Patents Assigned to AFL Telecommunications, LLC
  • Patent number: 12265275
    Abstract: A patch panel may include a tray that is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position on tray supports and features for holding the tray in the retracted position and in the extended position. The patch panel may also include a cassette that is slidable on cassette supports, latches for engaging the cassette to block movement of the cassette and features for disengaging the latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Vogel
  • Patent number: 12235502
    Abstract: An organizer assembly includes a primary basket extending along a longitudinal axis between a first open end and a second closed end. The organizer assembly includes a backplate extending between a front wall and a rear wall, wherein a plurality of entry/exit slots are defined at the rear wall. The backplate further includes a plurality of positioning assemblies. The organizer assembly includes a hinge assembly connecting the backplate to the primary basket, wherein the backplate is rotatable relative to the primary basket at the hinge assembly about a lateral axis. The organizer assembly includes a plurality of organizer trays, each of the plurality of organizer trays rotatably connectable to the backplate at one of the plurality of positioning assemblies. Each of the plurality of positioning assemblies causes the connected one of the plurality of organizer trays to be selectively positionable in one of a plurality of rotational positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: David Wittmeier, Cecilia Stout, Will Miller
  • Patent number: 12181725
    Abstract: An organizer assembly includes a primary basket extending along a longitudinal axis between a first open end and a second closed end, the primary basket defining an interior. The organizer assembly further includes a bracket assembly extending along a transverse axis at the first open end of the basket, the bracket assembly including a plurality of hinge assemblies. The organizer assembly further includes a plurality of organizer trays, each of the plurality of organizer trays rotatably connectable to the bracket assembly at one of the plurality of hinge assemblies. Each of the plurality of organizer trays is rotatable between a first position wherein the organizer tray is aligned along the longitudinal axis and a second position wherein the organizer tray is aligned along the transverse axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: David Wittmeier, David Lane, Cecilia Stout, William Miller
  • Patent number: 12174442
    Abstract: A butt closure base includes a base housing extending along a longitudinal axis between a first outer surface and a second outer surface, the base housing defining a plurality of cavities between the first and second outer surfaces, the plurality of cavities aligned in an annular array. A first gel is disposed in each of the plurality of cavities. The butt closure base further includes a plurality of wedge assemblies, each of the plurality of wedge assemblies removably insertable into one of the plurality of cavities. Each of the plurality of wedge assemblies includes an outer cover, a second gel, and a main pressure plate in contact with the second gel. The main pressure plate is movable along the longitudinal axis to apply pressure to the second gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: David Wittmeier, Eddie Kimbrell
  • Patent number: 12169319
    Abstract: A patch panel includes a cabinet and a cassette. A pair of cassette guides is positioned within the cabinet. The pair of cassette guides are spaced along a lateral direction such that the cassette is receivable between the pair of cassette guides. The cassette is slidable along a transverse direction on the pair of cassette guides. At least one of the pair of cassette guides includes a first rail and a second rail that are spaced apart along a vertical direction. The cassette is slidable along the transverse direction between the first and second rails. Each end of the first rail is cantilevered such that each end of the first rail is moveable along the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Zidi Ye
  • Patent number: 12164165
    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 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignees: AFL Telecommunications LLC, FUJIKURA LTD
    Inventors: Joseph Cignarale, Doug Baker, Yoshio Hashimoto, Ken Osato
  • Patent number: 12130486
    Abstract: A fiber optic distribution cable includes a central inner jacket formed from one of a polyvinyl chloride or a low smoke zero halogen material, a plurality of optical fibers disposed within the inner jacket, and a plurality of first strength members disposed within the inner jacket. The fiber optic distribution cable further includes an outer jacket surrounding the central inner jacket, the outer jacket formed from the one of the polyvinyl chloride or the low smoke zero halogen material, and a plurality of second strength members disposed between the outer jacket and the central inner jacket. A fiber density of the cable is greater than 0.65 fibers per square millimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Rajesh Kamath, Michael Houck, Brett Villiger, Justin Quinn, Joseph Cignarale
  • Patent number: 12105335
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes: a sheath; a core that is housed in the sheath and comprises optical fibers; tensile strength members embedded in the sheath; and ripcords embedded in the sheath. Recesses and protrusions are disposed alternately in a circumferential direction on an outer circumferential surface of the sheath. The recesses each include: two connecting portions respectively connected to radial inner ends of two adjacent protrusions; and a bottom surface positioned between the two connecting portions. In a transverse cross-sectional view, the ripcords are positioned inside some of the protrusions, and the tensile strength members are positioned inside the remaining protrusions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Shogo Shimizu, Akira Namazue, Ken Osato
  • Patent number: 12078844
    Abstract: Optical fiber mass splice methods and assemblies are provided. A method may include securing a fiber clamp to a fiber setting fixture, the fiber setting fixture including a fiber alignment block and a backstop. A plurality of fiber grooves may be defined in the fiber alignment block. The method may further include inserting a plurality of optical fibers into the fiber setting fixture such that each of the plurality of optical fibers is disposed in one of the plurality of fiber grooves and contacts the backstop. The method may further include loading, after the inserting step, each of the plurality of optical fibers into the fiber clamp. The method may further include clamping the plurality of optical fibers in the fiber clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Ted Lichoulas, Chris Donaldson, Bobby Branks
  • Patent number: 12078846
    Abstract: A butt closure base includes a base housing defining a plurality of cavities. A first gel is disposed in each of the plurality of cavities. The butt closure base further includes a plurality of wedge assemblies, each of the plurality of wedge assemblies removably insertable into one of the plurality of cavities. Each of the plurality of wedge assemblies includes an outer cover, and a second gel. The butt closure base further includes a plurality of cable entry passages, each of the plurality of cable entry passages defined between one of the plurality of cavities and one of the plurality of wedge assemblies. The butt closure base further includes a plurality of bushings, each of the plurality of bushings disposed in one of the plurality of cable entry passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: David Wittmeier, Cecilia Stout, Edward Kimbrell
  • Patent number: 12044897
    Abstract: A fiber optic closure including a receptacle, a bracket assembly, and an adapter is provided. The receptacle includes an interior formed between a plurality of sidewalls, a base wall, and an end wall. The bracket assembly extends along a transverse axis and includes a main body and a plurality of hinge assemblies. The plurality of hinge assemblies is spaced apart in a linear array along the transverse axis. The adapter is connectable to the receptacle and the bracket assembly and includes a pair of pivot arms connectable to the bracket assembly. The pair of pivot arms extends along the longitudinal axis from a lateral wall extending along the lateral axis. The lateral wall is attachable to the receptacle via a pair of arms extending along the longitudinal axis from the lateral wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Wilfred Courchaine, William Miller
  • Patent number: 12019297
    Abstract: A fiber optic tray system includes a tray. The tray includes a tray body, the tray body extending along a longitudinal axis between a front and a rear and extending along a lateral axis between a first side and a second side. The tray further includes a plurality of alignment rails, each of the plurality of alignment rails protruding from the tray body along a transverse axis. The tray further includes a plurality of retainer features disposed at the rear of the tray body. The fiber optic tray system further includes a fiber optic module, the fiber optic module including an outer housing and at least one retainment feature. The at least one retainment feature is interfaced with at least one of the plurality of retainer features to retain the fiber optic module on the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Lou Guzzo
  • Patent number: 11994732
    Abstract: A fiber optic tray system includes a tray. The tray includes a tray body, the tray body extending along a longitudinal axis between a front and a rear and extending along a lateral axis between a first side and a second side. The tray further includes a plurality of alignment rails, each of the plurality of alignment rails protruding from the tray body along a transverse axis. The tray further includes a plurality of retainer features disposed at the rear of the tray body. The fiber optic tray system further includes a fiber optic module, the fiber optic module including an outer housing and at least one retainment feature. The at least one retainment feature is interfaced with at least one of the plurality of retainer features to retain the fiber optic module on the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Lou Guzzo
  • Patent number: 11898928
    Abstract: An optical power meter unit includes a transmitting/receiving port configured to connect to a fiber under test. The optical power meter unit also includes a light source and an optical power meter. The optical power meter unit further includes an optical fiber extending between the transmitting/receiving port and the optical power meter. The optical fiber has a core size greater than a core size of the fiber under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Bin Liu, Scott Prescott, Dale Eddy, Shawn P. Collins
  • Patent number: 11892699
    Abstract: A cable assembly includes a cable and a cable mounting clamp. The cable mounting clamp includes a base removably connectable to a surface. The base may include a tab removably insertable into an aperture defined in the surface and a lock releasably connectable to the surface. The base further includes an outer body which defines an inner channel and a support ramp disposed within the inner channel, the inner channel extending along a longitudinal axis. The cable mounting clamp further includes a cap connectable to the base to further define the inner channel therebetween. The cable mounting clamp further includes a roller tube disposed within the inner channel and rotatably mounted on the support ramp, the roller tube rotatable about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Wilfred J. Courchaine, Shirley Ball
  • Patent number: 11886029
    Abstract: Cable managers are provided. A cable manager includes a body configured to be selectively engaged with a loose end of a first cable, wherein the body defines an effective unbiased length, as measured in an unbiased state, and an effective biased length, as measured in a biased state, and wherein the effective biased length is greater than the effective unbiased length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Mark Vogel
  • Patent number: 11862957
    Abstract: A folding, flared utility vault or enclosure that may be used to protect public utility valves, electrical cables, switches, fiber optic cables, or the like is provided. The system generally comprises a base box having a front panel, back panel, and side panels. Alternative embodiments may further comprise an extension box having a front extension panel, back extension panel, and side extension panels. The various panels of the base box and extension box may have flared bottoms that prevent removal after installation. Additionally a user may attach extension boxes to the base box to increase the amount of storage area within the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Andru Bramblett, Erick Crosby, Dustin Nolen, Raymond G. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11822140
    Abstract: A patch panel may include a tray that is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position on tray supports and features for holding the tray in the retracted position and in the extended position. The patch panel may also include a cassette that is slidable on cassette supports, latches for engaging the cassette to block movement of the cassette and features for disengaging the latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Mark A. Vogel
  • Patent number: 11811211
    Abstract: A cable assembly includes a cable and a cable mounting clamp. The cable mounting clamp includes a base removably connectable to a surface. The base includes an outer body which defines an inner channel and a support ramp disposed within the inner channel, the inner channel extending along a longitudinal axis. The cable mounting clamp further includes a roller tube disposed within the inner channel and moveably mounted on the support ramp, the roller tube translatable along the longitudinal axis relative to the support ramp. The cable is inserted through the roller tube and extends through the inner channel, such that the cable is translatable with the roller tube along the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Kyle Marchek, Wilfred Courchaine, Mark Vogel, Shirley Ball
  • Patent number: 11789227
    Abstract: A fiber optic cassette includes a cassette body, the cassette body extending along a longitudinal axis between a front and a rear, extending along a lateral axis between a first side and a second side, and extending along a transverse axis between a bottom and a top. The fiber optic cassette further includes a plurality of fiber optic adapter apertures defined at the front of the cassette body. The fiber optic cassette further includes a side channel defined at the first side of the cassette body, the side channel including an entry aperture spaced from the rear of the cassette body along the longitudinal axis. The fiber optic cassette further includes a splice module receptacle defined in the cassette body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventors: Wilfred Courchaine, Shirley Ball