Structure Surrounding Optical Fiber Bundle-to-bundle Connection Patents (Class 385/54)
  • Patent number: 11474302
    Abstract: A fiber optic adapter assembly is provided with a floating adapter module. The adapter assembly includes a housing, an adapter module, and a single biasing member disposed in the housing and concentrically aligned with the adapter module. The single biasing member can bias the adapter module in a direction toward an end of the housing and be compressible in the opposite direction toward the other end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE CONNECTIVITY BELGIUM BVBA
    Inventor: Philippe Coenegracht
  • Patent number: 11327243
    Abstract: An optical connection component includes optical fibers; one or a plurality of line members arranged in parallel with the optical fibers, line members having a lower elastic limit and being easier to undergo plastic deformation at room temperature than the optical fibers; a first securing member as a block having a plurality of capillaries extending parallel to one another or as a combination of a V-grooved board and a flat board, the V-grooved board having a plurality of V-grooves extending parallel to one another, the first securing member securing one-end portions of the optical fibers and one-end portions of the one or plurality of line members individually in the plurality of capillaries or in the plurality of V-grooves; and a second securing member that secures the optical fibers and the one or plurality of line members on a side near other-end portions of the one or plurality of line members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yasuomi Kaneuchi
  • Patent number: 11287581
    Abstract: Fiber optic connectors, cable assemblies and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical connector comprises a housing and a ferrule. The housing comprises a longitudinal passageway between a rear end and a front end, and, a part of the rear portion of the housing comprises a round cross-section and a part of the front portion of the housing comprises a non-round cross-section with a transition region disposed between the rear portion and the front portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Corning Research & Development Corporation
    Inventor: Joel Christopher Rosson
  • Patent number: 11269146
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first fastener part having a first set of mating features and a second fastener part having a second set of mating features. Coupling the first set of mating features with the second set of mating features, such that the first set of mating features contacts and at least partially overlaps the second set of mating features, forms a fastener having a channel with a hexagonal cross-section. The channel is configured to receive a plurality of fibers. Coupling the first fastener part to the second fastener part clamps the plurality of fibers in a hexagonal packing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan Halderman, Rumen Deyanov
  • Patent number: 11256051
    Abstract: An optical-fiber ribbon having excellent flexibility, strength, and robustness facilitates separation of an optical fiber from the optical-fiber ribbon without damaging the optical fiber's glass core, glass cladding, primary coating, secondary coating, and ink layer, if present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Prysmian S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ehsan Fallahmohammadi, Clint Nicholaus Anderson, Brian G. Risch, Andrea Terry, John R. Sach, Jeffrey Scott Barker, Ryan Truong
  • Patent number: 11181695
    Abstract: This invention reveals a type of optical fiber connector assembly, comprising of a shell, an optical fiber adapter, an optical fiber connector and optical cable. The optical cable is provided with an optical cable securing device, an optical cable strengthening component being secured to the optical cable securing device, and the optical fiber within the optical cable passes through the optical cable securing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: CommScope Telecommunications (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min Dong, Zhaohui Cai
  • Patent number: 11073665
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical connecting component includes the steps of inserting an optical fiber into one through hole of a plurality of through holes of a connector, rotating the optical fiber around an axis of the optical fiber in the one through hole and aligning and holding the optical fiber at a predetermined position, blocking the end part of a through hole adjacent to the one through hole into which the optical fiber is inserted with a jig on an end face of the connector provided with the plurality of through holes, and fixing the optical fiber to the connector in a state in which the end part of the adjacent through hole is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuomi Kaneuchi, Tetsu Morishima
  • Patent number: 11061192
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable connector for connecting the terminal ends of two fiber optic cables having termini of respective ones of multiple optical fibers included within said cables. The connector has a termini with a pin body that includes a flat alignment surface at the rear of the main body. The pin body is received in a bore of an insert body. The forward face of the insert body has a shoulder that partially obstructs the bore and aligns with the flat alignment surfaces of the pin body. The shoulder and flat alignment surface cooperate to ensure that the termini is properly inserted into the bore so that an angled forward contact surface of the termini is properly aligned with the angled forward contact surface of a mating termini of another connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Jon M. Woodruff, Sean M. McCalley, Michael L. Cox
  • Patent number: 10948663
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector has a housing and a ferrule contained within the housing. The ferrule has a base portion, an endface portion protruding from the base, and at least one alignment tower extending from the base portion parallel to the endface portion. In one embodiment, the ferrule can have one alignment tower on each side of the endface portion. In one embodiment. The alignment towers extend the same distance from the base portion as the endface portion. In another embodiment, the alignment towers may be connected to the endface portion via webbing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Benjamin J. Berridge, Jerry A. Wiltjer
  • Patent number: 10859772
    Abstract: A method of connecting lengths of multicore optical fibers (MCFs) to one another. First and second lengths of a MCF whose cores are arranged in a certain pattern about the fiber axis to define pairs of cores are provided, and the cores of each pair of cores are disposed symmetrically with respect to a key plane that includes the axis of the fiber. Ends of the first and the second lengths of the MCF are arranged in axial alignment with one another, and the key plane at the end of the first length of the MCF is aligned with the key plane at the end of the second length of the MCF. Each defined pair of cores in the first length of the MCF is thereby positioned to mate with the same defined pair of cores in the second length of the MCF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLC
    Inventors: Kelvin B Bradley, Eric J Leichter, Gregory A Sandels
  • Patent number: 10830966
    Abstract: An optical connector manufacturing method includes inserting a protrusion of a fixing jig into a positioning hole in an end face of a cladding of an optical fiber and restraining rotation of the optical fiber, the positioning hole extending in an optical axis direction, the optical fiber being inserted in a through hole in a connector ferrule and protruding from an end face of the connector ferrule; and securing the optical fiber to the connector ferrule, with the protrusion of the fixing jig inserted in the positioning hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Matsushita, Takuji Nagashima, Tetsu Morishima
  • Patent number: 10795099
    Abstract: An optical connecting device includes: a holder part having first and second holder members and a resin body therebetween; and multiple optical fibers each having first and second resin-uncoated fiber portions and the first and second resin-coated fiber portions. The first resin-uncoated fiber portion is disposed between first portions of the first and second holder members so as to extend in a direction of a first axis and be arranged along a first reference plane. The second resin-uncoated fiber portion and the first resin-coated fiber portion extend between second portions of the first and second holder members. One of the first and second holder members has a through-hole, extending along a second axis intersecting the first axis in the second portions thereof, receiving the resin body. The first and second holder members have first and second inner faces, separated away from the first reference plane, in the second portions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Hirano, Akira Furuya
  • Patent number: 10761270
    Abstract: A fiber optic coupling device comprises an elastomeric body. The elastomeric body includes first and second sides with a deformable alignment passage extending there between. The deformable alignment passage is configured to elastically center opposing first and second optical fibers. The deformable alignment passage includes a first portion that is configured to receive the first optical fiber having a first core. The deformable alignment passage also includes an opposing second portion that is configured to receive the second optical fiber having a second core. The first portion and the opposing second portion of the alignment passage are defined by a common encompassing periphery, and meet at a common location within the alignment passage to present the core of the received first optical fiber in coaxial alignment with the core of the received second optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE, INC. OF NORTH CAROLINA
    Inventor: Michael James Ott
  • Patent number: 10754105
    Abstract: A multi-piece optical coupling device comprises a first piece that includes one or more first receiving elements configured to receive and secure one or more optical waveguides. The first piece further includes one or more light affecting elements configured to affect one or more characteristics of light from the optical waveguides while propagating the light within the optical coupling device. A second piece is separate from the first piece and includes one or more second receiving elements configured to receive the waveguides, the first receiving elements and the second receiving elements configured to align the second piece and the first piece using the optical waveguides. The second piece also includes one or more mating alignment features configured to engage with a mating optical coupling device and to align the optical coupling device with the mating optical coupling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alexander R. Mathews, Terry L. Smith
  • Patent number: 10725252
    Abstract: Systems and apparatuses are disclosed for flexible, mating force-managed optical connections using a plurality of optical connectors and ferrule carrier adapters. Each of the plurality of ferrule carriers comprise a plurality of duplex ferrules disposed within ferrule bays of the ferrule carrier. A bracket of the optical connector gangs the plurality of ferrule carriers together. Ferrule carrier adapters are configured to accept a plurality of optical connectors for inline or orthogonal mating. Each ferrule carrier within the optical connectors is independently floated on the bracket, allowing each ferrule carrier to be mated and demated independently of any other ferrule carrier in the optical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Kevin B. Leigh, John Norton, Sagi Mathai, Ashkan Seyedi
  • Patent number: 10564370
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an optical connecting device with a holder having a through hole, multiple optical fibers, a guide member, and a resin body includes steps of: preparing optical-fiber parts to provide the multiple optical fibers; preparing first and second parts to provide the holder, the first and second parts having grooves for providing the through hole of the holder; fixing the parts providing the holder and the optical-fiber parts to each other to form a first product having the through hole produced from the grooves; providing an optical connector tool; positioning a component of the tool in the through hole of the first product to provide the guide member; and thereafter, fixing the component in the through hole with resin to form a second product in which the resin provides the resin body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Mitsuharu Hirano, Akira Furuya, Koichi Koyama, Masahiro Shibata
  • Patent number: 10534148
    Abstract: One example includes an optical interconnect device. The optical interconnect device includes a plurality of optical fiber ports coupled to a body portion. The optical interconnect device also includes a plurality of optical fibers that are secured within the body portion. A first portion of the plurality of optical fibers can extend from a first of the plurality of optical fiber ports to a second of the plurality of optical fiber ports, and a second portion of the plurality of optical fibers can extend from the first of the plurality of optical fiber ports to a third of the plurality of optical fiber ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Terrel L Morris, Raymond G Beausoleil
  • Patent number: 10481341
    Abstract: A fiber optic adapter assembly is provided with a floating adapter module. The adapter assembly includes a housing, an adapter module, and a single biasing member disposed in the housing and concentrically aligned with the adapter module. The single biasing member can bias the adapter module in a direction toward an end of the housing and be compressible in the opposite direction toward the other end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE CONNECTIVITY BELGIUM BVBA
    Inventor: Philippe Coenegracht
  • Patent number: 10353153
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical connector according to the invention includes: holding a first optical fiber by a pair of holding members at a position apart from an end face of a second end and through both sides thereof in a radial direction, the first optical fiber being provided with a solid refractive index-matching material layer, the refractive index-matching material layer being formed on the end face of the second end on an opposite side of an end face of a first end exposed to a front end of a ferrule; and inserting the first optical fiber into a fiber hole of the ferrule through the first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignees: FUJIKURA LTD., NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Yamaguchi, Takaharu Matsuda, Hung Huu Luong, Kazuhiro Takizawa, Keisuke Yoneda, Kazutoshi Takamizawa, Yuji Aoyagi, Katsushi Nakayachi
  • Patent number: 10345535
    Abstract: The glass-based ferrules include a glass substrate and two spaced-apart guide tubes, which can also be made of glass. The guide tubes include bores sized to receive guide pins from another ferrule. The ferrule can be used to form an optical interconnection device in the form of a waveguide connector that includes a planar lightwave circuit that supports multiple waveguides. The ferrule can also be used to form an optical interconnection device in the form of a fiber connector that includes a support substrate and an array of optical fibers supported thereby. The waveguide connector and fiber connector when mated form an integrated photonic device. Methods of forming the ferrule components, the ferrules and the optical interconnection devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Corning Research & Development Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas Llewellyn Butler, Michael de Jong, Alan Frank Evans, Robin May Force, James Scott Sutherland
  • Patent number: 10042130
    Abstract: A latch fitting, a (de)latching mechanism, and an optical transceiver including the same are disclosed. The latch fitting includes a latch body, a catch extending from a first end of the latch body, a latch tail extending from an opposite end of the latch body, first and second wings extending from the latch body in opposite or complementary directions, and a spindle around which the latch fitting is rotatable. The latch tail is configured to engage with a latch handle to latch and de-latch the optical transceiver. Thus, the (de)latching mechanism includes the latch fitting and the latch handle. The present latch fitting, (de)latching mechanism and optical transceiver are more robust and less susceptible to damage than conventional latch fitting, (de)latching mechanisms, and optical transceivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Source Photonics (Chengdu) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinlin Wang, Yizhi Zeng
  • Patent number: 9989708
