Patents by Inventor James W. Fleming

James W. Fleming 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: 9709732
    Abstract: Described is a technique for the design and manufacture of MMFs. Designs are implemented so as to limit the maximum variation in z(r, ?) with respect to wavelength, where z(r, ?) is the dielectric constant weighted by the square of the wavelength. MMFs for use in CWDM applications are specifically described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLC
    Inventors: Kasyapa Balemarthy, James W Fleming, Jinkee Kim, Robert L Lingle, Jr., Roman Shubochkin, Durgesh Vaidya, Man F Yan
  • Publication number: 20160370540
    Abstract: Described is a technique for the design and manufacture of MMFs. Designs are implemented so as to limit the maximum variation in z(r, ?) with respect to wavelength, where z(r, ?) is the dielectric constant weighted by the square of the wavelength. MMFs for use in CWDM applications are specifically described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Applicant: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: Kasyapa Balemarthy, James W Fleming, Jinkee Kim, Robert L Lingle, Jr., Roman Shubochkin, Durgesh Vaidya, Man F Yan
  • Publication number: 20160023939
    Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system is configured to reduce the presence of geometrical and optical taper at the end sections of the preform, or more generally controlling the axial profile of the fabricated optical fiber preform. The system is configured to create an isothermal plasma within the substrate tube, with a relatively confined deposition zone located upstream of the plasma. A reagent delivery system is configured to adjust the composition and concentration of the introduced species in sync with the movement of the plasma and deposition zone within the substrate tube. By synchronizing the movement of the plasma with the adjustable reagent delivery system, it is possible to provide precision control of the axial profile of the created optical fiber preform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Inventors: John C. Alonzo, David D. Braganza, Merrill H. Brodeur, James W. Fleming
  • Patent number: 9158066
    Abstract: An optical fiber includes a core region having a longitudinal axis. A cladding region surrounds the core region. The core region and cladding region are configured to support and guide the propagation of signal light in a fundamental transverse mode in the core region in the directions of the axis. The fiber has a bend-induced gradient of its equivalent index of refraction indicative of a loss in guidance of the mode. At least a portion of cladding region has a graded index of refraction opposite the bend-induced gradient. The cladding region is configured to have a substantially flat equivalent index in response to a bend of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLC
    Inventors: John M Fini, James W Fleming, Jeffrey W Nicholson, Thierry F Taunay, Man Yan
  • Patent number: 9002162
    Abstract: The specification describes multimode optical fibers produced by improved methods that reduce the manufacturing cost. These methods may also be more efficient in terms of power loss. In one of the embodiments, the improved design has a large core of pure silica derived from a rod-in-tube method. In the embodiment, a down-doped cladding is produced by depositing fluorine-doped silica on the inside of a silica starting tube using isothermal radio frequency plasma deposition. The silica core is inserted and the starting tube collapsed. The silica starting tube is removed and optical fiber is drawn from the fluorine-doped glass coated silica rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: John C Alonzo, David D Braganza, Merrill H Brodeur, James W Fleming
  • Publication number: 20140334788
    Abstract: An optical fiber includes a core region having a longitudinal axis. A cladding region surrounds the core region. The core region and cladding region are configured to support and guide the propagation of signal light in a fundamental transverse mode in the core region in the directions of the axis. The fiber has a bend-induced gradient of its equivalent index of refraction indicative of a loss in guidance of the mode. At least a portion of cladding region has a graded index of refraction opposite the bend-induced gradient. The cladding region is configured to have a substantially flat equivalent index in response to a bend of the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: OFS FITEL, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Fini, James W. Fleming, Jeffrey W. Nicholson, Thierry F. Taunay, Man Yan
  • Publication number: 20140270665
    Abstract: The specification describes multimode optical fibers produced by improved methods that reduce the manufacturing cost. These methods may also be more efficient in terms of power loss. In one of the embodiments, the improved design has a large core of pure silica derived from a rod-in-tube method. In the embodiment, a down-doped cladding is produced by depositing fluorine-doped silica on the inside of a silica starting tube using isothermal radio frequency plasma deposition. The silica core is inserted and the starting tube collapsed. The silica starting tube is removed and optical fiber is drawn from the fluorine-doped glass coated silica rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Alonzo, David D. Braganza, Merrill H. Brodeur, James W. Fleming
  • Publication number: 20120285202
