Patents by Inventor Gregory L. Kuffel

Gregory L. Kuffel 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: 11852874
    Abstract: In accordance with the following description, an optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communication connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Benjamin J. Berridge
  • Patent number: 11822132
    Abstract: In accordance with the following description, an optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communication connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny
  • Publication number: 20230305252
    Abstract: A high-density fiber management system enables a high density of fiber cables to be managed and routed within a known dimensional area. The high-density fiber management system includes a patch panel and modules for installation into the patch panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Jeremy S. Parrish
  • Publication number: 20230221517
    Abstract: A high density fiber enclosure system includes a chassis, cassette trays, an optional unification clip, cassettes, and an optional trunk cable management system. The chassis, cassette trays, and cassettes are configured such that individual cassettes may be installed, removed, and otherwise positioned for easy access by a user. The unification clip allows two adjacent cassette trays to be connected to one other such that cassette trays move as one unit. The trunk cable management system is designed to organize trunk cables and trunk cable furcation legs as well as relieve strain on the trunk cables and trunk cable furcation legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer, Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Kai C. Lui, Benjamin S. Novak, Joseph E. Sanders
  • Patent number: 11646556
    Abstract: A raceway system that provides a cable routing pathway that is easily configured during installation and reconfigured if modifications are required. The raceway system includes at least one U-shaped channel. The U-shaped channel is defined by a base and sidewalls extending perpendicularly from outer edges of the base. The sidewalls include a plurality of apertures in the sidewalls. At least one insert is secured to the sidewall at one of the apertures in the sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Jerry A. Wiltjer
  • Patent number: 11624888
    Abstract: A high density fiber enclosure system includes a chassis, cassette trays, an optional unification clip, cassettes, and an optional trunk cable management system. The chassis, cassette trays, and cassettes are configured such that individual cassettes may be installed, removed, and otherwise positioned for easy access by a user. The unification clip allows two adjacent cassette trays to be connected to one other such that cassette trays move as one unit. The trunk cable management system is designed to organize trunk cables and trunk cable furcation legs as well as relieve strain on the trunk cables and trunk cable furcation legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer, Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Kai C. Lui, Benjamin S. Novak, Joseph E. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20230073414
    Abstract: A high-density fiber cassette and enclosure for installing the cassette are part of a cable management system. The cassette provides a more efficient design enabling installation of additional fiber connecter adapters, thus resulting in high fiber connector density within a given RU space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Sedor, Benjamin J. Berridge, Max W. Hibner, Gregory L. Kuffel
  • Publication number: 20230054668
    Abstract: In accordance with the following description, an optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communication connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2022
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Benjamin J. Berridge
  • Publication number: 20220390688
    Abstract: In accordance with the following description, an optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communication connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny
  • Patent number: 11493701
    Abstract: In accordance with the following description, an optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communication connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Benjamin J. Berridge
  • Patent number: 11422316
    Abstract: In accordance with the following description, an optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communication connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny
  • Publication number: 20210356689
    Abstract: A high density fiber enclosure system includes a chassis, cassette trays, an optional unification clip, cassettes, and an optional trunk cable management system. The chassis, cassette trays, and cassettes are configured such that individual cassettes may be installed, removed, and otherwise positioned for easy access by a user. The unification clip allows two adjacent cassette trays to be connected to one other such that cassette trays move as one unit. The trunk cable management system is designed to organize trunk cables and trunk cable furcation legs as well as relieve strain on the trunk cables and trunk cable furcation legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer, Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Kai C. Lui, Benjamin S. Novak, Joseph E. Sanders
  • Patent number: 11105995
    Abstract: A high density fiber enclosure system includes a chassis, cassette trays, an optional unification clip, cassettes, and an optional trunk cable management system. The chassis, cassette trays, and cassettes are configured such that individual cassettes may be installed, removed, and otherwise positioned for easy access by a user. The unification clip allows two adjacent cassette trays to be connected to one other such that cassette trays move as one unit. The trunk cable management system is designed to organize trunk cables and trunk cable furcation legs as well as relieve strain on the trunk cables and trunk cable furcation legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer, Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Kai C. Lui, Benjamin S. Novak, Joseph E. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20210263235
    Abstract: In accordance with the following description, an optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communication connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Benjamin J. Berridge
  • Publication number: 20210199900
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector has a housing and a ferrule contained within the housing. The ferrule has a base portion, an endface portion protruding from the base, and at least one alignment tower extending from the base portion parallel to the endface portion. In one embodiment, the ferrule can have one alignment tower on each side of the endface portion. In one embodiment. The alignment towers extend the same distance from the base portion as the endface portion. In another embodiment, the alignment towers may be connected to the endface portion via webbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Benjamin J. Berridge, Jerry A. Wiltjer
  • Publication number: 20210119427
    Abstract: A raceway system that provides a cable routing pathway that is easily configured during installation and reconfigured if modifications are required. The raceway system includes at least one U-shaped channel. The U-shaped channel is defined by a base and sidewalls extending perpendicularly from outer edges of the base. The sidewalls include a plurality of apertures in the sidewalls. At least one insert is secured to the sidewall at one of the apertures in the sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Publication date: April 22, 2021
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Jerry A. Wiltjer
  • Patent number: 10948663
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector has a housing and a ferrule contained within the housing. The ferrule has a base portion, an endface portion protruding from the base, and at least one alignment tower extending from the base portion parallel to the endface portion. In one embodiment, the ferrule can have one alignment tower on each side of the endface portion. In one embodiment. The alignment towers extend the same distance from the base portion as the endface portion. In another embodiment, the alignment towers may be connected to the endface portion via webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Benjamin J. Berridge, Jerry A. Wiltjer
  • Publication number: 20200371304
    Abstract: A high density fiber enclosure system includes a chassis, cassette trays, an optional unification clip, cassettes, and an optional trunk cable management system. The chassis, cassette trays, and cassettes are configured such that individual cassettes may be installed, removed, and otherwise positioned for easy access by a user. The unification clip allows two adjacent cassette trays to be connected to one other such that cassette trays move as one unit. The trunk cable management system is designed to organize trunk cables and trunk cable furcation legs as well as relieve strain on the trunk cables and trunk cable furcation legs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer, Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Kai C. Lui, Benjamin S. Novak, Joseph E. Sanders
  • Patent number: 10768385
    Abstract: A high density fiber enclosure system includes a chassis, cassette trays, an optional unification clip, cassettes, and an optional trunk cable management system. The chassis, cassette trays, and cassettes are configured such that individual cassettes may be installed, removed, and otherwise positioned for easy access by a user. The unification clip allows two adjacent cassette trays to be connected to one other such that cassette trays move as one unit. The trunk cable management system is designed to organize trunk cables and trunk cable furcation legs as well as relieve strain on the trunk cables and trunk cable furcation legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer, Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Kai C. Lui, Benjamin S. Novak, Joseph E. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20200264387
    Abstract: In accordance with the following description, an optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communication connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny