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).
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Patent number: 11852874Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 7, 2022Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Benjamin J. Berridge
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Patent number: 11822132Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny
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Publication number: 20230305252Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Applicant: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Jeremy S. Parrish
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Publication number: 20230221517Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2023Publication date: July 13, 2023Applicant: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer, Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Kai C. Lui, Benjamin S. Novak, Joseph E. Sanders
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Patent number: 11646556Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2020Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Jerry A. Wiltjer
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Patent number: 11624888Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 29, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer, Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Kai C. Lui, Benjamin S. Novak, Joseph E. Sanders
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Publication number: 20230073414Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Applicant: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Thomas M. Sedor, Benjamin J. Berridge, Max W. Hibner, Gregory L. Kuffel
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Publication number: 20230054668Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Benjamin J. Berridge
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Publication number: 20220390688Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Applicant: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny
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Patent number: 11493701Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2021Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Benjamin J. Berridge
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Patent number: 11422316Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 8, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny
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Publication number: 20210356689Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Applicant: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer, Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Kai C. Lui, Benjamin S. Novak, Joseph E. Sanders
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Patent number: 11105995Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 2020Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer, Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Kai C. Lui, Benjamin S. Novak, Joseph E. Sanders
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Publication number: 20210263235Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2021Publication date: August 26, 2021Applicant: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Benjamin J. Berridge
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Publication number: 20210199900Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2021Publication date: July 1, 2021Applicant: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Benjamin J. Berridge, Jerry A. Wiltjer
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Publication number: 20210119427Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2020Publication date: April 22, 2021Applicant: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Jerry A. Wiltjer
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Patent number: 10948663Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 3, 2019Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Benjamin J. Berridge, Jerry A. Wiltjer
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Publication number: 20200371304Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2020Publication date: November 26, 2020Applicant: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer, Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Kai C. Lui, Benjamin S. Novak, Joseph E. Sanders
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Patent number: 10768385Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer, Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny, Kai C. Lui, Benjamin S. Novak, Joseph E. Sanders
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Publication number: 20200264387Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2020Publication date: August 20, 2020Applicant: Panduit Corp.Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Joel D. Kwasny