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: 10746938Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly at least partially disposed within a connector housing. The ferrules project distally from the connector housing and are biased in the distal direction by a common ferrule spring. Proximal ends of the ferrules and the ferrule spring are disposed within the same interior cavity of the connector housing. In certain examples, no portion of the connector housing extends between ferrule hubs supporting the ferrules.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLCInventor: Robert Charles Flaig
-
Patent number: 10732358Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 8, 2017Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig
-
Publication number: 20200241219Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2019Publication date: July 30, 2020Applicants: CommScope Technologies LLC, CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBAInventors: Michael GURRERI, Robert Charles FLAIG, Randall Bobby PAUL, Danny Willy August VERHEYDEN, David Donald ERDMAN, Dwight A. BRETZ
-
Publication number: 20200209497Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2019Publication date: July 2, 2020Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Wayne M. KACHMAR, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ
-
Publication number: 20200132943Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for processing ferrules of fiber optic connectors such that the amount of polishing that is required is eliminated or at least reduced. In one example, an energy source is used to remove excess adhesive from the end face of the fiber and likely from an end face of the ferrule.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2019Publication date: April 30, 2020Applicants: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC, COMMSCOPE ASIA HOLDINGS B.V.Inventors: Robert Charles FLAIG, Michael Lawrence GURRERI, Joshua Lee WEBB, Michael Aaron KADAR-KALLEN, Randall Bobby PAUL, Dwight Andrew BRETZ, Paul SCHNEIDER, Tom DE BOER, Dirk Alexander DE GAST
-
Patent number: 10627585Abstract: A fiber optic adapter includes an adapter body defining a port leading to an alignment structure. The optical adapter also defines a platform disposed at the first port. The platform is recessed inwardly from an outer periphery of the adapter body. The platform includes latching members having catch surfaces. A fiber optic connector includes a connector plug body holding an optical fiber. The connector also includes a latching arm having a latching end that defines two rearwardly facing catch surfaces separated by a central webbing, which extends along a length of the latching arm. The rearwardly facing catch surfaces align with the catch surfaces of the latching members when the fiber optic connector is received at the fiber optic adapter.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2016Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Robert Charles Flaig, Danny Willy August Verheyden
-
Patent number: 10585246Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 1, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig, Thomas P. Huegerich, Michael Lawrence Gurreri
-
Patent number: 10564369Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 15, 2018Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Assignees: CommScope Technologies LLC, CommScope Connectivity Belgium BVBAInventors: Michael Gurreri, Robert Charles Flaig, Randall Bobby Paul, Danny Willy August Verheyden, David Donald Erdman, Dwight A. Bretz
-
Publication number: 20200018905Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Applicants: COMMSCOPE CONNECTIVITY BELGIUM BVBA, COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Danny Willy August VERHEYDEN, Erwin JUNIUS, Detlev THALEMANN, Bernardus Johannes Nicolas GELING, Robert Charles FLAIG
-
Publication number: 20200018904Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2019Publication date: January 16, 2020Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Michael Aaron KADAR-KALLEN, Michael Ward ZITSCH, Dwight Andrew BRETZ, Michael James OTT, Robert Charles FLAIG
-
Patent number: 10502912Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 21, 2018Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Thomas P. Huegerich, Wayne M. Kachmar, Robert Charles Flaig, Dwight Andrew Bretz
-
Publication number: 20190346627Abstract: Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to an alignment device that includes a groove-type alignment structure with a support region for receiving an optical fiber inserted along a fiber insertion axis. The optical fiber has a first side and a second, opposite side. The groove-type alignment structure engages the first side of the optical fiber. The alignment device includes a stabilization structure that engages the first side of the optical fiber and a first angled transition surface that engages the second, opposite side of the optical fiber. The present disclosure also relates to an alignment system that includes a first housing piece; a second housing piece adapted to mate with the first housing piece; and a flat structure positioned between the first and second housing pieces.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2017Publication date: November 14, 2019Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Steven C. ZIMMEL, Michael James OTT, Danny Willy August VERHEYDEN, Michael Aaron KADAR-KALLEN, Gary William ADAMS, Robert Charles FLAIG, Gregory J. SCHAIBLE
-
Patent number: 10451815Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to methods for processing ferrules of fiber optic connectors such that the amount of polishing that is required is eliminated or at least reduced. In one example, an energy source is used to remove excess adhesive from the end face of the fiber and likely from an end face of the ferrule.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2016Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignees: CommScope Technologies LLC, CommScope Asia Holdings B.V.Inventors: Robert Charles Flaig, Michael Lawrence Gurreri, Joshua Lee Webb, Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Randall Bobby Paul, Dwight Andrew Bretz, Paul Schneider, Tom De Boer, Dirk Alexander De Gast
-
Patent number: 10409007Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Michael Ward Zitsch, Dwight Andrew Bretz, Michael James Ott, Robert Charles Flaig
-
Publication number: 20190271812Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2017Publication date: September 5, 2019Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Dwight A. BRETZ, Robert Charles FLAIG
-
Patent number: 10401574Abstract: A connector body includes a connector body (111) having a main body (10) and two sub bodies (12) that project from a first side of the main body (10). A latching mechanism (14) at the first side of the main body is positioned between the sub bodies. Electrical conductors (18a, 18b) are positioned in the sub bodies and have interface ends at a forward face of the main body. First and second ferrules (16a, 16b) are mounted at the main body. The first and second ferrule are spring biased in a forward direction perpendicular to the forward face of the main body. The first and second ferrules have interface ends accessible at the forward face. Optical fibers (19a, 19b) are supported by the first and second ferrules (16a, 16b).Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Michael Lawrence Gurreri, Robert Charles Flaig, Dwight A. Bretz, Eric Ryan Chappell
-
Publication number: 20190243073Abstract: A method for positioning an optical fiber having an end portion within an alignment groove of an alignment device includes orienting the optical fiber in the alignment groove of the alignment device; causing the optical fiber to elastically flex; using an interference point to assist in forming a curved profile of the flexed fiber, and using inherent elasticity of the flexed optical fiber to assist in retaining the end portion of the optical fiber in contact with the alignment groove. A connection system includes a connector, alignment device, and adapter, with an interference point on at least one of the connector, alignment device, or adapter.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2019Publication date: August 8, 2019Applicant: CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Michael Aaron KADAR-KALLEN, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ, Randall Bobby PAUL, Michael Lawrence GURRERI
-
Patent number: 10302872Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignees: Commscope Connectivity Belgium BVBA, CommScope Technologies LLCInventors: Danny Willy August Verheyden, Erwin Junius, Detlev Thalemann, Bernardus Johannes Nicolas Geling, Robert Charles Flaig
-
Publication number: 20190154923Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly at least partially disposed within a connector housing. The ferrules project distally from the connector housing and are biased in the distal direction by a common ferrule spring. Proximal ends of the ferrules and the ferrule spring are disposed within the same interior cavity of the connector housing. In certain examples, no portion of the connector housing extends between ferrule hubs supporting the ferrules.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2018Publication date: May 23, 2019Inventor: Robert Charles Flaig
-
Publication number: 20190146160Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2017Publication date: May 16, 2019Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Michael Aaron KADAR-KALLEN, Michael Ward ZITSCH, Dwight Andrew BRETZ, Michael James OTT, Robert Charles FLAIG