Patents by Inventor Darrell R. Childers

Darrell R. 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).

  • Publication number: 20110206324
    Abstract: An inner sleeve has a main body with an opening therein and a front and back end. The back end has projections or extensions to engage corresponding cavities on another inner sleeve to allow for movement of the inner sleeves relative to a outer portion into which the inner sleeves have been inserted. The outer portion may accommodate any number of inner sleeve pairs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Hiep Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20110150409
    Abstract: A field-installable multi-fiber ferrule has two portions and one portion has optical fibers already secured therein. The second portion receives optical fibers to mate with the secured optical fibers. A tool is provided to assist in inserting the optical fibers into the multi-fiber ferrule by aligning and holding the optical fibers while they are secured in the multi-fiber ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Joseph Howard, Eric Kent, Lisa Hart
  • Publication number: 20110019962
    Abstract: A sleeve has a handle and extensions to engage a fiber optic connector for insertion into and removal from high density adapters. The sleeve may have multiple connectors installed in a single sleeve and it may be removable. The sleeve has first and second extensions to engage the inner and outer housings, respectively, to insert and remove the fiber optic connector from an adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Myron Yount, Russell Granger, Joe Howard, Alan Benner, Robert K. Mullady
  • Publication number: 20100329613
    Abstract: A field-installable multi-fiber ferrule has two portions and one portion has optical fibers already secured therein. The second portion receives optical fibers to mate with the secured optical fibers. A tool is provided to assist in inserting the optical fibers into the multi-fiber ferrule by aligning and holding the optical fibers while they are secured in the multi-fiber ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Joseph Howard, Eric Kent, Lisa Hart
  • Publication number: 20100215319
    Abstract: A multi-fiber ferrule has openings for optical fibers, an integral fiber optic guide pin and an opening to receive a fiber optic guide pin. A plate is provided to align the optical fibers with the front face of the multi-fiber ferrule. A method for aligning the optical fibers with the front face of the multi-fiber ferrule is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Joseph P. Howard, Joseph L. Kaminski, Dirk E. Schoellner, Russell J. Granger, DJ Hastings
  • Publication number: 20100202735
    Abstract: A clip holds a plurality of optical fibers in an array to be inserted into a fiber optic ferrule. The clip has a base member and a lid to hold the optical fibers therebetween. A stacker block assists in making the array by aligning them in a single plane. The optical fibers are then held in alignment for stripping, cleaving and inserting into the fiber optic ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Joseph P. Howard, Myron Yount
  • Publication number: 20100135618
    Abstract: A unitary fiber optic ferrule reflects light off an interior lens and through the fiber optic ferrule. Optical fibers can be easily secured in the unitary fiber optic ferrule. An adapter to secure the unitary fiber optic ferrule to a optical component assembly is also presented. The adapter provides a sealing function for the lenses and to provide routing for optical fibers from other assemblies of unitary fiber optic ferrules and adapters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph P. Howard, Darrell R. Childers, Russell J. Granger
  • Publication number: 20090097800
    Abstract: A multi-fiber ferrule and optical fibers therein make easier contact with other multi-fiber ferrules and connectors with a small fiber tip radius and a modulus of elasticity. A method for qualifying multi-fiber ferrules (and connectors) is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Gurreri, James David Kevern, Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Lou Castagna, Mike Hughes, Darrell R. Childers
  • Publication number: 20080193086
    Abstract: An adapter for holding two multi-fiber ferrules in positions to mate with one another includes a main body, a opening extending through the main body configured to receive and optically and mechanically mate the two multi-fiber ferrules. Engagement members, which preferably rotate about an axis transverse to the opening, is disposed adjacent the opening on each side of the adapter to engage and hold the multi-fiber ferrules in the adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: US CONEC LTD
    Inventors: Joseph P. Howard, Darrell R. Childers, Russell J. Granger, Myron W. Yount
  • Patent number: 7296935
    Abstract: An adapter for holding a multi-fiber ferrule in position to mate with a fiber optic connector includes an adapter body having a first side and a second side, with a first opening disposed in the first side that is configured to receive the multi-fiber ferrule. A second opening is disposed in the second side of the adapter end is configured to receive a fiber optic connector. An engagement member, which preferably rotates about an axis transverse to the opening, is disposed adjacent the first opening to engage and hold the multi-fiber ferrule in the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R Childers, Russell J. Granger, Joseph P Howard, Myron W Yount
  • Patent number: 7245813
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Brown, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 6945706
    Abstract: A ferrule and a fiber guide member are provided for accurately positioning optical fibers at the front face of a ferrule. The fiber guide member can be used as a removable or permanent template to align the optical fibers in the ferrule. The fiber guide member may also be polished to provide a finished end face, or even removed in a polishing process. A method is also provided for accurately positioning the optical fibers in a ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brian J. Gimbel, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 6899467
    Abstract: A relatively small fiber optic plug is provided to facilitate pulling of the fiber optic plug and an associated fiber optic cable through small passageways. The fiber optic plug may include a shroud that protects the fiber optic connector and that may further define at least one opening, and preferably a pair of openings. The openings are sized to receive portions of an adapter sleeve once the fiber optic plug is mated with a fiber optic receptacle. The fiber optic plug may also include a cap mounted upon and adapted to swivel relative to the remainder of the fiber optic plug to serve as a pulling grip during installation of the fiber optic cable. Further, the fiber optic plug may include a crimp band that is mechanically coupled to both the fiber optic cable and the plug body in order to isolate the fiber optic connector from torque otherwise created by forces to which the fiber optic cable is subjected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: A. John McDonald, Stuart R. Melton, Hieu V. Tran, James P. Luther, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 6786650
    Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention is capable of precisely determining the orientation of the axis of the guide pin hole defined by a multifiber ferrule. Since the axis of the guide pin hole has a direct relationship to the alignment of the optical fibers, the method and apparatus can also precisely determine the end face angle of the ferrule based upon the axis of the guide pin hole without reference to external features of the ferrule. A measurement pin is initially positioned in a guide pin hole such that a first end of the measurement pin is disposed proximate the end face of the ferrule. The reference plane defined by the first end of the measurement pin is then measured, such as by an interferometer. Based upon the reference plane and the predetermined angle between the reference plane and the axis of the guide pin hole, the method and apparatus can precisely determine the orientation of the axis of the guide pin hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: David L. Dean, Jr., Darrell R. Childers, James P. Luther, Terry L. Cooke
  • Publication number: 20040101255
    Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention is capable of precisely determining the orientation of the axis of the guide pin hole defined by a multifiber ferrule. Since the axis of the guide pin hole has a direct relationship to the alignment of the optical fibers, the method and apparatus can also precisely determine the end face angle of the ferrule based upon the axis of the guide pin hole without reference to external features of the ferrule. A measurement pin is initially positioned in a guide pin hole such that a first end of the measurement pin is disposed proximate the end face of the ferrule. The reference plane defined by the first end of the measurement pin is then measured, such as by an interferometer. Based upon the reference plane and the predetermined angle between the reference plane and the axis of the guide pin hole, the method and apparatus can precisely determine the orientation of the axis of the guide pin hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: David L. Dean, Darrell R. Childers, James P. Luther, Terry L. Cooke
  • Publication number: 20040096165
    Abstract: An integrated optical module interface is provided that includes an opening for a fiber optic connector with fiber optic guide pins and a lens opening. The integrated optical module interface also has a plurality of alignment elements to assist in aligning an optical device with the fiber optic connector. Latch elements are also provided to secure a fiber optic connector in the optical module interface. Preferably, the optical module interface is unitary, but could also be made of two components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Russell J. Granger, Joseph P. Howard
  • Publication number: 20040062490
    Abstract: A ferrule and a fiber guide member are provided for accurately positioning optical fibers at the front face of a ferrule. The fiber guide member can be used as a removable or permanent template to align the optical fibers in the ferrule. The fiber guide member may also be polished to provide a finished end face, or even removed in a polishing process. A method is also provided for accurately positioning the optical fibers in a ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Brian J. Gimbel, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 6705767
    Abstract: A method and apparatus precisely determines the orientation of the axis of a guide pin hole defined by a multifiber ferrule, and therefrom, precisely determines an end face angle of the ferrule without reference to external features of the ferrule. A measurement pin is positioned in the guide pin hole with a first end disposed proximate the end face of the ferrule. A reference plane defined by the first end of the measurement pin is measured. The orientation of the axis of the guide pin hole is determined based upon the predetermined angle between the axis of the guide pin hole and the reference plane. A plane defined by at least a portion of the end face of the ferrule is then measured. The end face angle is precisely determined based upon the angular difference between the reference plane and the plane defined by the end face of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: David L. Dean, Jr., Darrell R. Childers, James P. Luther, Terry L. Cooke
  • Publication number: 20040047566
    Abstract: A relatively small fiber optic plug is provided to facilitate pulling of the fiber optic plug and an associated fiber optic cable through small passageways. The fiber optic plug may include a shroud that protects the fiber optic connector and that may further define at least one opening, and preferably a pair of openings. The openings are sized to receive portions of an adapter sleeve once the fiber optic plug is mated with a fiber optic receptacle. The fiber optic plug may also include a cap mounted upon and adapted to swivel relative to the remainder of the fiber optic plug to serve as a pulling grip during installation of the fiber optic cable. Further, the fiber optic plug may include a crimp band that is mechanically coupled to both the fiber optic cable and the plug body in order to isolate the fiber optic connector from torque otherwise created by forces to which the fiber optic cable is subjected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: A. John McDonald, Stuart R. Melton, Hieu V. Tran, James P. Luther, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 6648520
    Abstract: A relatively small fiber optic plug is provided to facilitate pulling of the fiber optic plug and an associated fiber optic cable through small passageways. The fiber optic plug may include a shroud that protects the fiber optic connector and that may further define at least one opening, and preferably a pair of openings. The openings are sized to receive portions of an adapter sleeve once the fiber optic plug is mated with a fiber optic receptacle. The fiber optic plug may also include a cap mounted upon and adapted to swivel relative to the remainder of the fiber optic plug to serve as a pulling grip during installation of the fiber optic cable. Further, the fiber optic plug may include a crimp band that is mechanically coupled to both the fiber optic cable and the plug body in order to isolate the fiber optic connector from torque otherwise created by forces to which the fiber optic cable is subjected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: A. John McDonald, Stuart R. Melton, Hieu V. Tran, James P. Luther, Darrell R. Childers