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).

  • Optical connector assembly connectorized for non-permanent attachment to an optoelectronic substrate assembly
    Patent number: 11249265
    Abstract: An optical connector assembly (OCA) includes a connector housing to maintain alignment between optical components housed within the OCA and photoelectric converters on an optoelectronic substrate (OES) assembly. The optical components include a ferrule and an optical cable. The ferrule is optically coupled to the optical cable. The OCA includes a ferrule holder to hold the ferrule within the OCA, and a spring located between the connector housing and the ferrule holder. The spring is to apply a separating force between the ferrule holder and the connector housing. The OCA includes a gasket coupled to the connector housing. The coupling of the connector housing to a socket compresses the gasket to provide a seal between the connector housing and the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Kessler Rosenberg, George Panotopoulos, Kent Devenport, Darrell R. Childers, Cecil D. Hastings, Jr., Daniel D. Kurtz
  • Field Changeable Fiber Optic Connector Polarity Keying
    Publication number: 20220035105
    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: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • Secure MT ferrule latching with MPO adapter
    Patent number: 11237339
    Abstract: An adapter holds a multi-fiber ferrule in position to mate with a multi-fiber ferrule in a fiber optic connector. The adapter includes an adapter body that has a first opening in a first side of the adapter body that receives the multi-fiber ferrule and a second opening in the second side of the adapter body to removably receive the fiber optic connector. The adapter also includes a pair of latches connected to the adapter and disposed adjacent the first opening to engage and hold the multi-fiber ferrule in the adapter. The pair of latches are connected to the adapter body along longer edges of the first opening and extend in a direction away from the first and the second openings, the pair of latches having a terminal end and a non-uniform thickness between the adapter body and terminal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Shelly Ann Buchter
  • Apparatus and method for arraying optical fibers side by side on a pitch greater than the diameter of the fiber
    Patent number: 11231553
    Abstract: An optical fiber arranging tool has a base, a top surface, and a recessed channel extending along the base and has a plurality of ribs disposed within the recessed channel. The plurality of ribs have a pitch of 250 microns creating a plurality of grooves for receiving the optical fibers. The tool may also have a latch, there being a slot between the top surface of the base and an underside of the latch and in communication with the recessed channel. A method for aligning the optical fibers includes sliding individual optical fibers into a slot and the recessed channel, moving an object along the optical fibers in the recessed channel, passing the individual optical fibers through a respective one of a plurality of grooves created by ribs within the recessed channel and maintaining the individual optical fibers at a distance of 0.250 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Craig M. Conrad, Arnold Deal, III, Charles L. Bass, III
  • Guide Pin Holder for Guide Pins in an Adapter
    Publication number: 20220011526
    Abstract: A guide pin insert for an adapter to align two fiber optic connectors includes a central body having an opening configured to allow two fiber optic ferrules to mate therethrough, the opening having a longitudinal axis therethrough, a first guide pin holder in communication with the opening on a first side of the central body to engage a first guide pin, a second guide pin holder in communication with the opening on a second side of the central body to engage a second guide pin, a third guide pin holder spaced from the first guide pin holder along the longitudinal axis to engage the first guide pin, and a fourth guide pin holder spaced from the second guide pin holder along the longitudinal axis to engage the second guide pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad
  • Small Form Factor Fiber Optic Connector With Crossed Angle Polished Ferrules And Polishing Cap Therefor
    Publication number: 20220011525
    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: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers
  • Flexible Push-Pull Boot
    Publication number: 20210405302
    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: September 3, 2021
    Publication date: December 30, 2021
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Mitchell Cloud, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • Stepped Ferrule Seating in an MTP Inner Housing
    Publication number: 20210373253
    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: August 13, 2021
    Publication date: December 2, 2021
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Jillcha F. Wakjira, Darrell R. Childers
  • Lensed Ferrule with Low Back Reflection
    Publication number: 20210364708
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule has an entrance surface that is angled at an angle that other than perpendicular to the optical fiber axis. The optical fibers disposed within the fiber optic ferrule are preferably separated from the entrance surface. These features reduce the amount of reflection of the light back into the optical fiber and increase the performance of the fiber optic ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Daniel D. Kurtz, Ke Wang
  • APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ARRAYING OPTICAL FIBERS SIDE BY SIDE ON A PITCH GREATER THAN THE DIAMETER OF THE FIBER
    Publication number: 20210333480
    Abstract: An optical fiber arranging tool has a base, a top surface, and a recessed channel extending along the base and has a plurality of ribs disposed within the recessed channel. The plurality of ribs have a pitch of 250 microns creating a plurality of grooves for receiving the optical fibers. The tool may also have a latch, there being a slot between the top surface of the base and an underside of the latch and in communication with the recessed channel. A method for aligning the optical fibers includes sliding individual optical fibers into a slot and the recessed channel, moving an object along the optical fibers in the recessed channel, passing the individual optical fibers through a respective one of a plurality of grooves created by ribs within the recessed channel and maintaining the individual optical fibers at a distance of 0.250 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Craig M. Conrad, Arnold Deal, III, Charles L. Bass, III
  • Dust Plug for Adapter Pre-populated with MPO Housing
    Publication number: 20210325613
    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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers
  • Field changeable fiber optic connector polarity keying
    Patent number: 11150415
    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: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • Field changeable fiber optic connector polarity keying with color coding
    Patent number: 11150414
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector along with a tool allows for the changing of the polarity of the fiber optic connector. Keys are 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 change be changed. The keys may be colored differently to identify the polarity of the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Fiber Optic Ferrule and Method for Terminating a Fiber Optic Ferrule to Prevent Delamination
    Publication number: 20210302662
    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: March 25, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Dirk E. Schoellner, Darrell R. Childers
  • MINI DUPLEX CONNECTOR WITH PUSH-PULL POLARITY MECHANISM AND CARRIER
    Publication number: 20210286138
    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 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • MINI DUPLEX CONNECTOR WITH PUSH-PULL POLARITY MECHANISM AND CARRIER
    Publication number: 20210278609
    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 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes, Mitchell Cloud
  • Flexible push-pull boot
    Patent number: 11112567
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Mitchell Cloud, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • Alignment Adapter and Alignment Design for a Connector Therefor
    Publication number: 20210255403
    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: January 11, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Stepped ferrule seating in an MTP inner housing
    Patent number: 11092757
    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: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Jillcha F. Wakjira, Darrell R. Childers
  • Dust plug
    Patent number: D941284
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers