Patents Assigned to AFL TELECOMMUNICATION LLC
  • Fiber optic interior distribution cabinets
    Patent number: 10564376
    Abstract: A interior distribution cabinet includes a body defining an interior, the interior including a provider portion and a subscriber portion. The body further defines a subscriber cable entry slot, the subscriber cable entry slot disposed in a portion of the body defining the subscriber portion. The interior distribution cabinet further includes a first door selectively providing access to the provider portion, and a second door selectively providing access to the subscriber portion. The interior distribution cabinet further includes a connector storage tray disposed within the subscriber portion, the connector storage tray including a tray body defining a plurality of connector slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Vahid Ebrahimi, Shirley Ball, William Miller, Kelly Laffere
  • Fiber optic terminal enclosure
    Patent number: 10545304
    Abstract: A terminal enclosure with a terminal base with a hole; a terminal lid with an adapter mounting face and a mounting hole in the mounting face; a right angle transition body with first and second ends; an adapter which passes through the mounting hole and is mounted to the mounting face; and an fiber optic cable, attached to the second end of the right angle transition body, with an optical fiber with a connector at one end. The mounting face is formed at an angle ?, between 0 and 180 degrees, from a plane formed where the terminal lid and base meet. The optical fiber connector is connected to the adapter. The first end of the right angle transition body passes through the terminal base hole. The terminal base and terminal lid are configured to be attached together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Roger Vaughn, Ted Lichoulas, Wilfred Courchaine
  • Round and small diameter optical cables with a ribbon-like optical fiber structure
    Patent number: 10527807
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable including an optical fiber ribbon in a pipe, wherein the ribbon includes at least two optical fibers arranged side by side, and wherein at least two of the optical fibers are bonded intermittently along a length of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Cignarale, Doug Baker, Yoshio Hashimoto, Ken Osato
  • Round and small diameter optical cables with a ribbon-like optical fiber structure
    Patent number: 10520691
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable including an optical fiber ribbon in a pipe, wherein the ribbon includes at least two optical fibers arranged side by side, and wherein at least two of the optical fibers are bonded intermittently along a length of the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Cignarale, Doug Baker, Yoshio Hashimoto, Ken Osato
  • Optical connection terminals for fiber optic communications networks
    Patent number: 10520692
    Abstract: An optical connection terminal for a fiber optic communications network includes a base, the base comprising an exterior wall. The terminal further includes a cover connected to the base, wherein an interior cavity is defined between the base and the cover. The cover includes a bottom panel, a first end wall, a second opposing end wall, a first sidewall, and a second opposing sidewall, wherein the bottom panel extends between the first end wall and opposing second end wall and between the first side wall and second opposing sidewall. The terminal further includes an exterior channel defined in the bottom panel, and a stub cable port defined in the bottom panel within the exterior channel of the cover. The terminal further includes a plurality of connector ports defined in the exterior wall of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Wink Courchaine, Roger Vaughn, Vahid Ebrahimi
  • Weight reduced swage parallel groove clamp
    Patent number: 10483658
    Abstract: Provided is a parallel groove clamp with a body; at least one tap configured to engage with a cable; and at least one indentation provided on outermost surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Kelvin Turner
  • Communications module housing
    Patent number: 10451828
    Abstract: A communications module housing includes an enclosure defining an opening, and a tray movably positioned within the enclosure. The tray includes a base, and a front rail positioned on the base, the front rail including a plurality of first mounts. The tray further includes a platform positioned on the base, the platform including a plurality of second mounts. The tray further includes a rear rail positioned on the base, the rear rail including a plurality of third mounts. The first and second mounts correspond to mounting features of the first communications modules and the third mounts correspond to mounting features of the second communications modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Vahid Ebrahimi, Shirley Ball
  • Methods for characterizing an optical loss test set and determining optical loss
    Patent number: 10416040
    Abstract: Characterizing a first OLTS includes connecting a first test cable directly to a second power meter of the first OLTS, connecting the first test cable to a second test cable, and connecting the second test cable directly to a connection port of a second OLTS. The method also includes determining a first characterization power of the first OLTS by measuring an optical power of light transmitted from a light source of the second OLTS with the second power meter of the first OLTS. The method further includes disconnecting a first test cable from the second power meter of the first OLTS, connecting the first test cable directly to a connection port of the first OLTS, and determining a second characterization power of the first OLTS by measuring an optical power of light transmitted from the light source of the second OLTS with the first power meter of the first OLTS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Scott Prescott, Bin Liu
  • Communications module housing
    Patent number: 10416406
    Abstract: A communications module housing includes an enclosure defining an opening, and a tray movably positioned within the enclosure. The tray includes a base, and a front rail positioned on the base, the front rail including a plurality of first mounts. The tray further includes a platform positioned on the base, the platform including a plurality of second mounts. The tray further includes a rear rail positioned on the base, the rear rail including a plurality of third mounts. The first and second mounts correspond to mounting features of the first communications modules and the third mounts correspond to mounting features of the second communications modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Vahid Ebrahimi, Shirley Ball
  • Downhole Cables with Both Fiber and Copper Elements
    Publication number: 20190267159
    Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a downhole cable, the method including, forming a helical shape in an outer circumferential surface of a metal tube, the metal tube having a fiber element housed therein, and stranding a copper element in a helical space formed by the metallic tube. Also provided is a downhole cable including, a metallic tube having a helical space in an outer circumferential surface thereof, wherein the metallic tube has a fiber element housed therein, and a copper element disposed in a helical space formed by the steel tube. Double-tube and multi-tube configurations of the downhole cable are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Applicant: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Brian Herbst
  • Method for making bent tip fibers
    Patent number: 10386578
    Abstract: A method of making a bent tip fiber ball lens by moving a bender to a first side of a ball lens at an end of an optical fiber that has a first axis; moving the bender in a first direction such that the bender applies a force to the ball lens, wherein the ball lens and optical fiber is bent such that a first angle between the first axis and a second axis, which extends from an end of the ball lens and the end of the optical fiber is greater than zero; applying heat, for a first time, to the optical fiber at a location that is a first distance from the ball lens; removing the heat and allowing the optical fiber to harden such that the first angle is maintained after the bender force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Wenxin Zheng
  • Network interface devices
    Patent number: 10389095
    Abstract: A network interface device includes a housing. The housing includes a base and a cover, the cover connected to the base and movable relative to the base between an open position and a closed position. The network interface device further includes an insert removably connectable to the base. The insert includes a base plate, and an adapter plate extending from the base plate and defining a subscriber section of the insert and a provider section of the insert. The subscriber section and provider section are opposite each other relative to the adapter plate. The adapter plate defines one or more adapter apertures extending therethrough. The insert further includes an organizer arm which includes a support member, an upper portion extending from the support member, and a lower portion extending from the support member opposite the upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Cecilia L. Stout, David J. Lane, Shirley Ball, William Miller, Joseph Cignarale
  • Tactical deployable cables
    Patent number: 10386594
    Abstract: A tactical deployable cable is provided. The cable includes a fiber optic unit. The fiber optic unit includes a plurality of optical fibers, each of the plurality of optical fibers having a maximum nominal outer diameter of less than or equal to about 250 microns. The fiber optic unit further includes a UV cured resin layer surrounding and encapsulating the plurality of optical fibers. The fiber optic unit further includes a thermoplastic elastomer buffer layer surrounding the UV cured resin layer. The cable may include a thermoplastic jacket surrounding the fiber optic unit, and a plurality of strength members disposed between the jacket and the fiber optic unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Justin Quinn, Craig Stratton
  • Optical zooming system for fusion splicers
    Patent number: 10379289
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical zooming system for use on fusion splicers. The system may include a lens, camera, and a zooming mechanism, which allows the camera and the lens to move relative to each other. The zooming mechanism may be set to a “zoom out” configuration for aligning the cores of fibers. The zooming mechanism may also be set to a “zoom in” configuration for adjusting fibers with a large diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Toshirou Mizushima, Hiroshi Sugawara
