Patents Assigned to Clearfield, Inc.
  • Patent number: 12287519
    Abstract: A flexible optical fiber connector comprises a first housing component configured to couple to a terminating connector, and a second housing component configured to receive an optical fiber for termination in the terminating connector. The first housing component and the second housing component are further configured to receive a pushable connector therethrough. A flexible optical fiber connector assembly comprises a flexible connector and a terminating connector coupled thereto. The flexible connector assembly is configured to couple to an adapter held by a holder coupled to a port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Brian Larson, Jeffrey Gniadek, David J. Johnsen, James John Henschel, Matthew John Brigham
  • Patent number: 12287516
    Abstract: A dustcap comprises a body having a cylindrical portion configured to receive a ferrule of an optical fiber connector, and an end portion opposite the cylindrical portion. The end portion includes a receptacle. The dustcap has a built-in cleaner disposed within the receptacle. The dustcap further comprises a removable cover configured to couple to the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the end portion includes a flat surface, the cleaner is disposed on the flat surface of the end portion, and the cover is configured to receive the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the cover has a receptacle and the cleaner is disposed within the receptacle, whereas the body comprises an end portion configured to receive at least a portion of the cover with the built-in cleaner. Embodiments encompass cleaner assemblies and adapter dustcaps having built-in cleaners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Patent number: 12265271
    Abstract: A sealed terminal has a housing, a splice tray, and a faceplate. The housing has an interior compartment and a first perimeter flange defining an opening into the interior compartment. The splice tray is positioned in the interior compartment and is configured to support a module or a cartridge. The faceplate has a plurality of ports and a second perimeter flange extending at a perimeter edge of the faceplate. The sealed terminal also has at least one connection bracket and a gasket for connecting the housing and the faceplate to each other. The connection bracket has a slot receiving the first perimeter flange and the second flange in an abutting position. The gasket is positioned between the first perimeter flange and the second perimeter flange and configured to seal any gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, David Joseph Johnsen, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Brian K. Larson, Timothy John Kjolsing
  • Patent number: 12164167
    Abstract: A modular pedestal distribution hub includes a pedestal and a cover attaching to and covering a portion of the pedestal. The pedestal includes a first pedestal section and a second pedestal section. Each of the first pedestal section and the second pedestal section are configured to be attached to form the pedestal. The cover includes a front cover and a back panel. The front cover and the back panel are configured to be attached to form the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Brian K. Larson, Brian S. Schrand
  • Patent number: 12153274
    Abstract: A flexible cable mounting system has one or more brackets. The flexible cable mounting system has an elongated surface affixed to the one or more brackets and configured to guide one or more cables generally parallel along the elongated surface. The elongated surface has a first portion having a generally linear profile. The elongated surface has a second portion having a generally linear profile. The elongated surface has a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The third portion is flexibly configured to vary an angle formed between the first portion relative to the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Donovan J. Hample, Brian K. Larson, Randy T. VanHorn
  • Patent number: 12092885
    Abstract: An aerial terminal for optical fiber communication comprises at least one feeder port and a plurality of distribution ports, the aerial terminal being configured to receive a fiber through the at least one feeder port and to output a plurality of fibers through the plurality of distribution ports. Embodiments may comprise stackable loose tube fiber splice chips having a plurality of lower slots and a plurality of upper slots stacked on the plurality of lower slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, William Cruzen
  • Patent number: 12007609
    Abstract: A dustcap comprises a body having a cylindrical portion configured to receive a ferrule of an optical fiber connector, and an end portion opposite the cylindrical portion. The end portion includes a receptacle. The dustcap has a built-in cleaner disposed within the receptacle. The dustcap further comprises a removable cover configured to couple to the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the end portion includes a flat surface, the cleaner is disposed on the flat surface of the end portion, and the cover is configured to receive the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the cover has a receptacle and the cleaner is disposed within the receptacle, whereas the body comprises an end portion configured to receive at least a portion of the cover with the built-in cleaner. Embodiments encompass cleaner assemblies and adapter dustcaps having built-in cleaners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Patent number: 11994731
