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).

  • Field Changeable Fiber Optic Connector Polarity Keying
    Publication number: 20230161113
    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: January 23, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • FIBER OPTIC FERRULE AND FIBER OPTIC FERRULE RECEIVER
    Publication number: 20230161115
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule receiver includes a main body that has an opening extending between the front end and the rear end and being defined at least by a portion of internal surfaces of the four sides. A first side in the opening has first tapered surface and a second tapered surface, the first tapered surface reducing the opening between the rear end and a first position and the second tapered surface increasing the opening between the first position and the front end. There is also a second side in the opening and across the opening from the first side, the second side has a third tapered surface and a fourth tapered surface, the third tapered surface reducing the opening between the rear end and a second position and the second tapered surface increasing the opening between the second position and the front end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad
  • FERRULE WITH MOLDED INTERNAL TILTED REFRACTIVE SURFACES
    Publication number: 20230147914
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule has a main body having a front end, a rear end, and a top surface and a bottom surface joined together by opposing side surfaces and has a longitudinal axis. There are a plurality of optical fiber support structures disposed between the front end and rear end and configured to receive a plurality of optical fibers. The fiber optic ferrule has an end face at the front end of the fiber optic ferrule through which an optical beam passes. There are also a front facing refractive surface and a rear facing refractive surface, the rear facing refractive surface being closer to the end face than the front facing refractive surface, both being at an angle to the front facing refractive surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2021
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel Kurtz, Ke Wang, Darrell R. Childers
  • Fiber Optic Connector Push-Pull Boot with Self-Locking Boot Latch
    Publication number: 20230145020
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a connector body, a release member attached to the connector body and having a boot latch opening at a rear end, a push-pull boot attached to the release member, and a boot latch attached to the push-pull boot and extending forward and away from the push-pull boot, the boot latch having a first and second side extension and a central head member connected to and at least partially disposed between the first and the second side extensions by at least one flexure member, the boot latch is permanently disposed within the release member after the boot latch is inserted into the boot latch opening as the central head member engages each of the first side extension and the second side extension preventing removal of the boot latch from the release member when push or pull forces are applied to the push-pull boot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Scott Mendenhall, Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers
  • Fiber optic ferrule and a guide pin clamp with field changeable guide pins
    Patent number: 11635574
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • MINI DUPLEX CONNECTOR WITH PUSH-PULL POLARITY MECHANISM AND CARRIER WITH LATCH AND RAIL
    Publication number: 20230096618
    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: December 6, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes, Mitchell Cloud
  • Multi-fiber ferrule with improved eye safety
    Patent number: 11614588
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Daniel D. Kurtz
  • Miniature Multi-fiber Ferrule
    Publication number: 20230091327
    Abstract: A multi-fiber ferrule has a main body with a top portion and a bottom portion, the top portion includes a top cut-out therein to form a first forward facing surface to engage a housing of a fiber optic connector. The top cut-out extends rearwardly from the front end. The bottom portion also has a bottom cut-out portion forming a second forward facing surface to engage the housing of the fiber optic connector, the bottom cut-out also extending rearwardly from the front end. The multi-fiber ferrule also includes an end face at a front end of the main body, and a rear face at a rear end of the main body. There is a rear central opening that extends into the main body from the rear end face and configured to receive at least three optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2021
    Publication date: March 23, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel D. Kurtz, Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Sherri Reed, Craig M. Conrad, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • MINI DUPLEX CONNECTOR WITH PUSH-PULL POLARITY MECHANISM AND CARRIER
    Publication number: 20230080980
    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: November 21, 2022
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Flexible push-pull boot
    Patent number: 11592627
    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: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Mitchell Cloud, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • Fiber optic connector assembly, apparatus for forming a transceiver interface, and ferrule
    Patent number: 11573386
    Abstract: An fiber-optic connector assembly includes a fiber optic ferrule and a connector, which engage an optical transceiver component. The fiber optic ferrule engages a mating plane of a lens array in the optical transceiver component and floats within the connector. The engagement of the assembly and the optical transceiver component may be removable rather than fixed. The fiber optic ferrule also engages a mechanical interface to account for three degrees of freedom, while the engagement of the mating surfaces account for another three degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Kurtz, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Flexible Push-Pull Boot with a Transition Member
    Publication number: 20230031728
    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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Inventors: Mitchell Cloud, Craig M. Conrad, Darrell R. Childers
  • 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