Including Splice Joint Reinforcement Patents (Class 385/99)
  • Publication number: 20130294733
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a fiber optic network includes a furcation tube having a first end and a second end. An optical fiber passes through the furcation tube, the optical fiber having an end portion that extends outwardly beyond the second end of the furcation tube. A heat-recoverable tube fixes the optical fiber relative to the furcation tube adjacent the second end of the furcation tube, the heat-recoverable tube having a first portion affixed to the furcation tube and a second portion affixed to the end portion of the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: William F. Wright, David R. Radliff, Julian S. Mullaney
  • Patent number: 8556525
    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 a means of setting the jig and the hot air vents to a second distance that is closer than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Homma
  • Publication number: 20130266279
    Abstract: In an optical connector of the invention, the rotation in a conventional angle polish connector can be prevented, while external force acting on the connector can be prevented from affecting a ferrule. The optical connector includes a ferrule 15, which has an angle-polished front portion and is accommodated in a housing 19 in a state where pressing force is applied in a coupling-forward direction by an elastic means so as to enable the ferrule 15 to move in the axial direction. A key groove 21 and a key 23 which are provided between the housing 19 and the ferrule 15 are engaged so as to make their relative movement possible in the movement direction. The clearance C between the groove width W of the key groove 21 and the key 23 increases along the direction in which the ferrule 15 retreats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Daizo Nishioka, Shinji Ogawa, Yukihiro Yokomachi
  • Patent number: 8550728
    Abstract: A connection method connects an optical connector and an optical transmission element. The optical connector includes a connector housing, a stop-ring structure, and an optical fiber which protrudes from an end part of the stop-ring structure. The optical transmission element includes a tensile-strength fiber body. The connection method includes fuse-connecting a first end of the optical fiber with a second end of an optical fiber protruding from a transmission element terminal part of the optical transmission element; inserting a fuse-connected optical fiber part and the tensile strength fiber body inside a reinforcing sleeve provided with a hot melt body, and covering and bridging the transmission element terminal part and at least the end part of the stop-ring structure; and integrating the fuse-connected optical fiber part, the tensile strength fiber body, the transmission element terminal part, and the stop-ring structure, by a hot melt resin melted from the hot melt body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeo Takahashi, Kazuhiro Takizawa, Masaaki Miyamoto, Yoshinori Iwashita, Noriyuki Kawanishi, Toshiki Kubo, Khee Yen Serin Tan
  • Patent number: 8550723
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a first protecting body and a second protecting body detachably assembled to the first protecting body. The first protecting body includes a first base plate and a first housing extending out from the first base plate. The first base plate defines a first receiving hole to communicate with the first housing. The second protecting body includes a second base plate and a second housing extending out from the second base plate. The second base plate defines a second receiving hole to communicate with the second housing. The second housing and the first housing together define an accommodating space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Po-Hsun Shen, Bing Su, Shao-You Han, Xiao-Bo Zhao
  • Publication number: 20130259434
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable, a tether, and an overmold. The fiber optic cable includes an optical fiber, a strength member, and a jacket, where the jacket includes an interior portion contacting the strength member and an exterior portion adjoining the interior portion. The interior and exterior portions of the jacket both include polyethylene, and the exterior portion further includes an additive that is not in the interior portion. The tether is coupled to the fiber optic cable at an attachment point. The optical fiber or another optical fiber spliced to the optical fiber, diverges from the fiber optic cable via the tether. The overmold encloses the attachment point and is attached directly to a discrete section of the exterior portion of the jacket proximate to the attachment point. The additive facilitates bonding of the overmold to the discrete section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Anne G. Bringuier, Julian L. Greenwood, III, Gregory A. Lochkovic, Alvin J. McDonald, Lars K. Nielsen, Hieu V. Tran
  • Publication number: 20130251319
