Patents by Inventor Daniel M. Smith

Daniel M. Smith 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).

  • Publication number: 20210302647
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical fiber and a method of fabricating an optical fiber. The method includes providing an optical fiber, the optical fiber defining a length having a proximal end and a distal end. The optical fiber includes a first core profile zone defining a first core diameter, and a second core profile zone defining a second core diameter different from the first core diameter. The optical fiber includes a first transition zone connecting the first core profile zone to the second core profile zone. The first core profile zone, the second core profile zone, and the first transition zone are formed as a single, continuous fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Lei Huang, Daniel M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210149123
    Abstract: Systems and methods for angle polishing of the end faces of a plurality of optical connectors are provided. Systems are provided that include a connector defining a longitudinal axis, and at least two ferrules mounted with respect to the connector and arranged in a side-by-side orientation. The end faces of the connectors are movable relative to the connector and such movement facilitates lateral orientation of the angle polished end faces of the ferrules relative to the connector when in the mating position. Various mechanisms and methods for facilitating movement of the ferrules relative to the connector are disclosed to achieve the desired lateral polish orientation of the ferrule end faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2019
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Applicant: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Smith, Ryan J. Grandidge, Thomas Knychalski, Robert E. Abel
  • Publication number: 20210084788
    Abstract: An example ejectable cassette, guide column, and ejectable cassette system is provided. The ejectable cassette includes a housing including a proximal end, a distal end, a first side, and a second side. The ejectable cassette includes a first locking mechanism assembly at the first side of the housing. The first locking mechanism assembly includes a first locking tab slidably disposed along the first locking mechanism assembly. The first locking tab is biased towards the proximal end of the housing. The ejectable cassette includes a second locking mechanism assembly at the second side of the housing. The second locking mechanism assembly includes a second locking tab slidably disposed along the second locking mechanism assembly. The second locking tab is biased towards the distal end of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Applicant: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Smith, Thomas Knychalski, Ryan J. Grandidge, Rudolph A. Montgelas
  • Patent number: 10788640
    Abstract: Improved cable management assemblies and related methods of use are provided. The present disclosure provides advantageous systems for the design and use of splice managers configured to provide for user-friendly access for the splicing of media cables (e.g., optical fiber cables), while also providing for the management and storage of the spliced cables. An exemplary splice manager includes two integral spools, the splice manager being removable from the assembly housing (e.g., from the splice cassette/tray) to allow for the splicing of the fibers to be performed out in the open, and then enable the fiber excess from both the input cable and the fiber harness of the assembly housing to be spooled independently of one another on a respective spool, and then allow the splice manager to be re-mounted to the assembly housing (e.g., within the enclosure space of the splice cassette).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Smith, Ryan J. Grandidge, Rudolph A. Montgelas
  • Publication number: 20200247599
    Abstract: Advantageous packaging assemblies for use in optical fiber applications are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for improved packaging assemblies (e.g., bandolier-style packaging assemblies) that are configured and adapted to house a plurality of splice-on connector members (e.g., fusion splice-on connector members). The present disclosure provides for improved systems and designs for packaging assemblies for use with splice-on connector members, and where the packaging assemblies are cost-effective, efficient and/or user-friendly. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for improved, convenient, low-cost and effective systems and methods for easily packaging a plurality of splice-on connector members for later use (e.g., termination).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Smith, Ryan J. Grandidge
  • Patent number: 10585257
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved color-coded labels, and improved systems and methods for utilizing such color-coded labels. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous systems/methods for utilizing printable color-coded pattern label arrays for patch field applications and the like. The present disclosure provides improved methods for labeling data center applications (e.g., patch field applications). In exemplary embodiments, by fabricating a pre-printed, repeating pattern of the colors defined by industry specification TIA-598 to a roll/sheet of printable labels, this color coding can be advantageously applied to an array of patch field labels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20190324208
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved optical devices (e.g., discrete passive optical devices), and improved systems/methods for fabricating such optical devices. Systems/methods are provided for fabricating discrete passive optical devices by utilizing an advantageous cyclic core variance fabrication process/method. The cyclic core variance process/method employs a continuous process, but instead of having one constant core profile of the optical fiber, the core profile of the optical fiber varies cyclically, going back and forth between two or more core profile zones, with a gradual and properly-shaped transition zone in between. The core profile zones and transition zone can be custom formed (e.g., user-defined) to fabricate a variety of optical effects of the optical devices as desired, allowing a large variety of optical devices to be fabricated utilizing the exemplary cyclic core variance process/method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2019
    Publication date: October 24, 2019
    Applicant: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Smith
  • Patent number: 10187706
    Abstract: Improved fastener assemblies and related methods of use are provided. The present disclosure provides improved fastener assemblies configured to mount to patching systems and/or enclosures for media connections (e.g., copper-based and/or fiber optic connections), and related methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous systems/methods for the design and use of snap clip fastener assemblies configured to mount to media patching systems/enclosures that support media cables and/or facilitate cable management. The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for the design and use of improved fastener assemblies having advantageous attachment features and structures that are configured and dimensioned to easily mount with respect to a media patching system or enclosure or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Smith
  • Patent number: 10168502
    Abstract: Advantageous fiber optic connector assemblies (e.g., fiber cassette or adapter modules) are provided for use in communication systems, and improved methods for using the fiber optic connector assemblies are also provided. More particularly, improved systems/methods for the design and use of media patching systems having connector assemblies that include a slide lock member are provided. The connector assemblies are easily secured and/or unsecured to or from a media system (e.g., to or from a panel member of a media system). In exemplary embodiments, improved systems and methods are provided for easily securing and/or unsecuring fiber optic connector assemblies to or from a panel member or the like by utilizing advantageous connector assemblies that include a slide lock member, and related assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Grandidge, Normand James Roy, Michael James Moldoch, Daniel M. Smith, James P. Quinn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10162129
    Abstract: Advantageous optical fiber harnessing members for connector assemblies and related methods of use are provided. The present disclosure provides improved harnessing members configured to provide bend control of optical fibers in connector assemblies, and related methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous systems/methods for the design and use of internal harnessing members configured to provide bend control of optical fibers in duplex or quad uniboot connector assemblies. Disclosed herein are advantageous harnessing members providing bend control of optical fibers in connector assemblies (e.g., duplex or quad uniboot connector assemblies), thereby allowing optical fiber cable (e.g., light-construction cable, such as coated fiber with a 250 ?m diameter) to be successfully and reliably deployed in such connector assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Smith, Ryan J. Grandidge, James Lucy, Alex Richard, Randy L. Harris
  • Publication number: 20180196213
    Abstract: Advantageous fiber optic connector assemblies (e.g., fiber cassette or adapter modules) are provided for use in communication systems, and improved methods for using the fiber optic connector assemblies are also provided. More particularly, improved systems/methods for the design and use of media patching systems having connector assemblies that include a slide lock member are provided. The connector assemblies are easily secured and/or unsecured to or from a media system (e.g., to or from a panel member of a media system). In exemplary embodiments, improved systems and methods are provided for easily securing and/or unsecuring fiber optic connector assemblies to or from a panel member or the like by utilizing advantageous connector assemblies that include a slide lock member, and related assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Applicant: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Grandidge, Normand James Roy, Michael James Moldoch, Daniel M. Smith, James P. Quinn, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180129005
    Abstract: Improved cable management assemblies and related methods of use are provided. The present disclosure provides advantageous systems for the design and use of splice managers configured to provide for user-friendly access for the splicing of media cables (e.g., optical fiber cables), while also providing for the management and storage of the spliced cables. An exemplary splice manager includes two integral spools, the splice manager being removable from the assembly housing (e.g., from the splice cassette/tray) to allow for the splicing of the fibers to be performed out in the open, and then enable the fiber excess from both the input cable and the fiber harness of the assembly housing to be spooled independently of one another on a respective spool, and then allow the splice manager to be re-mounted to the assembly housing (e.g., within the enclosure space of the splice cassette).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Smith, Ryan J. Grandidge, Rudolph A. Montgelas
  • Publication number: 20180052287
    Abstract: Advantageous optical fiber harnessing members for connector assemblies and related methods of use are provided. The present disclosure provides improved harnessing members configured to provide bend control of optical fibers in connector assemblies, and related methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous systems/methods for the design and use of internal harnessing members configured to provide bend control of optical fibers in duplex or quad uniboot connector assemblies. Disclosed herein are advantageous harnessing members providing bend control of optical fibers in connector assemblies (e.g., duplex or quad uniboot connector assemblies), thereby allowing optical fiber cable (e.g., light-construction cable, such as coated fiber with a 250 ?m diameter) to be successfully and reliably deployed in such connector assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Applicant: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel M. Smith, Ryan J. Grandidge, James Lucy, Alex Richard
  • Publication number: 20180020269
