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).
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Publication number: 20230138143Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: John P. Hill, Randy T. VanHorn
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Patent number: 11640034Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 30, 2020Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.Inventors: John P. Hill, William Cruzen
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Patent number: 11635577Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 8, 2021Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.Inventors: John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, David Joseph Johnsen, Daniel J. Johnson, Randy T. VanHorn, Brian K. Larson, Timothy John Kjolsing
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Patent number: 11579389Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 2020Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.Inventors: John P. Hill, Todd M. Bade, Walter E. Power, II
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Patent number: 11567270Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 13, 2021Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.Inventors: John P. Hill, Daniel J. Johnson
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Patent number: 11561355Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 6, 2021Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.Inventors: John P. Hill, Randy T. VanHorn
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Publication number: 20220413230Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: John P. Hill, Brian Larson, Jeffrey Gniadek, David J. Johnsen, James John Henschel, Matthew John Brigham
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Publication number: 20220404557Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: John P. Hill, Randy T. VanHorn
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Publication number: 20220404560Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: John P. Hill, Brian Larson, Jeffrey Gniadek, David J. Johnsen, James John Henschel, Matthew John Brigham
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Publication number: 20220390699Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2022Publication date: December 8, 2022Inventors: John P. Hill, Joshua J. Povlitzki, Dalen Defoe
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Patent number: 11513304Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 17, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.Inventors: John P. Hill, Joshua J. Povlitzki, Randy T. VanHorn, Timothy J. Kjolsing
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Publication number: 20220365289Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
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Patent number: 11435534Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 10, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.Inventors: John P. Hill, Brian Larson, Jeffrey Gniadek, David J. Johnsen, James John Henschel, Matthew John Brigham
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Patent number: 11435531Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 22, 2021Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.Inventors: John P. Hill, Randy T. VanHorn
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Patent number: 11422326Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 20, 2021Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.Inventors: John P. Hill, Joshua J. Povlitzki
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Patent number: 11422314Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
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Patent number: 11415767Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: Clearfield, Inc.Inventors: John P. Hill, Joshua J. Povlitzki, Dalen Defoe
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Publication number: 20220091347Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2020Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
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Publication number: 20220091348Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2021Publication date: March 24, 2022Inventors: Cheryl Johnson Beranek, John P. Hill, William J. Cruzen, James John Henschel
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Publication number: 20220026656Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2020Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: John P. Hill, Joshua J. Povlitzki, Dalen Defoe