Patents by Inventor Darrell Childers
Darrell Childers 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).
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Publication number: 20230393351Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2023Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: Darrell Childers, Mitchell Cloud, Craig Conrad, Terry Lee Cooke, Jason Higley, Sherrh Clint Reinhardt
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Patent number: 11774684Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2022Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignees: CORNING RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, US CONEC LTD.Inventors: Darrell Childers, Mitchell Cloud, Craig Conrad, Terry Lee Cooke, Jason Higley, Sherrh Clint Reinhardt
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Publication number: 20230003949Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Inventors: Darrell Childers, Mitchell Cloud, Craig Conrad, Terry Lee Cooke, Jason Higley, Sherth Clint Reinhardt
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Patent number: 11474307Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2021Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignees: Corning Research & Development Corporation, US Conec LTD.Inventors: Darrell Childers, Mitchell Cloud, Craig Conrad, Terry Lee Cooke, Jason Higley, Sherrh Clint Reinhardt
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Publication number: 20210325614Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2021Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Darrell Childers, Mitchell Cloud, Craig Conrad, Terry Lee Cooke, Jason Higley, Sherrh Clint Reinhardt
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Patent number: 10073223Abstract: A clip connects two ferrules together, without a housing, to form a fiber optic connection. The clip has proximal and distal ends which define, and the clip has arms extending along the longitudinal axis to hold a cable-side ferrule in connection with fixed ferrule connected to a photonic module or die. The arms form an opening through which the cable-side ferrule is passed for connecting to the fixed ferrule. The arms have resilient bends forming a spring that can be resiliently extended along the longitudinal axis. The arms have a contact area at their ends which grasp the end of the cable-sided ferrule. The arms resiliently retract to compress the cable-sided ferrule towards the fixed ferrule with a predetermined force. The clip is positioned with respect to the circuit board using a pick and place system. The clip is not taller than either ferrule portion, enabling a limited vertical clearance.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2017Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tymon Barwicz, Jerome Bougie, Darrell Childers, Paul Francis Fortier, Alexander Janta-Polczynski, Stephan L. Martel
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Publication number: 20180052285Abstract: A clip connects two ferrules together, without a housing, to form a fiber optic connection. The clip has proximal and distal ends which define, and the clip has arms extending along the longitudinal axis to hold a cable-side ferrule in connection with fixed ferrule connected to a photonic module or die. The arms form an opening through which the cable-side ferrule is passed for connecting to the fixed ferrule. The arms have resilient bends forming a spring that can be resiliently extended along the longitudinal axis. The arms have a contact area at their ends which grasp the end of the cable-sided ferrule. The arms resiliently retract to compress the cable-sided ferrule towards the fixed ferrule with a predetermined force. The clip is positioned with respect to the circuit board using a pick and place system. The clip is not taller than either ferrule portion, enabling a limited vertical clearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2017Publication date: February 22, 2018Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tymon BARWICZ, Jerome BOUGIE, Darrell CHILDERS, Paul Francis FORTIER, Alexander JANTA-POLCZYNSKI, Stephan L. MARTEL
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Patent number: 9835804Abstract: A clip connects two ferrules together, without a housing, to form a fiber optic connection. The clip has proximal and distal ends which define, and the clip has arms extending along the longitudinal axis to hold a cable-side ferrule in connection with fixed ferrule connected to a photonic module or die. The arms form an opening through which the cable-side ferrule is passed for connecting to the fixed ferrule. The arms have resilient bends forming a spring that can be resiliently extended along the longitudinal axis. The arms have a contact area at their ends which grasp the end of the cable-sided ferrule. The arms resiliently retract to compress the cable-sided ferrule towards the fixed ferrule with a predetermined force. The clip is positioned with respect to the circuit board using a pick and place system. The clip is not taller than either ferrule portion, enabling a limited vertical clearance.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: Intenational Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tymon Barwicz, Jerome Bougie, Darrell Childers, Paul Francis Fortier, Alexander Janta-Polczynski, Stephan L. Martel
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Patent number: 9720188Abstract: A clip connects two ferrules together, without a housing, to form a fiber optic connection. The clip has proximal and distal ends which define, and the clip has arms extending along the longitudinal axis to hold a cable-side ferrule in connection with fixed ferrule connected to a photonic module or die. The arms form an opening through which the cable-side ferrule is passed for connecting to the fixed ferrule. The arms have resilient bends forming a spring that can be resiliently extended along the longitudinal axis. The arms have a contact area at their ends which grasp the end of the cable-sided ferrule. The arms resiliently retract to compress the cable-sided ferrule towards the fixed ferrule with a predetermined force. The clip is positioned with respect to the circuit board using a pick and place system. The clip is not taller than either ferrule portion, enabling a limited vertical clearance.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tymon Barwicz, Jerome Bougie, Darrell Childers, Paul Francis Fortier, Alexander Janta-Polczynski, Stephan L. Martel
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Publication number: 20170199337Abstract: A clip connects two ferrules together, without a housing, to form a fiber optic connection. The clip has proximal and distal ends which define, and the clip has arms extending along the longitudinal axis to hold a cable-side ferrule in connection with fixed ferrule connected to a photonic module or die. The arms form an opening through which the cable-side ferrule is passed for connecting to the fixed ferrule. The arms have resilient bends forming a spring that can be resiliently extended along the longitudinal axis. The arms have a contact area at their ends which grasp the end of the cable-sided ferrule. The arms resiliently retract to compress the cable-sided ferrule towards the fixed ferrule with a predetermined force. The clip is positioned with respect to the circuit board using a pick and place system. The clip is not taller than either ferrule portion, enabling a limited vertical clearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2017Publication date: July 13, 2017Inventors: Tymon BARWICZ, Jerome BOUGIE, Darrell CHILDERS, Paul Francis FORTIER, Alexander JANTA-POLCZYNSKI, Stephan L. MARTEL
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Publication number: 20170192181Abstract: A clip connects two ferrules together, without a housing, to form a fiber optic connection. The clip has proximal and distal ends which define, and the clip has arms extending along the longitudinal axis to hold a cable-side ferrule in connection with fixed ferrule connected to a photonic module or die. The arms form an opening through which the cable-side ferrule is passed for connecting to the fixed ferrule. The arms have resilient bends forming a spring that can be resiliently extended along the longitudinal axis. The arms have a contact area at their ends which grasp the end of the cable-sided ferrule. The arms resiliently retract to compress the cable-sided ferrule towards the fixed ferrule with a predetermined force. The clip is positioned with respect to the circuit board using a pick and place system. The clip is not taller than either ferrule portion, enabling a limited vertical clearance.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2015Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Tymon Barwicz, Jerome Bougie, Darrell Childers, Paul Francis Fortier, Alexander Janta-Polczynski, Stephan L. Martel
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Patent number: 7841777Abstract: An adapter with a dust shutter also provides eye protection and an even seal around the connector opening. The adapter includes a main body, a cover, and a resilient member to bias the cover in a closed position. The adapter also includes a flexible member to assist in sealing the adapter. The resilient member contacts the cover in a center portion and the cover floats relative to the main body to ensure a good seal.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: U.S. Conec, Ltd.Inventors: Joseph Howard, Myron Yount, Darrell Childers, Eric Childers, David Underwood
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Publication number: 20090185778Abstract: An adapter with a dust shutter also provides eye protection and an even seal around the connector opening. The adapter includes a main body, a cover, and a resilient member to bias the cover in a closed position. The adapter also includes a flexible member to assist in sealing the adapter. The resilient member contacts the cover in a center portion and the cover floats relative to the main body to ensure a good seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2008Publication date: July 23, 2009Inventors: Joseph Howard, Myron Yount, Darrell Childers, Eric Childers, David Underwood