    Abstract: An isothermal, low pressure-based process of depositing material within a substrate has been developed, and is particularly useful in forming an optical fiber preform results in creating an extremely narrow reaction zone within which a more uniform and efficient deposition will occur. Sets of isothermal plasma operating conditions have been found that create a narrow deposition zone, assuring that the deposited material is clear glass rather than soot particles. The exhaust end of the tube is connected to a vacuum system which is in turn connected to a scrubber apparatus for removal and neutralization of reaction by-products. The operating conditions are selected such that the hot plasma does not transfer a substantial amount of heat to the substrate tube, where the presence of such heat has been found to result in vaporizing the reactant material (creating soot) and developing hot spots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: James W. Fleming, George J. Zydzik
  • Patent number: 8252387
    Abstract: An isothermal, low pressure-based process of depositing material within a substrate has been developed, and is particularly useful in forming an optical fiber preform results in creating an extremely narrow reaction zone within which a more uniform and efficient deposition will occur. Sets of isothermal plasma operating conditions have been found that create a narrow deposition zone, assuring that the deposited material is clear glass rather than soot particles. The exhaust end of the tube is connected to a vacuum system which is in turn connected to a scrubber apparatus for removal and neutralization of reaction by-products. The operating conditions are selected such that the hot plasma does not transfer a substantial amount of heat to the substrate tube, where the presence of such heat has been found to result in vaporizing the reactant material (creating soot) and developing hot spots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: James W. Fleming, George J. Zydzik
  • Patent number: 7946134
    Abstract: The specification describes methods for the manufacture of very large optical fiber preforms wherein the core material is produced by MCVD. Previous limitations on preform size inherent in having the MCVD starting tube as part of the preform process are eliminated by removing the MCVD starting tube material from the collapsed MCVD rod by etching or mechanical grinding. Doped overcladding tubes are used to provide the outer segments of the refractive index profile thus making most effective use of the MCVD produced glass and allowing the production of significantly larger MCVD preforms than previously possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: Robert M. Atkins, James W. Fleming, Paul F Glodis, Man F. Yan
  • Publication number: 20110052128
    Abstract: An optical fiber preform comprising a plurality of longitudinal air holes is subjected to a thermal treatment (i.e., heating), coupled with the application of a compressive force on either end of the heated preform to compress the entire preform structure a predetermined amount. The thermal compression treatment has been found to smooth any roughened glass surfaces and heal microcracks that may have formed during the preform fabrication process, essentially “knitting” the glass material back together and forming a preform of improved quality over the prior art microstructured preforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: OFS FITEL LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Bise, James W. Fleming, George J. Zydzik
  • Patent number: 7854143
    Abstract: An optical fiber preform comprising a plurality of longitudinal air holes is subjected to a thermal treatment (i.e., heating), coupled with the application of a compressive force on either end of the heated preform to compress the entire preform structure a predetermined amount. The thermal compression treatment has been found to smooth any roughened glass surfaces and heal microcracks that may have formed during the preform fabrication process, essentially “knitting” the glass material back together and forming a preform of improved quality over the prior art microstructured preforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: OFS Fitel LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Bise, James W. Fleming, George J. Zydzik
  • Publication number: 20100287993
    Abstract: The specification describes methods for the manufacture of very large optical fiber preforms wherein the core material is produced by MCVD. Previous limitations on preform size inherent in having the MCVD starting tube as part of the preform process are eliminated by removing the MCVD starting tube material from the collapsed MCVD rod by etching or mechanical grinding. Doped overcladding tubes are used to provide the outer segments of the refractive index profile thus making most effective use of the MCVD produced glass and allowing the production of significantly larger MCVD preforms than previously possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Robert M. Atkins, James W. Fleming, Paul F. Glodis, Man F. Yan
  • Publication number: 20090148613
    Abstract: An isothermal, low pressure-based process of depositing material within a substrate has been developed, and is particularly useful in forming an optical fiber preform results in creating an extremely narrow reaction zone within which a more uniform and efficient deposition will occur. Sets of isothermal plasma operating conditions have been found that create a narrow deposition zone, assuring that the deposited material is clear glass rather than soot particles. The exhaust end of the tube is connected to a vacuum system which is in turn connected to a scrubber apparatus for removal and neutralization of reaction by-products. The operating conditions are selected such that the hot plasma does not transfer a substantial amount of heat to the substrate tube, where the presence of such heat has been found to result in vaporizing the reactant material (creating soot) and developing hot spots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: James W. Fleming, George J. Zydzik
  • Publication number: 20080148777
    Abstract: An optical fiber preform comprising a plurality of longitudinal air holes is subjected to a thermal treatment (i.e., heating), coupled with the application of a compressive force on either end of the heated preform to compress the entire preform structure a predetermined amount. The thermal compression treatment has been found to smooth any roughened glass surfaces and heal microcracks that may have formed during the preform fabrication process, essentially “knitting” the glass material back together and forming a preform of improved quality over the prior art microstructured preforms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Ryan Bise, James W. Fleming, George J. Zydzik
  • Publication number: 20080099588
    Abstract: An underbody car wash sprayer for home-use, which can be hooked up solely to a garden hose or in combination with a pressure washer. The device utilizes a three nozzled “I” design, supported by four swiveling casters. In addition, it is connected to an ergonomically effective wand system to allow easy maneuverability under the vehicle. Finally, in some embodiments a trigger spray gun acts as a handle and pressure regulator. The compactness of the specific design allows for significant material reduction and hence a reduction in production costs, providing the consumer with a more economical choice. Additionally, the concentrated pressure and spray pattern of the “I” design along with its precision maneuverability allows the consumer to easily access and forcefully remove sediment adhesions to the vehicle underbody while controlling water flow at all times with a trigger spray gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Mark J. Zinski, Dale R. Rosson, James W. Fleming, Aaron B. Arbiture, Dan Herried
  • Patent number: 7208051
    Abstract: An underbody car wash sprayer for home-use, which can be hooked up solely to a garden hose or in combination with a pressure washer. The device utilizes a three nozzled “I” design, supported by four swiveling casters. In addition, it is connected to an ergonomically effective wand system to allow easy maneuverability under the vehicle. Finally, in some embodiments a trigger spray gun acts as a handle and pressure regulator. The compactness of the specific design allows for significant material reduction and hence a reduction in production costs, providing the consumer with a more economical choice. Additionally, the concentrated pressure and spray pattern of the “I” design along with its precision maneuverability allows the consumer to easily access and forcefully remove sediment adhesions to the vehicle underbody while controlling water flow at all times with a trigger spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: ZMZ Imports, LLC
    Inventors: Mark J. Zinski, Dale R. Rosson, James W. Fleming, Aaron B. Arbiture, Dan Herried
  • Publication number: 20040159124
    Abstract: The specification describes methods for the manufacture of very large optical fiber preforms wherein the core material is produced by MCVD. Previous limitations on preform size inherent in having the MCVD starting tube as part of the preform process are eliminated by removing the MCVD starting tube material from the collapsed MCVD rod by etching or mechanical grinding. Doped overcladding tubes are used to provide the outer segments of the refractive index profile thus making most effective use of the MCVD produced glass and allowing the production of significantly larger MCVD preforms than previously possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventors: Robert M. Atkins, James W. Fleming, Paul F. Glodis, Man F. Yan
  • Publication number: 20040099013
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating an optical fiber, an optical fiber preform, and an optical fiber core rod are disclosed herein. In particular, the process of fabricating an optical fiber preform involves, during a modified chemical vapor deposition process, collapsing the substrate tube into an optical fiber preform, and compressing the optical fiber preform in the longitudinal direction. An optical fiber preform that is shorter, but larger in diameter is thus formed. The optical fiber preforms therefore can be stacked during the optical fiber fabrication process, which is useful in drawing longer optical fibers with comparable outer diameter and core diameter to that used as the industry standard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Fitel USA Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Fleming, Srinivas Vemury
  • Patent number: 5850497
    Abstract: A refractory body having reduced optical attenuation, and a method for making same, is disclosed. A refractory body is exposed to a high-temperature oxygen-containing plasma. A drawing force is applied to the body, elongating the body to form a rod of reduced diameter. The source of the plasma is moved in a direction opposite to the applied drawing force, and, preferably, has a reciprocating component of motion to spread the zone of heating. The method is particularly useful in manufacturing optical fiber core rods having low optical attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Fleming, Michael L. Pearsall