Patents by Inventor Derrick F. Stikeleather

Derrick F. Stikeleather 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).

  • Patent number: 10978838
    Abstract: A termination mechanism for reducing the force required by a user to terminate a plurality of wires by staggering the moment in which each wire of the plurality of wires encounters a respective insulation displacement contact (IDC) when connecting twisted-pair cables to an RJ45 connector includes a wire manager including a first and second groupings of wire manager slots; the first and second groupings of wire manager slots being at different depths relative to the respective IDCs; and wherein selective force applied by the user to the wire manager in the direction of the PCB causes a first stage of termination wherein each IDC of a first plurality of the IDCs is electrically connected with a corresponding wire of the plurality of wires in the first grouping of wire manager slots and continued selective force causes a second stage of termination in the second grouping of wire manager slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Derrick F. Stikeleather, Sumio Seo
  • Publication number: 20190305496
    Abstract: A termination mechanism for reducing the force required by a user to terminate a plurality of wires by staggering the moment in which each wire of the plurality of wires encounters a respective insulation displacement contact (IDC) when connecting twisted-pair cables to an RJ45 connector includes a wire manager including a first and second groupings of wire manager slots; the first and second groupings of wire manager slots being at different depths relative to the respective IDCs; and wherein selective force applied by the user to the wire manager in the direction of the PCB causes a first stage of termination wherein each IDC of a first plurality of the IDCs is electrically connected with a corresponding wire of the plurality of wires in the first grouping of wire manager slots and continued selective force causes a second stage of termination in the second grouping of wire manager slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Derrick F. Stikeleather, Sumio Seo
  • Patent number: 10432256
    Abstract: A system that reduces crosstalk and return loss within electrical communication connectors includes at least two compensating capacitors connected in series that compensate each offending capacitor. An additional inductive component that is connected between two compensating capacitors so that the adjustable inductance of the inductive component can be varied to modify the capacitive coupling effect achieved by the compensating capacitors as a function of frequency. A shape-neutral structure containing two compensating capacitors and one series inductive component in between is positioned so that each compensating capacitor is juxtaposed parallel to the offending capacitor. There is no direct contact between the shape-neutral structure and the transmission lines, and the shape-neutral structure does not change the shape of PCB traces and reduces both crosstalk and return loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Derrick F. Stikeleather, John Michael Ray, Ian J. Timmins
  • Publication number: 20190273347
    Abstract: An electrically conductive assembly includes a connector; a rack mount panel including a plurality of integrally formed cutouts, the rack mount panel being formed from an electrically conductive material; an intermediate modular adapter that is sized and configured for selective engaged receipt within a corresponding one of the plurality of integrally formed cutouts; the intermediate modular adapter including a plurality of integrally formed openings each being sized for engaged receipt of the connector; the intermediate modular adapter being plated with an electrically conductive material; and wherein selective engagement of the connector in one of the plurality of integrally formed openings on the intermediate modular adapter creates an electrical connection between the connector, the rack mount panel, and the intermediate modular adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Applicant: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Derrick F. Stikeleather, Sumio Seo, James Yanik, Jamey O. Calloway
  • Publication number: 20180026676
    Abstract: A system that reduces crosstalk and return loss within electrical communication connectors includes at least two compensating capacitors connected in series that compensate each offending capacitor. An additional inductive component that is connected between two compensating capacitors so that the adjustable inductance of the inductive component can be varied to modify the capacitive coupling effect achieved by the compensating capacitors as a function of frequency. A shape-neutral structure containing two compensating capacitors and one series inductive component in between is positioned so that each compensating capacitor is juxtaposed parallel to the offending capacitor. There is no direct contact between the shape-neutral structure and the transmission lines, and the shape-neutral structure does not change the shape of PCB traces and reduces both crosstalk and return loss.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Applicant: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Derrick F. Stikeleather, John Michael Ray, Ian J. Timmins
