinker, a chain extender, and a vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane. The reaction may be conducted in the presence of a catalyst. In certain embodiments, the dry silicone gel may comprise: (1) a hardness between 100 g and 300 g, (2) a stress relaxation between 30% and 60% when subjected to a deformation of 50% of the original size of the gel, (3) a compression set between 4% and 20% after 50% strain has been applied to the gel for 1000 hours at 70° C., and/or (4) less than 10% oil bleed out under compression of 1.2 atm after 60 days at 60° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignees: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH, Tyco Electronics Raychem BVBA, Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Stephane J. G. Berghmans, Michael A. Oar, Miguel A. Morales, Gary W. Adams, Anne-Marie Prins, Nathalie Hendrickx, Guenter Feldmeier, Rudi Kraemer, Bert Bergner, Kristof Vastmans
  • 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