    Abstract: A connector having a front and rear origination and configured to mate with a mating connector, said connector comprising a ferrule defining at least one borehole for receiving a fiber, and having a second diameter less than the opening of the housing through which it extends such that a gap is defined between said ferrule and said orifice to allow said ferrule to move within said orifice angularly and laterally with respect to said axis. A sleeve containing a lens is disposed around a portion of said ferrule forward of the opening of the housing and extends beyond the front end of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Soren Grinderslev
  • Patent number: 9989710
    Abstract: A ferrule for an optical connector includes a body, a cavity extending into the body from a back end of the body, and first and second groups of micro-holes extending into the cavity from a front end of the body. The cavity includes at least one bottom surface extending under an opening in a top surface of the body and below a first plane that extends through or below the first and second groups of micro-holes. The cavity also includes a divider extending under the opening in the top surface of the body, with the divider having a divider surface positioned above the first plane such that the divider surface is offset from the at least one bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Corning Optical Communications LLC
    Inventors: Michael deJong, Esteban Belisario Marin, Hieu Vinh Tran
  • Patent number: 9976745
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle for a gas turbine engine includes a feed arm including a fuel passage for issuing a spray of fuel. A nozzle assembly is fixed at an upstream end of the feed arm having a fuel inlet in fluid communication with the fuel passage. A fiber optic cable is configured to collect burner radiation for a pyrometer input and has a first end centered within an optical connector of the nozzle assembly and a second end exposed from the spray outlet. The fiber optic cable fitted within the feed arm and nozzle assembly has a permanent bend radius preformed in the fiber optic cable. The bend radius can be equal to or greater than the minimum bend radii for the fiber optic cable to serve as a wave guide in wavelengths for monitoring combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Delavan Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce D. Paradise
  • Patent number: 9948019
    Abstract: A connector for a cable assembly includes a shell, a contact housing, and multiple finger clips. The contact housing is held in a chamber of the shell. The contact housing defines contact cavities extending through the contact housing between front and rear ends thereof. The finger clips are held in the contact cavities. The finger clips have deflectable latches. The contact cavities of the contact housing are configured to removably receive electrical contacts therein through the rear end. The deflectable latch of the finger clip in the corresponding contact cavity is configured to engage a retention shoulder of the electrical contact to removably secure the electrical contact in the contact cavity. The electrical contacts held in the contact housing are configured to mate with corresponding mating contacts of a mating connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kyle Gary Annis, Mitchell Kunane Storry
  • Patent number: 9645316
    Abstract: A method for assembling an optical interconnect apparatus is provided. The optical interconnect comprises an integrated circuit chip, and at least one optoelectronic chip positioned on the integrated circuit chip, each of the at least one optoelectronic chip including a 2-dimensional optoelectronic array. The optical interconnect further comprises a first and a second microlens array, a bundle of optical fibers coupled to each second microlens array and supported by a bundle housing, and a block structure supporting the bundle housing to a printed circuit board (PCB).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Compass Electro Optical Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacob Hasharoni, Yehoshua Benjamin, Gideon Katz, Amir Geron, Michael Mesh
  • Patent number: 9568681
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a connecting unit for for connecting with other connectors and/or with components. The connecting unit comprises a connector and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism engages into a retaining member of an external component. Upon application of sufficient pressure on a disengaging part, the latch mechanism allows detaching the connecting unit from the external component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: EMBRIONIX DESIGN INC
    Inventors: Mathieu Roussel, Eric Dudemaine, Renaud Lavoie
  • Patent number: 9533123
    Abstract: An elongated optical guidewire assembly, such as for optically imaging a patient from within another catheter, can have a lead portion and a probe portion. A connector between the lead and probe portions can include a bore including first and second bore ends. The first bore end can include a substantially circular cross-sectional profile. The second bore end can include a substantially non-circular cross-sectional profile. The bore can be configured to receive the optical guidewire assembly at the first bore end and configured to deform the optical guidewire assembly at the second bore end such that probe and lead ends of the optical guidewire assembly are deformed into a substantially non-circular profile and located between the first and second bore ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Vascular Imaging Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Eberle
  • Patent number: 9535221
