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).

  • Spacers for use in a fiber optic connector
    Patent number: 10371903
    Abstract: A spacer to be used with a fiber optic connector includes a two portions with spring retaining members and a cross member extending between the first and second portions. The cross member has an extension extending from the cross member between the first portion and the second portion and away from a front face thereof. The spacer may also have retention pins to engage a fiber optic ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Myron W. Yount, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Jason Higley, Brent D. Henley
  • Strain Relief for the Fiber Optic Shuffle Case
    Publication number: 20190219788
    Abstract: A device for rearranging optical fibers has a proximal and distal ends. The ends have openings therein to allow optical fibers to pass therethrough. A crimp band may be included at either end to provide strain relief to the optical fibers as they enter and exit from the device. A lid with latches is also provided to assist with organization, security, and compression of the optical fibers. A tool is also provided to disengage the lid from the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Arnold Deal, III
  • Multi-Fiber Ferrule with Improved Eye Safety
    Publication number: 20190162913
    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: January 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Daniel D. Kurtz
  • Fiber Optic Ferrule and A Guide Pin Clamp with Field Changeable Guide Pins
    Publication number: 20190162918
    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: February 1, 2019
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Field Changeable Fiber Optic Connector Polarity Keying
    Publication number: 20190121032
    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: December 17, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira
  • Alignment Adapter and Alignment Design for a Connector Therefor
    Publication number: 20190107679
    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: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • OPTICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20190072734
    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: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventors: Paul Kessler Rosenberg, George Panotopoulos, Kent Devenport, Darrell R. Childers, Cecil D. Hastings, Daniel D. Kurtz
  • Fiber optic ferrule with rear holes to align a guide pin clamp with field changeable guide pins
    Patent number: 10215932
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule with rear holes and a guide pin clamp allows for changing guide pins in the field. The guide pin clamp has a forward clamp portion to engage the rear face of the fiber optic ferrule, a rearward clamp portion configured to engage the biasing spring, and a guide pin retaining plate. The guide pin retaining plate is movable from a first position to a second position to allow for the removal or insertion of guide pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Myron W. Yount, Brent D. Henley, Joseph L. Graham
  • Unitary fiber optic ferrule and adapter therefor
    Patent number: 10215928
    Abstract: A unitary fiber optic ferrule reflects light off an interior lens and through the fiber optic ferrule. Optical fibers can be easily secured in the unitary fiber optic ferrule. An adapter to secure the unitary fiber optic ferrule to a optical component assembly is also presented. The adapter provides a sealing function for the lenses and to provide routing for optical fibers from other assemblies of unitary fiber optic ferrules and adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Howard, Darrell R. Childers, Russell J. Granger
  • Field Changeable Fiber Optic Connector Polarity Keying with Color Coding
    Publication number: 20190049670
    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: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2018
    Publication date: February 14, 2019
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Multi-fiber ferrule with improved eye safety
    Patent number: 10197743
    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: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: US Conec, LTD
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Daniel D. Kurtz
  • Fiber optic ferrule and a guide pin clamp with field changeable guide pins
    Patent number: 10197746
    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: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Low debris dust cap for MPO connectors
    Patent number: 10175427
    Abstract: A low debris dust cap has a plurality of portions corresponding the fiber optic connector on which it is installed. Two latches extending from side walls are disposed between the inner and outer housings. The low debris dust cap can be placed and removed from the connector without movement of either the inner or outer housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Mitchell Cloud, Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers
  • Apparatus for and method of terminating a multi-fiber ferrule
    Patent number: 10162122
    Abstract: An apparatus allows a plurality of optical fibers to be held together during the termination process. A handling device holds the optical fibers while a cleaving device allows for consistent cleaving of the optical fibers to ensure the ends are cleaved consistently. The handling device may also be used during the fixation of the optical fibers in the fiber optic ferrule. A method for terminating the plurality of optical fiber is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Michael E. Hughes, Joseph P. Howard, Arnold Deal, III, Dirk Eric Schoellner
  • Alignment adapter and alignment design for a connector therefor
    Patent number: 10156684
    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: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Apparatus for and method of terminating a multi-fiber ferrule
    Patent number: 10151884
    Abstract: An apparatus allows a plurality of optical fibers to be held together during the termination process. A handling device holds the optical fibers while a cleaving device allows for consistent cleaving of the optical fibers to ensure the ends are cleaved consistently. The handling device may also be used during the fixation of the optical fibers in the fiber optic ferrule. A method for terminating the plurality of optical fiber is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Michael E. Hughes, Joseph P. Howard, Arnold Deal, III, Dirk Eric Schoellner
  • Optical Fiber Rearrangement Device with Containment Channels
    Publication number: 20180341080
    Abstract: A device for rearranging optical fibers has a proximal and distal ends. The ends have openings therein to allow optical fibers to pass therethrough. The openings in the distal end have a width that is less than twice the optical fiber's diameter. Dividers separate the distal end openings and have a projection that narrows the distal openings to prevent the optical fibers from accidentally moving out of the openings. A lid is also provided to assist with organization and compression of the optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Craig M. Conrad, Darrell R. Childers, Brian J. Gimbel, Brian Pruett, Myron W. Yount
  • Field changeable fiber optic connector polarity keying with color coding
    Patent number: 10107969
    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: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount
  • Non-Ferrule Damaging Field Removable Guide Pin
    Publication number: 20180292614
    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: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Darrell R. Childers
  • Low Debris Dust Cap for MPO Connectors
    Publication number: 20180292613
    Abstract: A low debris dust cap has a plurality of portions corresponding the fiber optic connector on which it is installed. Two latches extending from side walls are disposed between the inner and outer housings. The low debris dust cap can be placed and removed from the connector without movement of either the inner or outer housings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Mitchell Cloud, Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers