Patents by Inventor Gregg J. Lafontaine

Gregg J. Lafontaine 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: 9601880
    Abstract: Cable assemblies, methods and systems are provided that generally include a first patch cord, a second patch cord and a third patch cord that are removably positioned within a housing for packaging and payout thereof. The first patch cord includes a first elongated cord and a first connector mounted with respect to one end of the first elongated cord. The second patch cord generally includes a second elongated cord and a second connector mounted with respect to one end of the second elongated cord. The third patch cord generally includes a third elongated cord and a third connector mounted with respect to one end of the third elongated cord. The patch cord assemblies generally include a first coupler element for detachably securing the first patch cord relative to the second patch cord. A second coupler element is provided for detachably securing the second patch cord relative to the third patch cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester H. Rynaski, Gregg J. LaFontaine, Kenneth A. Cupples, Adam Murano
  • Publication number: 20150280363
    Abstract: Cable assemblies, methods and systems are provided that generally include a first patch cord, a second patch cord and a third patch cord that are removably positioned within a housing for packaging and payout thereof. The first patch cord includes a first elongated cord and a first connector mounted with respect to one end of the first elongated cord. The second patch cord generally includes a second elongated cord and a second connector mounted with respect to one end of the second elongated cord. The third patch cord generally includes a third elongated cord and a third connector mounted with respect to one end of the third elongated cord. The patch cord assemblies generally include a first coupler element for detachably securing the first patch cord relative to the second patch cord. A second coupler element is provided for detachably securing the second patch cord relative to the third patch cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester H. Rynaski, Gregg J. LaFontaine, Kenneth A. Cupples, Adam Murano
  • Publication number: 20140263815
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to cable assemblies that generally include a first cable and a second cable. The first cable includes a first elongated cord defining two ends, a first connector mounted with respect to one end of the first elongated cord, and a first bare cable defining an opposing end of the first elongated cord. The second cable includes a second elongated cord defining two ends, a second connector mounted with respect to one end of the second elongated cord, and a second bare cable defining an opposing end of the second elongated cord. The cable assemblies generally include a coupler element for detachably securing the first cable relative to the second cable with the first bare cable and the second connector in a juxtaposed relation. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to systems and methods of cable assembly packaging and payout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ORTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Gregg J. LaFontaine, Adam Murano
  • Patent number: 8758047
    Abstract: Improved connectors and plug/cable assemblies are provided for use in distributing data. The present disclosure provides for electrical connector assemblies for use with electrical wires/cables (e.g., preterminated wires/cables) that include at least one plug member. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for connector assemblies (e.g., port replication connector assemblies) and associated plugs and cables that are adapted for use in multi-connector panels and with patch panels, e.g., for distributing data to computers and computer networks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Dietz, Gregg J. Lafontaine
  • Publication number: 20130210264
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to cable assemblies, methods and systems that generally include a first cable and a second cable. The first cable includes a first elongated cord and a first connector mounted with respect to one end of the first elongated cord. The second cable generally includes a second elongated cord and a second connector mounted with respect to one end of the second elongated cord. The first connector can be disposed in an opposing direction relative to the second connector. The first connector can be positioned adjacent of the second elongated cord and the second connector can be positioned adjacent to the first elongated cord. The cable assemblies generally include at least one coupler element for maintaining the first connector positioned adjacent to the second elongated cord and the second connector positioned adjacent to the first elongated cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester H. Rynaski, Gregg J. LaFontaine, Kenneth A. Cupples, Adam Murano
  • Patent number: 8182294
    Abstract: Connector assemblies for use in wiring/cabling applications are disclosed. The connector assemblies include first and second jack openings that facilitate interaction between plugs that feature contact layouts according to the IEC 60603-7-7 standard. Cable/plug combinations are also provided wherein the cable features shielded twisted pair (STP) fully shielded twisted pair (FTP) and unshielded twisted pair (UTP) wires. The cable/plug interface includes a housing wherein individual wires are brought into electrical communication with electrical contacts that are exposed relative to the exterior of the housing. The electrical contacts are positioned in quadrants of the plug housing, when viewed in cross-section, such that the plug complies with the contact geometry set forth in the IEC 60603-7-7 standard. The cable/plug is generally a preterminated assembly, whereby the plug is pre-mounted to the cable before shipment to an installation location or distribution channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Martich, William H. Dietz, Gregg J. Lafontaine
  • Publication number: 20120064760
    Abstract: Improved connectors and plug/cable assemblies are provided for use in distributing data. The present disclosure provides for electrical connector assemblies for use with electrical wires/cables (e.g., preterminated wires/cables) that include at least one plug member. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for connector assemblies (e.g., port replication connector assemblies) and associated plugs and cables that are adapted for use in multi-connector panels and with patch panels, e.g., for distributing data to computers and computer networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: ORTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: William H. Dietz, Gregg J. Lafontaine
  • Publication number: 20100173528
    Abstract: Connector assemblies for use in wiring/cabling applications are disclosed. The connector assemblies include first and second jack openings that facilitate interaction between plugs that feature contact layouts according to the IEC 60603-7-7 standard. Cable/plug combinations are also provided wherein the cable features shielded twisted pair (STP) fully shielded twisted pair (FTP) and unshielded twisted pair (UTP) wires. The cable/plug interface includes a housing wherein individual wires are brought into electrical communication with electrical contacts that are exposed relative to the exterior of the housing. The electrical contacts are positioned in quadrants of the plug housing, when viewed in cross-section, such that the plug complies with the contact geometry set forth in the IEC 60603-7-7 standard. The cable/plug is generally a preterminated assembly, whereby the plug is pre-mounted to the cable before shipment to an installation location or distribution channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: ORTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Martich, William H. Dietz, Gregg J. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 7207835
    Abstract: An angled patch panel is provided that is configured to be mounted to a rack or console. The angled patch panel facilitates cable management functions and enhances space utilization at and around the rack/patch panel assembly. The angled patch panel includes first and second patch panel elements that are angularly oriented with respect to each other. The transition from the first patch panel element to the second patch panel element is generally achieved in an apex region. The angled patch panel also includes flange members that extend from the first and second patch panel elements. Each of the flange members define a mounting face and an extension arm that is intermediate the mounting face and the patch panel element. The extension arm is dimensioned to facilitate at least partial recessing of the angled patch panel relative to the rack/console when the angled patch panel is mounted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart A. Levesque, Lars R. Larsen, Adam Murano, Gregg J. Lafontaine
  • Patent number: 5984720
    Abstract: An angled interconnect panel assembly includes an enclosure, a plurality of support brackets mounted inside the enclosure, a plurality of interconnect panels which are each pivotally mounted to one of the support brackets and are each disposed in an angled position when at rest between adjacent support brackets, and a pair of key-operated lock mechanisms for locking or holding the interconnect panels in their angled positions. The enclosure has a pair of opposite end walls and defines wire entry ports in the end walls. One wire entry port is for passage of user wiring into the assembly while the other of the wire entry ports is for passage of technician wiring into the assembly. Each interconnect panel has opposite user and technician sides and defines a plurality of openings extending between the opposite user and technician sides for receiving one or more interconnection members. The assembly also includes a pair of front closure doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: John J. Milner, Michael R. O'Conner, Gregg J. Lafontaine, Alan C. Miller, William G. Sobieski