With Disengagable Mechanical Connector Patents (Class 385/53)
  • Publication number: 20110150394
    Abstract: Electrical and/or optical connector housing (11) with a wet-mateable connector receiving part (17), adapted to receive a mating electrical and/or optical connector counterpart when surrounded by a hydrostatic pressure, such as the pressure of surrounding water. The connector housing (11) exhibits a compartment (19) that is pressure balanced with respect to said hydro-static pressure, wherein one or more electrical and/or optical conductors (21) are guided from the receiving part (17) to a penetrator (15), said penetrator (15) constituting a pressure barrier between said compartment (19) and an opposite end of the penetrator (15). The housing (11) comprises at least one wall part (29) adapted to be flexed by an exterior hydrostatic pressure exerting force on the housing (11), thereby changing the volume of said inner compartment (19), whereby said wall part (29) constitutes at least a part of the encapsulation of said compartment (19).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Per Hassel Sørensen, Ivar Breen
  • Publication number: 20110150393
    Abstract: An exemplary optical fiber connector includes a housing, and two lenses. The housing defines two blind holes each configured for receiving an optical fiber. The two lenses are formed on the housing and each of the lenses is aligned with a corresponding blind hole. Each of the blind holes includes a first cylindrical hole portion, a tapered hole portion and a second cylindrical hole portion facing a corresponding lens, and a diameter of the tapered hole portion gradually decreases from the first cylindrical hole portion towards the second cylindrical hole portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: I-THUN LIN
  • Patent number: 7961989
    Abstract: A camera including a mount substrate, a detector on a first surface of the mount substrate, a spacer on the mount substrate, the spacer including a hole exposing the detector, a cover on the spacer, the cover covering the hole, the mount substrate, the spacer and the cover together sealing the detector, the cover having a planar surface facing the detector, and an external electrical interconnection for the detector provided outside the sealing, the external electrical interconnection being on a first surface and a second surface, different from the first surface, of the mount substrate, the external electrical interconnection adapted to connect the detector to an electrical contact pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Tessera North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan D. Kathman, James E. Morris, John Barnett Hammond, Michael R. Feldman
  • Patent number: 7959361
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector and a fiber optic adapter are disclosed that are manually connectable and disconnectable with each other by a slideable latching means. The fiber optic connector includes an end defining a plug portion. The plug portion holds a ferrule and also directly engages a port on the fiber optic adapter. The plug portion includes a protrusion which also forms a latch catch. The port of the fiber optic adapter includes a flexible retention latch within a slot. The slot engages the protrusion and thus rotationally aligns the fiber optic connector and adapter. The flexible retention latch snaps into and out of the latch catch when the plug portion of the fiber optic connector is slid into and out of the port of the fiber optic adapter thus providing the slideable latching means. Angled retaining surfaces are provided on the retention latch and the latch catch that engage each other. Angles defining the angled retaining surfaces are chosen to provide desired holding and release characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Randy Reagan
  • Patent number: 7957624
    Abstract: A cable management panel including a chassis, a drawer, and a rear latch arrangement. The rear latch arrangement including a latch having a free tab end. The free tab end engaging the front edge of a top wall of the chassis to prevent inadvertent closing movement of the drawer relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Krampotich, Ryan Kostecka
  • 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: 20110123156
    Abstract: [Problems to be solved] To provide an optical adapter which has a reduced number of component parts and can be easily assembled. [Means for Solution] The optical adapter comprises a first housing 3, a second housing 5, and a sleeve 7. The first housing 3 comprises a connector holding part 31, a first holder portion 33, an alignment part 35, and coupling portions 36. The first holder portion 33 is integrally formed with the connector holding part 31. The alignment part 35 comprises an alignment part main body 351, a second holder portion 352 integrally formed with the alignment part main body 351, and a plurality of guide portions 352, 354, and 355, integrally formed with the alignment part main body 351. Protrusion-shaped coupling portions 36 for coupling the connector holding part 31 and the alignment part 35 are integrally formed with one of the connector holding part 31 and the alignment part main body 35.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Yuichi Koreeda, Yasutaka Hiroki, Naoki Katagiyama
  • Patent number: 7942587
