Patents by Inventor Jerome A. Pratt

Jerome A. Pratt 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: 9389370
    Abstract: An optical connector for terminating a jacketed optical fiber cable comprises a housing configured to mate with a receptacle. The connector also includes a collar body disposed in the housing, the collar body securing, at a first end, a ferrule. The collar body includes a gripping mechanism disposed in a second portion of the collar body. The collar body further includes a buffer clamp configured within a third portion of the collar body, the buffer clamp configured to clamp at least a portion of a buffer cladding of the optical fiber upon actuation. The optical connector also includes a backbone to retain the collar body within the housing. The backbone includes a mounting structure surrounding a central bore at one end of the backbone, the mounting structure having at least one pocket region configured to receive a slit portion of the cable jacket. A fiber connector termination and assembly tool is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jerome A. Pratt, Ronald P. Pepin, Joseph C. Sawicki, Shirley E. Ball, Wesley A. Raider, Donald K. Larson
  • Patent number: 8998506
    Abstract: An ST format optical connector for terminating an optical fiber comprises a housing configured to mate with an ST receptacle or coupling, the housing having an ST bayonet-style format. The ST format optical connector also includes a collar body and a retainer disposed in the housing, where the collar body is retained between the housing and the retainer. The housing is prevented from fully rotating about the collar body and retainer. In addition, the connector can be deactivated for fiber repositioning or reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ronald P. Pepin, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20140286611
    Abstract: An optical connector for terminating a jacketed optical fiber cable comprises a housing configured to mate with a receptacle. The connector also includes a collar body disposed in the housing, the collar body securing, at a first end, a ferrule. The collar body includes a gripping mechanism disposed in a second portion of the collar body. The collar body further includes a buffer clamp configured within a third portion of the collar body, the buffer clamp configured to clamp at least a portion of a buffer cladding of the optical fiber upon actuation. The optical connector also includes a backbone to retain the collar body within the housing. The backbone includes a mounting structure surrounding a central bore at one end of the backbone, the mounting structure having at least one pocket region configured to receive a slit portion of the cable jacket. A fiber connector termination and assembly tool is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jerome A. Pratt, Ronald P. Pepin, Joseph C. Sawicki, Shirley E. Ball, Wesley A. Raider, Donald K. Larson
  • Publication number: 20140079356
    Abstract: An ST format optical connector for terminating an optical fiber comprises a housing configured to mate with an ST receptacle or coupling, the housing having an ST bayonet-style format. The ST format optical connector also includes a collar body and a retainer disposed in the housing, where the collar body is retained between the housing and the retainer. The housing is prevented from fully rotating about the collar body and retainer. In addition, the connector can be deactivated for fiber repositioning or reuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald P. Pepin, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20120261156
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low profile protection device for protecting a cable connection. The protection device includes an elastomeric base layer, a gel sealant material coated on the elastomeric base layer; and a closure mechanism disposed along the protection device such that the protection device exerts a compressive force around the cable connection when disposed in its assembled state. The elastomeric base layer has a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge, wherein the first and second longitudinal edges are substantially parallel in an assembled state and wherein a portion of the first longitudinal edge is obliquely oriented to a portion of the second longitudinal edge in an unassembled state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventors: William V. Dower, Jerome A. Pratt, Dean C. Krenz, John P. Lammers, Gary D. Woolston, Scott D. Turner
  • Patent number: 7867013
    Abstract: An in-line splice connector comprises a connector body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and having a generally elongated cavity region formed between the first and second ends to house at least a first insulation displacement connector (IDC) element. The in-line splice connector also includes a first cap and a second cap, each cap including a wire guide to receive and guide a wire to the IDC element. The first cap is pivotally mounted at the first end of the connector body to receive a first wire and the second cap is pivotally mounted at the second end of the connector body to receive a second wire. A closing of the first and second caps actuates a splice of the first and second wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry Cox, Sidney J. Berglund, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7753716
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for terminating first and second electrical wires, the electrical connector assembly comprising a housing including a compartment for receiving first and second IDC elements and a cap movably mounted to the housing to cover the compartment. The cap is movable between an open position and a closed position. The cap includes a general body portion, a wire retention portion, and a latching mechanism. The wire retention portion includes first and second wire holders to retain and align the respective electrical wires within the housing for engagement with a gripping portion of the respective IDC element when the cap is placed in a closed position. The gripping force of the wire holders is less than a gripping force of the IDC elements. The latching mechanism can releasably fasten the cap to the housing when the cap is placed in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry R. Cox, Sidney J. Berglund, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20100029129
    Abstract: An in-line splice connector comprises a connector body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end and having a generally elongated cavity region formed between the first and second ends to house at least a first insulation displacement connector (IDC) element. The in-line splice connector also includes a first cap and a second cap, each cap including a wire guide to receive and guide a wire to the IDC element. The first cap is pivotally mounted at the first end of the connector body to receive a first wire and the second cap is pivotally mounted at the second end of the connector body to receive a second wire. A closing of the first and second caps actuates a splice of the first and second wires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Larry Cox, Sidney J. Berglund, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20090197451
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for terminating first and second electrical wires, the electrical connector assembly comprising a housing including a compartment for receiving first and second IDC elements and a cap movably mounted to the housing to cover the compartment. The cap is movable between an open position and a closed position. The cap includes a general body portion, a wire retention portion, and a latching mechanism. The wire retention portion includes first and second wire holders to retain and align the respective electrical wires within the housing for engagement with a gripping portion of the respective IDC element when the cap is placed in a closed position. The gripping force of the wire holders is less than a gripping force of the IDC elements. The latching mechanism can releasably fasten the cap to the housing when the cap is placed in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Larry R. Cox, Sidney J. Berglund, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7530836
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for terminating first and second electrical wires, the electrical connector assembly comprising a housing including a compartment for receiving first and second IDC elements and a cap movably mounted to the housing to cover the compartment. The cap is movable between an open position and a closed position. The cap includes a general body portion, a wire retention portion, and a latching mechanism. The wire retention portion includes first and second wire holders to retain and align the respective electrical wires within the housing for engagement with a gripping portion of the respective IDC element when the cap is placed in a closed position. The gripping force of the wire holders is less than a gripping force of the IDC elements. The latching mechanism can releasably fasten the cap to the housing when the cap is placed in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry R. Cox, Sidney J. Berglund, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7458840
    Abstract: A cap including a width and configured to removably connect to an insulation displacement connector (IDC) block includes a body and a projection extending from the body. The projection is configured to engage with an aperture in the IDC block. At least one of the body or the first projection may be manipulated in order to adjust the width of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jerome A. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20080268718
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for terminating first and second electrical wires, the electrical connector assembly comprising a housing including a compartment for receiving first and second IDC elements and a cap movably mounted to the housing to cover the compartment. The cap is movable between an open position and a closed position. The cap includes a general body portion, a wire retention portion, and a latching mechanism. The wire retention portion includes first and second wire holders to retain and align the respective electrical wires within the housing for engagement with a gripping portion of the respective IDC element when the cap is placed in a closed position. The gripping force of the wire holders is less than a gripping force of the IDC elements. The latching mechanism can releasably fasten the cap to the housing when the cap is placed in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Larry R. Cox, Sidney J. Berglund, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7399197
    Abstract: An electrical connector for terminating at least one electrical conductor comprises a housing including a cavity for receiving at least a first IDC element, a cap including a pivot portion and a cover portion, wherein the pivot portion is pivotally mounted to the housing to allow the cap to be pivoted between an open position and a closed position, at least one recess in the pivot portion of the cap, and a cutting edge within the cavity of the housing adjacent the recess in the pivot portion of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Xavier Fasce, Guy Metral, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7335049
    Abstract: An electrical connector for terminating at least one electrical conductor comprises a first side and a second side each comprising a housing including a cavity for receiving at least a first IDC element, a cap including a pivot portion and a cover portion, where the pivot portion is pivotally mounted to the housing to allow the cap to be pivoted between an open position and a closed position, at least one recess in the pivot portion of the cap, and a cutting edge within the cavity of the housing adjacent to the recess in the pivot portion of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sergio A. Alarcon, Xavier Fasce, Guy Metral, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7331814
    Abstract: An apparatus is configured to releasably attach to an access cover of an insulation displacement connector block. The apparatus is adapted to engage with the insulation displacement connector block to form at least a part of a securing mechanism for securing the access cover in a first closed position. The apparatus may be disengaged from the insulation displacement connector block to move the access cover from the first closed position to a second open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7303446
    Abstract: A frame assembly for mounting an insulation displacement connector block includes a base frame and a modular subframe attached to the base frame. The subframe is capable of being attached to the base frame in a first position or a second position, which are generally perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Proprties Company
    Inventors: Douglas P. Hills, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7223117
    Abstract: A circuit marker bearing a visual indicium is configured to removably attach to an access cover of an insulation displacement connector block. The circuit marker comprises a body adapted to attach to the access cover, means for attaching the body to the access cover, where the means includes at least one projection extending from the body and is adapted to engage with a recess formed in the access cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jerome A. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7165983
    Abstract: An access cover configured to pivotally connect to an insulation displacement connector (IDC) block includes a body and a releasable securing mechanism extending from the body. The body includes an opening configured to receive a testing device and a recess configured to receive an electrical conductor. The releasable securing mechanism is configured to engage with the IDC block to releaseably fix the access cover in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Xavier Fasce, Jerome A. Pratt
  • Publication number: 20070004273
    Abstract: A circuit marker bearing a visual indicium is configured to removably attach to an access cover of an insulation displacement connector block. The circuit marker comprises a body adapted to attach to the access cover, means for attaching the body to the access cover, where the means includes at least one projection extending from the body and is adapted to engage with a recess formed in the access cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventor: Jerome Pratt
  • Patent number: D554068
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Xavier Fasce, Jerome A. Pratt