Patents Assigned to US Conec
  • Patent number: 11815724
    Abstract: A new boot for a fiber optic connector has a ribbed back portion, a center portion, and a forward extending portion that can be used to insert and remove the fiber optic connector to receptacle. The ribbed back portion has grasping elements and is connected to the center portion. The center portion is removably connected to a crimp body that is in turn connected to the connector housing. The front extension is connected to the fiber optic connector and also provides a keying feature depending on the side of the fiber optic connector on which it is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: US CONEC, LTD.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Mitchell Cloud
  • Publication number: 20230358969
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector housing has a first portion to receive fiber optic ferrule holders and fiber optic ferrules. The fiber optic connector housing also includes a second portion for use during polishing and before one of the fiber optic ferrule holders is rotated 180°. The second portion is, removed to allow for rotation and a third portion is attached to the first portion for connection with another fiber optic connector or assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: US Conec. Ltd
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Michell Cloud, Darnell R. Childers
  • Publication number: 20230358972
    Abstract: A new boot for a fiber optic connector has a ribbed back portion, a center portion, and a forward extending portion that can be used to insert and remove the fiber optic connector to receptacle. The ribbed back portion has grasping elements and is connected to the center portion. The center portion is removably connected to a crimp body that is in turn connected to the connector housing. The front extension is connected to the fiber optic connector and also provides a keying feature depending on the side of the fiber optic connector on which it is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Mitchell Cloud
  • Patent number: 11808994
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 11789212
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector along with a tool allows for the changing of the polarity of the fiber optic connector. Keys may be installed in both the top and the bottom of the fiber optic connector, one in a first position and the other in a second position. Using the tool in one back-and-forth motion, the polarity of the fiber optic connector can be changed. The keys have a configuration that resist an incorrect insertion and provide better retention of the keys in the correct configuration due to a better retention force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • Patent number: 11774684
    Abstract: An interconnect system is provided that involves pre-installing a connector housing an optical connector in an adapter and a ferrule of the same optical connector on a cable. The ferrule terminates one or more groups of optical fibers, and a ferrule push component is also pre-installed on the same group(s) of optical fibers. The connector housing is configured to receive and retain the ferrule and ferrule push component without being removed from the adapter to simultaneously form the optical connector and install the optical connector in the adapter. Embodiments such an interconnect system involving high fiber-count cables and related installation methods involving many optical connections are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignees: CORNING RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, US CONEC LTD.
    Inventors: Darrell Childers, Mitchell Cloud, Craig Conrad, Terry Lee Cooke, Jason Higley, Sherrh Clint Reinhardt
  • Patent number: 11768336
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule and a fiber optic connector housing make contact only along two sides of the fiber optic ferrule when in an unmated condition. One of the fiber optic ferrule and the fiber optic connector housing have been modified such that only two of the surfaces engage one another. The shoulders can be shortened, lengthened, or have a projection added to the current surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jillcha F. Wakjira, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 11768335
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule has a main body with a top surface and a bottom surface and extends between a front end and a back end. The front face includes a recessed portion with a plurality of optical lenses. The front face is configured to allow for the plurality of lenses to be on an angle relative to the front face and the fiber optic ferrule will have not any undercuts and allow the fiber optic ferrule to be ejected from a mold without engaging any portions of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd
    Inventors: Daniel D. Kurtz, Ke Wang, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 11768333
    Abstract: A two-piece fiber optic connector and a corresponding two-piece adapter allow for the tripling of the optical fibers that can be used with a standard fiber-optic cassette. The two-piece fiber optic connector has a fold-over latch to engage the adapter. The two-piece adapter has at least one latch to engage the standard fiber-optic cassette to retain the two-piece adapter and the fiber optic connectors in the adapter within the cassette. This allows for the retrofitting and/or continued use of the standard fiber-optic cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 11733466
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 11726267