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a distribution cable and a tether cable physically coupled thereto. The distribution cable has a cavity through which a fiber optic ribbon extends, and the tether cable includes a jacket and an optical fiber. The distribution cable includes a network access point at a mid-span location, which includes an opening between the cavity to the exterior of the distribution cable. At least a portion of the ribbon extends through the opening. The ribbon of the distribution cable includes a plurality of optical fibers, and the optical fiber of the tether cable is spliced to an optical fiber of the ribbon. The corresponding spliced connection is surrounded by the jacket of the tether cable, whereby the jacket serves as a housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: Brandon Duvall Compton, Michael Todd Faulkner, Julie Xiong Gladden, Lars Kristian Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8506179
    Abstract: Radially symmetric splicer joint and locking assemblies and connectors for optical fibers are provided. The assemblies use splicer joints formed from a slightly deformable plastic material. The splicer joints contain an axial bore having a diameter slightly less then the diameter of the stripped ends the optical fibers inserted into the axial bore. When a stripped fiber is inserted into the axial bore of the splicer joint, the bore expands slightly to frictionally receive the stripped end. The assemblies and connectors use radially symmetric locking to secure the fibers therein. The radially symmetric locking and the surface tension provided by the axial bore against the stripped ends of the fibers minimizes the occurrence of mis-alignment and reduces insertion and return losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Go!Foton Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Takeuchi, Haiguang Lu
  • Patent number: 8509587
    Abstract: A portable optical fiber processing apparatus is disclosed. The portable optical fiber processing apparatus of the present invention includes a base (1), which provides a space in which components are installed, and a sheathing stripping unit (10), which is provided on the base and strips sheathing from an optical fiber (R). The apparatus further includes an optical fiber cutting unit (40), which is provided on the base and cuts a portion of the optical fiber, from which the sheathing has been stripped, using a sliding cutter (43) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and a welding unit (50), which is provided on the base and welds junction portions of two optical fibers. The present invention is characterized in that a process of stripping sheathing from an optical fiber and cutting, cleaning and welding processes can be conducted using a single apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Ilsin Tech. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Seop Song, Sang Chul Jun, Young Bae Seo
  • Patent number: 8506178
    Abstract: The invention provides and apparatus for mechanically splicing fiber optic cables and method for performing the process. The apparatus comprises an inventive segmented track with a middle track segment containing a splicer mount, and first and second rotating track segments on opposed sides of a middle segment, the rotating segments moving from a cleaving orientation wherein the rotating track segments align with a respective flat edge angled cleaver and a rounded edge angled cleaver, to a splicing orientation wherein the rotating track segments align with the middle track segment. First and second fiber key holders securely holding partially stripped fiber optic cables move along the respective first and second track segment for cleaving by the cleavers and then toward the middle track segment where their cleaved tips come into controlled aligned contact within a splicer joint contained in the splicer joint mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Go!Foton Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Takeuchi, Haiguang Lu
  • Patent number: 8496388
    Abstract: A fusion-splicing device, including a fusion-splicing operation element that fuses ends of opposing optical fiber segments to form a spliced optical fiber; a ferrule holding device that receives and holds a ferrule holder in a predetermined position, the ferrule holder having an open end that receives a ferrule therein and an opposite end from which a string-like stem extends. The ferrule having an optical fiber segment that extends away from the open end of the ferrule holder when the ferrule is disposed in the ferrule holder, one end of the ferrule holding device being open to allow an end of the optical fiber segment of the ferrule to be held at a position to be fused to an end of an opposing optical fiber, and an opposite end of the ferrule holding device being shaped to accommodate the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8494331
    Abstract: The invention provides and apparatus and method for mass producing a plurality of fiber optic mechanical splice-on connector subunits. The apparatus utilizes a magazine detachably mounted on a frame and containing a plurality of slots. The slots contain a plurality of subunits, each of which includes a ferrule assembly carrying a fiber stub coated in uncured epoxy. The slots are moved through a cleaving zone on the apparatus defined by the area between a cleaver and fiber holder, wherein the fiber stubs are cleaved and then pulled so the portion of the fiber stub extending from the ferrule assembly to the cleaved end has a specified length. After cleaving and pulling all the fiber stubs in the magazine, the magazine is detached from the apparatus and moved to an oven wherein the epoxy is cured. After cooling, the subunits and removed from the magazine to provide a plurality of subunits, each containing a cleaved fiber stub securely oriented therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Go!Foton Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Takeuchi, Haiguang Lu
  • Patent number: 8491201
    Abstract: An apparatus for splicing of optical waveguide sections is in the form of a handheld splicer. The splicer comprises a preprocessing unit, which may comprise a plurality of processing devices for carrying out removal, cleaning and cutting steps. The optical waveguide sections are clamped in a holding apparatus and are prepared in the preprocessing unit. The holding apparatuses are inserted with the prepared optical waveguide sections into a splicing unit, where they are spliced. The spliced optical waveguide sections can be fed by means of a transfer station to a shrinking oven for shrinking a shrink sleeve on. The preprocessing unit, the splicing unit and the shrinking oven can be controlled by means of one hand of an operator, while the splicer is held with the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: CCS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer Matthias Kossat, Bert Zamzow
  • Patent number: 8480314
    Abstract: A method of butting and connecting a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber in an optical connector comprises placing said optical connector that holds said first optical fiber in wherein an optical fiber connection tool; mounting said optical fiber holder on a holder mounting base of a front end bevel processing tool; processing a front end face of said second optical fiber such that said front end face of said second optical fiber is beveled relative to the surface perpendicular to the optical fiber axis direction; transferring said optical fiber holder to said holder support base; and moving said optical fiber holder toward said optical connector along said guide part, and butting and connecting the beveled front end face of said second optical fiber to the front end face of said first optical fiber such that their bevel directions are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Daigo Saito, Kazuhiro Takizawa, Hiroshi Furukawa, Serin Khee Yen Tan, Quang Minh Ngo
  • Publication number: 20130156388
    Abstract: An optical cable connection casing includes at least one cable in-out end surface on which at least one connection part and at least one first hollow tubular column are located. The connection part and the first hollow tubular column allow the optical cable to pass in and out the connection casing through the connection part and the first hollow tubular column in the form of double optical cables after the optical cable being oppositely bent without cutting off the optical fiber core of the optical cable, respectively; wherein the optical cable will be guided and connected to a branching halfway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Chih-Kuang Hsing
  • Patent number: 8459880
    Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic connectors including a holder for attaching a fiber optic cable to a fiber optic connector along with cable assemblies and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, the holder includes a first and a second cantilevered arm that are squeezed together when a sleeve is placed over the holder. Further, one or more of the cantilevered arm may include a plurality of teeth for “biting” into the cable jacket and providing a suitable fiber optic cable retention force. The fiber optic connectors, cable assemblies and methods disclosed herein are advantageous since they allow the craft to quickly, reliably, and easily attach a robust fiber optic cable to a connector, thereby providing a rugged solution for the craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Guy J. Castonguay, Howard C. Schwartz, JiWei Sun, Chanh C. Vo
  • Patent number: 8430572
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a connector and a carrier. The connector has a first mating end and a second end and an optical fiber terminated thereto. The fiber defines a first end adjacent the mating end and a second end protruding out of the second end of the fiber optic connector. A carrier having a connector end and an oppositely disposed cable end is engaged with the connector. An alignment structure is disposed on the carrier that includes a first end and a second end and a throughhole extending therebetween, the alignment structure including a cutaway portion extending perpendicularly to and communicating with the throughhole. The optical fiber terminated to the fiber optic connector is positioned within at least a portion of the throughhole with the second end of the optical fiber located within the cutaway portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarrod Scadden, Wagner Da Silva Aguiar, Wayne M. Kachmar, Jeff Bearwald, Alan Shores
  • Patent number: 8408817
    Abstract: A controlled radius splice protector includes a first fiber optic fiber, a second fiber optic fiber, a fiber splice connecting the first fiber optic fiber and the second fiber optic fiber, a hot melted splice tubing extending over the fiber splice and a jacket tubing receiving the hot melted splice tubing and pre-formed to a selected bend radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Noddings, Terry L. Holcomb, Mahmood A. Majid
  • Patent number: 8412016
    Abstract: A waterproof communication cable connection box includes a protective cover, a cable pass-through end surface, a hollow cylindrical pipe formed on the cable pass-through end surface, an elastic rubber shrinking pipe, and a flexible hard plastic strip provided on the inner wall of the elastic rubber shrinking pipe. The plastic strip will be removed after a cable passes through the cable connection box so that the elastic rubber shrinking pipe closely covers the hollow cylindrical pipe and the cable part exposing outside of the hollow cylindrical pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Chihkuang Hsing
  • Patent number: 8408818
    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 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshihiko Homma
  • Patent number: 8388242
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a connector and a fiber optic cable. The connector includes a housing having a first axial end and an oppositely disposed second axial end. A ferrule is disposed in the housing. A plurality of optical fibers is mounted in the ferrule. The fiber optic cable includes an outer jacket defining a fiber passage that extends longitudinally through the outer jacket and a window that extends through the outer jacket and the fiber passage. First and second strength members are oppositely disposed about the fiber passage in the outer jacket. A plurality of optical fibers is disposed in the fiber passage. The optical fibers are joined at splices to the optical fibers of the connector. A splice sleeve is disposed over the splices. The splice sleeve is disposed in the window of the outer jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne M. Kachmar, Ronald J. Kleckowski
  • Patent number: 8366328
    Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for mechanically splicing two optical fibers of equal or different diameters. Instead of flat V-groove structure for holding the optical fibers to be spliced, embodiments of the present invention use a concave-walled channel to better align two optical fibers if they have different diameters. The cover holding the fibers in place in the concave channel is similarly curved. The improved alignment results in more area overlap between end surfaces of the two optical fibers to be spliced. This reduces insertion loss by 0.1 dB or better, at the splice junction and, therefore, improves light signal transmission. The radius of curvature of the concave structure can be approximately two to three times the radius of the optical fibers being spliced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: David Zhi Chen, George N. Bell
  • Patent number: 8351755
    Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough assembly includes a glass plug disposed in a recess of a feedthrough housing. The glass plug may define a large-diameter, cane-based, waveguide sealed within the recess in the housing and providing optical communication through the housing. Sealing occurs with respect to the housing at or around the glass plug of an optical waveguide element passing through the housing by braze sealing to the glass plug and/or embedding the glass plug in a polymer bonded with the plug to form a molded body that is sealed in the housing by, for example, compression mounting of the molded body or providing a sealing element around the molded body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Trevor MacDougall, Matthew J. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8333518
    Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID)-equipped communication components are disclosed. The communication components can include fiber optic components, such as fiber optic connectors and fiber optic adapters as examples. An RFID-equipped circuit is provided in the communication components to communicate information. In order that the electrical circuit be provided in the communication component without altering the communication component connection type, the circuit may be disposed in at least one recessed area of the communication component housing. In this manner, the communication component maintains its connection type such that it is compatible with a complementary communication component connection type for backwards compatibility while also being RFID-equipped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Ashley Wesley Jones, Peter Timothy Travis, James Scott Sutherland
  • Patent number: 8317413
