Patents by Inventor Thomas Theuerkorn

Thomas Theuerkorn 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: 20130136398
    Abstract: Optical fiber ferrules with complementary mating geometry that are suitable for making optical connections are disclosed along with fiber optic connectors and cable assemblies using the same. In one embodiment, the fiber optic ferrule includes a body having a plurality of optical pathways and a mating geometry that has at least one guide pin that is monolithically formed in the body of the fiber optic ferrule and at least one spring retention feature disposed on a rear portion of the ferrule. The ferrule reduces the number of parts required for a fiber optic connector and allows quick and easy assembly. The disclosure is also directed to fiber optic connectors and cable assemblies using the ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Micah Colen Isenhour, Dennis Michael Knecht, James Phillip Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 8376632
    Abstract: A strain-relief member having a body formed from a block copolymer and designed for use in a fiber optic drop cable assembly. The body has a central channel and a cylindrical connector-end portion sized to surround an end-portion of a connector. The body also has a tapered cable-end portion sized to surround an end portion of a fiber optic cable that connects to the connector and that has a preferential bend axis. The strain-relief member is configured to limit an amount of strain in the strength components to less than 0.041 when subjected to flex and proof testing. A fiber optic drop cable assembly that has a fiber optic cable with a preferential bend axis and that employs the strain-relief member is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: James D. Blackburn, Mary C. Corpening, Gregory A. Lochkovic, Allen M. Miller, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20130022317
    Abstract: Ferrule retainers for retaining and supporting fiber optic ferrules in an optical fiber connector are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ferrule retainers include one or more access windows for accessing an alignment feature(s) of the ferrule located inside the ferrule retainer when the ferrule is assembled in the ferrule retainer. In this manner, the alignment feature(s) of the ferrule is accessible for referencing, if desired, when processing (e.g., polishing) the optical fiber(s) disposed in the ferrule when the ferrule is assembled in the ferrule retainer. The access window(s) provided in the ferrule retainers allows fiber processing equipment to reference the alignment feature(s) of the ferrule when assembled in a ferrule retainer regardless of whether the fiber processing equipment also references the ferrule retainer to reference the ferrule. The embodiments disclosed herein also include related fiber optic connector assemblies, connectors, and referencing methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Martin Eugene Norris, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 8303193
    Abstract: Retention bodies for securing a fiber optic cable therewith for optical connectorization are disclosed. The fiber optic cable is inserted into a passage of the retention body and secured to the same. In one embodiment, the retention body includes a buckling chamber for accommodating longitudinal movement of an optical fiber of a fiber optic cable, such as due to retraction of a ferrule. The buckling chamber may also facilitate alignment and/or centering of the optical fiber when inserted through the passage of the retention body for further insertion into a ferrule of a fiber optic connector sub-assembly or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Casey A. Coleman, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 8285096
    Abstract: Fiber optic cable assemblies and related components, securing methods, and fiber optic cable preparation methods for securing of a fiber optic cable to a retention body and/or fiber optic connector are disclosed. An end portion of the fiber optic cable is prepared and inserted into a retention body or the like for securing the cable to the same. In one embodiment, a partially exposed portion of a strength component and a portion of a cable jacket are secured to a retention body while another portion of the strength component remains secured to the cable jacket. In this manner, the fiber optic cable is secured to the retention body while the strength component and the cable jacket also remain secured to each other for providing strain relief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Casey A. Coleman, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20120252244
    Abstract: An adapter plate assembly includes an adapter for mating two connectors and an adapter plate. The adapter includes a first end and a second end and a passage therethrough. The adapter further includes an adapter footprint and an adapter flange. The first end has an external threaded portion and the second end has an external threaded portion. The adapter is adapted to receive a ruggedized connector in the first and a multi-fiber connector in the second end. The adapter plate includes an aperture for receiving at least a portion of the adapter, a footprint receiving portion for receiving at least a portion of the adapter footprint, a flange receiving portion for receiving the adapter flange, and an attachment feature. A method of assembling the adapter plate and mounting the adapter plate to a non-standard wall is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Robert Bruce Elkins, II, Barton Pierce Filipiak, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 8272792
