Patents by Inventor Michael Todd Faulkner
Michael Todd Faulkner 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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Publication number: 20240353031Abstract: A device for securing one or more cables within an enclosure is provided. The device includes a first portion configured to receive cable(s) therein and a second portion that is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the first portion. The device also includes a support positioned within the first portion or the second portion, and the device is configured to rest against the cable(s) when the second portion is moved into the closed position. The support enables differently sized cables to be secured between the first portion and the second portion when the second portion is in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2024Publication date: October 24, 2024Inventors: Scott Eaker Buff, Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Publication number: 20240310597Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable and a plurality of distribution housings along its length. The distribution housings include a tubular portion with a first passageway that receives optical fibers of the fiber optic cable and a branch portion with a second passageway. The second passageway intersects the first passageway and receives a subset of optical fibers that define tap cables branching away from the main fiber optic cable. The distribution housing includes one or more bend limiters adjacent the intersection between the passageways to limit bending of the tap cables. The distribution housings may include movement restrictors to limit movement of the distribution housings relative to the fiber optic cable. An equipment rack having such a fiber optic cable assembly is disclosed. A method of using the fiber optic cable assembly in an equipment rack to provide a plug-and-play capability is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2024Publication date: September 19, 2024Inventors: Edward Joseph Carroll, Terry Lee Cooke, Michael Todd Faulkner, Shane Blackburn Harmon, Christopher Shawn Houser, Jason Anthony Lewis, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Publication number: 20240210645Abstract: Optical distribution systems for data centers or similar networks are disclosed, where one or both ends of a high fiber-count backbone cable branch out once to serve multiple buildings. The optical distribution systems include the backbone cable, an enclosure that receives an end portion of the backbone cable, a plurality of tether cables connected to the backbone cable within a sealed interior of the enclosure and extending from the enclosure, and a plurality of multiport terminals each receiving one of the tether cables and including connection ports for an auxiliary cable that can extend to one of the buildings. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2024Publication date: June 27, 2024Inventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Patent number: 11971597Abstract: Optical distribution systems for data centers or similar networks are disclosed, where one or both ends of a high fiber-count backbone cable branch out once to serve multiple buildings. The optical distribution systems include the backbone cable, an enclosure that receives an end portion of the backbone cable, a plurality of tether cables connected to the backbone cable within a sealed interior of the enclosure and extending from the enclosure, and a plurality of multiport terminals each receiving one of the tether cables and including connection ports for an auxiliary cable that can extend to one of the buildings. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2023Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: Corning Research & Development CorporationInventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Publication number: 20240126040Abstract: A routing tool for the installation of a fiber optic cable along a cable support includes a cable support frame having a mounting interface, wherein the cable support frame is selectively attachable to and detachable from the cable support, and a dispensing platform configured to have the fiber optic cable arranged thereon and selectively attachable to and detachable from the cable support frame. The dispensing platform is configured to be rotatable relative to the cable support frame about a rotational axis. The rotational axis is configured to be laterally offset from the mounting interface. A method of installing a fiber optic cable using the routing tool includes attaching the cable support frame to the cable support, attaching the dispensing platform to the cable support, and dispensing the fiber optic cable from the routing tool to route the cable along the cable support.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Publication number: 20240111115Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly including a main cable portion having a plurality of subunit cables and tap points at which the subunit cables are separated from the main cable portion. A junction shell is positioned at each tap point. The subunit cable is pivotable to two orientations relative to the main cable portion in the junction shell.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2023Publication date: April 4, 2024Inventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Stephen Robert Horan, JR., Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Publication number: 20240061190Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes an outer jacket, a plurality of optical fibers within the outer jacket, and a pull grip at an end of the fiber optic cable for pulling the cable through a pathway during installation of the cable. The pulling of the fiber optic cable through the pathway causes a tensile load to be imposed on the fiber optic cable. To accommodate the tensile load, the fiber optic cable further includes a load distribution member coupled to the pull grip and to the plurality of optical fibers. The load distribution member distributes the tensile load on the fiber optic cable over the plurality of optical fibers such that the plurality of optical fibers collectively provides the tensile strength to support the tensile load during routing of the fiber optic cable through the pathway. In this way, strength members may be omitted from the design of the cable and more optical fibers may fit within existing pathways. A method of making and a method of using such a fiber optic cable is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2023Publication date: February 22, 2024Inventors: Terry Lee Cooke, Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen, Francisco Luna Pina
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Publication number: 20240012217Abstract: A connection interface for a fiber optic cable carrying a plurality of optical fibers. The connecting interface includes a body having a first face, a second face and a sidewall joining the first face and the second face. The sidewall includes an outer portion that defines a periphery of the body and an inner portion. The body also includes at least one holding bore. The at least one holding bore is configured to receive a first group of optical fibers from the plurality of optical fibers. Additionally, the inner portion is configured to passively receive a second pass-through group of optical fibers from the plurality of optical fibers that extends past the connection interface. A cable assembly including a fiber optic cable and one or more connection interfaces is disclosed, and a method of forming a fiber optic cable assembly with one or more connecting interfaces is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Inventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Publication number: 20230305253Abstract: Optical distribution systems for data centers or similar networks are disclosed, where one or both ends of a high fiber-count backbone cable branch out once to serve multiple buildings. The optical distribution systems include the backbone cable, an enclosure that receives an end portion of the backbone cable, a plurality of tether cables connected to the backbone cable within a sealed interior of the enclosure and extending from the enclosure, and a plurality of multiport terminals each receiving one of the tether cables and including connection ports for an auxiliary cable that can extend to one of the buildings. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2023Publication date: September 28, 2023Inventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Publication number: 20230282391Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method of measuring for manufacture and deployment of distribution cable assemblies. The measurement includes a distribution cable ruler having at least one similar feature as a distribution cable of a distribution cable assembly. The at least one similar feature comprising at least one of an outer diameter, a bend radius, or a rigidity. The distribution cable ruler includes measurement indicia to facilitate measurement of a distribution length of the distribution cable of the distribution cable assembly. The method includes positioning a distribution cable ruler in a path intended for a distribution cable assembly. The method further includes measuring a distribution cable length of the distribution cable ruler using measurement indicia of the distribution cable ruler.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2023Publication date: September 7, 2023Inventors: Terry Lee Cooke, Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Patent number: 11719902Abstract: Embodiments of a furcated optical fiber cable are provided. A main distribution cable has optical fibers surrounded by a cable jacket. The optical fibers are divided into at least two furcation legs. A furcation plug is located at a transition point between the main distribution cable and the at least two furcation legs. The furcation plug surrounds at least a portion of the main distribution cable and each of the at least two furcation legs. Optical connectors are provided for each of the at least two furcation legs, and each connector includes optical fibers that are spliced at a splice location to the optical fibers of the connector's respective furcation leg. The splice location is closer to the connector than to the furcation plug. A method of furcating an optical fiber cable and a pulling configuration for the furcated optical fiber cable are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: CORNING RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Publication number: 20220404574Abstract: Disclosed herein are preconnectorized cable assemblies and methods of making by cable segmentation. One method includes making cable assemblies by adding jacket segments around a cable bundle including a plurality of cable units having at least one optical fiber, and then attaching the plurality of jacket segments together. Another method includes making cable assemblies by inserting jacket segments between base jacket portions. The method includes circumferentially cutting a ring cut in a base jacket surrounding a cable bundle having a plurality of subunit cables with at least one optical fiber. An insert jacket segment is then positioned around the cable bundle and inserted within an access window in the base jacket. The insert jacket segment is joined along a longitudinal slit and ends of the insert jacket segment are attached to the base jacket. A subunit cable of the cable bundle extends through the first side opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2022Publication date: December 22, 2022Inventors: Terry Lee Cooke, Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Publication number: 20220357542Abstract: Disclosed herein are preconnectorized cable assemblies and methods of making using a pull string. One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a method of manufacturing a distribution cable assembly using a pull string fed through a jacket of a distribution cable. Subunit cables are attached to the pull string through openings in the jacket of the distribution cable, and then pulled, via the pull string, through the jacket until drawn through a distribution end opening of the jacket. Another embodiment relates to a distribution cable assembly including junction shells covering side openings in the jacket. The junction shell includes a first half shell attached to a second half shell by a fastener. The first half shell includes stops proximate ends of a side opening to fix the junction shell along an axis of the jacket.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2022Publication date: November 10, 2022Inventors: Terry Lee Cooke, Michael Todd Faulkner, Christopher Shawn Houser, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Publication number: 20220285901Abstract: A method of delivering cables for a data center comprises: collecting information for different cables needed in a room of the data center, wherein the information includes cable type, length, and intended location data; determining groups of the different cables for bundling together at the data center based on the information; and for at least one of the groups, supplying the different cables for the group together as a common unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2022Publication date: September 8, 2022Inventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen, Marcus Ray Sullivan
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Publication number: 20220043226Abstract: A configurator design tool is provided to facilitate the manufacture of pre-configured multi-fiber optical cable and loaded optical fiber cable storage reels. The configurator design tool also facilitates the configuration of fiber-optic data centers or other types of fiber-optic infrastructure. The present disclosure also contemplates methodology for manufacturing pre-configured multi-fiber optical cable and loaded optical fiber cable storage reels, and for configuring fiber-optic data centers or other types of fiber-optic infrastructure. Additional embodiments relate to contemplated pre-configured multi-fiber optical cable loaded optical fiber cable storage reels, and to fiber-optic data centers or other types of fiber-optic infrastructures.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2021Publication date: February 10, 2022Inventors: Scott Frederick Andrus, Terry Lee Cooke, Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen, Marcus Ray Sullivan, Wendell Porter Weeks
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Publication number: 20220026659Abstract: Embodiments of a furcated optical fiber cable are provided. A main distribution cable has optical fibers surrounded by a cable jacket. The optical fibers are divided into at least two furcation legs. A furcation plug is located at a transition point between the main distribution cable and the at least two furcation legs. The furcation plug surrounds at least a portion of the main distribution cable and each of the at least two furcation legs. Optical connectors are provided for each of the at least two furcation legs, and each connector includes optical fibers that are spliced at a splice location to the optical fibers of the connector's respective furcation leg. The splice location is closer to the connector than to the furcation plug. A method of furcating an optical fiber cable and a pulling configuration for the furcated optical fiber cable are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Patent number: 11150432Abstract: Embodiments of a furcated optical fiber cable are provided. A main distribution cable has optical fibers surrounded by a cable jacket. The optical fibers are divided into at least two furcation legs. A furcation plug is located at a transition point between the main distribution cable and the at least two furcation legs. The furcation plug surrounds at least a portion of the main distribution cable and each of the at least two furcation legs. Optical connectors are provided for each of the at least two furcation legs, and each connector includes optical fibers that are spliced at a splice location to the optical fibers of the connector's respective furcation leg. The splice location is closer to the connector than to the furcation plug. A method of furcating an optical fiber cable and a pulling configuration for the furcated optical fiber cable are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2020Date of Patent: October 19, 2021Assignee: CORNING RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Publication number: 20200301091Abstract: Embodiments of a furcated optical fiber cable are provided. A main distribution cable has optical fibers surrounded by a cable jacket. The optical fibers are divided into at least two furcation legs. A furcation plug is located at a transition point between the main distribution cable and the at least two furcation legs. The furcation plug surrounds at least a portion of the main distribution cable and each of the at least two furcation legs. Optical connectors are provided for each of the at least two furcation legs, and each connector includes optical fibers that are spliced at a splice location to the optical fibers of the connector's respective furcation leg. The splice location is closer to the connector than to the furcation plug. A method of furcating an optical fiber cable and a pulling configuration for the furcated optical fiber cable are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2020Publication date: September 24, 2020Inventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Patent number: 10712519Abstract: Embodiments of a furcated optical fiber cable are provided. A main distribution cable has optical fibers surrounded by a cable jacket. The optical fibers are divided into at least two furcation legs. A furcation plug is located at a transition point between the main distribution cable and the at least two furcation legs. The furcation plug surrounds at least a portion of the main distribution cable and each of the at least two furcation legs. Optical connectors are provided for each of the at least two furcation legs, and each connector includes optical fibers that are spliced at a splice location to the optical fibers of the connector's respective furcation leg. The splice location is closer to the connector than to the furcation plug. A method of furcating an optical fiber cable and a pulling configuration for the furcated optical fiber cable are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2018Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: CORNING RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen
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Patent number: RE48144Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes first and second fiber optic ribbons and a splice protector. The ribbons are spliced together such that the corresponding spliced fibers at the splice have a common lengthwise axis, widthwise axis orthogonal to the lengthwise axis, and thickness axis orthogonal to the lengthwise and widthwise axes. The splice protector supports the ribbons that are spliced to one another at the splice. The splice protector may include or even consist essentially of an adhesive that provides a flexible support for the splice. The splice protector may be at least half as flexible when cured over the splice as the first and second ribbons in bending about the widthwise axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2018Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLCInventors: Michael Todd Faulkner, Lars Kristian Nielsen