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).

  • Mini duplex connector with push-pull polarity mechanism and carrier
    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
  • Data Center Interconnect for Optical Trunk Cables Having Miniature Multi-fiber Ferrules
    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
  • Field changeable fiber optic connector polarity keying
    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
  • Fiber Optic Ferrule and Method for Terminating a Fiber Optic Ferrule to Prevent Delamination
    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
  • Small form factor connector and adapter
    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
  • Stepped ferrule seating in an MTP inner housing
    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
  • Lensed fiber optic ferrule with simplified molding
    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
  • MINI DUPLEX CONNECTOR WITH PUSH-PULL POLARITY MECHANISM AND CARRIER WITH LATCH AND RAIL
    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
  • Mini duplex connector with push-pull polarity mechanism and carrier
    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
  • Fiber Optic Ferrule and A Guide Pin Clamp with Field Changeable Guide Pins
    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
  • Small form factor fiber optic connector with crossed angle polished ferrules and polishing cap therefor
    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
  • SMALL FORM FACTOR CONNECTOR AND ADAPTER
    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
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GUARANTEEING CORRECT POLARITY OF FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR
    Publication number: 20230228949
    Abstract: Fiber optic assemblies are used to link transceivers carrying a signal from the transmitter portion of one transceiver to the receiver portion of another transceiver. The fiber optic assemblies have fiber optic connectors with a gender of either male or female. When the fiber optic connectors have fiber optic connectors with the same gender, the plurality of optical fibers are inverted and when the fiber optic assemblies have fiber optic connectors with an opposite gender, the plurality of optical fibers are not inverted. The inversion may also occur when the fiber optic connectors have the opposite gender in an alternative embodiment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Mike Elbert Hughes
  • Flexible Push-Pull Boot
    Publication number: 20230213709
    Abstract: A new boot for a fiber optic connector has a ribbed back portion, a center portion, and a forward extending portion that can be used to insert and remove the fiber optic connector to receptacle. The ribbed back portion has grasping elements and is connected to the center portion. The center portion is removably connected to a crimp body that is in turn connected to the connector housing. The front extension is connected to the fiber optic connector and also provides a keying feature depending on the side of the fiber optic connector on which it is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Mitchell Cloud, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • Multi-Fiber Ferrule with Improved Eye Safety
    Publication number: 20230213708
    Abstract: A multi-fiber ferrule has lenses that have different prescriptions to disperse the light emitted from the multi-fiber ferrule. Alternatively, the lens for each individual optical fiber can be moved relative to the optical fiber or the optical fiber opening in the multi-fiber ferrule to cause the laser beam exiting the multi-fiber ferrule to be redirected into a structure that absorbs or blocks the laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Applicant: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Daniel D. Kurtz
  • Fiber optic ferrule and method for terminating a fiber optic ferrule to prevent delamination
    Patent number: 11681107
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Dirk E. Schoellner, Darrell R. Childers
  • Ferrule Seating Features for a Fiber Optic Connector
    Publication number: 20230176296
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector housing has seating features in an internal opening that coordinate with a flange on a fiber optic ferrule to have a secure and precise position for the fiber optic ferrule. There are at least one pair of ramps that may be attached to an inner connector housing wall and an opening wall. The flange has contacts that engage the ramps, which direct the fiber optic ferrule in a rotational direction as well as a translational direction to a final position. The seating features also ensure the correct position after the fiber optic ferrule has been mated and unmated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers
  • FIBER HANDLING TOOL WITH SPRING LOADED DOORS
    Publication number: 20230173646
    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: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Kolton Baer, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • OPTICAL FIBER SUPPORT STRUCTURE
    Publication number: 20230161110
    Abstract: An optical fiber support structure for an optical fiber includes a substrate having a groove configured to receive the optical fiber and running lengthwise generally parallel to the optical fiber and at least two projections from the substrate and into the groove, each of said at least two projections including a surface to receive the optical fiber. The optical fiber support structures may also be included in a fiber optic ferrule. There may also be a plurality of optical fiber openings included with the fiber optic ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel Kurtz, Darrell R Childers
  • HOUSING FOR A FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR
    Publication number: 20230161116
    Abstract: A housing for a fiber optic connector includes an opening extending between a front end and a rear end, and having an integral spring stop surface between the front end and the rear end. A front section receives an elastic member into the opening from the front end and the elastic member is engageable with the integral spring stop of the housing. There is a middle section of the main body to transition optical fibers between a fiber optic ferrule and a fiber optic cable. A rear section of the main body has an outer surface to engage a crimp ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad