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).

  • Publication number: 20180364436
    Abstract: A fiber optic network architecture for distributing service to local subscribers is disclosed. The architecture includes a plurality of high-fiber count cables connected end-to-end at connectorized coupling locations to form a main cable trunk. The connectorized coupling locations include high-fiber count pass-through connections for optically connecting optical fibers of adjacent ones of the high-fiber count cables end. The connectorized coupling locations also including high-fiber count branch connections for optically connecting optical fibers of the high-fiber count cables to branch locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. ZIMMEL, Erik J. GRONVALL, Yu LU
  • Publication number: 20180348450
    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 6, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Trevor D. Smith, Michael Kenneth Barth, Soutsada Vongseng, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 10146015
    Abstract: Optical connector arrangements terminate at least seventy-two optical fibers. The optical connector arrangements include multiple optical ferrules that each terminates multiple optical fibers. Some example optical connectors can terminate about 144 optical fibers. Each optical connector includes a fiber take-up arrangement and a flange extending outwardly from a connector housing arrangement. The fiber take-up arrangement manages excess length of the optical fibers. A threadable coupling nut can be disposed on the connector housing arrangement to engage the outwardly extending flange. Certain types of optical connector arrangements include furcation cables spacing the connector housing arrangement form the fiber take-up arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Yu Lu, Gregory J. Schaible
  • Patent number: 10133019
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications connection device. The device including a housing, a plurality of single-fiber connectorized pigtails that extend outwardly from the housing and a multi-fiber connectorized pigtail that extends outwardly from the housing. The multi-fiber connectorized pigtail can be optically coupled with the single fiber connectorized pigtails. The device can include optical fibers routed from the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail through the housing to the single-fiber connectorized pigtails. The single-fiber connectorized pigtails can be more flexible than the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Scott C. Kowalczyk, Steven C. Zimmel, James J. Brandt, Oscar Fernando Bran De Leon, Erik J. Gronvall, Trevor D. Smith, Yu Lu, David J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10126509
    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: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Trevor D. Smith, Michael Kenneth Barth, Soutsada Vongseng, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 10114181
    Abstract: A multi-fiber cable assembly includes an optical connector and a cable. The optical connector includes a connector body; an optical ferrule body, and alignment elements. The optical ferrule body has an end face defining a plurality of alignment openings arranged in rows and has a plurality of buckling chambers. Each buckling chamber is aligned with one of the rows of the alignment openings. The optical fibers of the cable have bare portions secured at a first end of the optical ferrule body using rigid epoxy. Each of the optical fibers is routed through one of the buckling chambers to one of the alignment holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Steven C. Zimmel, Gregory J. Schaible
  • Publication number: 20180306982
    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: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventor: Steven C. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 10107971
    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: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Scott Droege, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Publication number: 20180267261
    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: May 17, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Trevor D. Smith, Michael Kenneth Barth, Soutsada Vongseng, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Publication number: 20180267260
    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: May 17, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Trevor D. Smith, Michael Kenneth Barth, Soutsada Vongseng, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Publication number: 20180145786
    Abstract: A system for delivering multiple passive optical network services is disclosed. The system includes a first optical transmission service comprising a common wavelength pair routed from a source to each of a plurality of subscribers. The system further includes a second optical transmission service comprising a plurality of unique wavelength pairs, where each of the unique wavelength pairs is routed from the source to a subscriber among the plurality of subscribers. The system delivers the first optical transmission service and the second optical transmission service to the subscriber on a single optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: STEVEN C. ZIMMEL, TIMOTHY G. BADAR, TREVOR D. SMITH
  • Publication number: 20180136425
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications connection device. The device including a housing, a plurality of single-fiber connectorized pigtails that extend outwardly from the housing and a multi-fiber connectorized pigtail that extends outwardly from the housing. The multi-fiber connectorized pigtail can be optically coupled with the single fiber connectorized pigtails. The device can include optical fibers routed from the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail through the housing to the single-fiber connectorized pigtails. The single-fiber connectorized pigtails can be more flexible than the multi-fiber connectorized pigtail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Scott C. KOWALCZYK, Steven C. ZIMMEL, James J. BRANDT, Oscar Fernando BRAN DE LEON, Erik J. GRONVALL, Trevor D. SMITH, Yu LU, David J. ANDERSON
  • Patent number: 9964726
    Abstract: A telecommunications assembly including a housing and a plurality of modules mounted within the housing. The modules includes a rear face in which is mounted at least one fiber optic connector. Within an interior of the housing are positioned at least one fiber optic adapters. Inserting the module through a front opening of the housing at a mounting location positions the connector of the module for insertion into and mating with the adapter of the housing. The adapters within the interior of the housing are mounted to a removable holder. A method of mounting a telecommunications module within a chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Ponharith Nhep, Trevor D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180100972
    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: September 18, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Yu Lu, Patrick J. Nault, Scott C. Kowalczyk, Scott Droege, Brent Campbell, Christopher Stroth
  • Patent number: 9891398
    Abstract: A telecommunications module includes a main housing portion and a cover, the main housing portion defining a first sidewall, a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, and a bottom wall, the cover defining a second sidewall when mounted on the main housing portion. An optical component located within the module receives an input signal from a signal input location of the housing and outputs an output signal toward a signal output location on the front wall. The telecommunications module is configured such that the signal input location can be selected to be either on the front wall or the rear wall of the main housing. The cover defines a protrusion extending from the second sidewall toward the main housing portion, the protrusion being selectively breakable to expose a recess on the front wall of the main housing portion that defines a signal input location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Steven C. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 9835806
    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: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Steven C. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 9800366
    Abstract: A system for delivering multiple passive optical network services is disclosed. The system includes a first optical transmission service comprising a common wavelength pair routed from a source to each of a plurality of subscribers. The system further includes a second optical transmission service comprising a plurality of unique wavelength pairs, where each of the unique wavelength pairs is routed from the source to a subscriber among the plurality of subscribers. The system delivers the first optical transmission service and the second optical transmission service to the subscriber on a single optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Timothy G. Badar, Trevor D. Smith
  • Patent number: 9766413
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector and cable assembly is disclosed herein. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly includes a cable having at least one optical fiber, a jacket surrounding the optical fiber and at least one strength member for reinforcing the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly also includes a fiber optic connector having a main connector body having a distal end and a proximal end. The fiber optic connector also includes a ferrule supporting an end portion of the optical fiber. The ferrule is mounted at the distal end of the main connector body. The fiber optic connector further includes a spring for biasing the ferrule in a distal direction and a spring push for retaining the spring within the main connector body. The spring push is mounted at the proximal end of the main connector body. The spring push includes a main body and a stub that projects proximally outwardly from the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Yu Lu, Patrick J. Nault, Scott C. Kowalczyk, Scott Droege, Brent Campbell, Christopher Stroth
  • Publication number: 20170254967
    Abstract: A multi-fiber cable assembly includes an optical connector and a cable. The optical connector includes a connector body; an optical ferrule body, and alignment elements. The optical ferrule body has an end face defining a plurality of alignment openings arranged in rows and has a plurality of buckling chambers. Each buckling chamber is aligned with one of the rows of the alignment openings. The optical fibers of the cable have bare portions secured at a first end of the optical ferrule body using rigid epoxy. Each of the optical fibers is routed through one of the buckling chambers to one of the alignment holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Steven C. Zimmel, Gregory J. Schaible
  • Patent number: RE47069
    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. An intermediate portion of the tubing permits the excess fiber length to accumulate without bending in a radius smaller than a minimum bend radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: CommScope Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Steven C. Zimmel