Patents by Inventor Dwight Bretz

Dwight Bretz 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: 11927809
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig, Thomas P. Huegerich, Michael Lawrence Gurreri
  • Patent number: 11892689
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber alignment device that has an alignment housing that includes first and second ends. The alignment housing defines a fiber insertion axis that extends through the alignment housing between the first and second ends. The alignment housing includes a fiber alignment region at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. First and second fiber alignment rods are positioned within the alignment housing. The first and second fiber alignment rods cooperate to define a fiber alignment groove that extends along the fiber insertion axis. The first and second fiber alignment rods each having rounded ends positioned at the first and second ends of the alignment housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gurreri, Robert Charles Flaig, Randall Bobby Paul, Danny Willy August Verheyden, David Donald Erdman, Dwight A. Bretz
  • Publication number: 20240027717
    Abstract: A power and optical fiber interface system includes a housing having an interior. A cable inlet is configured to receive a hybrid cable having an electrical conductor and an optical fiber. An insulation displacement connector (IDC) is situated in the interior of the housing configured to electrically terminate the conductor, and a cable outlet is configured to receive an output cable that is connectable to the IDC and configured to output signals received via the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Wayne M. KACHMAR, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ
  • Patent number: 11656418
    Abstract: A power and optical fiber interface system includes a housing having an interior. A cable inlet is configured to receive a hybrid cable having an electrical conductor and an optical fiber. An insulation displacement connector (IDC) is situated in the interior of the housing configured to electrically terminate the conductor, and a cable outlet is configured to receive an output cable that is connectable to the IDC and configured to output signals received via the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Huegerich, Wayne M. Kachmar, Robert Charles Flaig, Dwight A. Bretz
  • Publication number: 20220196948
    Abstract: A power and optical fiber interface system includes a housing having an interior. A cable inlet is configured to receive a hybrid cable having an electrical conductor and an optical fiber. An insulation displacement connector (IDC) is situated in the interior of the housing configured to electrically terminate the conductor, and a cable outlet is configured to receive an output cable that is connectable to the IDC and configured to output signals received via the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Wayne M. KACHMAR, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ
  • Patent number: 11366272
    Abstract: A polarity switching hybrid interface is configured to couple both optical fibers and electrical conductors. The hybrid interface incorporates polarity switching circuitry such that the polarity of electrical contacts on a first side of the hybrid interface is opposite to the polarity of the electrical contacts on an opposite side of the hybrid interface. As such, the polarity of the electrical conductors coupled to each side of the hybrid interface need not be known. Each side of the hybrid interface is configured to interface with the same type of hybrid optical/electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig
  • Publication number: 20220187546
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber alignment device that has an alignment housing that includes first and second ends. The alignment housing defines a fiber insertion axis that extends through the alignment housing between the first and second ends. The alignment housing includes a fiber alignment region at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. First and second fiber alignment rods are positioned within the alignment housing. The first and second fiber alignment rods cooperate to define a fiber alignment groove that extends along the fiber insertion axis. The first and second fiber alignment rods each having rounded ends positioned at the first and second ends of the alignment housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Applicants: CommScope Technologies LLC, CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
    Inventors: Michael GURRERI, Robert Charles FLAIG, Randall Bobby PAUL, Danny Willy August VERHEYDEN, David Donald ERDMAN, Dwight A. BRETZ
  • Patent number: 11262511
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber alignment device that has an alignment housing that includes first and second ends. The alignment housing defines a fiber insertion axis that extends through the alignment housing between the first and second ends. The alignment housing includes a fiber alignment region at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. First and second fiber alignment rods are positioned within the alignment housing. The first and second fiber alignment rods cooperate to define a fiber alignment groove that extends along the fiber insertion axis. The first and second fiber alignment rods each having rounded ends positioned at the first and second ends of the alignment housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignees: CommScope Technologies LLC, CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
    Inventors: Michael Gurreri, Robert Charles Flaig, Randall Bobby Paul, Danny Willy August Verheyden, David Donald Erdman, Dwight A. Bretz
  • Patent number: 11215776
    Abstract: A power and optical fiber interface system includes a housing having an interior. A cable inlet is configured to receive a hybrid cable having an electrical conductor and an optical fiber. An insulation displacement connector (IDC) is situated in the interior of the housing configured to electrically terminate the conductor, and a cable outlet is configured to receive an output cable that is connectable to the IDC and configured to output signals received via the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Huegerich, Wayne M. Kachmar, Robert Charles Flaig, Dwight A. Bretz
  • Publication number: 20210356678
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Applicant: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. BRETZ, Robert Charles FLAIG, Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Michael Lawrence GURRERI
