Patents by Inventor Michael E. Hughes

Michael E. Hughes 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: 20250224573
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2025
    Publication date: July 10, 2025
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20250164717
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule having an angled endface is used in a system where the system can detect back reflection if there is an air gap but not if the fiber optic ferrule is physically mated to another optical device such as a fiber optic ferrule or transceiver. The angle of the end face is preferably between 3 and 5° and most preferably about 4° for most systems. No special detection equipment is needed to infer and determine an acceptable physical contact between two mated fiber-optic ferrules having the angled end faces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2025
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Inventors: Michael E. Hughes, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 12248187
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20250044527
    Abstract: Optically connecting two transceivers requires the transmitting portion of one transceiver matches with the receiving portion of the other transceivers. This requires that the polarity of the fiber optic connectors (attached to one another in a jumper) that connect the two transceivers is correct. Maintaining the correct polarity in the field can be confusing, time-consuming, and difficult to achieve. Not to mention that the installers need to make sure they have the correct number and polarity of the jumpers. This is further complicated when the fiber optic connectors are VSFF and have a key on a short side of the fiber optic connector. A system that involves an A-to-B patch cord and an opposed key adapter solves each of these issues. Only one type of patch cord (A-to-B) and one type of adapter is needed. With these components, an installer can connect the two transceivers without any mistakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: Jeff Hendrick, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 12216316
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule having an angled endface is used in a system where the system can detect back reflection if there is an air gap but not if the fiber optic ferrule is physically mated to another optical device such as a fiber optic ferrule or transceiver. The angle of the end face is preferably between 3 and 5° and most preferably about 4° for most systems. No special detection equipment is needed to infer and determine an acceptable physical contact between two mated fiber-optic ferrules having the angled end faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2025
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael E. Hughes, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 12130480
    Abstract: Optically connecting two transceivers requires the transmitting portion of one transceiver matches with the receiving portion of the other transceivers. This requires that the polarity of the fiber optic connectors (attached to one another in a jumper) that connect the two transceivers is correct. Maintaining the correct polarity in the field can be confusing, time-consuming, and difficult to achieve. Not to mention that the installers need to make sure they have the correct number and polarity of the jumpers. This is further complicated when the fiber optic connectors are VSFF and have a key on a short side of the fiber optic connector. A system that involves an A-to-B patch cord and an opposed key adapter solves each of these issues. Only one type of patch cord (A-to-B) and one type of adapter is needed. With these components, an installer can connect the two transceivers without any mistakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2024
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeff Hendrick, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 12124093
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2024
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20240329332
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20240319449
    Abstract: A multi-fiber ferrule has lenses that have different prescriptions to disperse the light emitted from the multi-fiber ferrule. Alternatively, the lens for each individual optical fiber can be moved relative to the optical fiber or the optical fiber opening in the multi-fiber ferrule to cause the laser beam exiting the multi-fiber ferrule to be redirected into a structure that absorbs or blocks the laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2024
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Applicant: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Daniel D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 12078854
    Abstract: An optical transceiver assembly includes an optical transmitter, an optical receiver, and a first multi-fiber ferrule exclusively connected to the optical transmitter via a first set of at least two optical fibers operable to transport respective optical signals away from the optical transmitter. The assembly includes a second multi-fiber ferrule exclusively connected to the optical receiver via a second set of at least two optical fibers operable to transport respective optical signals to the optical transmitter. The first set of at least two optical fibers is separate from the second set of at least two optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2024
    Inventors: Michael E. Hughes, Darrell R. Childers
  • Patent number: 12072536
    Abstract: A retaining mechanism engages springs in a fiber optic connector to prevent movement of the springs relative to the fiber optic ferrules and the housing during curing of an epoxy inserted into the fiber optic connector. The retaining mechanism may be removably attached to the housing of the fiber optic connector. It may be inserted from a rear end of the fiber optic connector or disposed around an outside portion of the housing. The retaining mechanism may also be integral with an inside surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2024
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes, Darrell R. Childers, Shubhrangshu Sengupta
  • Publication number: 20240219650
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly is mated with a bracket on a printed circuit board at one end and inserted into a backplane adapter that is adjacent a backplane. In particular a spring push in slidingly attached to the bracket and also to the housing of the fiber optic connector assembly. The housing of the fiber optic connector assembly insertable into the backplane adapter using passive alignment features. A fiber optic ferrule in the fiber optic connector assembly is biased in a forward direction by a spring in the spring push. At the same time the spring allows for movement of the spring push within the housing to allow for movement of the printed circuit board relative to the backplane adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2024
    Publication date: July 4, 2024
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 12007608
    Abstract: A multi-fiber ferrule has lenses that have different prescriptions to disperse the light emitted from the multi-fiber ferrule. Alternatively, the lens for each individual optical fiber can be moved relative to the optical fiber or the optical fiber opening in the multi-fiber ferrule to cause the laser beam exiting the multi-fiber ferrule to be redirected into a structure that absorbs or blocks the laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Daniel D. Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20240168243
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2024
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20240159973
    Abstract: An adapter with novel alignment features engages alignment features on a plug, providing general alignment of the ferrule holders and ferrules in the plug. After the plug engages the adapter, the ferrule holders engage a second set of alignment features in the adapter to provide fine alignment for the ferrules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2024
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Publication number: 20240159974
    Abstract: An adapter with novel alignment features engages alignment features on a plug, providing general alignment of the ferrule holders and ferrules in the plug. After the plug engages the adapter, the ferrule holders engage a second set of alignment features in the adapter to provide fine alignment for the ferrules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2024
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Patent number: 11971588
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes, Mitchell Cloud
  • Publication number: 20240111105
    Abstract: A new fiber optic connector provides a smaller form factor by including two ferrule assemblies in a housing. The housing accepts a push-pull mechanism that allows for insertion and removal from a carrier as well as an adapter. The push-pull mechanism may also include a flexure member to return the push-pull mechanism. Polarity of the fiber optic connector may also be selected by use of the push-pull mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Publication date: April 4, 2024
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20240103232
    Abstract: An interface provides protection and support for transitioning a jacketed fiber optic cable. The interface has a crimp body, a transition portion and a front end to receive an adapter. The interface preferably has a main body with two pieces that are identical. The two pieces have tabs and recesses corresponding to the tabs for alignment and structure. The main body also may have an opening for an adapter latch. A crimp band fits over the crimp body to secure the jacketed fiber optic cable to the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 11940657
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly is mated with a bracket on a printed circuit board at one end and inserted into a backplane adapter that is adjacent a backplane. In particular a spring push in slidingly attached to the bracket and also to the housing of the fiber optic connector assembly. The housing of the fiber optic connector assembly insertable into the backplane adapter using passive alignment features. A fiber optic ferrule in the fiber optic connector assembly is biased in a forward direction by a spring in the spring push. At the same time the spring allows for movement of the spring push within the housing to allow for movement of the printed circuit board relative to the backplane adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes