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).

  • Publication number: 20230138143
    Abstract: A fiber distribution hub comprises a housing, a first side panel and a second side panel comprising one or more ports, and at least one cover disposed between the first side panel and the second side panel and forming an interior compartment. The interior compartment may include cable managers. A mounting structure aerially strand mounts the fiber distribution hub. Fiber distribution hubs comprising a first fiber distribution hub, a second fiber distribution hub configured to couple to the first fiber distribution hub, and a mounting structure configured to aerially strand mount the fiber distribution hub are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Randy T. VanHorn
  • Patent number: 11640034
    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: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, William Cruzen
  • Patent number: 11635577
    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: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    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
  • Patent number: 11579389
    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: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Todd M. Bade, Walter E. Power, II
  • Patent number: 11567270
    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: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11561355
    Abstract: A fiber distribution hub comprises a housing, a first side panel and a second side panel comprising one or more ports, and at least one cover disposed between the first side panel and the second side panel and forming an interior compartment. The interior compartment may include cable managers. A mounting structure aerially strand mounts the fiber distribution hub. Fiber distribution hubs comprising a first fiber distribution hub, a second fiber distribution hub configured to couple to the first fiber distribution hub, and a mounting structure configured to aerially strand mount the fiber distribution hub are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Randy T. VanHorn
  • Publication number: 20220413230
    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: August 27, 2022
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Brian Larson, Jeffrey Gniadek, David J. Johnsen, James John Henschel, Matthew John Brigham
  • Publication number: 20220404557
    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: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Randy T. VanHorn
  • Publication number: 20220404560
    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: August 26, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Brian Larson, Jeffrey Gniadek, David J. Johnsen, James John Henschel, Matthew John Brigham
  • Publication number: 20220390699
    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: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Joshua J. Povlitzki, Dalen Defoe
  • Patent number: 11513304
    Abstract: A connector box has a housing forming a space and a cover configured to provide access to the space, a plurality of connectors configured to enable selective connection of fiber optic cables within the enclosed space, and a drop cable entrance assembly configured to provide an opening for one or more drop cables to enter the space in the housing. The drop cable entrance assembly has a housing opening portion providing access to the space from an exterior of the housing and having a removable plate and a grommet, and a cable clamp portion configured to hold the one or more drop cables in place via contact pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Joshua J. Povlitzki, Randy T. VanHorn, Timothy J. Kjolsing
  • Publication number: 20220365289
    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: August 1, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Patent number: 11435534
    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: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Brian Larson, Jeffrey Gniadek, David J. Johnsen, James John Henschel, Matthew John Brigham
  • Patent number: 11435531
    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: April 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Randy T. VanHorn
  • Patent number: 11422326
    Abstract: An optical fiber enclosure has a housing having a mounting wall within a storage space. The enclosure also has a backplate attached to the mounting wall, the backplate having a mounting surface and a circumferential wall for receiving cable slack. The optical fiber enclosure also has a spindle attached to the mounting surface of the backplate, the spindle configured to connect to a cable spool configured to rotate relative to the spindle and the backplate to store optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Joshua J. Povlitzki
  • Patent number: 11422314
    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: September 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Patent number: 11415767
    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: July 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Joshua J. Povlitzki, Dalen Defoe
  • Publication number: 20220091347
    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: September 22, 2020
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Publication number: 20220091348
    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: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
  • Publication number: 20220026656
    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: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2020
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: John P. Hill, Joshua J. Povlitzki, Dalen Defoe