    Abstract: A pre-terminated distribution module is provided with a set of multicore fiber (MCF) connector adapters at its front end and a set of multifiber MCF connector adapters at a second end. The MCF connector adapters and multifiber MCF connector adapters are connected to each other within the module housing by means of an MCF fanout. The MCF connector adapters are configured to provide core-aligned connection for MCF jumper cables that are plugged into the front end of the module. The MCF jumper cables are configured to provide connectivity to an array of optical devices. The multifiber connector adapters are configured to provide core-aligned connectivity for multifiber MCF cables that are plugged into the back end of the module. The multifiber cables are configured to provide connectivity between the module and a trunk (backbone) cable. Further described are pre-terminated trunk (backbone) cables and pre-terminated fiber optic jumper cables (i.e., patchcords).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLC
    Inventor: Kelvin B Bradley
  • Patent number: 9459410
    Abstract: To provide an optical device sealing structure capable of simply sealing an optical fiber inserting portion. Provided is a structure that seals an optical device including a metallic case having an optical element disposed therein and an optical fiber inserted through a through hole of the case, wherein a Zn-containing surface is formed on a surface of a bare fiber portion that is formed by partly removing a coating of the optical fiber so as to expose a bare fiber, and wherein an Sn-containing sealing material is charged between the Zn-containing surface and an inner wall of the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO OSAKA CEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Kondou, Masaru Shiroishi, Kazuhiro Ooto
  • Patent number: 9436569
    Abstract: Methods and systems for communicating data between a vehicle and a ground system are described. The system includes an integrated power and communications connector that couples to the vehicle so that power is supplied to at least selected systems on-board the vehicle. In addition, data is communicated between the vehicle on-board systems and the ground system via the integrated connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Donald B. Lee, Brian Edward Ward, Timothy M. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 9423574
    Abstract: An extraction mechanism A has: a release part, e.g., a slider 6, configured to release an engagement between a cage 2 and a device, e.g., an optical module 1, inserted into the cage 2 and engaged and latched to the cage 2; an ejection part, e.g., an ejector 5, etc., configured to eject the device out of the cage 2; and a release lever 7 configured to activate the release part and the ejection part. The extraction mechanism is provided to the device. This enables to clearly inform an operator of the extraction operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA TSUSHIN KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinji Seki
  • Patent number: 9354403
    Abstract: A ferrule of an optical communications module is allowed to float to a limited degree within the module housing. Consequently, if a force is exerted on the connector that mates with the optical communications module, the mated ferrules of the module and of the connector moves, or floats, within defined limits so that the ferrules move together rather than relative to one another. In this way, the end faces of the ferrules remain in precise alignment to prevent wiggle losses from occurring due to movement of the connector relative to the module housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Venkatesh Seetharam, Robert G. Ritter, Frank D. Yashar, Sunil Priyadarshi
  • Patent number: 8961035
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic network architecture that uses outside plant fan-out devices to distribute optical signals between fiber distribution hubs and multi-service terminals. The network architecture can also include collector boxes positioned at selected locations of the network architecture. Additionally, patching systems can be used in facilitating upgrading the capacity of the fiber optic network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. LeBlanc, Bryan Kennedy, Erik Gronvall, Douglas C. Ellens
  • Patent number: 8920043
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector unit that can surely position and connect a plurality of optical fiber plugs in a short time and easily release a connected state of optical fiber connectors even if the number of optical fiber connectors increases. A connector unit includes a positioning member for positioning a plurality of optical fiber plugs, an adapter that has plug guide holes for inserting tip ends of the optical fiber plugs to connect with the optical fiber plugs, and guide portions for guiding the positioning member with respect to the adapter and inserting the tip ends of the optical fiber plugs into the plug guide holes of the adapter to connect with the optical fiber plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Iwaya, Masayuki Iwase
  • Publication number: 20140341509
    Abstract: Fiber optic connection assemblies for rearranging sets of fiber optic signals arranged in one parallel optical configuration into one or more different parallel optical configurations are disclosed. In one arrangement, two (2) data transmission pairs are connected between one multi-fiber connector from each of two connector sets in a first parallel optical configuration using a common set of fiber positions for each multi-fiber connector. Another two (2) data transmission pairs are connected to the common set of fiber positions of a multi-fiber connector from the first connector set, but are connected to other fiber positions of the multi-fiber connectors of the second connector set, using fiber positions that are not used by the other two (2) data transmission pairs. In this manner, cabling complexity can be reduced with increased signal density within fiber optic cables having a multi-fiber configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: John Douglas Coleman, Wesley Allan Yates
  • Patent number: 8860060
    Abstract: A high output light emitting diode (LED) based lighting module includes a plurality of LEDs support structures mounted on one or more electrical transfer structures, each said LED support structured securely holding a fiber bundle so that it mates to an LED so that each fiber bundle slightly overlaps the active area of its respective LED.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventor: David Sanso
  • Publication number: 20140301700
    Abstract: The optical connector has the plug for holding the plurality of optical fibers arranged in parallel in a left-right direction, and the receptacle and the board for holding the plurality of optical waveguides arranged in parallel in a left-right direction. The plug has the lower surface located along a direction the plurality of optical fibers arranged. The receptacle has, at the part which projects toward a side of the first holding member, the bottom surface which faces the lower surface and positions the lower surface, when butting joint the plurality of optical fibers and the plurality of optical waveguides. Further, a space which is located between the lower surface and the bottom surface is located below the plurality of optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Takahiro Matsubara, Kazumi Nakazuru, Kentaro Kamei, Naoki Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8845206
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided and includes a housing, a block formed to define an array of holes corresponding to an array of plugs into which connectors with spring loaded sleeves are pluggable such that the block engages with a respective sleeve of each connector, the block being supportively disposed within the housing to be movable with respect to the housing between first and second block positions at which the sleeves are extended and retracted, respectively and a cam lever supported on the housing and coupled to the block, which selectively occupies first and second lever positions at which the cam lever causes the block to assume the first and second block positions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Y. Chan, Dennis Denizard, Michael J. Fisher, Gilles G. Labbe, James E. Tersigni
  • Patent number: 8842962
    Abstract: A strain relief device for a fiber optic cable is disclosed. The strain relief device has a cable fitting having a cable fitting body, a shoulder washer and a compression cap. The cable fitting is positioned on the fiber optic cable. The shoulder washer is installed on a central tube of the fiber optic cable, under strength members of the fiber optic cable and fitted in the cable fitting body. The compression cap is installed over the central tube with the strength members inserted through the compression cap. The strength members are compressed between the shoulder washer and the compression cap. The compression cap provides compressive force between the cable fitting body, the shoulder washer and the compression cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Hubert Blair Beamon, Terry Dean Cox
  • Patent number: 8814442
    Abstract: A multiport optical connector assembly (MOCA) includes an insertion optical fiber assembly having an insertion assembly housing and a connector disk that includes a first connector element having a first ferrule and a first optical fiber. The MOCA further includes a coupling optical fiber assembly having a second connector element including a second ferrule and a second optical fiber. The MOCA further includes an adapter assembly that includes an adapter assembly housing a docking unit for docking the first connector element and the second connector element when the MOCA is assembled. When the first connector element and the second connector element are docked, a tip of the first optical fiber and a tip of the second optical fiber abut one another and the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber form an optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: David Zhi Chen, George N. Bell
  • Patent number: 8801296
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable bundle includes a first group of fiber optic cables and a second group of fiber optic cables. Each fiber optic cable in the first group includes a first axial end and an oppositely disposed second axial end. The first axial end of each fiber optic cable in the first group includes a connector. Each fiber optic cable in the second group includes a first axial end and an oppositely disposed second axial end. The first axial end of each fiber optic cable in the second group includes a connector. The connectors of the second group are offset from the connectors of the first group by a first axial offset distance. A plurality of binder members is contra-helically served about the first and second groups of fiber optic cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. LeBlanc, Ronald J. Kleckowski
  • Publication number: 20140219609
    Abstract: A connector with at least one multi-core fiber (MCF) and method of attaching the MCF within the connector, includes inserting a first end of a MCF into a ferrule of a connector. Then, rotating the end of the MCF within the ferrule until a first selected satellite core of the MCF is in a first alignment relative to a feature of the connector. The feature may be a mark, indentation or protrusion formed on a ferrule, ferrule holder or connector envelope. Finally, affixing the MCF within the ferrule of the connector. In the case of an array-type connector, first ends of other MCFs may be added to the ferrule and clocked relative to the same feature of the connector. Second ends of one or more MCFs may be clocked relative to a same feature of a second connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Nielson, Richard L. CASE
  • Publication number: 20140169743
    Abstract: An optical fiber ferrule assembly includes a ferrule body with an optical fiber receiving nest configured to receive a plurality of optical fibers. The nest opens laterally relative to the optical fiber axis to facilitate insertion of the optical fibers into the optical fiber receiving nest. The nest includes a plurality of arcuate surfaces configured to engage and align the optical fibers. A cover is secured to the ferrule body to secure the optical fibers within the optical fiber receiving nest. A ferrule and a method of assembly are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Malcolm H. Hodge, Wenzong Chen, Dean Richardson, Scot A. Ernst, Thomas D. Schiltz, Thomas R. Marrapode
  • Patent number: 8702291
    Abstract: An illuminatable apparatus includes a fabric sheet containing fiber optic rods interwoven with fabric threads. The ends of the fiber optic rods are bundled together to form a ferrule which is removably insertable into a holder carrying a light source and a power source. An outer ferrule can be fixed over the sleeve-like ferrule or robust applications. The holder may be removably attached to articles of clothing. The illuminatable fabric sheet can be used as an optical bandage, in a medical cast, in a negative pressure device, or in a bed pad/sheet, or in a therapeutic brace support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: John Stephan
  • Patent number: 8636422
    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: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Kahle, Anne Kramer, Jorg Adomeit
  • Patent number: 8628227
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adjusting a beam profile of a laser beam, which is guided in a light guide of a fiber optic cable provided with a protective sleeve, wherein the device comprises a deformation device for deforming the light guide in a section of the fiber optic cable not enclosed by the protective sleeve, a housing, which is designed to surround the light guide at least in the section not enclosed by the protective sleeve, and also two holders provided at opposite ends of the housing for fixing in each case one end of a section of the protective sleeve, wherein the holders each comprise an opening for feeding the light guide to the deformation device. The invention also relates to a laser processing machine having such a device and to an associated production method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: TRUMPF Laser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Peter Olschowsky, Rudolf Huber, Stefan Fuchs
  • Patent number: 8561473
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and at least one fiber optic strain gauge positioned over each rib of the plurality of radial ribs. The strain gauges are comprised of a negative thermo-optic coefficient optical fiber material in one embodiment. A proximal end of the tube portion is operably couplable to a shaft of a surgical instrument that is operably couplable to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion is proximally couplable to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector. In another embodiment, adjacent fiber optic strain gauges with differing thermal responses are used to solve simultaneous equations in strain and temperature to derive strain while rejecting thermal effects. In yet another embodiment, a thermal shunt shell is over an outer surface of the tube portion. An advantageous surgical instrument having improved temperature compensation is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J Blumenkranz
  • Patent number: 8550723
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a first protecting body and a second protecting body detachably assembled to the first protecting body. The first protecting body includes a first base plate and a first housing extending out from the first base plate. The first base plate defines a first receiving hole to communicate with the first housing. The second protecting body includes a second base plate and a second housing extending out from the second base plate. The second base plate defines a second receiving hole to communicate with the second housing. The second housing and the first housing together define an accommodating space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Po-Hsun Shen, Bing Su, Shao-You Han, Xiao-Bo Zhao
  • Patent number: 8500341
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drop cable assembly including a fiber optic drop cable having a length that extends from a first end of the fiber optic drop cable to an opposite second end of the fiber optic drop cable. The fiber optic drop cable also includes an intermediate location located between the first and second ends of the fiber optic drop cable. The drop cable assembly also includes a first fiber optic connector mounted at the first end of the fiber optic drop cable and a second fiber optic connector mounted at the second end of the fiber optic drop cable. The drop cable assembly further includes an optical fiber that extends continuously without splicing along the length of the fiber optic drop cable from the first fiber optic connector to the second fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Christopher Stroth, Wayne M. Kachmar, Ronald J. Kleckowski