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).

  • Fiber handling tool with spring loaded doors
    Patent number: 11565378
    Abstract: A fiber handling tool has a cover to engage optical fibers placed in the fiber handling tool. There may be more than one cover and the covers have at least two elastic elements. There are at least two elastic elements that cooperate to hold the optical fibers and/or cable in place and another elastic element may be used with a door lock that is rotatably attached to the cover. There are also structures for managing the routing of the optical fibers within the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Kolton Baer, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • Field changeable fiber optic connector polarity keying
    Patent number: 11561349
    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: October 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • Multi-Port Uniboot Connector for Multi-Fiber Plug Housings
    Publication number: 20230012292
    Abstract: A cover for a fiber optic ferrule and ferrule push includes a sleeve extending lengthwise between opposed front and rear ends and defines a lengthwise-extending opening that opens through the rear end for receiving at least a portion of the fiber optic fiber optic ferrule and the ferrule push. The sleeve also includes a top side and an opposing bottom side, and two side walls extending between the top side and the bottom side and along at least a portion of the sleeve. A receiver is disposed in the top side to receive a projection associated with the ferrule push.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Mitchell Cloud, Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers
  • Single Port Blindmate for Fiber Optic Connectors
    Publication number: 20220413231
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly is mated with a bracket on a printed circuit board at one end and inserted into a backplane adapter that is adjacent a backplane. In particular a spring push in slidingly attached to the bracket and also to the housing of the fiber optic connector assembly. The housing of the fiber optic connector assembly insertable into the backplane adapter using passive alignment features. A fiber optic ferrule in the fiber optic connector assembly is biased in a forward direction by a spring in the spring push. At the same time the spring allows for movement of the spring push within the housing to allow for movement of the printed circuit board relative to the backplane adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Mini duplex connector with push-pull polarity mechanism and carrier with latch and rail
    Patent number: 11525965
    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: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes, Mitchell Cloud
  • LENSED FIBER OPTIC FERRULE WITH SIMPLIFIED MOLDING
    Publication number: 20220390684
    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: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2020
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicants: US Conec, Ltd, US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Daniel D. Kurtz, Ke Wang, Darrell R. Childers
  • Mini duplex connector with push-pull polarity mechanism and carrier using rail receiving portions
    Patent number: 11506848
    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: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Alignment Adapter and Alignment Design for a Connector Therefor
    Publication number: 20220357525
    Abstract: An adapter with novel alignment features engages alignment features on a plug, providing general alignment of the ferrule holders and ferrules in the plug. After the plug engages the adapter, the ferrule holders engage a second set of alignment features in the adapter to provide fine alignment for the ferrules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • External Laser Source Physical Contact Verification Of A Fiber Optic Ferrule
    Publication number: 20220342166
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule having an angled endface is used in a system where the system can detect back reflection if there is an air gap but not if the fiber optic ferrule is physically mated to another optical device such as a fiber optic ferrule or transceiver. The angle of the end face is preferably between 3 and 5° and most preferably about 4° for most systems. No special detection equipment is needed to infer and determine an acceptable physical contact between two mated fiber-optic ferrules having the angled end faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Michael E. Hughes, Darrell R. Childers
  • OPTICAL ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20220342162
    Abstract: An optical transceiver assembly includes an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, and a first multi-fiber ferrule exclusively connected to the optical transmitter via a first set of at least two optical fibers operable to transport respective optical signals away from the optical transmitter. The assembly includes a second multi-fiber ferrule exclusively connected to the optical receiver via a second set of at least two optical fibers operable to transport respective optical signals to the optical transmitter. The first set of at least two optical fibers is separate from the second set of at least two optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Michael E. Hughes, Darrell R. Childers
  • Flexible push-pull boot with a transition member
    Patent number: 11474308
    Abstract: A flexible push-pull boot extends between a front end and a rear end, a rear portion has a spine and a plurality of ribs extending from the rear end toward the front end. There is also a middle portion from which a plurality of front extensions extend. At least one of the front extensions has an inwardly extending projection on an inside portion of the front extensions to retain a housing therebehind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitchell Cloud, Craig M. Conrad, Darrell R. Childers
  • RESTRAINING MECHANISMS AND METHOD FOR RESTRICTING COMPONENT MOVEMENT DURING CURING FOR A FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR
    Publication number: 20220291457
    Abstract: A retaining mechanism engages springs in a fiber optic connector to prevent movement of the springs relative to the fiber optic ferrules and the housing during curing of an epoxy inserted into the fiber optic connector. The retaining mechanism may be removably attached to the housing of the fiber optic connector. It may be inserted from a rear end of the fiber optic connector or disposed around an outside portion of the housing. The retaining mechanism may also be integral with an inside surface of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes, Darrell R. Childers, Shubhrangshu Sengupta
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS USING CWDM FERRULE MATED TO A NON-CWDM FERRULE
    Publication number: 20220291459
    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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Mitchell Cloud, DJ Hastings, Darrell R. Childers
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS USING CWDM FERRULE MATED TO A NON-CWDM FERRULE
    Publication number: 20220276447
    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: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2020
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, DJ Hastings
  • Single port blindmate for fiber optic connectors
    Patent number: 11428875
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly is mated with a bracket on a printed circuit board at one end and inserted into a backplane adapter that is adjacent a backplane. In particular a spring push in slidingly attached to the bracket and also to the housing of the fiber optic connector assembly. The housing of the fiber optic connector assembly insertable into the backplane adapter using passive alignment features. A fiber optic ferrule in the fiber optic connector assembly is biased in a forward direction by a spring in the spring push. At the same time the spring allows for movement of the spring push within the housing to allow for movement of the printed circuit board relative to the backplane adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Fiber Optic Ferrule and A Guide Pin Clamp with Field Changeable Guide Pins
    Publication number: 20220260790
    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: May 5, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Method and apparatus for assembling uniboot fiber optic connectors
    Patent number: 11409054
    Abstract: A method for assembling a uniboot fiber optic connector includes the disposing of portions of optical assemblies against a first stop surface and a portion of an optical fiber jacket against a second stop surface. The stop surfaces may be disposed on a fixture that can be used to assemble the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers
  • Alignment adapter and alignment design for a connector therefor
    Patent number: 11385415
    Abstract: An adapter with novel alignment features engages alignment features on a plug, providing general alignment of the ferrule holders and ferrules in the plug. After the plug engages the adapter, the ferrule holders engage a second set of alignment features in the adapter to provide fine alignment for the ferrules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Non-ferrule damaging field removable guide pin
    Patent number: 11378759
    Abstract: A guide pin for aligning fiber optic ferrules includes an elongated cylindrical element with a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis therethrough, and a diameter. The distal end has a configuration to be insertable into a first ferrule to align the fiber optic ferrules. The proximal end is configured to be inserted into and retained in a guide pin opening in a second ferrule, the guide pin opening in the second ferrule having a diameter, the proximal end of the elongated cylindrical element having a first portion having a profile that is related to an arc with radius equal to or smaller than the diameter of the guide pin opening and a second portion having a profile defined by a line associated with the arc, the second portion being proximal relative to the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Darrell R. Childers
  • Ferrule Push
    Publication number: 20220196922
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule push includes a main body extending between a front end and a rear end, the main body having a central opening extending between the front end and the rear end to receive a plurality of optical fibers therethrough, a front facing surface configured to engage a rear surface of a fiber optic ferrule, and at least one projection extending outward from the main body to engage a housing configured to receive the fiber optic ferrule, the fiber optic ferrule push may also include a key extending outward from a surface of the main body. The fiber optic ferrule push may be paired with a fiber optic ferrule in a fiber optic assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Mitchell Cloud, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers