Patents by Inventor Robert Charles Flaig

Robert Charles Flaig 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: 11927809
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig, Thomas P. Huegerich, Michael Lawrence Gurreri
  • Publication number: 20240077682
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a bare fiber connection system that includes first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors that have a retractable shroud with a pivotal locking member mounted thereon. The pivotal locking member can be configured to lock the retractable shroud in an extended position. The pivotal locking member can be pivoted about a pivot point while remaining attached to the retractable shroud to unlock the retractable shroud such that the retractable shroud can move to a retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Applicant: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Josiah D. KADAR-KALLEN, Robert Charles FLAIG
  • Patent number: 11892689
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber alignment device that has an alignment housing that includes first and second ends. The alignment housing defines a fiber insertion axis that extends through the alignment housing between the first and second ends. The alignment housing includes a fiber alignment region at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. First and second fiber alignment rods are positioned within the alignment housing. The first and second fiber alignment rods cooperate to define a fiber alignment groove that extends along the fiber insertion axis. The first and second fiber alignment rods each having rounded ends positioned at the first and second ends of the alignment housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Michael Gurreri, Robert Charles Flaig, Randall Bobby Paul, Danny Willy August Verheyden, David Donald Erdman, Dwight A. Bretz
  • Publication number: 20240027717
    Abstract: A power and optical fiber interface system includes a housing having an interior. A cable inlet is configured to receive a hybrid cable having an electrical conductor and an optical fiber. An insulation displacement connector (IDC) is situated in the interior of the housing configured to electrically terminate the conductor, and a cable outlet is configured to receive an output cable that is connectable to the IDC and configured to output signals received via the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Wayne M. KACHMAR, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ
  • Patent number: 11860423
    Abstract: A system for connecting a fiber optic connector to a fiber optic adapter includes various alternative improvements, including improvements to the shutter, the alignment device, and the adapter in general.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Michael Ward Zitsch, Dwight Andrew Bretz, Michael James Ott, Robert Charles Flaig
  • Publication number: 20230324625
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a bare fiber connection system that includes first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors that have a low profile and are mounted in a multi-fiber adapter. The multi-fiber fiber optic connectors are bare fiber connectors that each include a connector body and a plurality of optical fibers extending through the connector body. The bare fiber connection system includes a latching arrangement for securing the first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors respectively in first and second adapter ports. One aspect of the present disclosure relates to the first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors and the multi-fiber adapter lacking integrated structures for releasing the first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors from the first and second adapter ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: David Donald ERDMAN, Josiah D. KADAR-KALLEN, Robert Charles FLAIG
  • Publication number: 20230314722
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a bare-fiber connection system that includes first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors mounted in a multi-fiber adapter. The multi-fiber fiber optic connectors are bare-fiber connectors that each include a connector body and a plurality of optical fibers extending through the connector body. The bare-fiber connection system includes a latching arrangement for securing the first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors respectively in first and second adapter ports. The first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors and the multi-fiber adapter lack integrated structures for releasing the first and second multi-fiber fiber optic connectors from the first and second adapter ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventor: Robert Charles FLAIG
  • Publication number: 20230244041
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications connector. The connector includes at least one connector portion including a front housing portion coupled to a rear housing portion, the front housing portion being rotatable relative to the rear housing portion about a longitudinal axis, the front housing portion including a ferrule and a latch, the latch defining front and rear ends and being pivotable relative to the rest of the front housing portion at a connection portion. A boot mounted on the telecommunications connector is movable longitudinally relative to the rear housing portion, wherein the boot is configured to engage at least a portion of the latch of the front housing portion and cause the latch to pivot relative to the rest of the front housing portion as the boot is moved relative to the rear housing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2021
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Tyler John ROYER, Robert Charles FLAIG, David Donald ERDMAN, Michael Lawrence GURRERI, Brent CAMPBELL
  • Patent number: 11709322
    Abstract: A portable device for attaching a connector to an optical fiber, the optical fiber having an end, the device comprising means for receiving the optical fiber at the end of the optical fiber; and a connector station for autonomously attaching the connector to the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignees: CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA, CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Danny Willy August Verheyden, David Donald Erdman, Michael Gurreri, Randall Bobby Paul, Jan Watté, Robert Charles Flaig, Alan Edward Plotts, Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Shelly Ann Buchter, Jan Vandenbroeck, Patrick Billet, Stefano Beri, André Johannes Maria Hilderink, Hernes Jacobs, Petrus Theodorus Rutgers, Petrus Theodorus Krechting, Martijn Johannes Wolbers, Walter Mattheus, Cristian-Radu Radulescu, Paul Vits, Karel Johannes Van Assenbergh, Pieter Cornelis Johan De Jager, Henk Jan Theodoor Van Der Pol
  • Patent number: 11656418
    Abstract: A power and optical fiber interface system includes a housing having an interior. A cable inlet is configured to receive a hybrid cable having an electrical conductor and an optical fiber. An insulation displacement connector (IDC) is situated in the interior of the housing configured to electrically terminate the conductor, and a cable outlet is configured to receive an output cable that is connectable to the IDC and configured to output signals received via the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Huegerich, Wayne M. Kachmar, Robert Charles Flaig, Dwight A. Bretz
  • Publication number: 20230124309
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fiber optic connection systems including fiber optic connector having retractable noses for protecting bare fiber ends of ferrule-less connectors. In certain examples, the retractable noses are used in combination with protective shutters. In other examples, the retractable noses can accommodate multiple optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Danny Willy August Verheyden, Marc Eugène Willem Bervoets, Robert Charles Flaig, Randall Bobby Paul, Michael Ward Zitsch, David Donald Erdman, Gregory J. Schaible
  • Patent number: 11609383
    Abstract: A fiber optic adapter includes a first side wall (110), a second side wall (112) opposite the first side wall, a top wall (114), and a bottom wall (116) opposite the top wall. A cavity (10) is defined by the top wall, the bottom wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall, and an optical fiber alignment device (20) is situated in the cavity. The top wall (114) has an opening (117) therein, and a cover (118) is configured to selectively close the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Danny Willy August Verheyden, Erwin Junius, Detlev Thalemann, Bernardus Johannes Nicolas Geling, Robert Charles Flaig
  • Publication number: 20220291456
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber alignment device including a guide feature defining a fiber alignment groove. The fiber alignment device also includes a fiber engagement component defining a reference surface arrangement and elastic cantilever arms for pressing optical fibers into the fiber alignment groove. First portions of the guide feature engage the reference surface arrangement. Second portions of the guide feature engage the cantilever arms to flex the cantilever arms to a staged position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE CONNECTIVITY BELGIUM BVBA
    Inventors: Jozef Christiaan Mathieu VERSLEEGERS, Erwin JUNIUS, Marc Eugène Willem BERVOETS, Danny Willy August VERHEYDEN, Michael Aaron KADAR-KALLEN, Dwight Andrew BRETZ, Robert Charles FLAIG, Michael Ward ZITSCH, Randall Bobby PAUL, Michael Lawrence GURRERI
  • Publication number: 20220283380
    Abstract: A system for connecting a fiber optic connector to a fiber optic adapter includes various alternative improvements, including improvements to the shutter, the alignment device, and the adapter in general.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Michael Aaron KADAR-KALLEN, Michael Ward ZITSCH, Dwight Andrew BRETZ, Michael James OTT, Robert Charles FLAIG
  • Patent number: 11422311
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fiber optic connection systems including fiber optic connector having retractable noses for protecting bare fiber ends of ferrule-less connectors. In certain examples, the retractable noses are used in combination with protective shutters. In other examples, the retractable noses can accommodate multiple optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignees: CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA, CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Danny Willy August Verheyden, Marc Eugène Willem Bervoets, Robert Charles Flaig, Randall Bobby Paul, Michael Ward Zitsch, David Donald Erdman, Gregory J. Schaible
  • Publication number: 20220196948
    Abstract: A power and optical fiber interface system includes a housing having an interior. A cable inlet is configured to receive a hybrid cable having an electrical conductor and an optical fiber. An insulation displacement connector (IDC) is situated in the interior of the housing configured to electrically terminate the conductor, and a cable outlet is configured to receive an output cable that is connectable to the IDC and configured to output signals received via the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Wayne M. KACHMAR, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ
  • Patent number: 11366272
    Abstract: A polarity switching hybrid interface is configured to couple both optical fibers and electrical conductors. The hybrid interface incorporates polarity switching circuitry such that the polarity of electrical contacts on a first side of the hybrid interface is opposite to the polarity of the electrical contacts on an opposite side of the hybrid interface. As such, the polarity of the electrical conductors coupled to each side of the hybrid interface need not be known. Each side of the hybrid interface is configured to interface with the same type of hybrid optical/electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig
  • Publication number: 20220187546
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical fiber alignment device that has an alignment housing that includes first and second ends. The alignment housing defines a fiber insertion axis that extends through the alignment housing between the first and second ends. The alignment housing includes a fiber alignment region at an intermediate location between the first and second ends. First and second fiber alignment rods are positioned within the alignment housing. The first and second fiber alignment rods cooperate to define a fiber alignment groove that extends along the fiber insertion axis. The first and second fiber alignment rods each having rounded ends positioned at the first and second ends of the alignment housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Applicants: CommScope Technologies LLC, CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
    Inventors: Michael GURRERI, Robert Charles FLAIG, Randall Bobby PAUL, Danny Willy August VERHEYDEN, David Donald ERDMAN, Dwight A. BRETZ
  • Patent number: 11347005
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber alignment device (20) including a guide feature (62a, b) defining a fiber alignment groove (48). The fiber alignment device (20) also includes a fiber engagement component (44) defining a reference surface arrangement and elastic cantilever arms (56a, b) for pressing optical fibers into the fiber alignment groove (48). First portions of the guide feature (62a, b) engage the reference surface arrangement. Second portions of the guide (62a, b) feature engage the cantilever arms (56a, b) to flex the cantilever arms to a staged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBA
    Inventors: Jozef Christiaan Mathieu Versleegers, Erwin Junius, Marc Eugène Willem Bervoets, Danny Willy August Verheyden, Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Dwight Andrew Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig, Michael Ward Zitsch, Randall Bobby Paul, Michael Lawrence Gurreri
  • Patent number: 11347006
    Abstract: A system for connecting a fiber optic connector to a fiber optic adapter includes various alternative improvements, including improvements to the shutter, the alignment device, and the adapter in general.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLc
    Inventors: Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Michael Ward Zitsch, Dwight Andrew Bretz, Michael James Ott, Robert Charles Flaig