    Abstract: A packaged fused-fiber device includes a fused-fiber device having at least one input fiber and at least one output fiber, and a fused portion between the input fiber and output fiber. A concave shaped substrate has an inside surface and an outside surface, wherein a minimum distance from the inside surface to the outside surface that is generally set by the substrate thickness is substantially constant throughout the substrate. An affixment material secures the first and second ends of the fused portion to the inside surface of the substrate. A thermally conductive housing is in thermal contact with the outside surface of the substrate. In one embodiment the substrate has an L-shaped cross section and the housing is a hollow housing that has a rectangular cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Gooch and Hoosego PLC
    Inventors: Norman Edward Fisher, Toby Woodbridge, Andrew Richard Rider
  • Patent number: 8317406
    Abstract: An optical connector, which is capable of enhancing fittability into a cabinet, or the like on account of compactification and also avoiding problems of an increase of bead loss, a breakage, etc. of an optical fiber, can be provided. In an optical connector 1 that houses a fusion-spliced portion 13, in which a short optical fiber 5 that is fitted previously to an optical connector ferrule 85 and a coated optical fiber 3 are fusion spliced together and holds the fusion-spliced portion 13 therein, one end of a protection sleeve 87 made of the thermal shrinkage material that externally fixes the fusion-spliced portion 13 is coupled to the optical connector ferrule 85. An air escape hole 7ffor escaping an air, which is confined in the protection sleeve 87 when the protection sleeve 87 is thermally shrunk and adhered closely to the optical connector ferrule 85, to the outside is formed in the optical connector ferrule 85.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., SEI Optifrontier Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikyo Tamekuni, Masahiro Shibata, Yukihiro Yokomachi, Toshihiko Honma, Tsutomu Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8295669
    Abstract: An optical fiber splice holder device for connecting jacketed optical fiber cables includes a cover and a main body that houses a splice device therein. The splice device is configured to splice a first fiber end to a second fiber end. The main body also includes first and second fiber jacket clamping portions disposed at first and second ends of the main body to clamp a respective fiber's jacket portion that surrounds a portion of the respective fiber upon actuation. The optical fiber splice device also includes first and second fiber jacket boots that are attachable to the main body at the first and second ends of the main body. The boots each actuate the respective fiber jacket clamping regions of the optical fiber cables upon attachment to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Chansool Park, Donald K. Larson
  • Patent number: 8290365
    Abstract: An optical communication apparatus that includes multiple optically communicative components positioned optically in series. Some of the optically communicative components may be optical fiber segments of perhaps different types. The optical channel represented by the series of optically communicative components and approximates a transfer function of an optical channel of a longer optical fiber. Accordingly, rather than deal with a lengthy optical fiber, an apparatus having a shorter optical channel may be used instead. The construction of the optical communicative components may be calculating an input transfer function. The construction would include an ordering of discrete optically communicative components that, when placed optically in series, simulates an estimation of a particular transfer function. Testing may then occur by actually passing an optical signal through the series construction of optically communicative components, rather than through the longer optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Gayle L. Noble, Lucy G. Hosking, Luke M. Ekkizogloy
  • Patent number: 8262298
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for repairing a damaged composite fiber component of an aircraft having at least one integrated fiber optic, the damaged area including both a damaged composite structure and a damaged optical fiber, comprising mechanically removing material from the damaged area, to form a removed area, exposing ends of the damaged composite fiber component in an edge area of the removed area, splicing-in a bridging fiber optic portion for restoring an optical connection, laying the bridging fiber optic along an edge area of the removed area, and pressing and gluing-in a repair patch into the removed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Weisser
  • Patent number: 8261441
    Abstract: In one aspect, a method to repair a cable jacket includes disposing a shrink tube on a damaged area of a cable jacket of a cable. The shrink tube includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The method also includes heating the shrink tube to seal the damaged area and tapering the first end portion of the shrink tube by cutting the shrink tube. Another aspect includes a device to taper end portions of a cable jacket shrink tube repair. A further aspect includes a device to dispose a tube on a cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Curtis B. Carlsten, Robert E. Walsh
  • Patent number: 8251593
