Patents by Inventor Michael Charles Sponsel

Michael Charles Sponsel 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: 5751875
    Abstract: This invention is related to a fiber optic connector 10 including a precision ferrule 12 that is mounted in a machined tubular housing 40. An overmolded collar 70 secures the ferrule 12 to the housing 40 without the use of adhesives. Protruding lobes 26 on the ferrule 12 are received in a housing counterbore section 46 and the collar body 72 is molded around these lobes 26 to secure the ferrule against translation and rotation. The overmolded collar body 72 also engages a knurled surface 52 on the exterior of the tubular housing 40. The overmolded version of this connector 10 can be used with an epoxyless optical fiber termination. A press fit connector 110 is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan Thomas Edwards, David Donald Erdman, Robert L. Mansberger, II, John Nicholas Skitka, Michael Charles Sponsel