    Abstract: Retention bodies for securing a fiber optic cable thereto for optical connectorization are disclosed along with fiber optic cable assemblies. The fiber optic cable is inserted into a passage of the retention body and secured to the same using a bonding agent and/or a mechanical element. The rear end opening of the passage is configured for inserting and securing an end portion of the fiber optic cable having at least one strength component and a portion of a cable jacket. Additionally, the retention body has a buckling chamber disposed within the retention body passage for accommodating movement of optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Casey A. Coleman, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 8267596
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a fiber optic cable with one or more optical fiber ribbons attached to a fiber optic connector. The connector includes a ferrule assembly and a crimp body with a fiber access aperture. The aperture has at least two walls defining a first width and a second width defining a predetermined delta and a predetermined aspect ratio. The delta and aspect ratio provide optical fiber access for alignment of the optical fiber ribbon to the optical fiber ferrule assembly. A method of making the fiber optic connector assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 8221006
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable with one or more optical fibers attached to a housing. The housing includes a connector housing for a connector, a furcation housing for a furcation, and a splice housing for a mid-span cable splice. The furcation housing and the splice housing include a crimp body. The crimp body has a compression area and at least one hoop about the compression area defining a crimp zone. A crimp band is arranged for engaging the crimp zone and including an indentation defining a compression surface and a rib defining a rib interior. The crimp band and the crimp body cooperate to grip the strength element and resist cable pull off forces. A method of making the fiber optic cable assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 8152386
    Abstract: A fiber optic assembly comprising an adapter assembly defining an internal cavity, a first end for a receiving a first fiber optic connector, and a second end for receiving a second fiber optic connector, wherein the first and the second fiber optic connectors are dissimilar. A fiber optic connection comprising a first fiber optic connector comprising a connector housing, a first multi-fiber ferrule, and a clearance about an end face of the first multi-fiber ferrule for clearing a ferrule surround during connector mating, and a second connector that is a FOCIS 5 compliant MTP connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: James Phillip Luther, Martin Eugene Norris, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20120045179
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a fiber optic cable with one or more optical fiber ribbons attached to a fiber optic connector. The connector includes a ferrule assembly and a crimp body with a fiber access aperture. The aperture has at least two walls defining a first width and a second width defining a predetermined delta and a predetermined aspect ratio. The delta and aspect ratio provide optical fiber access for alignment of the optical fiber ribbon to the optical fiber ferrule assembly. A method of making the fiber optic connector assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20120045178
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable with one or more optical fibers attached to a housing. The housing includes a connector housing for a connector, a furcation housing for a furcation, and a splice housing for a mid-span cable splice. The furcation housing and the splice housing include a crimp body. The crimp body has a compression area and at least one hoop about the compression area defining a crimp zone. A crimp band is arranged for engaging the crimp zone and including an indentation defining a compression surface and a rib defining a rib interior. The crimp band and the crimp body cooperate to grip the strength element and resist cable pull off forces. A method of making the fiber optic cable assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20110222826
    Abstract: A strain-relief member having a body formed from a block copolymer and designed for use in a fiber optic drop cable assembly. The body has a central channel and a cylindrical connector-end portion sized to surround an end-portion of a connector. The body also has a tapered cable-end portion sized to surround an end portion of a fiber optic cable that connects to the connector and that has a preferential bend axis. The strain-relief member is configured to limit an amount of strain in the strength components to less than 0.041 when subjected to flex and proof testing. A fiber optic drop cable assembly that has a fiber optic cable with a preferential bend axis and that employs the strain-relief member is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: James D. Blackburn, Mary C. Corpening, Gregory A. Lochkovic, Allen M. Miller, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 7985027
    Abstract: An adapter assembly for receiving and maintaining mating fiber optic connectors, comprising an adapter housing defining at least one feature for engaging with at least one plug housing engaged with at least one of the first and second fiber optic connectors, and at least one alignment member maintained within the adapter housing for receiving connective ends of each of the first and second fiber optic connectors. An adapter assembly for receiving and maintaining mating first and second fiber optic connectors, wherein the connectors may be similar or dissimilar and while reducing side load forces through the use of a stabilizing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther, Xin Liu, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20110129185