  • Patent number: 9774103
    Abstract: A system for radially terminating cabling includes a stuffer cap component surrounding an opening sized and configured for selective passage therethrough of a plurality of conductor pairs; a plurality of slots concentrically arranged on the front end of the stuffer cap component, wherein each wire of each of the plurality of conductor pairs may be selectively pressed into one of the plurality of slots; at least one keying member on the stuffer cap component having a unique keying member geometry; a connector including a receptacle component configured for mating with the stuffer cap component, wherein at least one keying element on the receptacle component is geometrically sized and configured for passage therethrough of a corresponding one of the keying members; a plurality of IDCs each being aligned for engaged abutment with a corresponding one of the wires of the plurality of conductor pairs when the stuffer cap component is axially rotated by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Ray, Sumio Seo, Nicholas Uhland, Derrick F. Stikeleather, Ian J. Timmins
  • Publication number: 20170207551
    Abstract: A system for radially terminating cabling includes a stuffer cap component surrounding an opening sized and configured for selective passage therethrough of a plurality of conductor pairs; a plurality of slots concentrically arranged on the front end of the stuffer cap component, wherein each wire of each of the plurality of conductor pairs may be selectively pressed into one of the plurality of slots; at least one keying member on the stuffer cap component having a unique keying member geometry; a connector including a receptacle component configured for mating with the stuffer cap component, wherein at least one keying element on the receptacle component is geometrically sized and configured for passage therethrough of a corresponding one of the keying members; a plurality of IDCs each being aligned for engaged abutment with a corresponding one of the wires of the plurality of conductor pairs when the stuffer cap component is axially rotated by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Ray, Sumio Seo, Nicholas Uhland, Derrick F. Stikeleather, Ian J. Timmins
  • Patent number: 9666999
    Abstract: A telecommunications patching system is provided having a panel and at least one cassette movably received in the panel. The cassette receives a plurality of telecommunication connector jacks. Each jack has a front cavity adapted to receive a patch cord plug having a patch cord cable extending therefrom. The cassette has first and second ends. A tab extends from and is attached to the first end of the cassette such that the cassette may readily be moved to different positions in the panel. The tab includes a first cable guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Sumio Seo, Ian J. Timmins, James Yanik, R. Bruce Smith, Derrick F. Stikeleather, Sterling A. Vaden
  • Patent number: 9660386
    Abstract: There is provided a communication connector including a housing and a plurality of electrical contacts received by the housing. A printed circuit board (PCB) is provided and includes first and second pairs of electrically conductive signal traces on different layers of the PCB, each pair of the first and second pairs of traces being connected to a corresponding pair of the plurality of pairs of contacts; and at least one split ground plane including first and second sections being substantially electrically isolated from one another, wherein at least a portion of the first section is adjacent to at least a portion of the first pair of traces and at least a portion of the second section is adjacent to at least a portion of the second pair of traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Ray, Derrick F. Stikeleather, Ian J. Timmins
  • Patent number: 9583890
    Abstract: There is provided a communication connector for improving signal transmission performance, the communication connector including a cable termination component being sized and configured for selective receipt of a plurality of conductor pairs of a cable; a plurality of slots on said cable termination component, wherein each wire of each of the plurality of conductor pairs may be selectively pressed into one of the plurality of slots; a receptacle component including a plurality of electrical contacts and a plurality of offset-positioned insulation displacement contacts (IDCs), each of the plurality of offset-positioned IDCs being aligned for engaged abutment with a corresponding one of the wires of the plurality of conductor pairs when the cable termination component and the receptacle component are coupled; a printed circuit board; and wherein the offset placement of the IDCs increases the separation distance between IDCs of another receptacle component when a plurality of the receptacle components are adjace
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Sumio Seo, John Michael Ray, Derrick F. Stikeleather, Ian J. Timmins, Nicholas Uhland
  • Publication number: 20170025795
