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).

  • Patent number: 11874506
    Abstract: An assembly of two fiber optic ferrules allows for the mating of a CWDM fiber optic ferrule with a non-CWDM fiber optic ferrule. The CWDM fiber optic ferrule has optical fibers that carry optical beams with at least two different wavelengths, which the non-CWDM ferrule has optical fibers that carry only one wavelength. The CWDM fiber optic ferrule causes the optical beam to make at least one 90 degree turn. The non-CWDM fiber optic ferrule has a lens pitch that matches the CWDM ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: US Conec Lid.
    Inventors: Mitchell Cloud, DJ Hastings, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 11867951
    Abstract: An assembly of two fiber optic ferrules allows for the mating of a CWDM fiber optic ferrule with a non-CWDM fiber optic ferrule. The CWDM fiber optic ferrule has optical fibers that carry optical beams with at least two different wavelengths, which the non-CWDM ferrule has optical fibers that carry only one wavelength. The CWDM fiber optic ferrule and the non-CWDM fiber optic ferrule have optical fibers that are inserted along parallel axes. The non-CWDM fiber optic ferrule has a lens pitch that matches the CWDM ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, DJ Hastings
  • Patent number: 11860426
    Abstract: A dust plug for use in a pre-populated adapters has a main body having a top wall, a bottom wall, and two opposing side walls extending between the top wall and bottom wall. The dust plug also includes at least one pair of latches in a front portion of the main body and each of the at least one pair of latches may have an increased thickness at a forward end thereof. The area of increased thickness is sized to engage a receptacle in an inner surface of the housing when the dust plug is attached to the housing. Other versions contemplate not having the increased thickness. The dust plug preferably includes a grip at the back end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers
  • Publication number: 20230408775
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule and a fiber optic connector housing make contact only along two sides of the fiber optic ferrule when in an unmated condition. One of the fiber optic ferrule and the fiber optic connector housing have been modified such that only two of the surfaces engage one another. The shoulders can be shortened, lengthened, or have a projection added to the current surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jillcha F. Wakjira, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 11846813
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes, Mitchell Cloud
  • Publication number: 20230400642
    Abstract: A two-piece fiber optic connector and a corresponding two-piece adapter allow for the tripling of the optical fibers that can be used with a standard fiber-optic cassette. The two-piece fiber optic connector has a fold-over latch to engage the adapter. The two-piece adapter has at least one latch to engage the standard fiber-optic cassette to retain the two-piece adapter and the fiber optic connectors in the adapter within the cassette. This allows for the retrofitting and/or continued use of the standard fiber-optic cassette.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers
  • Publication number: 20230384533
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector has a crimp body that allows for a heat shrink tube to be abutted to the crimp band used with the crimp body or dispose underneath the crimp band to allow for the use with a VSFF fiber-optic connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Scott Mendenhall, Jason Higley, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers
  • Publication number: 20230358974
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 11808994
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20230350136
    Abstract: An optical interconnect assembly includes a pre-terminated trunk cable assembly with a cable bundle having a plurality of optical fiber trunk cables terminating in ribbonized groups of optical fiber and a plurality of terminated small form factor fiber optic connectors for inclusion in a pulling sock attached to the plurality of optical fiber trunk cables. Each of the connectors has a push-pull stick with a pair of side latches on opposing sides of the central portion, a ferrule push, a housing configured to engage the push-pull stick and the ferrule push, a miniature multi-fiber ferrule, and a dust cap. The components are provided inside the pulling sock with at least one additional one of the plurality of terminated small form factor fiber optic connector identical to the first small form factor fiber optic connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 11789212
    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: January 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • Publication number: 20230305239
    Abstract: A method for terminating a fiber optic ferrule included applying a force to a fiber optic ferrule while simultaneously holding the optical fibers. The fiber optic ferrule uses epoxy to hold the optical fibers, the epoxy can be either heat or light cured. The force is applied through a pusher that engages a cap on the front end of the fiber optic ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Inventors: Dirk E. Schoellner, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 11768336
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule and a fiber optic connector housing make contact only along two sides of the fiber optic ferrule when in an unmated condition. One of the fiber optic ferrule and the fiber optic connector housing have been modified such that only two of the surfaces engage one another. The shoulders can be shortened, lengthened, or have a projection added to the current surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jillcha F. Wakjira, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 11768335
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule has a main body with a top surface and a bottom surface and extends between a front end and a back end. The front face includes a recessed portion with a plurality of optical lenses. The front face is configured to allow for the plurality of lenses to be on an angle relative to the front face and the fiber optic ferrule will have not any undercuts and allow the fiber optic ferrule to be ejected from a mold without engaging any portions of the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd
    Inventors: Daniel D. Kurtz, Ke Wang, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 11768333
    Abstract: A two-piece fiber optic connector and a corresponding two-piece adapter allow for the tripling of the optical fibers that can be used with a standard fiber-optic cassette. The two-piece fiber optic connector has a fold-over latch to engage the adapter. The two-piece adapter has at least one latch to engage the standard fiber-optic cassette to retain the two-piece adapter and the fiber optic connectors in the adapter within the cassette. This allows for the retrofitting and/or continued use of the standard fiber-optic cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers
  • Publication number: 20230288650
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes, Mitchell Cloud
  • Patent number: 11733466
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20230251436
    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: April 13, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Applicant: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Jason Higley, Myron W. Yount
  • Patent number: 11719892
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector housing has a first portion to receive fiber optic ferrule holders and fiber optic ferrules. The fiber optic connector housing also includes a second portion for use during polishing and before one of the fiber optic ferrule holders is rotated 180°. The second portion is removed to allow for rotation and a third portion is attached to the first portion for connection with another fiber optic connector or assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers
  • Publication number: 20230244039
    Abstract: A two-piece fiber optic connector and a corresponding two-piece adapter allow for the tripling of the optical fibers that can be used with a standard fiber-optic cassette. The two-piece fiber optic connector has a fold-over latch to engage the adapter. The two-piece adapter has at least one latch to engage the standard fiber-optic cassette to retain the two-piece adapter and the fiber optic connectors in the adapter within the cassette. This allows for the retrofitting and/or continued use of the standard fiber-optic cassette.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers