Patents Assigned to Siecor Corporation
  • Patent number: 6301413
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) includes a conventional optical fiber ribbon stack (12) with optical fiber ribbons having optical fibers. Ribbon stack (12) is disposed in a water blocking material (13) which, in turn, is surrounded by a core tube (14). Core tube (14) is surrounded by an outer jacket (15). The space between core tube (14) and jacket (15) includes fiber optic cable components (20,30,40). Cable component (20) provides strength and flame inhibiting capabilities to fiber optic cable (10) and may include a water blocking capability. Cable component (30) comprises a flame inhibiting capability, and may include a water blocking capability. Cable component (40) provides anti-buckling and flame inhibiting capabilities to fiber optic cable (10) and may include a water blocking capability. Fiber optic cable (10) meets flame and water blocking requirements, is manufactured at a low unit cost, and is easy to route through cable passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventor: Anne G. Bringuier
  • Patent number: 6213750
    Abstract: A guide block assembly and associated method are provided for retaining a plurality of fiber bore forming pins and at least one guide bore forming pin in precise relation to each other during molding of a multi-fiber ferrule used in a multi-fiber connector. The assembly comprises an array of fiber bore blocks each with a fiber bore therethrough to retain a respective one of the fiber bore forming pins. At least one guide block that defines a guide bore for retaining a guide bore forming pin is assembled with the array of fiber bore blocks. Adjoining surfaces are defined between adjacent fiber bore blocks and between the guide bore blocks and the array of fiber bore blocks. The use of bores more precisely retains the pins during the molding process, and the use of blocks with adjoining surfaces allows for the machining of such surfaces to precisely establish the relationships between successive fiber bore blocks and between the array of fiber bore blocks and the guide bore blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Dean, Alan J. Malanowski, Michael D. Domaille
  • Patent number: 6171526
    Abstract: A calibration apparatus and method for making a grooved plastic spacer for a slotted core telecommunications cable. The method includes attaching a calibration apparatus having helically shaped calibration members to an extrusion die. The calibration members are inserted into respective grooves of the spacer so that, as the spacer exits from the die, the calibration members maintain the shape of the grooves until the spacer is sufficiently cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Warren W. McAlpine, MaryAnn Clarke
  • Patent number: 6120193
    Abstract: The splice housing assembly provides a non-activated mechanical splice that provides temperature compensation such that the resulting splice is substantially unaffected by temperature fluctuations, thereby permitting the splice housing assembly to be formed of relatively inexpensive materials, such as plastic. The splice housing assembly includes a splice tube having a first end that is attached to an end portion of the first optical fiber. The splice housing assembly also includes a temperature compensator disposed at least partially within the splice tube. The temperature compensator defines an opening through which the end portion of the second optical fiber extends. The first end of the temperature compensator is attached to the second optical fiber and the second end of the temperature compensator is attached is the splice tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 6122424
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) includes a conventional optical fiber ribbon stack (12) with optical fiber ribbons having optical fibers. Ribbon stack (12) is disposed in a water blocking material (13) which, in turn, is surrounded by a core tube (14). Core tube (14) is surrounded by an outer jacket (15). The space between core tube (14) and jacket (15) includes fiber optic cable components (20,30,40). Cable component (20) provides strength and flame inhibiting capabilities to fiber optic cable (10) and may include a water blocking capability. Cable component (30) comprises a flame inhibiting capability, and may include a water blocking capability. Cable component (40) provides anti-buckling and flame inhibiting capabilities to fiber optic cable (10) and may include a water blocking capability. Fiber optic cable (10) meets flame and water blocking requirements, is manufactured at a low unit cost, and is easy to route through cable passageways.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventor: Anne G. Bringuier
  • Patent number: 6115527
