Patents by Inventor Larry R. Cox
Larry R. Cox 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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Patent number: 7753716Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Larry R. Cox, Sidney J. Berglund, Jerome A. Pratt
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Publication number: 20090197451Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Inventors: Larry R. Cox, Sidney J. Berglund, Jerome A. Pratt
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Patent number: 7530836Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 23, 2008Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Larry R. Cox, Sidney J. Berglund, Jerome A. Pratt
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Publication number: 20080268718Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Larry R. Cox, Sidney J. Berglund, Jerome A. Pratt
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Publication number: 20080189869Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a securing unit for holding and securing a marker in close proximity to an end section of a conduit. The securing unit is capable of holding a marker inside a conduit, in close proximity to the end section of the conduit. The securing unit holds and secures a marker in the end section of the conduit which may be in any orientation with respect to a horizontal or vertical plane. An end cap may be used for sealing the end section of the conduit and restricting the movement of the securing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventors: Larry R. Cox, Martha M. Barrick
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Publication number: 20080190509Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide an end cap assembly for housing a marker. The end cap assembly includes a protrusion capable of housing and securing a marker in close proximity to the end section of the conduit. The end cap assembly may be used to seal an end section of conduits of various diameters or sizes. One or more tabs on the end cap assembly are flexible, but provide resistance to movement and act as mechanical stops to secure the marker and provide resistance to prevent the marker from escaping the cap housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventor: Larry R. Cox
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Publication number: 20070261880Abstract: A telecommunications enclosure for housing lines of a telecommunications cable. The telecommunications cable includes a sheath surrounding the telecommunications lines. The enclosure includes a housing for retaining telecommunication lines therein, the housing including at least one inlet/outlet port to receive a telecommunications cable. The enclosure further includes a cable gripping device disposed in the housing. The cable gripping device includes a cable clamp and a high friction gripping surface. In one aspect, the high friction gripping surface includes a flexible abrasive material that surrounds a substantial portion of a perimeter of the telecommunications cable and is disposed between the cable sheath and the cable clamp. In other aspects, the high friction gripping surface comprises an integrally formed roughened inner band surface portion that includes a plurality of sharp protrusions. The cable gripping device can secure the cable against a pulling force of at least 100 lbs.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2007Publication date: November 15, 2007Inventors: Larry R. Cox, Dean C. Krenz, John P. Lammers
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Patent number: 7255486Abstract: A load adapter and method for terminating an optical fiber in a small form factor connector having a ferrule portion and a barrel portion that include a pre-loaded thermoplastic adhesive material, and a housing. The load adapter includes a thermally conductive body having a base section and a connector mounting section extending axially therefrom. The base section is adapted to be inserted/placed in an oven port of a portable heat source. The connector mounting section has a substantially cylindrical shape adapted to surround a substantial portion of the small form factor connector housing and includes at least one slot. The connector mounting section includes a mount adapted to receive the small form factor connector. The mount includes a stem having a substantially cylindrical structure adapted to slidably receive the ferrule portion of the small form factor connector, where an end of a received ferrule portion of the small form factor connector extends beyond an edge of an inner wall of the stem.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Larry R. Cox, Edward B. Lurie, Eric M. Morgan, David S. Hardcastle
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Patent number: 7186929Abstract: A sealing member includes an elastomeric interior portion and a rigid exterior portion. At least one passage extends through the elastomeric interior portion from a first end to a second end of the sealing member. The passage is configured to receive at least one longitudinal member therein. The elastomeric interior portion is configured for sealing engagement with the longitudinal member extending therethrough, and the rigid exterior portion is configured for sealing engagement with an entry port of an enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Larry R. Cox, Dean C. Krenz
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Patent number: 7149402Abstract: A device is provided for manipulating a load adapter for terminating an optical fiber in a connector having a ferrule portion and a barrel portion that can include a pre-loaded thermoplastic or thermoset adhesive material. The device comprises a body having a handle, a first arm extending from the handle, and a second arm extending from the handle. The first arm includes a first gripping portion adapted to grip a portion of the load adapter. The second arm includes a second gripping portion that is adapted to grip a portion of an optical fiber cable and that is axially displaced from the first gripping portion by a predetermined distance. At least one of the first and second arms is movable relative to the other arm. A method of terminating an optical fiber in a connector having a ferrule portion and a barrel portion that include a pre-loaded thermoplastic adhesive material is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Larry R. Cox, Edward B. Lurie
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Patent number: 7108431Abstract: This invention relates to a ferrule for use in a fiber optic connector. The ferrule has front and rear faces and comprises (a) a passage being disposed inside the ferrule and having first and second ends, the passage having dimensions defined by the following formulas: (n*a)?H?(n+1)*a X?W?X+b where “W” is the passage width, “H” is the passage height, “X” is the measured with of a fiber optic ribbon, “n” is the number of fiber optic ribbons and n>1, “a” is the fiber optic ribbon thickness and “b” is the fiber pitch on a (b) a plurality of tapered channels disposed between the second end of the passage to said front face of the ferrule.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lizhang Yang, Larry R. Cox, Harry A. Loder, Edward B. Lurie
