Patents by Inventor William G. Allen
William G. Allen 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).
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Publication number: 20250078420Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer system changes a visual prominence of a respective virtual object in response to detecting a threshold amount of overlap between a first virtual object and a second virtual object. In some embodiments, a computer system changes a visual prominence of a respective virtual object based on a change in spatial location of a first virtual object with respect to a second virtual object. In some embodiments, a computer system applies visual effects to representations of physical objects, virtual environments, and/or physical environments. In some embodiments, a computer system changes a visual prominence of a virtual object relative to a three-dimensional environment based on display of overlapping objects of different types in the three-dimensional environment. In some embodiments, a computer system changes a level of opacity of a first virtual object overlapping a second virtual object in response to movement of the first virtual object.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2024Publication date: March 6, 2025Inventors: James M. DESSERO, Benjamin HYLAK, Christopher D. MCKENZIE, Jeffrey S. ALLEN, William A. SORRENTINO, III, Katherine W. KOLOMBATOVICH, Matthew G. PLEC
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Patent number: 10436984Abstract: An optical network comprises a fiber distribution cable and a terminal assembly. The terminal assembly receives a plurality of optical fibers from the fiber distribution cable and distributes one or more individual fibers to one or more single fiber bare-fiber holders that hold and protect each single fiber prepared and configured for splicing via an individual splicing element. The splicing element includes an alignment mechanism having a base plate and a clamp plate. At least one of the base plate and clamp plate is formed from a silica material and at least one of the base plate and clamp plate includes an alignment groove or channel configured to receive the first and second optical fibers in an end-to-end manner. The splice element also comprises an optical adhesive disposed in at least a portion of the alignment groove, wherein the optical adhesive is curable via actinic radiation.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: William J. Clatanoff, Donald K. Larson, Daniel J. Treadwell, William G. Allen, Raman K. Selli, Victor J. Borer, Kathleen M. Humpal, Melissa A. Lackey, Brant U. Kolb, Paul D. Pennington, Mark J. Hendrickson, Wendy L. Thompson, Wayne S. Mahoney
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Publication number: 20180067262Abstract: A splice element for splicing a first and a second optical fiber comprises an alignment mechanism having a base plate and a clamp plate. At least one of the base plate and clamp plate is formed from a silica material and at least one of the base plate and clamp plate includes an alignment groove configured to receive the first and second optical fibers in an end-to-end manner. The splice element also comprises an optical adhesive disposed in at least a portion of the alignment groove, wherein the optical adhesive is curable via actinic radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: Donald K. Larson, William J. Clatanoff, Daniel J. Treadwell, William G. Allen, Raman K. Selli, Kathleen M. Humpal, Melissa A. Lackey, Brant U. Kolb, Paul D. Pennington, Mark J. Hendrickson, Wendy L. Thompson, Wayne S. Mahoney
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Publication number: 20180067261Abstract: An optical network comprises a fiber distribution cable and a terminal assembly. The terminal assembly receives a plurality of optical fibers from the fiber distribution cable and distributes one or more individual fibers to one or more single fiber bare-fiber holders that hold and protect each single fiber prepared and configured for splicing via an individual splicing element. The splicing element includes an alignment mechanism having a base plate and a clamp plate. At least one of the base plate and clamp plate is formed from a silica material and at least one of the base plate and clamp plate includes an alignment groove or channel configured to receive the first and second optical fibers in an end-to-end manner. The splice element also comprises an optical adhesive disposed in at least a portion of the alignment groove, wherein the optical adhesive is curable via actinic radiation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2017Publication date: March 8, 2018Inventors: William J. Clatanoff, Donald K. Larson, Daniel J. Treadwell, William G. Allen, Raman K. Selli, Victor J. Borer, Kathleen M. Humpal, Melissa A. Lackey, Brant U. Kolb, Paul D. Pennington, Mark J. Hendrickson, Wendy L. Thompson, Wayne S. Mahoney
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Patent number: 9748747Abstract: A device to strip the external coating layer off of a coated optical fiber is provided. The optical fiber coating removal device includes a one piece molded body having a first body portion connected to a second body portion by a flexible region and a blade secured in one of the first body portion and the second body portion wherein the blade includes a U-shaped slot having cutting edges on the inside of the slot, wherein the flexible portion allows the first and second body portions to move between an open state and a closed state for stripping an optical fiber.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Donald K. Larson, William G. Allen
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Patent number: 9343886Abstract: A cable routing system is described. More specifically, described is a cable routing system that includes a main fiber channel configured to receive a drop fiber to allow it to fit within the main fiber channel, where the channel is surrounded by a discontinuous segmented duct, and the duct comprises a continuous flange structure to provide support for the system as it is installed on or fastened to a wall or other generally flat surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Donald K. Larson, Linnea M. Wilkes, Victor J. Borer, Kurt H. Petersen, Wesley A. Raider, William V. Dower, Zachary M. Thompson, Daniel J. Treadwell, Rutesh D. Parikh, William G. Allen
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Publication number: 20160105009Abstract: An adhesive-backed communications media cable includes a duct having a conduit portion with a lengthwise bore formed therein. The conduit portion includes an Ethernet over twisted pair communication line. The duct also includes a flange extending lengthwise with the conduit portion. An adhesive layer is disposed on a surface of the flange such that the duct is mountable to a mounting surface via the adhesive layer. A system for distributing multiple communications media lines in a living unit includes a multimedia receptacle mountable on a wall or mounting surface and an adhesive-backed communications media duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Victor J. Borer, William G. Allen, Curtis L. Shoemaker
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Publication number: 20160099553Abstract: A device to strip the external coating layer off of a coated optical fiber is provided. The optical fiber coating removal device includes a one piece molded body having a first body portion connected to a second body portion by a flexible region and a blade secured in one of the first body portion and the second body portion wherein the blade includes a U-shaped slot having cutting edges on the inside of the slot, wherein the flexible portion allows the first and second body portions to move between an open state and a closed state for stripping an optical fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Donald K. Larson, William G. Allen
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Patent number: 9225154Abstract: An adhesive-backed communications media cable includes a duct having a conduit portion with a lengthwise bore formed therein. The conduit portion includes an Ethernet over twisted pair communication line. The duct also includes a flange extending lengthwise with the conduit portion. An adhesive layer is disposed on a surface of the flange such that the duct is mountable to a mounting surface via the adhesive layer. A system for distributing multiple communications media lines in a living unit includes a multimedia receptacle mountable on a wall or mounting surface and an adhesive-backed communications media duct.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Victor J. Borer, William G. Allen, Curtis L. Shoemaker, Charles F. Staley, Douglas B. Gundel, James G. Vana
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Publication number: 20150171609Abstract: A cable routing system is described. More specifically, described is a cable routing system that includes a main fiber channel configured to receive a drop fiber to allow it to fit within the main fiber channel, where the channel is surrounded by a discontinuous segmented duct, and the duct comprises a continuous flange structure to provide support for the system as it is installed on or fastened to a wall or other generally flat surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2015Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventors: Donald K. Larson, Linnea M. Wilkes, Victor J. Borer, Kurt H. Petersen, Wesley A. Raider, William V. Dower, Zachary M. Thompson, Daniel J. Treadwell, Rutesh D. Parikh, William G. Allen
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Patent number: 8934751Abstract: An inlet device is described herein for inserting a telecommunication cable into a telecommunications enclosure. The inlet device includes a housing, a retainer clip attached to the housing and a compression member. The housing can include a compressible portion at the second end of the housing. The retainer clip can secure the inlet device in a close fitting port of a telecommunication enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard L. Simmons, William G. Allen, Robert W. Bunte
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Patent number: 8876405Abstract: An LC format optical connector for terminating an optical fiber includes a housing configured to mate with an LC receptacle. A backbone is configured to engage an outer surface of the outer shell of the housing and includes a mounting structure that is configured to engage a boot. A collar body is retained between the outer shell and the backbone and includes a fiber stub disposed in a first portion of the collar body, the fiber stub being mounted in a ferrule. A mechanical splice is disposed in a second portion of the collar body, the mechanical splice configured to splice the fiber stub to the optical fiber. The backbone also includes a fiber jacket clamping portion to clamp a jacket portion that surrounds a portion of the optical fiber upon actuation.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Donald K. Larson, Wesley A. Raider, Daniel J. Treadwell, Martin G. Afflerbaugh, David Gonzalez, Daniel H. Henderson, William G. Allen
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Patent number: 8879883Abstract: An inlet device is described for inserting a cable containing optical fibers into a telecommunications enclosure. The inlet device includes a housing with a strength member securing section configured to fasten at least one strength member to the housing. The inlet device further includes a fiber guide device. The inlet device may be used in a single fiber optical cable assembly or multi-fiber optical cable assembly. A method for preparing a cable assembly is also described. A telecommunications enclosure including an inlet device is also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2008Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Rutesh D. Parikh, William G. Allen, Kenneth D. Rebers, Joseph M. Van Allen, George W. Parrett, Thomas E. Bludau
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Publication number: 20140299645Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a device to cleave an optical fiber is provided. The device includes a base and a cover that is rotatably connected to the base. The base has a work surface and a mandrel disposed in the base and extending above the work surface. An optical fiber can be bent over a radiused surface of the mandrel and tensioned prior to cleaving. A shuttle is disposed in the cover over the mandrel, wherein the shuttle includes a flexible abrasive material that is configured to contact the optical fiber and create a flaw on a top surface of the optical fiber to initiate a crack in the optical fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2014Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Edward B. LURIE, William G. ALLEN, Zachary M. THOMPSON, Daniel H. HENDERSON, Ronald P. PEPIN, David GONZALEZ, Viktor HEINZ
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Publication number: 20140133823Abstract: An inlet device is described herein for inserting a telecommunication cable into a telecommunications enclosure. The inlet device includes a housing, a retainer clip attached to the housing and a compression member. The housing can include a compressible portion at the second end of the housing. The retainer clip can secure the inlet device in a close fitting port of a telecommunication enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2012Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Richard L. Simmons, William G. Allen, Robert W. Bunte
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Publication number: 20130341085Abstract: An adhesive-backed communications media cable includes a duct having a conduit portion with a lengthwise bore formed therein. The conduit portion includes an Ethernet over twisted pair communication line. The duct also includes a flange extending lengthwise with the conduit portion. An adhesive layer is disposed on a surface of the flange such that the duct is mountable to a mounting surface via the adhesive layer. A system for distributing multiple communications media lines in a living unit includes a multimedia receptacle mountable on a wall or mounting surface and an adhesive-backed communications media duct.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Victor J. Borer, William G. Allen, Curtis L. Shoemaker, Charles F. Staley, Douglas B. Gundel, James G. Vana
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Publication number: 20130028567Abstract: A high density optical fiber distribution system is disclosed which includes two columns of optical fiber termination blocks mounted on a standard telecommunication equipment rack. The rack includes a base and two vertical support members that define a bay. The optical fiber termination blocks are positioned on a front side of the rack and are mounted to one of the vertical support members by a mounting bracket. Each of the optical termination blocks includes a plurality of optical modules. The system can also include a vertical jumper slack storage portion adjacent to each column of optical fiber termination blocks, as well as a plurality of jumper routing troughs attached to a rear side of the rack.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Rutesh D. Parikh, William G. Allen
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Publication number: 20120328248Abstract: An LC format optical connector for terminating an optical fiber includes a housing configured to mate with an LC receptacle. A backbone is configured to engage an outer surface of the outer shell of the housing and includes a mounting structure that is configured to engage a boot. A collar body is retained between the outer shell and the backbone and includes a fiber stub disposed in a first portion of the collar body, the fiber stub being mounted in a ferrule. A mechanical splice is disposed in a second portion of the collar body, the mechanical splice configured to splice the fiber stub to the optical fiber. The backbone also includes a fiber jacket clamping portion to clamp a jacket portion that surrounds a portion of the optical fiber upon actuation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Donald K. Larson, Wesley A. Raider, Daniel J. Treadwell, Martin G. Afflerbaugh, David Gonzalez, Daniel H. Henderson, William G. Allen
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Patent number: 8184939Abstract: An inlet device is described for inserting a cable containing optical fibers into a telecommunications enclosure. The inlet device includes a housing and an optical device holder. The optical device holder may be configured to hold an optical fiber spice and/or an optical device such as an optical splitter, coupler or a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) device.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Rutesh D. Parikh, William G. Allen, Thomas E. Bludau
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Patent number: 8071879Abstract: An adaptor for use with a telecommunications enclosure includes a body having a port extending therethrough from a first end of the body to a second end of the body. The first end of the body is configured for mounting within an opening of a telecommunications housing along a first axis. The port adjacent the second end of the adaptor is configured to receive a connection device receptacle therein along a second axis different from the first axis. A retention device is positioned adjacent the second end of the body and configured to retain a connection device receptacle within the port.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2007Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William G. Allen, Rutesh D. Parikh