    Abstract: Improved fastener assemblies and related methods of use are provided. The present disclosure provides improved fastener assemblies configured to mount to patching systems and/or enclosures for media connections (e.g., copper-based and/or fiber optic connections), and related methods of use. More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous systems/methods for the design and use of snap clip fastener assemblies configured to mount to media patching systems/enclosures that support media cables and/or facilitate cable management. The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for the design and use of improved fastener assemblies having advantageous attachment features and structures that are configured and dimensioned to easily mount with respect to a media patching system or enclosure or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Applicant: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8965772
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for displaying speech command input state information in a multimodal browser including displaying an icon representing a speech command type and displaying an icon representing the input state of the speech command. In typical embodiments, the icon representing a speech command type and the icon representing the input state of the speech command also includes attributes of a single icon. Typical embodiments include accepting from a user a speech command of the speech command type, changing the input state of the speech command, and displaying another icon representing the changed input state of the speech command. Typical embodiments also include displaying the text of the speech command in association with the icon representing the speech command type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Cross, Jr., Michael C. Hollinger, Igor R. Jablokov, Benjamin D. Lewis, Hilary A. Pike, Daniel M. Smith, David W. Wintermute, Michael A. Zaitzeff
  • Publication number: 20140208210
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for displaying speech command input state information in a multimodal browser including displaying an icon representing a speech command type and displaying an icon representing the input state of the speech command. In typical embodiments, the icon representing a speech command type and the icon representing the input state of the speech command also includes attributes of a single icon. Typical embodiments include accepting from a user a speech command of the speech command type, changing the input state of the speech command, and displaying another icon representing the changed input state of the speech command. Typical embodiments also include displaying the text of the speech command in association with the icon representing the speech command type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Cross, JR., Michael C. Hollinger, Igor R. Jablokov, Benjamin D. Lewis, Hilary A. Pike, Daniel M. Smith, David W. Wintermute, Michael A. Zaitzeff
  • Patent number: 8719034
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for displaying speech command input state information in a multimodal browser including displaying an icon representing a speech command type and displaying an icon representing the input state of the speech command. In typical embodiments, the icon representing a speech command type and the icon representing the input state of the speech command also includes attributes of a single icon. Typical embodiments include accepting from a user a speech command of the speech command type, changing the input state of the speech command, and displaying another icon representing the changed input state of the speech command. Typical embodiments also include displaying the text of the speech command in association with the icon representing the speech command type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Cross, Jr., Michael Charles Hollinger, Igor R. Jablokov, Benjamin D. Lewis, Hilary A. Pike, Daniel M. Smith, David W. Wintermute, Michael A. Zaitzeff
  • Patent number: 8571872
    Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems, and products are disclosed for synchronizing visual and speech events in a multimodal application, including receiving from a user speech; determining a semantic interpretation of the speech; calling a global application update handler; identifying, by the global application update handler, an additional processing function in dependence upon the semantic interpretation; and executing the additional function. Typical embodiments may include updating a visual element after executing the additional function. Typical embodiments may include updating a voice form after executing the additional function. Typical embodiments also may include updating a state table after updating the voice form. Typical embodiments also may include restarting the voice form after executing the additional function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Cross, Jr., Michael C. Hollinger, Igor R. Jablokov, Benjamin D. Lewis, Hilary A. Pike, Daniel M. Smith, David W. Wintermute, Michael A. Zaitzeff
  • Publication number: 20120022875
    Abstract: Exemplary methods, systems, and products are disclosed for synchronizing visual and speech events in a multimodal application, including receiving from a user speech; determining a semantic interpretation of the speech; calling a global application update handler; identifying, by the global application update handler, an additional processing function in dependence upon the semantic interpretation; and executing the additional function. Typical embodiments may include updating a visual element after executing the additional function. Typical embodiments may include updating a voice form after executing the additional function. Typical embodiments also may include updating a state table after updating the voice form. Typical embodiments also may include restarting the voice form after executing the additional function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Cross, JR., Michael C. Hollinger, Igor R. Jablokov, Benjamin D. Lewis, Hilary A. Pike, Daniel M. Smith, David W. Wintermute, Michael A. Zaitzeff
  • Patent number: 8090584
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for modifying a grammar of a hierarchical multimodal menu that include monitoring a user invoking a speech command in a first tier grammar, and adding the speech command to a second tier grammar in dependence upon the frequency of the user invoking the speech command. Adding the speech command to a second tier grammar may be carried out by adding the speech command to a higher tier grammar or by adding the speech command to a lower tier grammar. Adding the speech command to a second tier grammar may include storing the speech command in a grammar cache in the second tier grammar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles W. Cross, Jr., Michael C. Hollinger, Igor R. Jablokov, Benjamin D. Lewis, Hilary A. Pike, Daniel M. Smith, David W. Wintermute, Michael A. Zaitzeff