    Abstract: An optical fiber pedestal box comprises a pedestal having a rail and an optical fiber box configured to mount to the pedestal. The optical fiber box is restricted in movement by at least one cable and the pedestal is configured to slide relative to the optical fiber box to accommodate cables moving because of ground heaving during freezing and thawing. The optical fiber pedestal box may be configured to receive different sizes and types of optical fiber cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Todd M. Bade, Walter E. Power, II
  • Patent number: 11971599
    Abstract: A sealed terminal has a housing, a cover, a splice tray, an adapter plate, and a splice chip. The cover is connected to the housing to close an interior compartment and has input ports for receiving one or more cables and an output adapter module having a plurality of distribution ports. The splice tray is positioned in the interior compartment and has one or more cable retainers configured to route the one or more cables within the interior compartment. The adapter plate is connected to the splice tray and has a plurality of adapters for connecting the one or more cables to the distribution ports. The splice chip is connected to the splice tray and has a plurality of slots for receiving and routing the one or more cables. The housing includes a radiused wall for routing the cables within the interior compartment without bending the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Walter E. Power, II
  • Patent number: 11899250
    Abstract: A flexible optical fiber connector comprises a first housing component configured to couple to a terminating connector, and a second housing component configured to receive an optical fiber for termination in the terminating connector. The first housing component and the second housing component are further configured to receive a pushable connector therethrough. A flexible optical fiber connector assembly comprises a flexible connector and a terminating connector coupled thereto. The flexible connector assembly is configured to couple to an adapter held by a holder coupled to a port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Brian Larson, Jeffrey Gniadek, David J. Johnsen, James John Henschel, Matthew John Brigham
  • Patent number: 11880080
    Abstract: An adjustable height optical fiber cable reel comprises a first piece having a first base plate and a first tab protruding from the first base plate, the first tab having a first opening and a second opening, a second piece having a second base plate and a second tab protruding from the second base plate, the second tab having a pin. The pin is configured to engage the first opening to lock the adjustable height reel at a first height, and to engage the second opening to lock the adjustable height reel at a second height. The adjustable height reel may also be coupled to a slack storage tray. Optical fiber enclosures may also be configured with adjustable height reels with optional slack storage trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Joshua J. Povlitzki, Dalen Defoe
  • Patent number: 11852875
    Abstract: A flexible optical fiber connector comprises a first housing component configured to couple to a terminating connector, and a second housing component configured to receive an optical fiber for termination in the terminating connector. The first housing component and the second housing component are further configured to receive a pushable connector therethrough. A flexible optical fiber connector assembly comprises a flexible connector and a terminating connector coupled thereto. The flexible connector assembly is configured to couple to an adapter held by a holder coupled to a port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Brian Larson, Jeffrey Gniadek, David J. Johnsen, James John Henschel, Matthew John Brigham
  • Patent number: 11822131
    Abstract: A pre-terminated end of a fiber optic cable has a protective cap that protects the optical fiber and the ferrule assembly at the terminal end. The protective cap has an attachment feature enabling a pull cord to attach to the protective cap. The protective cap has a body including an exterior surface and a receptacle formed in the body and configured to receive a portion of the fiber optic cable, and the attachment feature. The attachment feature includes a cavity formed in a tip of the body and at least two openings formed in the exterior surface of the body and connected to the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11709323
    Abstract: A connector pack for an optical fiber enclosure has a plurality of connector slots each for receiving a respective connector on a cable. The connector pack has a first set of connector slots on a first side of a connector pack body and a second set of connector slots on a second side of the connector pack body. The first set of connector slots and the second set of connector slots each include a latch opening for receiving a latch of a respective connector. The latch opening of the first set of connector slots is offset with respect to the latch opening of the second set of connectors. According to some embodiments, the latch opening of the first set of connector slots is inverted with respect to the latch opening of the second set of connector slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Randy T. VanHorn, Joshua J. Povlitzki, Timothy J. Kjolsing
  • Patent number: 11681108
    Abstract: A dustcap comprises a body having a cylindrical portion configured to receive a ferrule of an optical fiber connector, and an end portion opposite the cylindrical portion. The end portion includes a receptacle. The dustcap has a built-in cleaner and an alignment portion disposed within the receptacle. The dustcap further comprises a removable cover configured to couple to the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the end portion includes a flat surface, the cleaner is disposed on the flat surface of the end portion and below a bottom surface of the alignment portion, and the cover is configured to receive the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the cover has a receptacle and the cleaner and alignment portion are disposed within the receptacle, whereas the body comprises an end portion configured to receive at least a portion of the cover with the built-in cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Patent number: 11675139
    Abstract: A dustcap comprises a body having a cylindrical portion configured to receive a ferrule of an optical fiber connector, and an end portion opposite the cylindrical portion. The end portion includes a receptacle. The dustcap has a built-in cleaner disposed within the receptacle. The dustcap further comprises a removable cover configured to couple to the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the end portion includes a flat surface, the cleaner is disposed on the flat surface of the end portion, and the cover is configured to receive the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the cover has a receptacle and the cleaner is disposed within the receptacle, whereas the body comprises an end portion configured to receive at least a portion of the cover with the built-in cleaner. Embodiments encompass cleaner assemblies and adapter dustcaps having built-in cleaners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Patent number: 11644631
    Abstract: A sealed terminal has a housing, a cover, a splice tray, an adapter plate, and a splice chip. The cover is connected to the housing to close an interior compartment and has input ports for receiving one or more cables and an output adapter module having a plurality of distribution ports. The splice tray is positioned in the interior compartment and has one or more cable retainers configured to route the one or more cables within the interior compartment. The adapter plate is connected to the splice tray and has a plurality of adapters for connecting the one or more cables to the distribution ports. The splice chip is connected to the splice tray and has a plurality of slots for receiving and routing the one or more cables. The housing includes a radiused wall for routing the cables within the interior compartment without bending the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Walter E. Power, II
  • Patent number: 11640034
    Abstract: An aerial terminal for optical fiber communication comprises at least one feeder port and a plurality of distribution ports, the aerial terminal being configured to receive a fiber through the at least one feeder port and to output a plurality of fibers through the plurality of distribution ports. Embodiments may comprise stackable loose tube fiber splice chips having a plurality of lower slots and a plurality of upper slots stacked on the plurality of lower slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, William Cruzen
  • Patent number: 11635577
    Abstract: A sealed terminal has a housing, a splice tray, and a faceplate. The housing has an interior compartment and a first perimeter flange defining an opening into the interior compartment. The splice tray is positioned in the interior compartment and is configured to support a module or a cartridge. The faceplate has a plurality of ports and a second perimeter flange extending at a perimeter edge of the faceplate. The sealed terminal also has at least one connection bracket and a gasket for connecting the housing and the faceplate to each other. The connection bracket has a slot receiving the first perimeter flange and the second flange in an abutting position. The gasket is positioned between the first perimeter flange and the second perimeter flange and configured to seal any gap therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, David Joseph Johnsen, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Brian K. Larson, Timothy John Kjolsing
  • Patent number: 11579389
    Abstract: An optical fiber pedestal box comprises a pedestal having a rail and an optical fiber box configured to mount to the pedestal. The optical fiber box is restricted in movement by at least one cable and the pedestal is configured to slide relative to the optical fiber box to accommodate cables moving because of ground heaving during freezing and thawing. The optical fiber pedestal box may be configured to receive different sizes and types of optical fiber cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Todd M. Bade, Walter E. Power, II