    Abstract: A ribbon separation tool (10) for separating optical fiber ribbons (C1,C2,C3) into subsets of optical fibers. Ribbon separation tool (10) includes a stationary shearing device (27), and a moveable shearing device (17), the moveable shearing device (17) is operative to move relative to the stationary shearing device (27) during a shearing stroke. Optical fiber ribbon support members (42), with optical fiber ribbon receiving slots (46) being defined therebetween, are adjacent shearing devices (17,27). Moveable shearing device (17) is moveably located between optical fiber ribbon support members (42) and includes moveable sub-slots (90a,90b,90c). When a cover member (26) of tool (10) is in a closed position, stationary sub-slots (92a,92b,92c) of stationary shearing device (27) are aligned with moveable sub-slots (90a,90b,90c) to define shearing slots (90a,92a;90b,92b;90c,92c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Lochkovic, Richard H. Purdue
  • Patent number: 6101305
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) having a core tube (14) with a stack of optical fiber ribbons (12) therein, a jacket (20), and strength sections (30). Jacket (20) includes a non-uniform profile with close profile sections (22) and extended profile sections (26). Strength sections (30) comprise extended profile sections (26), dielectric strength rods (32), and ripcords (34) disposed between the strength rods. When it is desired to prepare fiber optic cable (10) for a cable pulling operation, portions of extended profile sections (26) are removed thereby exposing strength rods (32) and grip surfaces (22a) for receiving a pulling-grip (40). The compact size, flexibility, and light-weight construction of fiber optic cable (10) makes it a craft-friendly cable which is easy to route through cable passageways during the cable pulling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Richard S. Wagman, Eric R. Logan
  • Patent number: 6088499
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) includes a cable core (20) and a sheath section (40). Interstitial assemblies (30) are disposed between cable core (20) and sheath section (40, at least one of the interstitial assemblies (30) includes a ripcord (38). Ripcord (38) is operative, upon application of a sufficient outwardly directed pulling force, to rip a cable core binder (26) stranded around buffer tubes (23), water swellable tape (27), and a binder (29) stranded around tape (27). A craftsman need not use a cutting tool to cut binders (26,29) and/or tape (27) which saves time and avoids potential injury to the craftsman and inadvertent damage to buffer tubes or other cable components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Katharine Newton, Larry W. Field, Eric R. Logan
  • Patent number: 6078718
    Abstract: A device and method are provided to relieve strain in a plurality of optical ribbon fibers. In one embodiment, a tray has two sidewalls defining a passageway therebetween for receiving a grommet. The grommet defines a channel sized for receiving therethrough the plurality of optical ribbon fibers in a stacked arrangement. A compression clip fits over the grommet to compress the grommet proximal the channel the compress the optical ribbon fibers against each other in the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Merriken, Steven L. Stallings
  • Patent number: 6072932
    Abstract: A method for connectorizing fiber optic cables includes arranging a plurality of connectorized optical fiber jumpers having first and second opposed ends, such that the first end of each jumper is in parallel alignment with respect to the first end of each other jumper. Each of the second ends of the jumpers have a fiber optic connector disposed thereon. The first ends of the jumpers are then spliced onto a corresponding plurality of first ends of optical fibers of a fiber optic cable. Each of the first ends of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cable are also arranged in parallel alignment with respect to each other optical fiber so that the first ends of the optical fiber jumpers are axially aligned in an end-to-end relationship with the corresponding first ends of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cable. A jumper insert which has a tapered channel and a jumper seat which has a plurality of lengthwise extending bores which are provided to assist in arranging the jumpers in parallel alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Wayne Bennett, Michael J. Ott
  • Patent number: 6071442
    Abstract: A guide block assembly and associated method are provided for retaining a plurality of fiber bore forming pins and at least one guide bore forming pin in precise relation to each other during molding of a multi-fiber ferrule used in a multi-fiber connector. The assembly comprises an array of fiber bore blocks each with a fiber bore therethrough to retain a respective one of the fiber bore forming pins. At least one guide block that defines a guide bore for retaining a guide bore forming pin is assembled with the array of fiber bore blocks. Adjoining surfaces are defined between adjacent fiber bore blocks and between the guide bore blocks and the array of fiber bore blocks. The use of bores more precisely retains the pins during the molding process, and the use of blocks with adjoining surfaces allows for the machining of such surfaces to precisely establish the relationships between successive fiber bore blocks and between the array of fiber bore blocks and the guide bore blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: David L. Dean, Alan J. Malanowski, Michael D. Domaille
  • Patent number: 6068410
    Abstract: A splice housing assembly and an associated assembly method are provided in which the ferrule is mechanically decoupled from the splice body such that the ferrule has at least limited movement, typically in an off-axis direction, relative to the splice body. For example, the ferrule can be mechanically decoupled from the splice body by spacing the ferrule in a lengthwise direction from the splice body such that a medial portion of the first optical fiber extends between the ferrule and the splice body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Markus A. Giebel, James P. Luther, Dennis M. Knecht, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 6066798
    Abstract: A slotted core telecommunications cable includes a spacer made of plastic having a melt flow index equal to or greater than 0.65 g/10 min. Each spacer rib has a longitudinally extending base between adjacent groove corners whose thickness does not exceed about 1.3 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Warren W. McAlpine, MaryAnn Clarke
  • Patent number: 6061492
    Abstract: A apparatus and method are provided to provide a readily rearrangeable interconnection point between two fiber cables. A panel has a series of trays for holding joined fiber pairs. One of the cables is fanned out in equal length fanout tubes and fiber guides are located such that any fanout tube can be routed with its slack managed to any tray in the series of trays. As such, rearrangement of the fanout tubes along the series of trays is readily achieved. The complements of the other cable are routed to the other side of the trays. Inside the trays, the individual fibers are routed to joint holders. The trays are pivotally attached to the panel and hang at a downward angle. The trays are pivotable upward to allow access to lower trays. Opposed fibers are joined and the resulting joint is stored in the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Strause, Robert A. Burrous
  • Patent number: 6057018
    Abstract: A telecommunications cable includes an extruded plastic member formed of an extruded blend of a nonplasticized polyvinyl chloride and an ether-based polyurethane. The blend may be used in the extrusion of tubes or ribbons holding light waveguides or metallic conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventor: Ilona W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6053085
    Abstract: A ribbon separation tool (10) for separating optical fiber ribbons (C1,C2,C3) into subsets of optical fibers. Ribbon separation tool (10) includes a stationary shearing device (27), and a moveable shearing device (17), the moveable shearing device (17) is operative to move relative to the stationary shearing device (27) during a shearing stroke. Optical fiber ribbon support members (42), with optical fiber ribbon receiving slots (46) being defined therebetween, are adjacent shearing devices (17,27). Moveable shearing device (17) is moveably located between optical fiber ribbon support members (42) and includes moveable sub-slots (90a,90b,90c). When a cover member (26) of tool (10) is in a closed position, stationary sub-slots (92a,92b,92c) of stationary shearing device (27) are aligned with moveable sub-slots (90a,90b,90c) to define shearing slots (90a,92a;90b,92b;90c,92c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory A. Lochkovic, Richard H. Purdue
  • Patent number: 6052502
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) having a slotted rod (12) with grooves (22) formed therein. At least one groove includes a buffer tube (13) having a ribbon stack (14) supported in a tensile window position within buffer tube (13) by a water blocking material (15). Fiber optic cable (10) has an ample tensile window, whereby macrobending and microbending of optical fibers in the ribbon stacks (14) is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventor: J. Douglas Coleman
  • Patent number: RE37028
    Abstract: Light, flexible tubes are placed around optical fibers extending from the end of a cable jacket. A water impervious plug encases the end of the cable jacket and a portion of the flexible tubes. Couplers are attached to the light waveguide terminal ends and the optical couplers and the plug are placed in an opto-electronic equipment closure. The assembly is designed for use with cable television system aerial closures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Terry L. Cooke, David H. Mutzabaugh
  • Patent number: RE36592
    Abstract: A cable assembly for attachment to an entry port of an optical enclosure. The assembly includes a plug for an end of an optical cable in a sealed housing having a single rigid tube and a single sealed nut. Connectorized optical fibers or an optical ribbon extend from the plug into the equipment enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventors: Markus A. Giebel, Terry L. Cooke
  • Patent number: D422564
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Siecor Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald E. Arizpe