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: 10746938
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Robert Charles Flaig
  • Patent number: 10732358
    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: November 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig
  • Publication number: 20200241219
    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: December 24, 2019
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    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
  • Publication number: 20200209497
    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: December 5, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. HUEGERICH, Wayne M. KACHMAR, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ
  • Publication number: 20200132943
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Applicants: 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: 10627585
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Robert Charles Flaig, Danny Willy August Verheyden
  • Patent number: 10585246
    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: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. Bretz, Robert Charles Flaig, Thomas P. Huegerich, Michael Lawrence Gurreri
  • Patent number: 10564369
    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: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignees: 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
  • Publication number: 20200018905
    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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicants: COMMSCOPE CONNECTIVITY BELGIUM BVBA, COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Danny Willy August VERHEYDEN, Erwin JUNIUS, Detlev THALEMANN, Bernardus Johannes Nicolas GELING, Robert Charles FLAIG
  • Publication number: 20200018904
    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: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Michael Aaron KADAR-KALLEN, Michael Ward ZITSCH, Dwight Andrew BRETZ, Michael James OTT, Robert Charles FLAIG
  • Patent number: 10502912
    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: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Huegerich, Wayne M. Kachmar, Robert Charles Flaig, Dwight Andrew Bretz
  • Publication number: 20190346627
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: 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: 10451815
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignees: 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: 10409007
    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 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Michael Ward Zitsch, Dwight Andrew Bretz, Michael James Ott, Robert Charles Flaig
  • Publication number: 20190271812
    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: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Dwight A. BRETZ, Robert Charles FLAIG
  • Patent number: 10401574
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Gurreri, Robert Charles Flaig, Dwight A. Bretz, Eric Ryan Chappell
  • Publication number: 20190243073
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Applicant: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Michael Aaron KADAR-KALLEN, Robert Charles FLAIG, Dwight A. BRETZ, Randall Bobby PAUL, Michael Lawrence GURRERI
  • Patent number: 10302872
    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: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignees: Commscope Connectivity Belgium BVBA, CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Danny Willy August Verheyden, Erwin Junius, Detlev Thalemann, Bernardus Johannes Nicolas Geling, Robert Charles Flaig
  • Publication number: 20190154923
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Charles Flaig
  • Publication number: 20190146160
    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 1, 2017
    Publication date: May 16, 2019
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Michael Aaron KADAR-KALLEN, Michael Ward ZITSCH, Dwight Andrew BRETZ, Michael James OTT, Robert Charles FLAIG