    Abstract: A connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a receiving slot (121) formed therein; a set of contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing; an optical module (3) for transmitting optical data and being movably received in the receiving slot along a front-to-back direction; a resilient member (4) for urging the optical module moving forwardly in the receiving slot; a stopping device (124,125) for orientating the optical module backwardly and sidewardly; a resisting device (75) for orientating the optical module along a height direction of the insulative housing; and a metal shell (7,8) shielding the insulative housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Nan Liao, Qi-Sheng Zheng, Jia-Yong He
  • Publication number: 20120201500
    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: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Murashima, Hiroyasu Toyooka, Toshihiko Homma, Ryuichiro Sato, Keitato Iwai
  • Publication number: 20120177328
    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: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Marcouiller, Paula Rudenick
  • Publication number: 20120170899
    Abstract: There are provided a method for reinforcing a splice part and a reinforcing structure, which enable reinforcement of a splice part of optical fiber cores with sufficient strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicants: NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE EAST CORPORATION, SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Homma, Kensuke Ito, Masahiro Hasegawa, Masayoshi Kagami, Sayuri Kagami, Naoto Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8152387
    Abstract: A polymer based index-matching gel for use with nanostructure optical fibers is disclosed. The index-matching gel has a viscosity ? at 25° C. of 3 Pa-s???100 Pa-s, which prevents the index-matching gel from wicking into the voids and down the nanostructure optical fiber to a depth where the fiber performance and/or device performance is compromised. The gel is suitable for use when mechanically splicing optical fibers when at least one of the optical fibers is a nanostructure optical fiber. The gel is also suitable for use in fiber optic connectors wherein at least one of the optical fibers constituting the connection is a nanostructure optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Seldon David Benjamin, Dana Craig Bookbinder, Timothy Edward Myers
  • Patent number: 8118495
    Abstract: An optical connector comprises a connector housing having splice means configured to abut a stripped and cleaved end surface of a plain fiber of an optical fiber cable onto an end of a fiber stub predisposed in the splice means to form an optical connection. A cable fixing assembly includes a cable fixing member and a cable holder for fixing an outer covering of the optical fiber cable introduced into said connector housing. The cable fixing member includes an opposing piece for slidably engaging with a guide section formed on the wall of an end cap of the connector housing. A step section is formed on the sliding surface of the opposing piece for sliding contact with the sliding surface of the guide section. The cable fixing member moves together with the optical fiber cable so as to reduce a distance between the splice means and the cable holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Akihiko Yazaki, Tomoyasu Oike, Takaya Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8118494
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector comprises an outer housing configured to mate with a receptacle and a collar body disposed in the outer housing. The collar body receives and secures a ferrule in a first portion of the collar body. The ferrule includes a central bore that defines an axis. The ferrule further includes a fiber stub disposed in a portion of the central bore, the fiber stub comprising a first optical fiber having a first end proximate to an end face of the ferrule and a prepared second end terminating within the ferrule. The collar body further includes a second portion that includes a housing portion to house a gripping device that grips a second optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Donald K. Larson, Sidney J. Berglund, Paul N. Winberg, James R. Bylander, Takaya Yamauchi, Tomoyasu Oike, Yukino Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 8111967
    Abstract: A mechanical splice apparatus including a mechanical splice with a groove and an aligning component with a wedge. When the wedge is engaged in the groove of the mechanical splice an opening is formed in the mechanical splice and when the wedge is disengaged from the groove, the opening closes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Patrick E. Dobbins
  • Publication number: 20120020630
    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: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Raychem BVBA
    Inventors: Kristof Vastmans, Yan Kelecom
  • Patent number: 8103144
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically splicing a pair of optic fibers or optic cables, the mechanical splice comprising: a ferrule having an axial capillary bore, the capillary bore configured to enclose the optic fibers at both ends of the ferrule; and cured epoxy disposed to secure together the ends of the optic fibers and to secure the optic fibers to an inside surface of the capillary bore, the ferrule optionally enclosed in a metal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Agiltron, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Zhao, Yongjun Wu, Yuanxin Shou, Qingdong Guo
  • Patent number: 8094988
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for verifying an acceptable splice termination include propagating light energy into the stub optical fiber of a fiber optic connector, detecting and collecting the amount of optical power emanating from the stub optical fiber at a termination area of the connector, converting the optical power to an electrical signal proportional to the amount of collected optical power, and displaying the electrical signal on a feedback monitor, such as an optical power meter, an LCD bar graph, or an LED. An initial (i.e., reference) value is obtained with the field optical fiber not in physical contact with the stub optical fiber. A final (i.e., terminated) value is obtained with the field optical fiber in physical contact with the stub optical fiber and terminated to the connector. The final value is compared to the initial value to determine whether the change (i.e., difference) is sufficient. Alternatively, the final value is compared to a predetermined limit or threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Bradley S. Billman, David W. Meek, Joshua D. Raker, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 8092100
    Abstract: A portable optical fiber processing apparatus is disclosed. The portable optical fiber processing apparatus of the present invention includes a base (1), which provides a space in which components are installed, and a sheathing stripping unit (10), which is provided on the base and strips sheathing from an optical fiber (R). The apparatus further includes an optical fiber cutting unit (40), which is provided on the base and cuts a portion of the optical fiber, from which the sheathing has been stripped, using a sliding cutter (43) in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, and a welding unit (50), which is provided on the base and welds junction portions of two optical fibers. The present invention is characterized in that a process of stripping sheathing from an optical fiber and cutting, cleaning and welding processes can be conducted using a single apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Ilsin Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Seop Song, Sang Chul Jun, Young Bae Seo
  • Publication number: 20110317967
    Abstract: The invention in certain embodiments relates to a spliced connection between first and second optical fibres, each of which has a fibre core and fibre cladding resting against said core. In said connection, the fibre cladding of at least one of the two fibres is completely removed in a connection region that extends for a predetermined length from the spliced end of the respective fibre in the longitudinal direction of the fibre and said connection is provided with a support sleeve, in which the spliced ends of the two fibres are located and which extends at least along the entire connection region of the first fibre and beyond, over the fibre cladding of the first fibre. The section of the support sleeve that extends over the fibre cladding of the first fibre does not rest against the fibre cladding of the first fibre and said sleeve is mechanically connected to the fibre core of the first fibre in the connection region of said first fibre, either directly or by means of an intermediate sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: JT OPTICAL ENGINE GMBH + CO. KG
    Inventors: Malte Kumkar, Marcin Michal Kozak, Ulrich Grusemann
  • Patent number: 8075200
    Abstract: A connecting part (1) for an optical connection of a first optical fiber (2) to a second optical fiber (3) comprises a sleeve-like cable mount (4) having a first cable receiving section (5), in which the first optical fiber (2) can be housed, and a second cable receiving fiber section (6), in which the second optical fiber (3) can be housed. The optical fiber ends (23, 24) of the two optical fibers (2, 3) can be welded together. Therefore, the second cable receiving section (6) is designed along the median longitudinal axis (L) in such a way, that it can be assembled and comprises a casing part (10, 10?) pivotable about a hinge (1). The weld joint is located within the pivoting range of the casing part. The cable mount comprises a screw-on coupling sleeve (8) for covering and fixation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Diamond SA
    Inventor: Harry Uboldi
  • Publication number: 20110299818
    Abstract: Apparatus for mechanically splicing two optic fibers, including a housing member having opposed first and second optic fiber receiving sections separated by an optic fiber splicing section; a clamping section having first and second optic fiber restraining members and a splice restraining member overlying respective ones of the first and second optic fiber receiving sections and the optic fiber splicing section, wherein the clamping section is movable between an optic fiber receiving position whereby optic fibers can be inserted into respective optic fiber receiving sections so that optic fiber cores of said optic fibers are in optical communication in the splicing section, and an optic fiber securing position whereby said optic fibers are held by frictional engagement between said optic fiber receiving sections and said restraining members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Brent David Allwood, Brett Hoe Slater, Bryce Nicholls
  • Patent number: 8070367
    Abstract: An LC format optical connector for terminating an optical fiber includes a housing configured to mate with an LC receptacle, the housing including a shell, a first resilient latch disposed on a surface of the shell, and a backbone. The LC format connector also includes a collar body disposed in the housing and retained between the outer shell and the backbone, wherein the collar body includes a fiber stub disposed in a first portion of the collar body. The collar body further includes a mechanical splice disposed in a second portion of the collar body, the mechanical splice configured to splice the second end of the fiber stub to a second optical fiber. The LC format connector further includes a trigger coupled to an outer surface of the housing backbone, the trigger including a second latch that engages the first latch when acted upon by a pressing force. An optical connector with a single piece latch structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Paul N. Winberg, Donald K. Larson, Wesley A. Raider
  • Patent number: 8068714
    Abstract: An optical fiber feedthrough assembly includes a glass plug disposed in a recess of a feedthrough housing. The glass plug may define a large-diameter, cane-based, waveguide sealed within the recess in the housing and providing optical communication through the housing. Sealing occurs with respect to the housing at or around the glass plug of an optical waveguide element passing through the housing by braze sealing to the glass plug and/or embedding the glass plug in a polymer bonded with the plug to form a molded body that is sealed in the housing by, for example, compression mounting of the molded body or providing a sealing element around the molded body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Dunphy, John J. Grunbeck, Trevor MacDougall, Matthew J. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20110286704
    Abstract: A method for providing a protected splice in a hybrid cable that has a fiber optic line and an electrical line includes the steps of providing a mechanical optic splice in the fiber optic line; providing a electrical splice in the electrical line proximate to the optic splice; providing a jacket over the optic splice; installing a boot over the electrical splice; disposing the jacket and the boot in a slotted sleeve; positioning the slotted sleeve within a housing; and anchoring the housing to the hybrid cable on opposing sides of the splices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott A. Rubinstein, Ramaswamy Meyyappan
  • Patent number: 8061907
    Abstract: A manifold for holding spliced optical fibers contained within fiberoptic ribbons in a secure and motionless manner. The manifold includes a “clamp” made from soft durometer material (SDM) such as high strength silicone mold-making rubber or dry polymer gel that has been partially sliced to a depth of about 75%. The manifold permits ease of insertion of a spliced optical fiber by itself, or a fiber associated with a ribbon, into, and removal from, an SDM-slice without disturbing other fibers, or ribbons, respectively, that are held in other slices in the manifold. In a particular embodiment SDM fills a four-sided hard plastic box to overflow. Slices in SDM are parallel to each other. The box has a hinged cover to exert pressure on overflow SDM material when the cover is closed to increase enveloping force on splice-junctions of embedded bare-glass optical fibers and on the ribbons containing those fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: George H. Mohrmann, Daniel L. Peterson
  • Patent number: RE44498
    Abstract: There are provided fiber optic local convergence points (“LCPs”) adapted for use with multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) that facilitate relatively easy installation and/or optical connectivity to a relatively large number of subscribers. The LCP includes a housing mounted to a surface, such as a wall, and a cable assembly with a connector end to be optically connected to a distribution cable and a splitter end to be located within the housing. The splitter end includes at least one splitter and a plurality of subscriber receptacles to which subscriber cables may be optically connected. The splitter end of the cable assembly of the LCP may also include a splice tray assembly and/or a fiber optic routing guide. Furthermore, a fiber distribution terminal (“FDT”) may be provided along the subscriber cable to facilitate installation of the fiber optic network within the MDU.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Guy Castonguay, Terry Dean Cox, Thomas Shaw Liggett, Selena Strickland, Elli Makrides-Saravanos, Brent Michael Frazier, Daniel S. McGranahan, Raymond Glenn Jay