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).

  • Patent number: 11506848
    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 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20220365292
    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: May 17, 2022
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Jeff Hendrick, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20220357524
    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: July 23, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20220357525
    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: July 5, 2022
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Publication number: 20220342162
    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: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Michael E. Hughes, Darrell R. Childers
  • Publication number: 20220342166
    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: April 25, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Michael E. Hughes, Darrell R. Childers
  • Publication number: 20220291457
    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: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes, Darrell R. Childers, Shubhrangshu Sengupta
  • Patent number: 11428875
    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: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 11397298
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 11385415
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Publication number: 20210286138
    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: May 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20210278609
    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: May 24, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes, Mitchell Cloud
  • Publication number: 20210255403
    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 11, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Patent number: 11016250
    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: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 11016251
    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: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes, Mitchell Cloud
  • Publication number: 20210088730
    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: December 9, 2020
    Publication date: March 25, 2021
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Daniel D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 10921529
    Abstract: An outer housing on a fiber optic connector allows for easier grasping to insert and remove a fiber optic connector, and in particular, in high density applications. The outer housing extends beyond a rear end of an inner housing. The outer housing also includes a way for a technician to see if the fiber optic connectors are installed correctly from a variety of positions relative to the installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: USConec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 10890723
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Patent number: 10877222
    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: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Daniel D. Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20200379190
    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: May 29, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes