Patents by Inventor Craig M. Conrad

Craig M. Conrad 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).

  • Field changeable fiber optic connector polarity keying
    Patent number: 10712507
    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: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • Fiber optic ferrule and a guide pin clamp with field changeable guide pins
    Patent number: 10712510
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Field changeable fiber optic connector polarity keying with color coding
    Patent number: 10712506
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector along with a tool allows for the changing of the polarity of the fiber optic connector. Keys are 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 change be changed. The keys may be colored differently to identify the polarity of the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: US Conec
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Optical fiber rearrangement device with containment channels
    Patent number: 10684438
    Abstract: A device for rearranging optical fibers has a proximal and distal ends. The ends have openings therein to allow optical fibers to pass therethrough. The openings in the distal end have a width that is less than twice the optical fiber's diameter. Dividers separate the distal end openings and have a projection that narrows the distal openings to prevent the optical fibers from accidentally moving out of the openings. A lid is also provided to assist with organization and compression of the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Craig M. Conrad, Darrell R. Childers, Brian J. Gimbel, Brian Pruett, Myron W. Yount
  • Strain Relief for the Fiber Optic Shuffle Case
    Publication number: 20190219788
    Abstract: A device for rearranging optical fibers has a proximal and distal ends. The ends have openings therein to allow optical fibers to pass therethrough. A crimp band may be included at either end to provide strain relief to the optical fibers as they enter and exit from the device. A lid with latches is also provided to assist with organization, security, and compression of the optical fibers. A tool is also provided to disengage the lid from the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Arnold Deal, III
  • Fiber Optic Ferrule and A Guide Pin Clamp with Field Changeable Guide Pins
    Publication number: 20190162918
    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: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Fiber Optic Guide Pin Changer and Field Tool with Adapter
    Publication number: 20190137696
    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: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley
  • Field Changeable Fiber Optic Connector Polarity Keying
    Publication number: 20190121032
    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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • Field Changeable Fiber Optic Connector Polarity Keying with Color Coding
    Publication number: 20190049670
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector along with a tool allows for the changing of the polarity of the fiber optic connector. Keys are 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 change be changed. The keys may be colored differently to identify the polarity of the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Fiber optic ferrule and a guide pin clamp with field changeable guide pins
    Patent number: 10197746
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Fiber optic guide pin changer and field tool with adapter
    Patent number: 10168487
    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: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley
  • Optical Fiber Rearrangement Device with Containment Channels
    Publication number: 20180341080
    Abstract: A device for rearranging optical fibers has a proximal and distal ends. The ends have openings therein to allow optical fibers to pass therethrough. The openings in the distal end have a width that is less than twice the optical fiber's diameter. Dividers separate the distal end openings and have a projection that narrows the distal openings to prevent the optical fibers from accidentally moving out of the openings. A lid is also provided to assist with organization and compression of the optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Craig M. Conrad, Darrell R. Childers, Brian J. Gimbel, Brian Pruett, Myron W. Yount
  • Field changeable fiber optic connector polarity keying with color coding
    Patent number: 10107969
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector along with a tool allows for the changing of the polarity of the fiber optic connector. Keys are 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 change be changed. The keys may be colored differently to identify the polarity of the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Optical fiber rearrangement device with containment channels
    Patent number: 10042137
    Abstract: A device for rearranging optical fibers has a proximal and distal ends. The ends have openings therein to allow optical fibers to pass therethrough. The openings in the distal end have a width that is less than twice the optical fiber's diameter. Dividers separate the distal end openings and have a projection that narrows the distal openings to prevent the optical fibers from accidentally moving out of the openings. A lid is also provided to assist with organization and compression of the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Craig M. Conrad, Darrell R. Childers, Brian J. Gimbel, Brian Pruett, Myron W. Yount
  • Field Changeable Fiber Optic Connector Polarity Keying with Color Coding
    Publication number: 20180164511
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector along with a tool allows for the changing of the polarity of the fiber optic connector. Keys are 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 change be changed. The keys may be colored differently to identify the polarity of the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Long Push Pull Sleeve Indicating Orientation
    Publication number: 20180136414
    Abstract: An outer housing on a fiber optic connector allows for easier grasping to insert and remove a fiber optic connector, and in particular, in high density applications. The outer housing extends beyond a rear end of an inner housing. The outer housing also includes a way for a technician to see if the fiber optic connectors are installed correctly from a variety of positions relative to the installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount, Michael E. Hughes
  • Fiber Optic Guide Pin Changer and Field Tool with Adapter
    Publication number: 20180120513
    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: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley
  • Field changeable fiber optic connector polarity keying with color coding
    Patent number: 9880361
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector along with a tool allows for the changing of the polarity of the fiber optic connector. Keys are 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 change be changed. The keys may be colored differently to identify the polarity of the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Fiber Optic Ferrule and A Guide Pin Clamp with Field Changeable Guide Pins
    Publication number: 20170176694
    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: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Sleeve for fiber optic connector
    Patent number: D860142
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount, Michael E. Hughes