Patents by Inventor Alex Michael Sharf

Alex Michael Sharf has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9958497
    Abstract: A testing pluggable module includes a pluggable body extending between a front end and a mating end defining a mating interface with a communication connector of a receptacle assembly. The mating end is receivable in a module cavity of the receptacle assembly to mate with the communication connector. The pluggable body has an exterior forward of the mating end. The testing pluggable module includes an internal circuit board held in the pluggable body having a testing circuit operating at least one testing function. The testing pluggable module includes a user interface on the exterior of the pluggable body. The user interface has an input configured to operably control the at least one testing function of the testing circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alex Michael Sharf, Alan Weir Bucher
  • Publication number: 20180116063
    Abstract: Pluggable transceiver assembly includes a transceiver body having first and second plug portions and a common base portion that joins the first and second plug portions. The first and second plug portions are separated from each other by an elongated wall-receiving gap that is sized and shaped to receive a receptacle wall of a receptacle assembly. The pluggable transceiver assembly also includes a communication sub-assembly having a transceiver substrate that includes first and second plug sections and a shared section that joins the first and second plug sections. The first and second plug sections extend toward a leading end of the transceiver body from the shared section to substrate edges of the first and second plug sections, respectively. The substrate edges include electrical contacts configured to engage a corresponding receptacle connector of the receptacle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2016
    Publication date: April 26, 2018
    Inventors: Nathan Lincoln Tracy, Alex Michael Sharf, Michael David Herring
  • Patent number: 9941640
    Abstract: A connector is provided and includes a housing with an electronic module receiving passageway positioned therein. The housing includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing includes a pair of first sidewalls positioned opposite from each other and a pair of partitions forming a slot extending along each of the pair of first sidewalls. The second housing includes a pair of second sidewalls positioned opposite one another, an extension disposed on each the pair of second sidewalls and corresponding with the slot, and a plurality of ribs extending outward from the extension and corresponding with inner surface of the pair of partitions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignees: TE Connectivity Corporation, Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Youwei Pan, Hongqiang Han, Wenyu Liu, Jianzhong Pan, Steven David Dunwoody, Richard James Long, Matthew Ryan Schmitt, Alex Michael Sharf, Kevin Edward Weidner
  • Publication number: 20180059167
    Abstract: A testing pluggable module includes a pluggable body extending between a front end and a mating end defining a mating interface with a communication connector of a receptacle assembly. The mating end is receivable in a module cavity of the receptacle assembly to mate with the communication connector. The pluggable body has an exterior forward of the mating end. The testing pluggable module includes an internal circuit board held in the pluggable body having a testing circuit operating at least one testing function. The testing pluggable module includes a user interface on the exterior of the pluggable body. The user interface has an input configured to operably control the at least one testing function of the testing circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Alex Michael Sharf, Alan Weir Bucher
  • Patent number: 9853397
    Abstract: A pluggable module includes a plug body, a deflectable beam, and a tether. A rear end of the plug body is removably receivable in a module cavity of a cage member. The deflectable beam extends from a fixed end to a free end that is spaced apart from the plug body by a clearance gap. The deflectable beam includes a catch feature engaging a complementary catch feature of the cage member to secure the pluggable module in the module cavity. The tether extends through the plug body within a tether channel. A mounting end of the tether is secured to the deflectable beam and a handle of the tether projects beyond the front end of the plug body. Frontward movement of the handle deflects the deflectable beam into the clearance gap for disengaging the catch features to allow removal of the pluggable module from the module cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan Weir Bucher, Alex Michael Sharf
  • Patent number: 9728919
    Abstract: Receptacle assembly includes a receptacle cage having an interior cavity forming first and second module passages. The first and second module passages are configured to receive respective pluggable modules through first and second port openings, respectively, in a loading direction that is parallel to a Z-axis. The receptacle assembly also includes a cage cover positioned at the front end between the first and second port openings. The cage cover includes first and second module fingers. The cage cover also including a ground tab that engages an inner surface of the receptacle cage. The first and second module fingers extend lengthwise in the loading direction. The ground tab extends lengthwise along a Y-axis that is perpendicular to the Z-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven David Dunwoody, Alex Michael Sharf, Richard James Long
  • Patent number: 9666993
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a cage member receiving a pluggable module and providing electrical shielding for the pluggable module. The cage member is mounted behind a bezel and aligned with a bezel opening. The connector assembly includes an EMI skirt at the front end of the cage member. The EMI skirt includes plural spring beams integral and having a unibody design with the cage member. Each spring beam has a front bend at the exit point from the cage member, a base extending rearward from the front bend and an arm extending from the base outward in a direction generally away from the cage member. The cage member is positioned relative to the bezel such that the arms reside behind the bezel. The arms have bezel mating interfaces configured to engage and electrically connect to the bezel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard James Long, Alex Michael Sharf, Steven David Dunwoody
  • Patent number: 9583865
    Abstract: A pluggable module includes a pluggable body extending lengthwise between a mating end and a cable end. The pluggable body has a first end and an opposite second end with sides extending therebetween along a length of the pluggable body. The first end, second end and sides define a cavity. An internal circuit board is held in the cavity. The internal circuit board is provided at an end of a cable communicatively coupled to the internal circuit board. The pluggable body is configured to be plugged into a receptacle assembly such that the internal circuit board is communicatively coupled to a communication connector of the receptacle assembly. The pluggable body is defined by a first shell including the first end and the sides and may be formed by extrusion and may have increased thermal conductivity and a second shell including the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alex Michael Sharf, Alan Weir Bucher, Nikhil Shankar
  • Publication number: 20170047690
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a cage member receiving a pluggable module and providing electrical shielding for the pluggable module. The cage member is mounted behind a bezel and aligned with a bezel opening. The connector assembly includes an EMI skirt at the front end of the cage member. The EMI skirt includes plural spring beams integral and having a unibody design with the cage member. Each spring beam has a front bend at the exit point from the cage member, a base extending rearward from the front bend and an arm extending from the base outward in a direction generally away from the cage member. The cage member is positioned relative to the bezel such that the arms reside behind the bezel. The arms have bezel mating interfaces configured to engage and electrically connect to the bezel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: Richard James Long, Alex Michael Sharf, Steven David Dunwoody
  • Patent number: 9572285
    Abstract: A pluggable module includes a pluggable body extending between a mating end and a cable end. The pluggable body includes a single-piece, unitary shell defining a cavity. The shell is seamless around a perimeter of the shell. An internal circuit board is held in the cavity and surrounded by the unitary shell. The internal circuit board is provided at an end of a cable communicatively coupled to the internal circuit board. The pluggable body is configured to be plugged into a receptacle assembly such that the internal circuit board is communicatively coupled to a communication connector of the receptacle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard James Long, Alex Michael Sharf, Steven David Dunwoody
  • Patent number: 9509102
    Abstract: A pluggable module includes a pluggable body extending between a mating end and a cable end. The pluggable body has a first end and an opposite second end with sides extending therebetween along a length of the pluggable body. The first end, second end and sides define a cavity. An internal circuit board is held in the cavity. The internal circuit board is provided at an end of a cable communicatively coupled to the internal circuit hoard. The pluggable body is configured to be plugged into a receptacle assembly such that the internal circuit board is communicatively coupled to a communication connector of the receptacle assembly. The pluggable body includes a plurality of fins extending outward from at least one of the first end, the second end and the sides. The fins are provided proximate to the cable end of the pluggable body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Alex Michael Sharf, Alan Weir Bucher, Nikhil Shankar
  • Patent number: 9484678
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a cage member having a plurality of walls comprising side walls and an end wall defining a port configured to receive a pluggable module that is electrically connected to a communication connector housed within the cage member. The port has an airflow channel along the end wall allowing airflow through the port along the pluggable module. Standoff features extend from at least one of the end wall and the side walls. The standoff features extend into the airflow channel and are configured to engage the pluggable module and locate the pluggable module relative to the communication connector for mating thereto and locate the pluggable module relative to the airflow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Eric David Briant, Nikhil Shankar, Alex Michael Sharf, Michael David Herring
  • Patent number: 9419380
    Abstract: A pluggable module includes a pluggable body extending between a mating end and a cable end. The pluggable body has first and second ends with sides extending therebetween along a length of the pluggable body. The first end, second end and sides define a cavity. The pluggable body includes a plurality of fins extending outward from at least one of the first end, the second end and the sides. Channels are defined between the fins. The pluggable body has grid fins extending across the channels between adjacent fins. The pluggable module includes an internal circuit board held in the cavity. The internal circuit board is provided at an end of a cable communicatively coupled to the internal circuit board. The pluggable body is configured to be plugged into a receptacle assembly such that the internal circuit board is communicatively coupled to a communication connector of the receptacle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Alex Michael Sharf, Steven David Dunwoody, Richard James Long
  • Publication number: 20160211620
    Abstract: A pluggable module includes a pluggable body extending between a mating end and a cable end. The pluggable body has first and second ends with sides extending therebetween along a length of the pluggable body. The first end, second end and sides define a cavity. The pluggable body includes a plurality of fins extending outward from at least one of the first end, the second end and the sides. Channels are defined between the fins. The pluggable body has grid fins extending across the channels between adjacent fins. The pluggable module includes an internal circuit board held in the cavity. The internal circuit board is provided at an end of a cable communicatively coupled to the internal circuit board. The pluggable body is configured to be plugged into a receptacle assembly such that the internal circuit board is communicatively coupled to a communication connector of the receptacle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Alex Michael Sharf, Steven David Dunwoody, Richard James Long
  • Publication number: 20160211623
    Abstract: A pluggable module includes a pluggable body extending between a mating end and a cable end. The pluggable body has a first end and an opposite second end with sides extending therebetween along a length of the pluggable body. The first end, second end and sides define a cavity. An internal circuit board is held in the cavity. The internal circuit board is provided at an end of a cable communicatively coupled to the internal circuit hoard. The pluggable body is configured to be plugged into a receptacle assembly such that the internal circuit board is communicatively coupled to a communication connector of the receptacle assembly. The pluggable body includes a plurality of fins extending outward from at least one of the first end, the second end and the sides. The fins are provided proximate to the cable end of the pluggable body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Alex Michael Sharf, Alan Weir Bucher, Nikhil Shankar
  • Publication number: 20160211625
    Abstract: A pluggable module includes a pluggable body extending lengthwise between a mating end and a cable end. The pluggable body has a first end and an opposite second end with sides extending therebetween along a length of the pluggable body. The first end, second end and sides define a cavity. An internal circuit board is held in the cavity. The internal circuit board is provided at an end of a cable communicatively coupled to the internal circuit board. The pluggable body is configured to be plugged into a receptacle assembly such that the internal circuit board is communicatively coupled to a communication connector of the receptacle assembly. The pluggable body is defined by a first shell and a second shell. The first shell includes the first end and the sides. The second shell includes the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Alex Michael Sharf, Alan Weir Bucher, Nikhil Shankar
  • Publication number: 20160211626
    Abstract: A pluggable module includes a pluggable body extending between a mating end and a cable end. The pluggable body includes a single-piece, unitary shell defining a cavity. The shell is seamless around a perimeter of the shell. An internal circuit board is held in the cavity and surrounded by the unitary shell. The internal circuit board is provided at an end of a cable communicatively coupled to the internal circuit board. The pluggable body is configured to be plugged into a receptacle assembly such that the internal circuit board is communicatively coupled to a communication connector of the receptacle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Publication date: July 21, 2016
    Inventors: Richard James Long, Alex Michael Sharf, Steven David Dunwoody
  • Patent number: 9389368
    Abstract: A receptacle assembly includes a receptacle housing having a module cavity with communication connector positioned in the receptacle housing. The module cavity is oversized to selectively receive a finned pluggable module having a plurality of heat transfer fins and is configured to selectively receive an un-finned pluggable module having a thickness dimension that is smaller than a thickness dimension of the finned pluggable module. The mating interface of the communication connector being selectively matable with both the finned pluggable module and the un-finned pluggable module. Locating features being configured to engage and locate both the finned pluggable module and the un-finned pluggable module depending on which of the finned pluggable module or the un-finned pluggable module is loaded into the module cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Alex Michael Sharf
  • Publication number: 20160170162
    Abstract: A connector is provided and includes a housing with an electronic module receiving passageway positioned therein. The housing includes a first housing and a second housing. The first housing includes a pair of first sidewalls positioned opposite from each other and a pair of partitions forming a slot extending along each of the pair of first sidewalls. The second housing includes a pair of second sidewalls positioned opposite one another, an extension disposed on each the pair of second sidewalls and corresponding with the slot, and a plurality of ribs extending outward from the extension and corresponding with inner surface of the pair of partitions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Applicants: Tyco Electronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Youwei Pan, Hongqiang Han, Wenyu Liu, Jianzhong Pan, Steven David Dunwoody, Richard James Long, Matthew Ryan Schmitt, Alex Michael Sharf, Kevin Edward Weidner
  • Patent number: 9240656
    Abstract: A connector assembly includes a cable bundle, a backshell, and a conductive gasket. The cable bundle includes a plurality of cables. The cables each have at least one inner conductor, a grounding element, and a cover layer that surrounds the at least one inner conductor and the grounding element. The backshell has walls defining a cavity. The cavity receives a terminating end of the cable bundle. The backshell has a cable end. The cable bundle extends from the backshell through a cable opening at the cable end. The conductive gasket is held within the cavity of the backshell at least proximate to the cable opening. The conductive gasket is electrically connected to the backshell. The conductive gasket extends between the cables of the cable bundle. The conductive gasket engages the grounding elements of the cables to provide electrical current paths between each of the cables and the backshell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Long, Alex Michael Sharf, Jeffrey Stewart Simpson