    Abstract: There is provided a communication connector for improving signal transmission performance, the communication connector including a cable termination component being sized and configured for selective receipt of a plurality of conductor pairs of a cable; a plurality of slots on said cable termination component, wherein each wire of each of the plurality of conductor pairs may be selectively pressed into one of the plurality of slots; a receptacle component including a plurality of electrical contacts and a plurality of offset-positioned insulation displacement contacts (IDCs), each of the plurality of offset-positioned IDCs being aligned for engaged abutment with a corresponding one of the wires of the plurality of conductor pairs when the cable termination component and the receptacle component are coupled; a printed circuit board; and wherein the offset placement of the IDCs increases the separation distance between IDCs of another receptacle component when a plurality of the receptacle components are adjace
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Applicant: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Sumio Seo, John Michael Ray, Derrick F. Stikeleather, Ian J. Timmins, Nicholas Uhland
  • Publication number: 20160197441
    Abstract: There is provided a communication connector including a housing and a plurality of electrical contacts received by the housing. A printed circuit board (PCB) is provided and includes first and second pairs of electrically conductive signal traces on different layers of the PCB, each pair of the first and second pairs of traces being connected to a corresponding pair of the plurality of pairs of contacts; and at least one split ground plane including first and second sections being substantially electrically isolated from one another, wherein at least a portion of the first section is adjacent to at least a portion of the first pair of traces and at least a portion of the second section is adjacent to at least a portion of the second pair of traces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Publication date: July 7, 2016
    Applicant: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Ray, Derrick F. Stikeleather, Ian J. Timmins
  • Publication number: 20160093982
    Abstract: There is provided a communication connector including a housing and a plurality of electrical contacts received by the housing. A printed circuit board (PCB) is provided and includes at least first and second pairs of electrical conductive traces. The first pair of traces is connected to a first pair of contacts. The second pair of traces is connected to a second pair of contacts. The PCB has first and second regions. The first pair of contacts is located in the first region and the second pair of contacts is located in the second region. The PCB further includes at least a first ground plane. The first ground plane has first and second sections. The first and second sections are electrically isolated from one another. At least a portion of the first section being adjacent to at least a portion of the first pair of traces. At least a portion of the second section is adjacent to at least a portion of the second pair of traces whereby signal transmission is enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Publication date: March 31, 2016
    Inventors: John Michael Ray, Derrick F. Stikeleather, Ian J. Timmins
  • Patent number: 9300092
    Abstract: There is provided a communication connector including a housing and a plurality of electrical contacts received by the housing. A printed circuit board (PCB) is provided and includes at least first and second pairs of electrical conductive traces. The first pair of traces is connected to a first pair of contacts. The second pair of traces is connected to a second pair of contacts. The PCB has first and second regions. The first pair of contacts is located in the first region and the second pair of contacts is located in the second region. The PCB further includes at least a first ground plane. The first ground plane has first and second sections. The first and second sections are electrically isolated from one another. At least a portion of the first section being adjacent to at least a portion of the first pair of traces. At least a portion of the second section is adjacent to at least a portion of the second pair of traces whereby signal transmission is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: John Michael Ray, Derrick F. Stikeleather, Ian J. Timmins
  • Publication number: 20150263462
    Abstract: A telecommunications patching system is provided having a panel and at least one cassette movably received in the panel. The cassette receives a plurality of telecommunication connector jacks. Each jack has a front cavity adapted to receive a patch cord plug having a patch cord cable extending therefrom. The cassette has first and second ends. A tab extends from and is attached to the first end of the cassette such that the cassette may readily be moved to different positions in the panel. The tab includes a first cable guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Sumio Seo, Ian J. Timmins, James Yanik, R. Bruce Smith, Derrick F. Stikeleather, Sterling A. Vaden
  • Patent number: 9097872