    Abstract: A combination of an adapter panel and at least one two-piece fiber optic adapter includes an adapter panel having a first side and a second side, the adapter panel having a window extending between the first side and the second side, the adapter panel having a thickness and a two-piece fiber optic adapter formed by joining a first piece to a second piece via a latching mechanism, each of the first piece and second piece having a longitudinal opening to receive fiber optic connectors from either side of the adapter panel. The latching mechanism is positioned at least partially within the window and the thickness of the adapter panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventor: Craig M. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20230251436
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule and a guide pin clamp allows for changing guide pins in the field. The guide pin clamp has a forward clamp portion, a rearward clamp portion configured to engage the biasing spring and a guide pin retaining plate. The forward clamp portion and the rearward clamp portion move relative to one another to also move guide pin retaining plate from a first position to a second position to allow for the removal or insertion of guide pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Jason Higley, Myron W. Yount
  • Patent number: 11719892
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector housing has a first portion to receive fiber optic ferrule holders and fiber optic ferrules. The fiber optic connector housing also includes a second portion for use during polishing and before one of the fiber optic ferrule holders is rotated 180°. The second portion is removed to allow for rotation and a third portion is attached to the first portion for connection with another fiber optic connector or assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 11719893
    Abstract: A new boot for a fiber optic connector has a ribbed back portion, a center portion, and a forward extending portion that can be used to insert and remove the fiber optic connector to receptacle. The ribbed back portion has grasping elements and is connected to the center portion. The center portion is removably connected to a crimp body that is in turn connected to the connector housing. The front extension is connected to the fiber optic connector and also provides a keying feature depending on the side of the fiber optic connector on which it is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Mitchell Cloud
  • Publication number: 20230213708
    Abstract: A multi-fiber ferrule has lenses that have different prescriptions to disperse the light emitted from the multi-fiber ferrule. Alternatively, the lens for each individual optical fiber can be moved relative to the optical fiber or the optical fiber opening in the multi-fiber ferrule to cause the laser beam exiting the multi-fiber ferrule to be redirected into a structure that absorbs or blocks the laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Daniel D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 11693192
    Abstract: A pin exchanger has protrusions from gripping elements that engage fiber optic guide pins. Guide beams on the pin exchanger provide a reference for aligning the guide pins and the pin exchanger with a fiber optic connector and a fiber optic ferrule. An adapter is also provided that has openings to receive the guide beams. The adapter is preferably installed in a field tool and together they engage the fiber optic connector, align the pin exchanger and move the guide pin holder to allow guide pins to be inserted or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley
  • Patent number: 11681107
    Abstract: A method for terminating a fiber optic ferrule included applying a force to a fiber optic ferrule while simultaneously holding the optical fibers. The fiber optic ferrule uses epoxy to hold the optical fibers, the epoxy can be either heat or light cured. The force is applied through a pusher that engages a cap on the front end of the fiber optic ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Dirk E. Schoellner, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 11681106
    Abstract: A two-piece spring push includes a main body portion and a cap. The cap is attached to the main body portion through a locking member that is disposed within a slot in the main body. The main body also includes alignment features that are received by the cap. The cap may have a bump that extends into an opening of the main body to limit the movement of optical fibers inserted therein. A front face of the cap engages a portion of a housing of a fiber optic connector when assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventor: Craig M. Conrad
  • Patent number: 11662529
    Abstract: A multi-fiber, fiber optic connector is provided having a housing having a first end for receiving a multi-fiber fiber optic cable and a second end having openings for the fibers from the cable. First and second keys for setting the polarity of the fibers within the connector located on opposing sides of the connector. The connector has either one of guide pins or guide pin receiving holes for guiding the connection with a second connector. The keys are movable between a first active position and a second retracted position, such that when one of the keys is in the first active position, the fibers are presented within the connector in a first polarity and when the second key is in the first active position, the fibers are presented within the connector in a second polarity reversed from the first polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: US CONEC, LTD.
    Inventors: Paul Michael Good, William E. Ayres, III, Greg Heffner
  • Patent number: 11650379
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a housing and push-pull boot with a latch body disposed between a front extension of the push-pull boot and a top side of the housing. The latch body has an anti-buckle feature, which may be a projection. The anti-buckle feature movable between a relaxed position and a stressed position, wherein the anti-buckle feature is in contact with the housing in the stressed position to prevent the latch body from buckling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventor: Jason Higley