    Abstract: A factory finished fiber optic module assembly that may be pulled from a first location to a second location by a pulling means, the module assembly having a pulling feature. The assembly may further be installed directly into a mounting structure for use with other like assemblies as a patch panel. The fiber optic module assembly may be installed in a vertical orientation facilitated by an articulated strain relief boot assembly that pivots and rotates for cable management, which reduces the vertical footprint of the fiber optic module assembly. High density embodiments of the fiber optic module assembly may be connected to the rear or side of a mounting structure for optical connection to pigtailed modules. The fiber optic module assembly may have a modular connector interface for mating dissimilar fiber optic connector assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: C. Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther, Stuart R. Melton, Martin E. Norris, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20110129186
    Abstract: A fiber optic module assembly that may be pulled from a first location to a second location by a pulling means, the module assembly defining a pulling feature. The assembly may further be installed directly into a mounting structure for use as a patch panel. The fiber optic module assembly may be attached in a vertical orientation, facilitated by an articulated strain relief boot that pivots and rotates for cable management, which reduces the vertical footprint of the fiber optic module assembly. Embodiments of the fiber optic module assembly may be connected to the rear or side of a mounting structure for optical connection to pigtailed modules. The fiber optic module assembly may have a modular connector interface for mating dissimilar fiber optic connector assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: C. Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther, Stuart R. Melton, Martin E. Norris, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20110091172
    Abstract: Fiber optic cable assemblies and related components, securing methods, and fiber optic cable preparation methods for securing of a fiber optic cable to a retention body and/or fiber optic connector are disclosed. An end portion of the fiber optic cable is prepared and inserted into a retention body or the like for securing the cable to the same. In one embodiment, a partially exposed portion of a strength component and a portion of a cable jacket are secured to a retention body while another portion of the strength component remains secured to the cable jacket. In this manner, the fiber optic cable is secured to the retention body while the strength component and the cable jacket also remain secured to each other for providing strain relief.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Casey A. Coleman, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20100316333
    Abstract: A fiber optic assembly comprising an adapter assembly defining an internal cavity, a first end for a receiving a first fiber optic connector, and a second end for receiving a second fiber optic connector, wherein the first and the second fiber optic connectors are dissimilar. A fiber optic connection comprising a first fiber optic connector comprising a connector housing, a first multi-fiber ferrule, and a clearance about an end face of the first multi-fiber ferrule for clearing a ferrule surround during connector mating, and a second connector that is a FOCIS 5 compliant MTP connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: James Phillip Luther, Martin Eugene Norris, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20100310213
    Abstract: There is provided a fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly adapted to provide electrical connectors for electrical conductors. The receptacle and plug define complimentary alignment and keying features for ensuring that the plug is mated with the receptacle in a predetermined orientation. An alignment sleeve is disposed within the plug for receiving a multi-fiber receptacle ferrule and a multi-fiber plug ferrule. The fiber optic receptacle and corresponding plug each include a biasing member assembly for urging the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule towards one another, wherein the biasing member assembly includes a spring, a spring centering cuff and a ferrule boot that operatively engage the rear of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule, respectively, to substantially center a spring biasing force on the end face of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule. The electrical connectors of the receptacle and plug are preferably provided separate from the biasing member assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 7785016
    Abstract: A fiber optic assembly comprising an adapter assembly defining an internal cavity, a first end for a receiving a first fiber optic connector, and a second end for receiving a second fiber optic connector, wherein the first and the second fiber optic connectors are dissimilar. A fiber optic connection comprising a first fiber optic connector comprising a connector housing, a first multi-fiber ferrule, and a clearance about an end face of the first multi-fiber ferrule for clearing a ferrule surround during connector mating, and a second connector that is a FOCIS 5 compliant MTP connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: James Phillip Luther, Martin Eugene Norris, Thomas Theuerkorn