    Abstract: A telecommunications patching system is provided having a panel and at least one cassette movably received in the panel. The cassette receives a plurality of telecommunication jacks. The panel and cassettes are oriented horizontally. Each jack includes a front cavity adapted to receive a patch cord plug having a patch cord cable extending therefrom. The cassette has first and second ends. A cable management tab extends from the first end of the cassette so that the cassette may be readily moved to different positions in the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Sumio Seo, Ian J. Timmins, James Yanik, R. Bruce Smith, Derrick F. Stikeleather, Sterling A. Vaden
  • Patent number: 7811093
    Abstract: A telecommunications connectivity system including a patch panel comprising a plurality of ports, each port including first and second electrical terminals, the first electrical terminal enabling at least one data communications standard not enabled by the second electrical terminal. The telecommunications connectivity system also includes a terminal selection system including a terminal selector that houses an electrical connector. The terminal selector may be installed in one of the ports such that the electrical connector connects to either the first or second electrical terminal, as preselected. The telecommunications connectivity system also includes a wall receptacle system electrically connected to each of the ports, the wall receptacle system including first and second jacks, the first jack enabling at least one data communications standard not enabled by the second jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Ian J. Timmins, Derrick F. Stikeleather, William B. Everette, Sterling Vaden, Sumio Seo, Lyudmila Z. Burtseva, James Yanik
  • Publication number: 20100136810
    Abstract: A telecommunications connectivity system including a patch panel comprising a plurality of ports, each port including first and second electrical terminals, the first electrical terminal enabling at least one data communications standard not enabled by the second electrical terminal. The telecommunications connectivity system also includes a terminal selection system including a terminal selector that houses an electrical connector. The terminal selector may be installed in one of the ports such that the electrical connector connects to either the first or second electrical terminal, as preselected. The telecommunications connectivity system also includes a wall receptacle system electrically connected to each of the ports, the wall receptacle system including first and second jacks, the first jack enabling at least one data communications standard not enabled by the second jack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: SUPERIOR MODULAR PRODUCTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Ian J. Timmins, Derrick F. Stikeleather, William B. Everette, Sterling Vaden, Sumio Seo, Lyudmila Z. Burtseva, James Yanik
  • Patent number: 7690921
    Abstract: A telecommunications connectivity system including a patch panel comprising a plurality of ports, each port including first and second electrical terminals, the first electrical terminal enabling at least one data communications standard not enabled by the second electrical terminal. The telecommunications connectivity system also includes a terminal selection system including a terminal selector that houses an electrical connector. The terminal selector may be installed in one of the ports such that the electrical connector connects to either the first or second electrical terminal, as preselected. The telecommunications connectivity system also includes a wall receptacle system electrically connected to each of the ports, the wall receptacle system including first and second jacks, the first jack enabling at least one data communications standard not enabled by the second jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventors: Ian J. Timmins, Derrick F. Stikeleather, William B. Everette, Sterling Vaden, Sumio Seo, Lyudmila Z. Burtseva, James Yanik
  • Patent number: 7594829
    Abstract: A keyed modular connection system including a nonstandard wiring configuration, a plug wired in the preselected nonstandard wiring configuration and including exterior surfaces that define plug recesses, a jack wired in the preselected nonstandard wiring configuration and including interior surface that define jack recesses, plug protrusions extending from the external surfaces of the plug and configured to be received by the jack recesses when the plug is inserted into the jack, jack protrusions extending from the internal surfaces of the jack and configured to be received by the plug recesses when the plug is inserted into the jack, and when a plug not wired in the preselected nonstandard wiring configuration is attempted to be inserted into the jack, the jack protrusions prevent the attempted insertion, and when the plug is attempted to be inserted into a jack not wired in the preselected nonstandard wiring configuration, the plug protrusions prevent the attempted insertion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Superior Modular Products, Incorporated
    Inventors: Sterling Vaden, Derrick F. Stikeleather, William R. Reynolds, Sumio Seo, William B. Everette