Patents by Inventor Gregory A. Sandels
Gregory A. Sandels 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).
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Patent number: 11740410Abstract: A method of splicing multicore optical fibers to one another for use in a data network. First and second multicore optical fibers each have a number of cores arranged in a certain pattern about the fiber axis, thus defining a number of pairs of cores wherein the cores of each pair are arrayed symmetrically with respect to a key plane that includes the fiber axis. Ends of the first and the second fibers are arranged in axial alignment to one another such that the key plane at the end of the first fiber is aligned with the key plane at the end of the second fiber, thereby placing a defined pair of cores in the first fiber in position for splicing to a corresponding defined pair of cores in the second fiber. The defined pairs of cores in the two fibers are then spliced to one another.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLCInventors: Kelvin B Bradley, Eric J Leichter, Gregory A Sandels, Yue Liang
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Patent number: 11099341Abstract: An active optical cable may include a multicore optical fiber, a connector housing, a mateable electrical connector, an array of optoelectronic converter devices in the connector housing, and an optical waveguide structure. The optical waveguide structure is configured to couple optical signals between the fiber cores and the optoelectronic converter devices in the connector housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2020Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLCInventors: Kelvin B Bradley, Eric J Leichter, Gregory A Sandels
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Publication number: 20210088729Abstract: A method of splicing multicore optical fibers to one another for use in a data network. First and second multicore optical fibers each have a number of cores arranged in a certain pattern about the fiber axis, thus defining a number of pairs of cores wherein the cores of each pair are arrayed symmetrically with respect to a key plane that includes the fiber axis. Ends of the first and the second fibers are arranged in axial alignment to one another such that the key plane at the end of the first fiber is aligned with the key plane at the end of the second fiber, thereby placing a defined pair of cores in the first fiber in position for splicing to a corresponding defined pair of cores in the second fiber. The defined pairs of cores in the two fibers are then spliced to one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2020Publication date: March 25, 2021Applicant: OFS Fitel, LLCInventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Eric J. Leichter, Gregory A. Sandels, Yue Liang
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Patent number: 10859772Abstract: A method of connecting lengths of multicore optical fibers (MCFs) to one another. First and second lengths of a MCF whose cores are arranged in a certain pattern about the fiber axis to define pairs of cores are provided, and the cores of each pair of cores are disposed symmetrically with respect to a key plane that includes the axis of the fiber. Ends of the first and the second lengths of the MCF are arranged in axial alignment with one another, and the key plane at the end of the first length of the MCF is aligned with the key plane at the end of the second length of the MCF. Each defined pair of cores in the first length of the MCF is thereby positioned to mate with the same defined pair of cores in the second length of the MCF.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLCInventors: Kelvin B Bradley, Eric J Leichter, Gregory A Sandels
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Patent number: 9690053Abstract: Structures and techniques are described relating to the alignment of multicore fibers within a multifiber connector. These structures and techniques include: multicore fibers having a number of different shapes, including, for example, circular, elliptical, D-shaped, double D-shaped, and polygonal; multifiber ferrules, having a plurality of fiber guide holes therein of various shapes; alignment fixtures for aligning multicore fibers within multifiber ferrules; and various multicore fiber alignment techniques.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLCInventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Jinkee Kim, Gregory A. Sandels
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Patent number: 9568685Abstract: An optical fiber ferrule has a plurality of guide holes therein for guiding a respective plurality of flat-sided fibers at an end of a multifiber optical fiber cable. The fibers' flat sides identify a particular rotational orientation of the fiber. Rotational alignment is achieved by urging the fibers' flat sides against a corresponding reference surface within the ferrule or within an alignment fixture. Also described is a fiber array block having a plurality of V-shaped grooves extending across an outer surface and terminating at an endface. The V-shaped grooves are shaped to guide a respective plurality of flat-sided fibers. A lid is installable across the plurality of V-shaped grooves, over fibers that have been loaded therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLCInventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Jinkee Kim, Gregory A. Sandels
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Patent number: 9417400Abstract: An optical connector has a housing, and a retention member for retaining a cable with a fiber that has a specified minimum bend radius. A rear portion of a connector ferrule and spring are seated in the retention member, a front end of the member engages the connector housing, and the spring urges the ferrule toward the front of the connector housing. An elongated cable support has an axial passage that opens at a front end and at a back end of the support for receiving the cable, and the front end of the support is joined at the rear of the retention member. The passage in the support has a radially outward flare at the back end which acts to limit the cable from bending in the vicinity of the connector, so that the cable fiber is not strained below the specified minimum bend radius.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLCInventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Gregory A. Sandels
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Patent number: 9366829Abstract: A ganged connector housing is configured to receive a plurality of single-fiber connectors. Each connector is removably retainable at a respective location in the connector housing. Each single-fiber connector comprises a ferrule configured to receive and retain a single multicore fiber. The single-fiber connectors have a high-density packing footprint within the connector housing. Each single-fiber connector and its respective ferrule is configured to enable individual repositioning, tuning, alignment, repair or replacement of a respective multicore fiber terminated therein, independent of other optical fibers within the plurality of single fiber ferrules, and without requiring replacement of the entire set of multicore fibers.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLCInventors: Wladyslaw Czosnowski, Gregory A. Sandels
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Publication number: 20150247980Abstract: An optical fiber ferrule has a plurality of guide holes therein for guiding a respective plurality of flat-sided fibers at an end of a multifiber optical fiber cable. The fibers' flat sides identify a particular rotational orientation of the fiber. Rotational alignment is achieved by urging the fibers' flat sides against a corresponding reference surface within the ferrule or within an alignment fixture. Also described is a fiber array block having a plurality of V-shaped grooves extending across an outer surface and terminating at an endface. The V-shaped grooves are shaped to guide a respective plurality of flat-sided fibers. A lid is installable across the plurality of V-shaped grooves, over fibers that have been loaded therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Jinkee Kim, Gregory A. Sandels
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Publication number: 20150247978Abstract: Structures and techniques are described relating to the alignment of multicore fibers within a multifiber connector. These structures and techniques include: multicore fibers having a number of different shapes, including, for example, circular, elliptical, D-shaped, double D-shaped, and polygonal; multifiber ferrules, having a plurality of fiber guide holes therein of various shapes; alignment fixtures for aligning multicore fibers within multifiber ferrules; and various multicore fiber alignment techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Jinkee Kim, Gregory A. Sandels
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Patent number: 9069144Abstract: An optical fiber ferrule has a plurality of guide holes therein for guiding a respective plurality of flat-sided fibers at an end of a multifiber optical fiber cable. The fibers' flat sides identify a particular rotational orientation of the fiber. Rotational alignment is achieved by urging the fibers' flat sides against a corresponding reference surface within the ferrule or within an alignment fixture. Also described is a fiber array block having a plurality of V-shaped grooves extending across an outer surface and terminating at an endface. The V-shaped grooves are shaped to guide a respective plurality of flat-sided fibers. A lid is installable across the plurality of V-shaped grooves, over fibers that have been loaded therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLCInventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Jinkee Kim, Gregory A. Sandels
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Patent number: 9069143Abstract: Structures and techniques are described relating to the alignment of multicore fibers within a multifiber connector. These structures and techniques include: multicore fibers having a number of different shapes, including, for example, circular, elliptical, D-shaped, double D-shaped, and polygonal; multifiber ferrules, having a plurality of fiber guide holes therein of various shapes; alignment fixtures for aligning multicore fibers within multifiber ferrules; and various multicore fiber alignment techniques.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLCInventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Jinkee Kim, Gregory A. Sandels
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Patent number: 8858089Abstract: An optical fiber cable connector includes a ferrule with a guide hole that is shaped to closely receive a multicore fiber having a flat side indicative of the rotational orientation of the cores of the multicore fiber. The ferrule includes a flat surface at one side of the guide hole, corresponding in position to the flat side of the multicore fiber. Installing the multicore fiber into the guide hole with its flat side abutting the flat surface along the side of the guide hole provides alignment of the cores with respect to an optical component to which the multicore fiber endface is to be connected.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLCInventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Jinkee Kim, Gregory A. Sandels, Willard C. White
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Patent number: 8801301Abstract: An optical fiber cable connector includes a ferrule subassembly, in which a ferrule is mounted into a receptacle including a barrel section having a flange at its base. The ferrule subassembly is loaded into an enclosure having a plug housing at its lead end. The plug housing is configured to provide a connection between an endface of a multicore fiber mounted into the ferrule and a corresponding surface in a mating socket. A collar is rotatably mounted onto the barrel section of the ferrule subassembly such that it butts up against the flange. The collar has an opening that fits around the barrel section, and an outer perimeter that fits into a receiving cavity with the plug housing. The ferrule, receptacle, receptacle barrel section, mounted multicore fiber, enclosure, and plug housing have a common longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLCInventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Gregory A. Sandels, Willard C. White