  • Parallel testing of multiple optical fibers
    Patent number: 10382151
    Abstract: A method of concurrently testing a plurality of transmission mediums, using a testing device incorporating at least one processor and a single test program that allows a user to view multiple instruments as a single instrument with multiple input and output ports, includes setting up a plurality of instrument functions to perform tests on the plurality of transmission mediums using the single test program, and concurrently performing tests on the plurality of transmission mediums using the plurality of instrument functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Sean Adam, D. Dane Krampitz, Joseph Fitzgerald
  • Optical fiber temperature control system and method
    Patent number: 10379304
    Abstract: A method for monitoring optical fiber temperature includes heating an optical fiber using a heat source, and measuring an infrared radiation level emitted by an optical fiber during heating of the optical fiber. The method further includes comparing the infrared radiation level to a radiation level setpoint for the optical fiber to determine a radiation level error value. The method further includes adjusting a power level setpoint of the heat source based on the radiation level error value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Mohamed Amine Jebali
  • Laser feedback control systems
    Patent number: 10374384
    Abstract: A laser feedback control system includes a laser operable to emit a laser beam. The control system further includes a prism mirror which includes a first reflective surface. The first reflective surface is oriented to reflect the laser beam at a first angle to a first direction of travel of the laser beam. The control system further includes a sampling mirror, the sampling mirror partially reflective and oriented such that the laser beam reflected at the first angle by the first reflective surface encounters the sampling mirror at a polarization insensitive angle of incidence. The control system further includes a detector positioned to detect a portion of the laser beam transmitted through the sampling mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Mohamed Amine Jebali, Ryo Hasehawa
  • Optical fiber bulkhead splice assemblies for optical transceiver modules
    Patent number: 10353150
    Abstract: An optical fiber bulkhead splice assembly may include an optical transceiver module including an enclosure and a bulkhead extending from the enclosure. The optical transceiver module may further include a first optical fiber extending from the enclosure through the bulkhead. The assembly may further include a fiber optic cable comprising a second optical fiber. The assembly may further include a splice sleeve assembly at least partially disposed within the bulkhead. A first end of the first optical fiber and a second end of the second optical fiber may be optically spliced together and disposed within the splice sleeve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Ted Lichoulas, Eddie Kimbrell
  • Optical connection apparatus and assemblies
    Patent number: 10353160
    Abstract: An optical connection apparatus for a fiber optic connector is provided. The fiber optic connector has at least one optical fiber extending therethrough and terminating at a fiber end. The apparatus includes a photodetector, the photodetector including a photosensitive area having a first width along a first axis. The apparatus further includes an optical converging lens spaced from the photosensitive area along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the lens including an aperture having a second width along the first axis. A first distance is defined along the second axis between the photosensitive area and the lens. The apparatus further includes a body defining a slot for insertion of the fiber optic connector. A second distance is defined from the lens, the second distance opposite the first distance relative to the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Bin Liu, Magdy Sadek, Scott Prescott, Xiujiang Huang, Dane Krampitz
  • Fiber optic transition assemblies
    Patent number: 10353164
    Abstract: A fiber optic transition assembly includes a drop cable including a plurality of optical fibers and an outer jacket. The assembly further includes a plurality of furcation cables, each of the plurality of furcation cables surrounding an extended portion of one of the plurality of optical fibers. The assembly further includes a plurality of biasing members, each of the plurality of biasing members surrounding a first end portion of each of the plurality of furcation cables. The assembly further includes a transition member defining an interior, wherein a second end of the outer jacket and first ends of each of the plurality of furcation cables are disposed within the interior, each of the plurality of biasing members is at least partially disposed within the interior, and the plurality of optical fibers extend from the outer jacket to the furcation cables within the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: David James Lane, Shirley Ball, Wilfred Courchaine