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Patent number: 7093984Abstract: An anchored fiber optic cable and housing assembly. The assembly comprises: a fiber optic cable comprising a strength member and a jacket around the strength member, an anchor mounted on the cable, wherein the strength member includes a first end extending from the end of the cable and structurally engaged with the anchor; and a housing comprising an anchor cavity and a cable inlet, the anchor cavity comprising a shoulder for engaging with the anchor, wherein the anchor is mounted in the housing cavity and the cable extends through the cable inlet, and wherein the anchor cavity shoulder is engaged with the anchor to prevent the anchor from exiting the housing through the cable inlet. An anchored cable is also described, as are methods for mounting the anchor on the cable and mounting the cable in a housing. The cable may include a plurality of optical fibers in the jacket.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Larry R. Cox
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Patent number: 7045710Abstract: An enclosure includes a housing longitudinally extending from an open first end to a closed second end. The housing defines an internal cavity extending in the longitudinal direction, the internal cavity having a circumference in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. A base member is configured for separable attachment to the open first end of the housing to provide an enclosed configuration. A support frame is secured to the base member and extends longitudinally within the internal cavity of the housing in the enclosed configuration. The support frame includes at least one portion that provides support about substantially the entire circumference of the internal cavity at a location between the first end and the second end of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William G. Allen, Larry R. Cox, Rutesh D. Parikh
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Patent number: 7001081Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber optic cable assembly including a connector subassembly having a fiber optic cable terminated in a connector, the fiber optic cable having a minimum bend radius; and a strain relief boot attached to the connector subassembly, the strain relief boot having a core portion, a flexible extension with a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end extending from the core portion. The flexible extension retains at least a portion of the fiber optic cable.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2003Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Larry R. Cox, Harry A. Loder, Edward B. Lurie, Mark D. Matthies
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Patent number: 6984073Abstract: A connector alignment system includes a base for mounting on a first substrate, and a housing movably engaged with the base. The housing secures an opto-electronic termination. The housing has longitudinal, lateral, transverse and angular ranges of motion with respect to the base. When the housing is in an unmated position, various combinations of the lateral, transverse and angular ranges of motion are less than the respective ranges of motion when the housing is in a mated position.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Larry R. Cox
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Patent number: 6953287Abstract: An anchored fiber optic cable and housing assembly. The fiber optic cable includes a strength member and a jacket around the strength member. The anchor is mounted on the cable. The anchor includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The strength member extends from the end of the cable and is structurally engaged with the anchor. The housing includes an anchor cavity and a cable inlet. The anchor cavity includes a first shoulder for engaging with the anchor. The anchor is mounted in the housing cavity and the cable extends through the cable inlet. The anchor cavity shoulder is engaged with the anchor to prevent the anchor from exiting the housing through the cable inlet. An anchored cable is also described, as are methods for anchoring the cable and for mounting the anchored cable in the housing. The fiber optic cable may include an optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Larry R. Cox
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Patent number: 6939056Abstract: An anchored fiber optic cable assembly. The assembly comprises: a plurality of fiber optic cables and an anchor. Each of the cables comprises a strength member, and a jacket around the strength member. The cable includes a first end and a second end. The anchor includes a first end and a second end, and a plurality of passages extending through the anchor from the first end to the second end. Each of said cables is mounted in a respective one of the passages such that the strength member is bonded to the anchor. An anchored cable assembly mounted in a housing is also described, as are methods of anchoring the cables and methods of mounting the anchored cables in a housing. Each of the cables may include an optical fiber in the jacket.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Larry R. Cox
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Patent number: 6880979Abstract: The present invention relates to a connectible termination having a terminated fiber optic connector and a means for actuating the connector from a coupling. The terminated fiber optic connector comprises a ferrule housing having first and second portions and at least one optical fibers mounted in a ferrule and disposed in the first portion of the ferrule housing, a body comprising a front and back portions, the second portion of the ferrule housing disposed on the front portion of the body, and a latch disposed on the back portion of the body and comprising a pair of ears. One means for disengaging the connector is a collar disposed on the latch and enclosing the pair of ears.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Larry R. Cox, Mark D. Matthies, Curtis L. Shoemaker, James G. Vana, Jr.
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Patent number: 6863080Abstract: A portable, self-contained spray device and method for reaching and cleaning at least one optical surface having limited access. The spray device includes a fluid reservoir and a cover tube having an inner wall, an outer wall, a first end and a second end. A nozzle assembly at the first end of the cover tube includes a seal to provide substantially fluid-tight contact between the spray device and an optical surface. A delivery tube is located inside the inner wall of the cover tube, coaxial with the cover tube. The delivery tube coupled to the fluid reservoir directs fluid towards the nozzle assembly. An absorbent mounted adjacent to the outer wall of at least a portion of the cover tube collects liquid residues after application of fluid to an optical surface. The absorbent may be included in an absorbent cartridge that includes a detachable jacket surrounding the absorbent.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2001Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William J. Clatanoff, Larry R. Cox
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Patent number: 6839494Abstract: A fiber optic cable has one or more optical fibers, an inner tube surrounding the optical fibers, a strength member, an inner jacket surrounding the inner tube and strength member, and an outer jacket surrounding the inner jacket without being adhered to the inner jacket such that the outer jacket is easily strippable from the inner jacket. The inner jacket is constructed of a flexible, flame resistant material such as braided glass fibers, while the outer jacket may be constructed of a stiffer, flame retardant material such as polyvinyl chloride.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William J. Clatanoff, Larry R. Cox, Harry A. Loder