Patents by Inventor John P. Hill

John P. Hill 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: 11971599
    Abstract: A sealed terminal has a housing, a cover, a splice tray, an adapter plate, and a splice chip. The cover is connected to the housing to close an interior compartment and has input ports for receiving one or more cables and an output adapter module having a plurality of distribution ports. The splice tray is positioned in the interior compartment and has one or more cable retainers configured to route the one or more cables within the interior compartment. The adapter plate is connected to the splice tray and has a plurality of adapters for connecting the one or more cables to the distribution ports. The splice chip is connected to the splice tray and has a plurality of slots for receiving and routing the one or more cables. The housing includes a radiused wall for routing the cables within the interior compartment without bending the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Walter E. Power, II
  • Publication number: 20240126025
    Abstract: A flexible optical fiber connector comprises a first housing component configured to couple to a terminating connector, and a second housing component configured to receive an optical fiber for termination in the terminating connector. The first housing component and the second housing component are further configured to receive a pushable connector therethrough. A flexible optical fiber connector assembly comprises a flexible connector and a terminating connector coupled thereto. The flexible connector assembly is configured to couple to an adapter held by a holder coupled to a port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Brian Larson, Jeffrey Gniadek, David J. Johnsen, James John Henschel, Matthew John Brigham
  • Patent number: 11899250
    Abstract: A flexible optical fiber connector comprises a first housing component configured to couple to a terminating connector, and a second housing component configured to receive an optical fiber for termination in the terminating connector. The first housing component and the second housing component are further configured to receive a pushable connector therethrough. A flexible optical fiber connector assembly comprises a flexible connector and a terminating connector coupled thereto. The flexible connector assembly is configured to couple to an adapter held by a holder coupled to a port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Brian Larson, Jeffrey Gniadek, David J. Johnsen, James John Henschel, Matthew John Brigham
  • Patent number: 11880080
    Abstract: An adjustable height optical fiber cable reel comprises a first piece having a first base plate and a first tab protruding from the first base plate, the first tab having a first opening and a second opening, a second piece having a second base plate and a second tab protruding from the second base plate, the second tab having a pin. The pin is configured to engage the first opening to lock the adjustable height reel at a first height, and to engage the second opening to lock the adjustable height reel at a second height. The adjustable height reel may also be coupled to a slack storage tray. Optical fiber enclosures may also be configured with adjustable height reels with optional slack storage trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Joshua J. Povlitzki, Dalen Defoe
  • Patent number: 11852875
    Abstract: A flexible optical fiber connector comprises a first housing component configured to couple to a terminating connector, and a second housing component configured to receive an optical fiber for termination in the terminating connector. The first housing component and the second housing component are further configured to receive a pushable connector therethrough. A flexible optical fiber connector assembly comprises a flexible connector and a terminating connector coupled thereto. The flexible connector assembly is configured to couple to an adapter held by a holder coupled to a port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Brian Larson, Jeffrey Gniadek, David J. Johnsen, James John Henschel, Matthew John Brigham
  • Publication number: 20230393360
    Abstract: A modular pedestal distribution hub includes a pedestal and a cover attaching to and covering a portion of the pedestal. The pedestal includes a first pedestal section and a second pedestal section. Each of the first pedestal section and the second pedestal section are configured to be attached to form the pedestal. The cover includes a front cover and a back panel. The front cover and the back panel are configured to be attached to form the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Brian K. Larson, Brian S. Schrand
  • Patent number: 11822131
    Abstract: A pre-terminated end of a fiber optic cable has a protective cap that protects the optical fiber and the ferrule assembly at the terminal end. The protective cap has an attachment feature enabling a pull cord to attach to the protective cap. The protective cap has a body including an exterior surface and a receptacle formed in the body and configured to receive a portion of the fiber optic cable, and the attachment feature. The attachment feature includes a cavity formed in a tip of the body and at least two openings formed in the exterior surface of the body and connected to the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20230350148
    Abstract: A flexible cable mounting system has one or more brackets. The flexible cable mounting system has an elongated surface affixed to the one or more brackets and configured to guide one or more cables generally parallel along the elongated surface. The elongated surface has a first portion having a generally linear profile. The elongated surface has a second portion having a generally linear profile. The elongated surface has a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The third portion is flexibly configured to vary an angle formed between the first portion relative to the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Donovan J. Hample, Brian K. Larson, Randy T. VanHorn
  • Publication number: 20230266550
    Abstract: An aerial terminal for optical fiber communication comprises at least one feeder port and a plurality of distribution ports, the aerial terminal being configured to receive a fiber through the at least one feeder port and to output a plurality of fibers through the plurality of distribution ports. Embodiments may comprise stackable loose tube fiber splice chips having a plurality of lower slots and a plurality of upper slots stacked on the plurality of lower slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Wlliam Cruzen
  • Publication number: 20230258903
    Abstract: A sealed terminal has a housing, a cover, a splice tray, an adapter plate, and a splice chip. The cover is connected to the housing to close an interior compartment and has input ports for receiving one or more cables and an output adapter module having a plurality of distribution ports. The splice tray is positioned in the interior compartment and has one or more cable retainers configured to route the one or more cables within the interior compartment. The adapter plate is connected to the splice tray and has a plurality of adapters for connecting the one or more cables to the distribution ports. The splice chip is connected to the splice tray and has a plurality of slots for receiving and routing the one or more cables. The housing includes a radiused wall for routing the cables within the interior compartment without bending the cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Walter E. Power, II
  • Publication number: 20230251446
    Abstract: A sealed terminal has a housing, a splice tray, and a faceplate. The housing has an interior compartment and a first perimeter flange defining an opening into the interior compartment. The splice tray is positioned in the interior compartment and is configured to support a module or a cartridge. The faceplate has a plurality of ports and a second perimeter flange extending at a perimeter edge of the faceplate. The sealed terminal also has at least one connection bracket and a gasket for connecting the housing and the faceplate to each other. The connection bracket has a slot receiving the first perimeter flange and the second flange in an abutting position. The gasket is positioned between the first perimeter flange and the second perimeter flange and configured to seal any gap therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, David Joseph Johnsen, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Brian K. Larson, Timothy John Kjolsing
  • Publication number: 20230244042
    Abstract: A dustcap comprises a body having a cylindrical portion configured to receive a ferrule of an optical fiber connector, and an end portion opposite the cylindrical portion. The end portion includes a receptacle. The dustcap has a built-in cleaner disposed within the receptacle. The dustcap further comprises a removable cover configured to couple to the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the end portion includes a flat surface, the cleaner is disposed on the flat surface of the end portion, and the cover is configured to receive the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the cover has a receptacle and the cleaner is disposed within the receptacle, whereas the body comprises an end portion configured to receive at least a portion of the cover with the built-in cleaner. Embodiments encompass cleaner assemblies and adapter dustcaps having built-in cleaners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Patent number: 11709323
    Abstract: A connector pack for an optical fiber enclosure has a plurality of connector slots each for receiving a respective connector on a cable. The connector pack has a first set of connector slots on a first side of a connector pack body and a second set of connector slots on a second side of the connector pack body. The first set of connector slots and the second set of connector slots each include a latch opening for receiving a latch of a respective connector. The latch opening of the first set of connector slots is offset with respect to the latch opening of the second set of connectors. According to some embodiments, the latch opening of the first set of connector slots is inverted with respect to the latch opening of the second set of connector slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Randy T. VanHorn, Joshua J. Povlitzki, Timothy J. Kjolsing
  • Patent number: 11681108
    Abstract: A dustcap comprises a body having a cylindrical portion configured to receive a ferrule of an optical fiber connector, and an end portion opposite the cylindrical portion. The end portion includes a receptacle. The dustcap has a built-in cleaner and an alignment portion disposed within the receptacle. The dustcap further comprises a removable cover configured to couple to the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the end portion includes a flat surface, the cleaner is disposed on the flat surface of the end portion and below a bottom surface of the alignment portion, and the cover is configured to receive the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the cover has a receptacle and the cleaner and alignment portion are disposed within the receptacle, whereas the body comprises an end portion configured to receive at least a portion of the cover with the built-in cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Publication number: 20230185045
    Abstract: An optical fiber pedestal box comprises a pedestal having a rail and an optical fiber box configured to mount to the pedestal. The optical fiber box is restricted in movement by at least one cable and the pedestal is configured to slide relative to the optical fiber box to accommodate cables moving because of ground heaving during freezing and thawing. The optical fiber pedestal box may be configured to receive different sizes and types of optical fiber cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Todd M. Bade, Walter E. Power, II
  • Patent number: 11675139
    Abstract: A dustcap comprises a body having a cylindrical portion configured to receive a ferrule of an optical fiber connector, and an end portion opposite the cylindrical portion. The end portion includes a receptacle. The dustcap has a built-in cleaner disposed within the receptacle. The dustcap further comprises a removable cover configured to couple to the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the end portion includes a flat surface, the cleaner is disposed on the flat surface of the end portion, and the cover is configured to receive the end portion of the dustcap. In another embodiment, the cover has a receptacle and the cleaner is disposed within the receptacle, whereas the body comprises an end portion configured to receive at least a portion of the cover with the built-in cleaner. Embodiments encompass cleaner assemblies and adapter dustcaps having built-in cleaners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Publication number: 20230161114
    Abstract: A pre-terminated end of a fiber optic cable has a protective cap that protects the optical fiber and the ferrule assembly at the terminal end. The protective cap has an attachment feature enabling a pull cord to attach to the protective cap. The protective cap has a body including an exterior surface and a receptacle formed in the body and configured to receive a portion of the fiber optic cable, and the attachment feature. The attachment feature includes a cavity formed in a tip of the body and at least two openings formed in the exterior surface of the body and connected to the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20230143221
    Abstract: A golf club putter includes a head having an insert including face and base portions that interface with each other and are made of materials with dissimilar moduli of elasticity. The face portion can be a polymer and the base portion can be a metal. The face portion has a front facing surface that strikes the golf ball and an opposing rear surface with a smooth curved or stepped angled profile. The base portion has a front surface that interfaces with the rear surface of the face portion and is curved or stepped similar to the face portion. The front-to-back dimension of the face portion is thinnest at the center of the club head, and its thickness progressively increases as the curve of the rear surface of the face portion moves away from the club head center towards the heel and toe of the club head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: John L. Hill, John P. Hill
  • Patent number: 11644631
    Abstract: A sealed terminal has a housing, a cover, a splice tray, an adapter plate, and a splice chip. The cover is connected to the housing to close an interior compartment and has input ports for receiving one or more cables and an output adapter module having a plurality of distribution ports. The splice tray is positioned in the interior compartment and has one or more cable retainers configured to route the one or more cables within the interior compartment. The adapter plate is connected to the splice tray and has a plurality of adapters for connecting the one or more cables to the distribution ports. The splice chip is connected to the splice tray and has a plurality of slots for receiving and routing the one or more cables. The housing includes a radiused wall for routing the cables within the interior compartment without bending the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Walter E. Power, II
  • Patent number: D1023009
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Jody Akana, Molly Anderson, Bartley K. Andre, Shota Aoyagi, Anthony Michael Ashcroft, John J. Baker, Marine C. Bataille, Jeremy Bataillou, Abidur Rahman Chowdhury, Clara Geneviève Marine Courtaigne, Markus Diebel, Richard Hung Minh Dinh, Christopher E. Glazowski, Jonathan Gomez Garcia, Jean-Pierre S. Guillou, M. Evans Hankey, Matthew David Hill, Julian Hoenig, Richard P. Howarth, Jonathan P. Ive, Julian Jaede, Duncan Robert Kerr, Peter Russell-Clarke, Benjamin Andrew Shaffer, Sung-Ho Tan, Clement Tissandier, Eugene Antony Whang, Rico Zörkendörfer