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: 11927809Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 20, 2021Date of Patent: March 12, 2024Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig, Thomas P. Huegerich, Michael Lawrence Gurreri
-
Patent number: 11892689Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 18, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Michael Gurreri, Robert Charles Flaig, Randall Bobby Paul, Danny Willy August Verheyden, David Donald Erdman, Dwight A. Bretz
-
Publication number: 20240027717Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Wayne M. KACHMAR, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ
-
Patent number: 11656418Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 3, 2022Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Thomas P. Huegerich, Wayne M. Kachmar, Robert Charles Flaig, Dwight A. Bretz
-
Publication number: 20220196948Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2022Publication date: June 23, 2022Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Wayne M. KACHMAR, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ
-
Patent number: 11366272Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2020Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig
-
Publication number: 20220187546Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2022Publication date: June 16, 2022Applicants: CommScope Technologies LLC, CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBAInventors: Michael GURRERI, Robert Charles FLAIG, Randall Bobby PAUL, Danny Willy August VERHEYDEN, David Donald ERDMAN, Dwight A. BRETZ
-
Patent number: 11262511Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignees: CommScope Technologies LLC, CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBAInventors: Michael Gurreri, Robert Charles Flaig, Randall Bobby Paul, Danny Willy August Verheyden, David Donald Erdman, Dwight A. Bretz
-
Patent number: 11215776Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 5, 2019Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Thomas P. Huegerich, Wayne M. Kachmar, Robert Charles Flaig, Dwight A. Bretz
-
Publication number: 20210356678Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Applicant: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Dwight A. BRETZ, Robert Charles FLAIG, Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Michael Lawrence GURRERI
-
Patent number: 11048048Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 27, 2020Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig, Thomas P. Huegerich, Michael Lawrence Gurreri
-
Publication number: 20210018696Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2020Publication date: January 21, 2021Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Dwight A. BRETZ, Robert Charles FLAIG
-
Publication number: 20200400894Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2020Publication date: December 24, 2020Applicant: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Michael Lawrence GURRERI, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ, Eric Ryan CHAPPELL
-
Patent number: 10768374Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Michael Lawrence Gurreri, Robert Charles Flaig, Dwight A. Bretz, Eric Ryan Chappell
-
Publication number: 20200264382Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2020Publication date: August 20, 2020Applicant: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Dwight A. BRETZ, Robert Charles FLAIG, Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Michael Lawrence GURRERI
-
Patent number: 10732358Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 8, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig
-
Publication number: 20200241219Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2019Publication date: July 30, 2020Applicants: CommScope Technologies LLC, CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBAInventors: Michael GURRERI, Robert Charles FLAIG, Randall Bobby PAUL, Danny Willy August VERHEYDEN, David Donald ERDMAN, Dwight A. BRETZ
-
Publication number: 20200209497Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2019Publication date: July 2, 2020Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Wayne M. KACHMAR, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ
-
Patent number: 10585246Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 1, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig, Thomas P. Huegerich, Michael Lawrence Gurreri
-
Patent number: 10564369Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2018Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignees: CommScope Technologies LLC, CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBAInventors: Michael Gurreri, Robert Charles Flaig, Randall Bobby Paul, Danny Willy August Verheyden, David Donald Erdman, Dwight A. Bretz