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Publication number: 20130315540Abstract: An optical connector has a housing, and a retention member for retaining a cable with a fiber that has a specified minimum bend radius. A rear portion of a connector ferrule and spring are seated in the retention member, a front end of the member engages the connector housing, and the spring urges the ferrule toward the front of the connector housing. An elongated cable support has an axial passage that opens at a front end and at a back end of the support for receiving the cable, and the front end of the support is joined at the rear of the retention member. The passage in the support has a radially outward flare at the back end which acts to limit the cable from bending in the vicinity of the connector, so that the cable fiber is not strained below the specified minimum bend radius.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: OFS FITEL, LLCInventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Gregory A. Sandels
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Publication number: 20130259429Abstract: A ganged connector housing Is configured to receive a plurality of single-fiber connectors. Each connector is removably retainable at a respective location in the connector housing. Each single-fiber connector comprises a ferrule configured to receive and retain a single multicore fiber. The single-fiber connectors have a high-density packing footprint within the connector housing. Each single-fiber connector and its respective ferrule is configured to enable individual repositioning, tuning, alignment, repair or replacement of a respective multicore fiber terminated therein, independent of other optical fibers within the plurality of single fiber ferrules, and without requiring replacement of the entire set of multicore fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2013Publication date: October 3, 2013Applicant: OFS Fitel, LLCInventors: Wladyslaw Czosnowski, Gregory A. Sandels
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Publication number: 20120219255Abstract: An optical fiber ferrule has a plurality of guide holes therein for guiding a respective plurality of flat-sided fibers at an end of a multifiber optical fiber cable. The fibers' flat sides identify a particular rotational orientation of the fiber. Rotational alignment is achieved by urging the fibers' flat sides against a corresponding reference surface within the ferrule or within an alignment fixture. Also described is a fiber array block having a plurality of V-shaped grooves extending across an outer surface and terminating at an endface. The V-shaped grooves are shaped to guide a respective plurality of flat-sided fibers. A lid is installable across the plurality of V-shaped grooves, over fibers that have been loaded therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: OFS Fitel, LLCInventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Jinkee Kim, Gregory A. Sandels
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Publication number: 20120219254Abstract: An optical fiber cable connector includes a ferrule with a guide hole that is shaped to closely receive a multicore fiber having a flat side indicative of the rotational orientation of the cores of the multicore fiber. The ferrule includes a flat surface at one side of the guide hole, corresponding in position to the flat side of the multicore fiber. Installing the multicore fiber into the guide hole with its flat side abutting the flat surface along the side of the guide hole provides alignment of the cores with respect to an optical component to which the multicore fiber endface is to be connected.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2012Publication date: August 30, 2012Applicant: OFS Fitel, LLCInventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Jinkee Kim, Gregory A. Sandels, Willard C. White
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Publication number: 20110229085Abstract: An optical fiber cable connector includes a ferrule subassembly, in which a ferrule is mounted into a receptacle including a barrel section having a flange at its base. The ferrule subassembly is loaded into an enclosure having a plug housing at its lead end. The plug housing is configured to provide a connection between an endface of a multicore fiber mounted into the ferrule and a corresponding surface in a mating socket. A collar is rotatably mounted onto the barrel section of the ferrule subassembly such that it butts up against the flange. The collar has an opening that fits around the barrel section, and an outer perimeter that fits into a receiving cavity with the plug housing. The ferrule, receptacle, receptacle barrel section, mounted multicore fiber, enclosure, and plug housing have a common longitudinal axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: OFS FITEL, LLCInventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Gregory A. Sandels, Willard C. White
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Publication number: 20110229086Abstract: Structures and techniques are described relating to the alignment of multicore fibers within a multifiber connector. These structures and techniques include: multicore fibers having a number of different shapes, including, for example, circular, elliptical, D-shaped, double D-shaped, and polygonal; multifiber ferrules, having a plurality of fiber guide holes therein of various shapes; alignment fixtures for aligning multicore fibers within multifiber ferrules; and various multicore fiber alignment techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: OFS FITEL, LLCInventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Jinkee Kim, Gregory A. Sandels