    Abstract: A strain-relief assembly for a field-installable fiber optic connector is disclosed, wherein the assembly includes a ferrule holder, an intermediate sleeve, and a crimp sleeve. The ferrule holder back section holds a buffered section of a fiber optic cable, while the ferrule holder front end holds a ferrule and a splice assembly. A stub fiber is held within the ferrule and the splice assembly so as to interface with a section of field optical fiber protruding from the buffered section. The intermediate sleeve engages and generally surrounds a portion of the ferrule holder back section and thus surrounds a portion of the buffered layer. An intermediate sleeve handler may be used to handle the intermediate sleeve and attached the intermediate sleeve to the ferrule holder back section. Stress-relief strands from the fiber optic cable are flared around the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve. A crimp sleeve is placed over the intermediate sleeve to hold the ends of the stress-relief strands in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ray S. Barnes, Kristine A. McEvoy, David W. Meek, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 7942589
    Abstract: A plug-type optical connector is provided with a ferrule and an aligning sleeve member. The aligning sleeve member receives a portion of the ferrule including an abutting end face inside a bore to prevent staining and damage and uses a movable shutter to prevent light emitted through the ferrule from leaking to the outside. The socket type optical connector is provided with a ferrule and a holding section. The optical connector is not provided with an aligning sleeve member and further can hold a coated optical fiber by a holding section behind the ferrule by a radius of curvature of at least a prescribed minimum radius of curvature. Optical loss in the coated optical fiber can be reduced while effectively reducing the external dimensions in the direction of extension of the ferrule at the time of use. An optical fiber connecting device that includes a combination of a pair of optical connectors is also provided to be suitably applied to an optical transmission line laid indoors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Akihiko Yazaki, Takaya Yamauchi, James R. Bylander, Eric M. Morgan, Wesley A. Raider, Kirk L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7938178
    Abstract: A deep water subsea tree completion having a distributed temperature sensing system. In a described embodiment, a method of installing an optical fiber in a well includes the steps of: conveying an optical fiber section into the well; and monitoring a light transmission quality of the optical fiber section while the section is being conveyed into the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, John L. Maida, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110103740
    Abstract: An optical fiber switch which may include first and second angled optical fibers having respective first and second end faces. Each of the first and second angled optical fibers may include a core having a core index of refraction, and a cladding surrounding the core and having a cladding index of refraction less than the core index of refraction. The optical fiber switch may further include a first index matching elastomeric solid layer having a proximal face coupled to the first end face, and a distal face opposite the proximal face to be repeatably optically coupled to the second end face. The first index matching elastomeric solid layer may have an index of refraction matching at least the index of refraction of the core. The optical fiber switch may also include at least one actuator for relatively moving the first and second angled optical fibers between a coupled position and an uncoupled position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Harris Corporation Corporation of the State of Delaware
    Inventor: Lawrence Wayne Shacklette
  • Publication number: 20110103741
    Abstract: An optical fiber switch which may include first and second angled optical fibers having respective first and second end faces. Each of the first and second angled optical fibers may include a core having a core index of refraction, and a cladding surrounding the core and having a cladding index of refraction different than the core index of refraction. The optical fiber switch may further include a first index matching elastomeric solid layer having a proximal face coupled to the first end face and a distal face opposite the proximal face to be repeatably optically coupled to the second end face. The first index matching elastomeric solid layer may have an index of refraction profile matching an index of refraction of the core and the cladding. The optical fiber switch may also include at least one actuator for relatively moving the first and second angled optical fibers between a coupled position and an uncoupled position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Lawrence Wayne Shacklette
  • Publication number: 20110103744
    Abstract: A backplane and card assembly comprises: a backplane having optical and electrical connectors; a plurality of cards each comprising an optical receiver and electrical connectors, for fitting into the backplane to obtain operational optical and electrical connections via the backplane; and an automatic maintenance unit comprising a gripping arm configured to remove and replace cards from the backplane. Having both the optical and electrical connectors together on the backplane allows a relatively simple movement of the gripping arm to remove and replace the card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Eli BENOLIEL
  • Patent number: 7936962
    Abstract: An optical fiber distribution enclosure includes a housing defining an interior, a first fiber distribution area disposed within an upper portion of the interior, a second fiber distribution area disposed within a lower portion of the interior and a signal splitting area disposed between the fiber distribution areas. A splitter module secured within the signal splitting area has a connectorized splitter input optical fiber and connectorized splitter output optical fibers. A fiber parking area is movably disposed within the lower portion adjacent the second fiber distribution area for temporarily storing splitter output optical fibers that are not routed to the fiber distribution areas. An input fiber distribution area disposed within the interior interconnects an optical fiber of a feeder cable with the splitter input optical fiber. The splitter output optical fibers are eventually routed to a fiber distribution area and interconnected with a corresponding optical fiber of a distribution cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ronald L. Mudd, Daniel S. McGranahan, Guy Castonguay, Antwan J. Works
  • Patent number: 7931411
    Abstract: An optical transmission apparatus includes a wiring board, an electronic device mounted on the wiring board, a connection part that mechanically connects the electronic device and the wiring board to each other in such a manner that the electronic device and the wiring board face each other at a certain distance and electrically connects the electronic device and the wiring board to each other, an optical cable connector that is in contact with the electronic device, and an optical cable connected to the optical cable connector. The optical cable connector has a part that is inserted between the electronic device and the wiring board. A signal is transmitted between the part and the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichiro Kurita
  • Publication number: 20110091154
    Abstract: A connection structure and a method are provided for being able to make the signal of multi-mode fiber accepted by the single-mode fiber or to make the signal of single-mode fiber accepted by the multi-mode fiber. The present invention uses the core of the cladding of the single-mode fiber corresponding to that of multi-mode fiber in end-to-end relationship or uses the cladding of the single-mode fiber connects with that of multi-mode fiber in side-to-side relationship. Therefore, for users, it will not be necessary to use light-electricity converter between single-mode fiber and multi-mode fiber. In this way, the present invention can help to save the material cost and simplify the arrangement of the transmission line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Hui-Chin Chang
  • Patent number: 7927024
    Abstract: A system may include a housing and a patch panel located within the housing. The patch panel may include a connection plate, and a matrix of fiber connectors connected to the connection plate and arranged to receive optical fibers in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: David Z. Chen
  • Patent number: 7927023
    Abstract: A connector receives and grips an optical fiber in registry with an optical element. Pivoting portions are held in default inoperative position by the spring action of molded hinges, at which position two shutter portions meet, so forming a shutter preventing the ingress of dirt to the optical element. As the optical liber is pushed a small distance into the connector, the pivoting portions are caused to pivot a small amount about the hinges, bringing teeth into contact with the outside jacket of the fiber. The bodies of the inserts are forced radially away from the central axis of the connector, so providing a leaf spring force which keeps the teeth engaged with the jacket of the fiber. The shutter portions move out of the way of the fiber and the spring action applies a force to draw the fiber further into the body of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Firecomms Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Moriarty, John Douglas Lambkin
  • Patent number: 7918609
    Abstract: A preconnectorized outdoor cable streamlines the deployment of optical waveguides into the last mile of an optical network. The preconnectorized outdoor cable includes a cable and at least one plug connector. The plug connector is attached to a first end of the cable, thereby connectorizing at least one optical waveguide. The cable has at least one optical waveguide, at least one tensile element, and a cable jacket. Various cable designs such as figure-eight or flat cables may be used with the plug connector. In preferred embodiments, the plug connector includes a crimp assembly having a crimp housing and a crimp band. The crimp housing has two half-shells being held together by the crimp band for securing the at least one tensile element. When fully assembled, the crimp housing fits into a shroud of the preconnectorized cable. The shroud aides in mating the preconnectorized cable with a complimentary receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Stuart R. Melton, David A. Thompson, Michael J. Gimblet, Hieu V. Tran, Richard S. Wagman, Xin Liu
  • Patent number: 7914210
    Abstract: A coupling device for coupling at least one optical waveguide to an optical component having a holding element for holding the at least one optical waveguide, a mounting element for fixing the optical component, and a spacing element. The holding element is fitted to the mounting element. The spacing element is arranged between the holding element and the mounting element, as a result of which the holding element and the mounting element are arranged at a distance from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: CCS Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Schweiker
  • Patent number: 7909518
    Abstract: An optical assembly includes an optical package having a wall with an aperture and includes a laser device capable of emitting a laser beam through the aperture and a collimator including a sleeve defining a first and a second end, the collimator including a terminating portion of an optical fiber. In addition, the assembly includes a joint element having a first and a second surface, the first surface contacting the wall around the aperture in a first contact area, and the second surface including a convex surface contacting a portion of the surface of the sleeve in correspondence of its first end in a second contact area, the convex surface being at least partially inserted in the sleeve, so that the collimator is aligned with respect to the laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: PGT Photonics S.p.A.
    Inventor: Alessio Pirastu
  • Patent number: 7905662
    Abstract: There is provided a connecting system including a connecting apparatus that includes (i) a signal transfer path that transfers one of an electrical signal and an optical signal and (ii) a connecting device that connects the signal transfer path to a connection target component in such a manner that a signal is capable of being transferred therebetween, and a connected apparatus that includes the connection target component to be connected to the signal transfer path. Here, the connecting device includes a moving portion that has therein a sealed space. The moving portion moves an end portion of the signal transfer path closer to the connection target component so that the end portion of the signal transfer path is connected to the connection target component in response to an increase in a pressure within the moving portion, and moves the end portion away from the connection target component in response to a decrease in the pressure within the moving portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Fujita, Daisuke Watanabe, Toshiyuki Okayasu
  • Patent number: 7905663
    Abstract: There is provided an electronic apparatus connectable to a receptacle of an external electric device. The electronic apparatus includes: a substrate; an electronic component mounted on the substrate; an electric connector which is provided on one longitudinal end of the substrate, electrically connected with the electronic component, and is insertable into the receptacle of the external electric device; first and second spacers respectively provided on the opposite surfaces of the substrate; a metal case for covering the substrate, the electronic component, the electric connector, and the first and second spacers; and a resin protective cover for covering the metal case. The metal case is provided in such a manner that an electrical connection portion thereof required for electrical connection with the receptacle is left exposed. The metal case is in contact with and supported by the first and second spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Yasuda, Koki Hirano, Juhyun Yu
  • Publication number: 20110058774
    Abstract: A connector system comprising: a multi-plug connector, each plug having a housing and a ferrule, said housing having a front and back orientation and having a front face defining an opening, said ferrule being disposed within said opening, said housing defining a first keying element on said front face around said opening, at least two housings of said multi-plug connector having different said first keying elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael L. Gurreri, Sean Patrick Kelly, James Joseph Eberle, JR.
  • Patent number: 7903922
    Abstract: This optical connector holder includes a holder body into which optical connectors are inserted, connector housing recesses are formed on the holder body and caps which fit together with said optical ferrules of said optical connectors that are inserted into said connector housing recess and which cover their connection end faces, wherein said caps separate from said optical ferrules and remain on said holder body side when said optical connectors are withdrawn from said connector housing recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Momotsu, Kazuya Ogata
  • Patent number: 7901145
    Abstract: A low-cost, high-speed micro-connector replacement for current electrical inter-connects and intra-connects on printed circuit boards is provided. The invention achieves its goal by including an optical transmitter module or optical receiver module mounted in close proximity to a modulator used to encode optical signals from electrical impulses or decode optical signals to electrical impulses. The micro-connector is mounted on a PCB in alignment with the transmitting or receiving modules and provides appropriate alignment and stop positioning of an optical fiber used for optical transmitting between transmitting/receiving modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Hongyu Deng, Maziar Amirkiai
  • Patent number: 7899295
    Abstract: A fiber optic module includes a housing defining an interior region. A bulkhead assembly is in engagement with the housing. The bulkhead assembly includes a plurality of input adapter ports, a plurality of output adapter ports, and a plurality of monitor ports. A high-density planar lightwave circuit chip is disposed in the interior region of the housing and includes a plurality of optical splitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Rapp, Kristofer Bolster
  • Patent number: 7898736
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of fabricating a molded structure including both micro lenses and metallic pins. The method comprises the steps of providing a mold apparatus having a set of first cavities and a set of second cavities, depositing a first material in the first cavities to form a set of metallic pins, and depositing a second material in the second cavities to form a set of micro lenses. The formed molded structure comprises a substrate, a set of molded microlenses on said substrate, and a set of molded metallic pins on that same substrate. The metallic pins may be formed as alignment pins or as electrical connectors. The invention enables the micro lenses and metallic pins to be manufactured by way of molding on a common substrate for the first time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Jacobowitz, Casimer DeCusatis
  • Patent number: 7899300
    Abstract: A dust cap for a fiber optic connector is disclosed. The fiber optic connector includes a connector body having a first end and second end and a ferrule positioned at the first end of the connector body. The ferrule holds an optical fiber having an end face. The dust cap includes a housing adapted to engage the first end of the connector body to releasably couple the dust cap to the fiber optic connector and protect the end face of the optical fiber. Additionally, or alternatively, the dust cap may be configured to releasably engage an adjacent dust cap to join at least two dust caps together, and may include one or more mounting members for releasably coupling the dust cap to a support structure to thereby support the dust cap and any fiber optic connector releasably coupled to the dust cap from the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc.
    Inventors: George I. Wakileh, Eduardo Leon, Simon Shen-Meng Chen
  • Publication number: 20110044583
    Abstract: A fiber-optic adapter with enhanced alignment is described. The adapter has two opposing housing halves and two opposing floating connector latches. Each housing half has a channel. The channels are configured to align when the two housing halves are secured together. The channels of the housing halves also have pockets which are configured to utilize a clearance fit, allowing the connector latches to float when the housing halves are secured together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: John G. Dalton, Jerry A. Wiltjer, Calvin H. Derr
  • Publication number: 20110044697
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing communications between a first device disposed at a tubular and a second device, the tubular having tubular sections and being configured to be disposed in a borehole penetrating the earth, the apparatus including: a first optical coupler configured to be concentrically coupled to a first tubular section and configured to be in optical communication with the first device using a first optical transmission medium disposed at the first tubular section; and a second optical coupler configured to be concentrically coupled to a second tubular section and configured to be in optical communication with the second device using a second optical transmission medium disposed at the second tubular section; wherein the first optical coupler is configured to be perimetrically disposed about the second optical coupler to be in communication with the second optical coupler to provide the communications between the first device and the second device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Andreas Peter, John D. Macpherson
  • Publication number: 20110038581
    Abstract: A fiber optic component includes a body having at least one receptacle configured to receive a fiber optic connector, a shutter base mounted to the body at a mounting location adjacent to the at least one receptacle, and a first shutter connected to the shutter base by a first hinge. The first shutter, first hinge and shutter base are unitarily formed, and the first shutter is shiftable from a first position biased against the body and covering the at least one receptacle to a second position biased to an angularly spaced position relative to the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Ronald Mudd, Joseph Livingston, Brad Billman, Thomas Crain, Aly Fahd, Gary Gibbs, Jeffrey Dale Nielson, Gil Ruiz, Wade James Womack
  • Patent number: 7887241
    Abstract: An adapter for receiving an optical fiber connector, such as an SC connector, and methods of manufacturing and using the adapter. In one embodiment, the adapter includes: (1) a fiber socket having cantilevered retaining arms, (2) a shell radially surrounding the fiber socket and (3) a release mechanism extending from without the shell to within the shell, coupled to the cantilevered retaining arms and configured to translate to change a separation of the cantilevered retaining arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventor: Bruce D. Powell
  • Patent number: 7883274
    Abstract: A bail type-unlocking device for an opto-electronic module, which pertains to an unlocking device for a hot pluggable type opto-electronic module in the optical communication field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Wuhan Telecommunications Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jianfeng Luo, Benqing Quan, Biao Wang
  • Patent number: 7883275
    Abstract: A three rod bundle confined inside a sleeve is constructed as a light guiding fiber mechanical splicing device which is stiff, strong and precise, with no moving parts. The design also applies to splicing fibers to pre-polished optical connectors through a built-in model of this innovative mechanical splicer. Applying the Soddy circles formula and using a bin approach assists in deriving the exact rod sizes needed and sleeve bore size to accommodate the three-rod bundle, so that this apparatus can be properly designed to guide any size of light guide fibers and studs with minimum clearance. Rods of varying diameters are sorted into bins and chosen based upon the aperture desired, thus eliminating the need for tight tolerance of the diameters of the three rods. This unique design allows for construction of a precision virtual hole of very long depth, which enables two optical fiber studs to butt against each other with a core to core misalignment of less than 1 um for single mode fiber optics cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Wei-Min Wang
  • Patent number: 7883276
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods that couple together optical devices in a manner that prevents damaging light from escaping the coupling except through the devices. In order to prevent damaging light from coming into contact with the user, the present invention obscures the source optical device by using at least one moveable gate to prevent damaging light from being transmitted outside of the coupling until such time as the target optical device is fully inserted into the coupling, thereby preventing light that could potentially damage a person from escaping the system except through the optical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: SonoSite, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Davidson, Joseph E. Skidmore, Richard A. Fine
  • Patent number: 7881578
    Abstract: Techniques for ultra-high density connection are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ultra-high density connector includes a bundle of substantially parallel elongate cylindrical elements, where each cylindrical element is substantially in contact with at least one adjacent cylindrical element. Ends of the elongate cylindrical elements are disposed differentially with respect to each other to define a three-dimensional interdigitating mating surface. At least one of the elongate cylindrical elements has an electrically conductive contact positioned to tangentially engage a corresponding electrical contact of a mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Raytheon Sarcos, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, David P. Marceau, Shayne M. Zurn, David T. Markus
  • Patent number: 7878717
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical waveguide plug part of an optical waveguide plug connector for an optical waveguide, which has a fiber and a sheath, with a contact carrier for receiving the optical waveguide and at least one clamping part for securing the optical waveguide in the contact carrier, wherein the clamping part as a first clamping section for clamping the sheath of the optical waveguide and a second clamping section for clamping the fiber of the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignees: Escha Bauelemente GmbH, Beckhoff Automation GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Schube, Dirk Bechtel, Franz-Joseph Kucharski
  • Patent number: 7874738
    Abstract: Fiberoptic connector and adapter assembly includes a fiberoptic connector received within an adapter. The connector has a cover on the connector housing. The cover pivots between open and closed positions to expose or cover, respectively, a optical fiber contained within the connector. Longitudinal guides of the connector are received cooperating with longitudinal guides of the adapter to direct the connector into the adapter in a prescribed alignment. A cam pin is carried on the adapter to engage a cam pin receiving slot on the cover to urge the cover to the open position as the connector is inserted into the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: 7874741
    Abstract: An optical module includes a lens-containing optically-transmissive member and a receptacle. The receptacle includes: an optical connector-inserting section; a fixing section for fixing the member; and an device-installing section for installing a semiconductor device serving as a light emitting device or a light receiving device. The fixing section communicates with the device-installing section. The member includes a main body and a lens. The main body includes a first section and a second section, the first section having a first outer diameter, which is substantially equal to a internal diameter of said fixing section, and said second section having a second outer diameter, which is smaller than the first outer diameter, and at least containing an end of said main body in a side of the device-installing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Mitamura, Hideyuki Yamada
  • Patent number: 7876982
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus for sensing parameters of an object may include at least one optical fiber, one or more attaching members and a tensioner. The one or more attaching members may be coupled to the optical fiber and may attach the one optical fiber to an object. The tensioner may be coupled to the optical fiber and may secure the one or more optical fiber against a surface of an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: SensorTran, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Park, Mohammed Fassih-Nia
  • Patent number: 7874740
    Abstract: A housing (10) for an optical waveguide ferrule (12), includes first distance elements (22, 28) being determinative for a distance between two adjacently arranged housings (10) and being formed by formations of the housing (10), the first distance elements (22, 28) being located opposite each other with respect to one of a center axis (M) of the housing (10) and the optical waveguide ferrule (12) arranged in the housing (10), and the first distance elements (22, 28) being formed by a pair of first distance elements of a first type (22) and a second type (28) differing from the first type (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Harting Electronics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rita Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20110013414
    Abstract: A lighting system comprising a light engine having at least one light-emitting diode which emits light comprising one or more colors and an optical prism in optical connection with the at least one light-emitting diode, one or more plastic fiber optic cables in optical connection with the optical prism each cable having a proximal end and a distal end and one or more directing optic assemblies connected to the distal ends of the one or more plastic fiber optic cables, wherein the directing optic assemblies spread and direct light from the at least one light-emitting diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Pacific Insight Elctronics Corp.
    Inventor: Bradley Smithson
  • Patent number: 7866896
    Abstract: A connector module for interfacing electrical or optical connectors to electrical systems such as an audio/visual signal processing board. The module includes a housing defining at least first and second faces, at least the second face being less than about one square inch in area. There is a first electrical or optical connector at the first face, and a second electrical connector at the second face, in which the second electrical connector is a pin connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene E. Baker, David C. Pelletier, Joseph Curini
  • Patent number: 7866898
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical communication module including a module base in an approximately rectangular shape in which the light path member is introduce from one end surface in a longitudinal direction, a cover member provided at an upper portion of the module base and a plurality of pairs of conductive members in which each of the conductive members constituting a pair are respectively disposed at both outside surfaces of the module base and which are electrically connected to the light path member, and a concave portion is formed at an upper surface of the module base, the cover member is formed so as to cover an opening of the concave portion, and the conductive members are formed so as to extend for equal lengths toward an upper surface side and a lower surface side of the module base from a center line of a height direction of the outside surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ishikawa, Shinichi Asano, Youichi Itagaki
  • Patent number: 7862243
    Abstract: Device for the coaxial connection of fiber-optic cables, comprising a single-piece coupling housing (10) and a single-piece sleeve mount (20), the sleeve mount (20) being designed with at least one latching nose (21) and the coupling housing (10) being designed with at least one latching mount which complements the at least one latching nose (21), wherein the latching mount is designed with at least one latching hook (14) and at least one stop (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Kahle, Anne Kramer, Jörg Adomeit
  • Patent number: 7856159
    Abstract: An optical element including a transmitting surface section and at least one reflective surface section integrally formed on a main body of the optical element. The transmitting surface section refracts incident light emitted from a predetermined light-emitting position and transmits the light. The reflective surface section reflects the incident light emitted from the light-emitting position such that the light returns to a position differing from the light-emitting position. An optical axis of the transmitting surface section and an optical axis of the reflective surface section are out of alignment such as to be mutually parallel or mutually tilted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventor: Shimpei Morioka
  • Publication number: 20100310211
    Abstract: A system comprising a first conduit having a first diameter; a second conduit having a second diameter; a connection between the first conduit and the second conduit, the connection having a third diameter larger than the first diameter and the second diameter; and a shell fitted about the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Robin Mark BABIN, Richard Louis Labat, JR.
  • Patent number: 7845859
    Abstract: A ferrule assembly for terminating at least one fiber of a ribbon cable in a ferrule, where the ferrule assembly is disposable in a housing of an optical connector, is provided. The ferrule assembly includes the ferrule having a mating face, at least one groove for receiving the fiber and at least one through-hole. The ferrule assembly also includes an alignment member holder having at least one alignment member and providing a first channel for the ribbon cable, the alignment member being insertable in the through-hole of the ferrule and having a first length such that an end of the alignment member extends beyond the mating face of the ferrule when the ferrule assembly is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Richard F. Roth, Joseph J. George, Sepehr Kiani
  • Publication number: 20100303415
    Abstract: A connector assembly that includes a base frame extending along a longitudinal axis between a pair of frame ends. The connector assembly also includes a moveable side that is supported by the base frame and extends in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The moveable side includes a mating array of terminals. The connector assembly also includes a flex connection that is communicatively coupled to the mating array. The flex connection and the mating array are configured to transmit data signals. The connector assembly also includes a coupling mechanism that is supported by the base frame and is operatively coupled to the moveable side. The coupling mechanism is configured to be actuated to move the moveable side between retracted and engaged positions along a mating direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard Elof Hamner, Robert Neil Mulfinger, Jason M'Cheyne Reisinger