  • Patent number: 11048048
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig, Thomas P. Huegerich, Michael Lawrence Gurreri
  • Publication number: 20210018696
    Abstract: A polarity switching hybrid interface is configured to couple both optical fibers and electrical conductors. The hybrid interface incorporates polarity switching circuitry such that the polarity of electrical contacts on a first side of the hybrid interface is opposite to the polarity of the electrical contacts on an opposite side of the hybrid interface. As such, the polarity of the electrical conductors coupled to each side of the hybrid interface need not be known. Each side of the hybrid interface is configured to interface with the same type of hybrid optical/electrical connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. BRETZ, Robert Charles FLAIG
  • Publication number: 20200400894
    Abstract: A hybrid optical and electrical connection system includes a fiber optic connector; and a connector contact holder. The connector includes a connector body defining a forward plug end, a ferrule, a spring that biases the ferrule in a forward direction, and a rear piece that retains the spring within the connector body. The connector contact holder includes an attachment portion that attaches to the fiber optic connector, a lateral offset portion that extends laterally outwardly from the fiber optic connector and a forward extension structure that projects forwardly from the lateral offset portion toward the forward plug end of the connector body. The forward extension structure includes connector contact mounts. Connector electrical contacts are held by the connector contact mounts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence GURRERI, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ, Eric Ryan CHAPPELL
  • Patent number: 10768374
    Abstract: A hybrid optical and electrical connection system includes a fiber optic connector; and a connector contact holder. The connector includes a connector body defining a forward plug end, a ferrule, a spring that biases the ferrule in a forward direction, and a rear piece that retains the spring within the connector body. The connector contact holder includes an attachment portion that attaches to the fiber optic connector, a lateral offset portion that extends laterally outwardly from the fiber optic connector and a forward extension structure that projects forwardly from the lateral offset portion toward the forward plug end of the connector body. The forward extension structure includes connector contact mounts. Connector electrical contacts are held by the connector contact mounts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Gurreri, Robert Charles Flaig, Dwight A. Bretz, Eric Ryan Chappell
  • Publication number: 20200264382
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Applicant: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. BRETZ, Robert Charles FLAIG, Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Michael Lawrence GURRERI
  • Patent number: 10732358
    Abstract: A polarity switching hybrid interface is configured to couple both optical fibers and electrical conductors. The hybrid interface incorporates polarity switching circuitry such that the polarity of electrical contacts on a first side of the hybrid interface is opposite to the polarity of the electrical contacts on an opposite side of the hybrid interface. As such, the polarity of the electrical conductors coupled to each side of the hybrid interface need not be known. Each side of the hybrid interface is configured to interface with the same type of hybrid optical/electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig
  • Publication number: 20200241219
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber alignment device that has an alignment housing that includes first and second ends. The alignment housing defines a fiber insertion axis that extends through the alignment housing between the first and second ends. The alignment housing includes a fiber alignment region at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. First and second fiber alignment rods are positioned within the alignment housing. The first and second fiber alignment rods cooperate to define a fiber alignment groove that extends along the fiber insertion axis. The first and second fiber alignment rods each having rounded ends positioned at the first and second ends of the alignment housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicants: CommScope Technologies LLC, CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
    Inventors: Michael GURRERI, Robert Charles FLAIG, Randall Bobby PAUL, Danny Willy August VERHEYDEN, David Donald ERDMAN, Dwight A. BRETZ
  • Publication number: 20200209497
    Abstract: A power and optical fiber interface system includes a housing having an interior. A cable inlet is configured to receive a hybrid cable having an electrical conductor and an optical fiber. An insulation displacement connector (IDC) is situated in the interior of the housing configured to electrically terminate the conductor, and a cable outlet is configured to receive an output cable that is connectable to the IDC and configured to output signals received via the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Wayne M. KACHMAR, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ
  • Patent number: 10585246
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig, Thomas P. Huegerich, Michael Lawrence Gurreri
  • Patent number: 10564369
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber alignment device that has an alignment housing that includes first and second ends. The alignment housing defines a fiber insertion axis that extends through the alignment housing between the first and second ends. The alignment housing includes a fiber alignment region at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. First and second fiber alignment rods are positioned within the alignment housing. The first and second fiber alignment rods cooperate to define a fiber alignment groove that extends along the fiber insertion axis. The first and second fiber alignment rods each having rounded ends positioned at the first and second ends of the alignment housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignees: CommScope Technologies LLC, CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
    Inventors: Michael Gurreri, Robert Charles Flaig, Randall Bobby Paul, Danny Willy August Verheyden, David Donald Erdman, Dwight A. Bretz