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Publication number: 20070297726Abstract: A ferrule has at least one row of optical fiber openings to hold optical fibers. The ferrule also includes a lead-in portion for each of the optical fiber openings to assist in positioning the optical fibers into the optical fiber openings in the ferrule. The optical fiber openings in the ferrule are slightly smaller and have a similar spacing allowing for better fill between the optical fiber openings. A mold core that corresponds to the ferrule is disclosed. The mold core encapsulates at least a portion of the optical fiber opening forming pins, eliminating build up and breakage of the pins.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2007Publication date: December 27, 2007Applicant: US CONEC LTD.Inventors: Darrell Childers, Eric Childers
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Patent number: 7209375Abstract: Eccentricity of a optical fiber installed in a passageway of a ferrule is minimized by imposing a force on the end of the optical fiber projecting from the passageway at the ferrule end face to push the optical fiber to a desired position in the passageway, prior to curing an adhesive used for fixing the optical fiber in the passageway, so as to compensate for eccentricity of the passageway. In one embodiment, the force is imposed on the optical fiber by hanging a weight on the optical fiber. In another embodiment, the force is imposed on the optical fiber by using a pressurized jet of fluid. The point of application of the force, the magnitude of the force, and the viscosity of the adhesive are selected such that minimal optical fiber bending occurs, thereby assuring that the optical fiber is positioned at the desired position in the passageway for an appreciable distance from the ferrule end face along the passageway.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2003Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Brian J. Gimbel, James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn, Hieu V. Tran, Darrell Childers, Dennis M. Knecht
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Publication number: 20060285814Abstract: A dust cap for an optical ferrule is provided that has a sleeve with a first end and second end, the second end having at least one depression configured to engage a portion of the end face of an optical ferrule. The dust cap prevents dirt and debris from contaminating the front face of the optical ferrule if the optical ferrule has open guide pin holes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2005Publication date: December 21, 2006Inventors: Matthew Brown, Darrell Childers
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Publication number: 20060115217Abstract: A ferrule has at least one row of optical fiber openings to hold optical fibers. The ferrule also includes a lead-in portion for each of the optical fiber openings to assist in positioning the optical fibers into the optical fiber openings in the ferrule. The optical fiber openings in the ferrule are slightly smaller and have a similar spacing allowing for better fill between the optical fiber openings. A mold core that corresponds to the ferrule is disclosed. The mold core encapsulates at least a portion of the optical fiber opening forming pins, eliminating build up and breakage of the pins.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2004Publication date: June 1, 2006Inventors: Darrell Childers, Eric Childers
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Publication number: 20060115218Abstract: A boot for a ferrule is provided that has a body member having a first end and a second end with an opening therethrough. The opening also has a web member extending from the first end to the second end to define at least two channels. The boot may also have indicia on the outside surface to indicate a direction of insertion of the boot into the ferrule. The boot may also have a limiting member to prevent the boot from being inserted too far into the ferrule.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2004Publication date: June 1, 2006Inventors: Joseph Howard, Darrell Childers
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Patent number: 6821028Abstract: An interface system includes separate optical and mechanical interfaces between opto-electronic devices and fibers. This allows each of these components to be optimized for their particular function. The mechanical interface includes an aperture through which light is transmitted between the fibers and optical element on the optical interface. Protruding features on the optical interface mate with the aperture in the mechanical interface to align the optics block with the mechanical interface.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Digital Optics Corp.Inventors: James E. Morris, William Hudson Welch, Patricia Lee, Darrell Childers, Russell Granger, Eric Childers
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Publication number: 20040057678Abstract: An interface system includes separate optical and mechanical interfaces between opto-electronic devices and fibers. This allows each of these components to be optimized for their particular function. The mechanical interface includes an aperture through which light is transmitted between the fibers and optical element on the optical interface. Protruding features on the optical interface mate with the aperture in the mechanical interface to align the optics block with the mechanical interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2002Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: James E. Morris, William Hudson Welch, Patricia Lee, Darrell Childers, Russell Granger, Eric Childers