Patents by Inventor Steven C. Zimmel

Steven C. Zimmel 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: 12281958
    Abstract: An optical power detection system comprises a sensor and a reader. The sensor is configured to detect light in the cladding of an optical fiber. The sensor is positioned both within a ferrule of the optical fiber and proximate the cladding. The sensor is additionally configured to produce an output signal representative of the detected light. The reader is electrically coupled to the sensor and is configured to receive the sensor output signal. The reader is additionally configured to operation on the output signal to produce a corresponding visual and/or audible indication of the optical power in the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Christopher Coffey, Steven C. Zimmel, Joseph Polland, Morgan C. Kurk, Trevor D. Smith
  • Patent number: 12222572
    Abstract: A telecommunications assembly includes a chassis and a plurality of fiber optic splitter modules mounted within the chassis. Each splitter module includes at least one fiber optic connector. Within an interior of the chassis are positioned at least one fiber optic adapter. Inserting the splitter module through a front opening of the chassis at a mounting location positions the connector of the splitter module for insertion into and mating with the adapter of the chassis. The adapters mounted within the interior of the chassis are integrally formed as part of a removable adapter assembly. A method of mounting a fiber optic splitter module within a telecommunications chassis is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2025
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Trevor D. Smith, Ponharith Nhep
  • Publication number: 20250044526
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, and a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of the buffer, the second diameter portion positioned between the first diameter and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end to the second diameter portion. A hub holds the ferrule. A method of assembling a terminated fiber optic cable is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: Scott Droege, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Publication number: 20240353630
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and the second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of a buffer, and a smooth and continuous transition between the first and the second diameter portions. The second diameter portion is positioned between the first diameter portion and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end toward the second diameter portion. In certain embodiments, another smooth and continuous transition can be provided between the taper shape and the second diameter portion. In certain embodiments, the axial passage is smooth and continuous between the first and the second ends of the body. A hub holds the ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2024
    Publication date: October 24, 2024
    Inventor: Steven C. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 12124091
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, and a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of the buffer, the second diameter portion positioned between the first diameter and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end to the second diameter portion. A hub holds the ferrule. A method of assembling a terminated fiber optic cable is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2024
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Scott Droege, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 12013577
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and the second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of a buffer, and a smooth and continuous transition between the first and the second diameter portions. The second diameter portion is positioned between the first diameter portion and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end toward the second diameter portion. In certain embodiments, another smooth and continuous transition can be provided between the taper shape and the second diameter portion. In certain embodiments, the axial passage is smooth and continuous between the first and the second ends of the body. A hub holds the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2024
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Steven C. Zimmel
  • Publication number: 20240168241
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable and connector assembly including a fiber optic connector mounted at the end of a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly including a stub fiber supported within a ferrule. The stub fiber is fusion spliced to an optical fiber of the fiber optic cable at a location within the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2023
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Michael James Ott, Thomas P. Huegerich, Steven C. Zimmel, Ponharith Nhep
  • Publication number: 20230358635
    Abstract: An optical power detection system comprises a sensor and a reader. The sensor is configured to detect light in the cladding of an optical fiber. The sensor is positioned both within a ferrule of the optical fiber and proximate the cladding. The sensor is additionally configured to produce an output signal representative of the detected light. The reader is electrically coupled to the sensor and is configured to receive the sensor output signal. The reader is additionally configured to operation on the output signal to produce a corresponding visual and/or audible indication of the optical power in the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Applicant: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Christopher COFFEY, Steven C. ZIMMEL, Joseph POLLAND, Morgan C. KURK, Trevor D. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20230251448
    Abstract: A telecommunications assembly includes a chassis and a plurality of fiber optic splitter modules mounted within the chassis. Each splitter module includes at least one fiber optic connector. Within an interior of the chassis are positioned at least one fiber optic adapter. Inserting the splitter module through a front opening of the chassis at a mounting location positions the connector of the splitter module for insertion into and mating with the adapter of the chassis. The adapters mounted within the interior of the chassis are integrally formed as part of a removable adapter assembly. A method of mounting a fiber optic splitter module within a telecommunications chassis is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Trevor D. Smith, Ponharith Nhep
  • Patent number: 11640036
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to fiber optic components and structures for use in building fiber optic networks using an indexing architecture. In certain examples, fan-out structures are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Taylor Finnegan, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Publication number: 20230112242
