Patents by Inventor Susan E. Rinehart

Susan E. Rinehart 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).

  • Fiber optic connector and an associated pin retainer
    Patent number: 6669377
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a ferrule that is compatible with a mini-MT ferrule and an E-ferrule and, if sized properly, an MT ferrule is provided. Additionally, a guide pin retention mechanism is provided that permits guide pins to be inserted in the field following assembly of the connector and polishing of the front face of the ferrule. The connector includes a ferrule having a shank and a first shoulder portion proximate one end of the shank. The first shoulder portion has a cross-sectional profile that is larger than the shank. The ferrule may also include a second shoulder portion proximate the first shoulder portion that is smaller in lateral cross-section than the first shoulder portion. The connector can also include a pin retainer for engaging guide pins that extend along the second shoulder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Michael deJong, Sean M. Kerr, Daniel Leyva, Jr., Susan E. Rinehart, Scott E. Semmler
  • Fiber optic connector and an associated pin retainer
    Publication number: 20020186932
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a ferrule that is compatible with a mini-MT ferrule and an E-ferrule and, if sized properly, an MT ferrule is provided. Additionally, a guide pin retention mechanism is provided that permits guide pins to be inserted in the field following assembly of the connector and polishing of the front face of the ferrule. The connector includes a ferrule having a shank and a first shoulder portion proximate one end of the shank. The first shoulder portion has a cross-sectional profile that is larger than the shank. The ferrule may also include a second shoulder portion proximate the first shoulder portion that is smaller in lateral cross-section than the first shoulder portion. The connector can also include a pin retainer for engaging guide pins that extend along the second shoulder portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Michael deJong, Sean M. Kerr, Daniel Leyva, Susan E. Rinehart, Scott E. Semmler