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: 12287519
    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: December 20, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Brian Larson, Jeffrey Gniadek, David J. Johnsen, James John Henschel, Matthew John Brigham
  • Patent number: 12287516
    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: March 26, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Patent number: 12265271
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, David Joseph Johnsen, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Brian K. Larson, Timothy John Kjolsing
  • Publication number: 20250052972
    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: October 29, 2024
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Brian K. Larson, Brian S. Schrand
  • Publication number: 20250052956
    Abstract: A dustcap comprises a body having a cylindrical portion configured to receive an optical fiber connector ferrule, and an end portion opposite the cylindrical portion. The end portion includes a side-facing receptacle. The dustcap has a built-in cleaner disposed within the side-facing receptacle. The dustcap further comprises a removable cover configured to couple to the end portion of the dustcap. In another example implementation, 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 example implementation, 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. Example implementations encompass adapter dustcaps and adapter dustcap assemblies having built-in cleaners and alignment portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2024
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Publication number: 20240427101
    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: September 3, 2024
    Publication date: December 26, 2024
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Wlliam Cruzen
  • Patent number: 12164167
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Brian K. Larson, Brian S. Schrand
  • Patent number: 12153274
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Donovan J. Hample, Brian K. Larson, Randy T. VanHorn
  • Publication number: 20240385409
    Abstract: A modular utility vault system can include a plurality of panels, a clip, and a cover panel. Each panel can include a first side including a first protrusion, a second side including a second protrusion, a lower side having a first length, and an upper side having a second length. The second length is less than first length. The first side of a panel of the plurality of panels is configured to abut the second side of a second panel thereby causing the first protrusion to abut the second protrusion. The clip can be configured to hold the first protrusion to the second protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2023
    Publication date: November 21, 2024
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Donovan Hample, Brian Larson, William J. Cruzen, Randy T. VanHorn
  • Publication number: 20240345357
    Abstract: A cable pulling device including a clamshell housing including a first elongate clamshell and a second elongate clamshell configured to engage the first elongate clamshell such that the clamshell housing can house a distal end piece disposed at a distal end of a cable. The device can include a cord extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the first end and the second end being configured to extend through a bifurcate aperture disposed at a distal end of the distal end piece to form a loop. The cable pulling device can include a locking ring configured to surround and hold together the first elongate clamshell and the second elongate clamshell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2023
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Donovan Hample, Randy T. VanHorn
  • Publication number: 20240345353
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes an optical fiber cassette bidirectional mounting system having at least one bidirectional mounting ear configured to attach an optical fiber cassette to a structure. The bidirectional mounting ear can be configured to removably secure the optical fiber cassette to the structure in a forward or backward orientation without requiring additional tools or hardware. Certain implementations can include a fiber cassette extension arm system for safe storage of optical fiber cable and/or loose optical fiber. The system can include one or more of a rail clip configured to attach an optical fiber cassette to a structure, a radius limiter arm configured to removably attach to the rail clip, and an adjustable length radius limiter configured to removably attach to the radius limiter arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2024
    Publication date: October 17, 2024
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson, Todd M. Bade, Randy T. VanHorn, William J. Cruzen
  • Publication number: 20240329331
    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 adapter dustcaps and adapter dustcap assemblies having built-in cleaners and alignment portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Patent number: 12102888
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Inventors: John L. Hill, John P. Hill
  • Patent number: 12092885
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, William Cruzen
  • Publication number: 20240280777
    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: May 3, 2024
    Publication date: August 22, 2024
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Todd M. Bade, Walter E. Power, II
  • Publication number: 20240272373
    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: March 26, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Publication number: 20240231027
    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: March 25, 2024
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Walter E. Power, II
  • Patent number: 12007609
    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: April 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Patent number: 11994731
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Todd M. Bade, Walter E. Power, II
  • 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