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: 20200301085
    Abstract: An fiber-optic connector assembly includes a fiber optic ferrule and a connector, which engage an optical transceiver component. The fiber optic ferrule engages a mating plane of a lens array in the optical transceiver component and floats within the connector. The engagement of the assembly and the optical transceiver component may be removable rather than fixed. The fiber optic ferrule also engages a mechanical interface to account for three degrees of freedom, while the engagement of the mating surfaces account for another three degrees of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel D. Kurtz, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20200284998
    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: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Mitchell Cloud, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20200285001
    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: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Jason Higley, Michael E. Hughes, Mitchell Cloud
  • Publication number: 20200241214
    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: January 27, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Jason Higley, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 10712509
    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 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Patent number: 10684431
    Abstract: An fiber-optic connector assembly includes a fiber optic ferrule and a connector, which engage an optical transceiver component. The fiber optic ferrule engages a mating plane of a lens array in the optical transceiver component and floats within the connector. The engagement of the assembly and the optical transceiver component may be removable rather than fixed. The fiber optic ferrule also engages a mechanical interface to account for three degrees of freedom, while the engagement of the mating surfaces account for another three degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Kurtz, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20190162913
    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: January 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 30, 2019
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Daniel D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 10280446
    Abstract: The disclosure provides articles and methods useful for detecting a discrete source of DNase activity. DNase-producing microorganisms can be detected. The device can further include selective agents and/or indicators to differentiate groups or species microorganisms. Methods of use include detecting or enumerating DNase-producing microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Patrick A. Mach, Michelle L. Rosauer, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20190107679
    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: December 10, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Patent number: 10215932
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule with rear holes and a guide pin clamp allows for changing guide pins in the field. The guide pin clamp has a forward clamp portion to engage the rear face of the fiber optic ferrule, a rearward clamp portion configured to engage the biasing spring, and a guide pin retaining plate. The guide pin retaining plate is movable from a first position to a second position to allow for the removal or insertion of guide pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Myron W. Yount, Brent D. Henley, Joseph L. Graham
  • Patent number: 10197743
    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: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: US Conec, LTD
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Daniel D. Kurtz
  • Patent number: 10162122
    Abstract: An apparatus allows a plurality of optical fibers to be held together during the termination process. A handling device holds the optical fibers while a cleaving device allows for consistent cleaving of the optical fibers to ensure the ends are cleaved consistently. The handling device may also be used during the fixation of the optical fibers in the fiber optic ferrule. A method for terminating the plurality of optical fiber is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Michael E. Hughes, Joseph P. Howard, Arnold Deal, III, Dirk Eric Schoellner
  • Patent number: 10156684
    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 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Patent number: 10151884
    Abstract: An apparatus allows a plurality of optical fibers to be held together during the termination process. A handling device holds the optical fibers while a cleaving device allows for consistent cleaving of the optical fibers to ensure the ends are cleaved consistently. The handling device may also be used during the fixation of the optical fibers in the fiber optic ferrule. A method for terminating the plurality of optical fiber is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Michael E. Hughes, Joseph P. Howard, Arnold Deal, III, Dirk Eric Schoellner
  • Publication number: 20180231727
    Abstract: An fiber-optic connector assembly includes a fiber optic ferrule and a connector, which engage an optical transceiver component. The fiber optic ferrule engages a mating plane of a lens array in the optical transceiver component and floats within the connector. The engagement of the assembly and the optical transceiver component may be removable rather than fixed. The fiber optic ferrule also engages a mechanical interface to account for three degrees of freedom, while the engagement of the mating surfaces account for another three degrees of freedom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel D. Kurtz, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20180136414
    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: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount, Michael E. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20180120519
    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: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Publication number: 20180106973
    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: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Hiep V. Nguyen, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Joseph P. Howard
  • Patent number: 9939598
    Abstract: An fiber-optic connector assembly includes a fiber optic ferrule and a connector, which engage an optical transceiver component. The fiber optic ferrule engages a mating plane of a lens array in the optical transceiver component and floats within the connector. The engagement of the assembly and the optical transceiver component may be removable rather than fixed. The fiber optic ferrule also engages a mechanical interface to account for three degrees of freedom, while the engagement of the mating surfaces account for another three degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel D. Kurtz, Darrell R. Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: D860142
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Darrell R. Childers, Craig M. Conrad, Jason Higley, Jillcha F. Wakjira, Myron W. Yount, Michael E. Hughes