    Abstract: A housing including a plurality of openings for receiving fiber optic connectors and protecting the polished end face of the connectors from damage while the connectors are stored within a telecommunications connection cabinet. A module with a plurality of optical fiber cables connected to a first optical fiber cable and terminated by a fiber optic connector. Each of the connectors are inserted within openings in a connector holder for storage and protection until the cables need to be connected to a customer equipment cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Trevor D. Smith, Michael Kenneth Barth, Soutsada Vongseng, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Publication number: 20230070207
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and the second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of a buffer, and a smooth and continuous transition between the first and the second diameter portions. The second diameter portion is positioned between the first diameter portion and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end toward the second diameter portion. In certain embodiments, another smooth and continuous transition can be provided between the taper shape and the second diameter portion. In certain embodiments, the axial passage is smooth and continuous between the first and the second ends of the body. A hub holds the ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2022
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventor: Steven C. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 11579391
    Abstract: A telecommunications assembly includes a chassis and a plurality of fiber optic splitter modules mounted within the chassis. Each splitter module includes at least one fiber optic connector. Within an interior of the chassis are positioned at least one fiber optic adapter. Inserting the splitter module through a front opening of the chassis at a mounting location positions the connector of the splitter module for insertion into and mating with the adapter of the chassis. The adapters mounted within the interior of the chassis are integrally formed as part of a removable adapter assembly. A method of mounting a fiber optic splitter module within a telecommunications chassis is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Trevor D. Smith, Ponharith Nhep
  • Patent number: 11525962
    Abstract: A fiber alignment device is provided that includes a curable refractive index-matching gel that exhibits self-cleaning and self-healing characteristics upon multiple cycles of insertion and removal of an optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Richard J. Drapeau, Gary William Adams, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Publication number: 20220390685
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, and a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of the buffer, the second diameter portion positioned between the first diameter and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end to the second diameter portion. A hub holds the ferrule. A method of assembling a terminated fiber optic cable is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2022
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Scott Droege, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 11467353
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and the second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of a buffer, and a smooth and continuous transition between the first and the second diameter portions. The second diameter portion is positioned between the first diameter portion and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end toward the second diameter portion. In certain embodiments, another smooth and continuous transition can be provided between the taper shape and the second diameter portion. In certain embodiments, the axial passage is smooth and continuous between the first and the second ends of the body. A hub holds the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Steven C. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 11428876
    Abstract: A housing including a plurality of openings for receiving fiber optic connectors and protecting the polished end face of the connectors from damage while the connectors are stored within a telecommunications connection cabinet. A module with a plurality of optical fiber cables connected to a first optical fiber cable and terminated by a fiber optic connector. Each of the connectors are inserted within openings in a connector holder for storage and protection until the cables need to be connected to a customer equipment cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Trevor D. Smith, Michael Kenneth Barth, Soutsada Vongseng, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 11397296
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, and a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of the buffer, the second diameter portion positioned between the first diameter and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end to the second diameter portion. A hub holds the ferrule. A method of assembling a terminated fiber optic cable is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Scott Droege, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Publication number: 20220229243
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector and cable assembly includes a cable and a fiber optic connector. The connector has a main connector body, a ferrule, a spring for biasing the ferrule, and a spring push for retaining the spring within the main connector body. A crimp band is provided for securing the fiber optic cable to the fiber optic connector. The crimp band includes a first portion securing a cable strength member. The crimp band also includes a second portion crimped down on a jacket of the cable. The crimp band further includes an inner surface having gripping structures for gripping the strength member and/or the jacket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Yu Lu, Patrick J. Nault, Scott C. Kowalczyk, Scott Droege, Brent Campbell, Christopher Stroth
  • Patent number: RE49374
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable assembly comprising an optical fiber slidably enclosed within a hollow tubing, both the fiber and the tubing having corresponding first and second ends. The cable is terminated with the first and second ends of the tubing and the fiber constrained with respect to each other such that fiber and the tubing are approximately the same length when the cable is at a first temperature. The tubing is made of a material which contracts more than the optical fiber when the cable is exposed to temperatures below the first temperature, such that the fiber is longer than the tubing and excess fiber length is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Steven C. Zimmel