Plural Fiber-to-fiber Connections Patents (Class 385/59)
  • Publication number: 20040213523
    Abstract: An apparatus to accurately hold an optical fiber within a commercial fiber optic connector. The connector has a first high precision slice having multiple holes of a first area and a first alignment opening and a second high precision slice having multiple holes of a second area and a second alignment opening. The holes of the first high precision slice are arranged relative to the first alignment opening so that, when the second high precision slice and the first high precision slice are juxtaposed with one another and the first alignment opening and the second alignment opening are aligned, the holes of the first high precision slice and the holes of the second high precision slice will be offset relative to each other and will define an opening having an area less than a smaller of the first area and second area. The opening is capable of closely constraining an optical fiber inserted therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: John Trezza, Keith Kang, Greg Dudoff, Ronald Olson
  • Patent number: 6810175
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a mode-scrambled optical signal. A laser beam source directs an optical signal into a free end of a first segment of multimode fiber comprising a graded-index (GI) fiber core at an offset from the centerline of the core, generating an offset-launch condition. The first segment of multimode fiber is operatively coupled into a second segment of multimode fiber comprising a step-index (SI) fiber core. As the offset-launched optical signal passes through the first and second segments of multimode fiber, the optical signal is converted into a mode-scrambled optical signal having a substantially-filled numerical aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Terabeam Corporation
    Inventors: Jun Shan Wey, Robert M. Pierce, Eric C. Eisenberg, Jorah R. Wyer
  • Patent number: 6802652
    Abstract: A recessed cable management assembly for use in an interconnect assembly. The cable management assembly includes a cassette having a spool for receiving and retaining a length of a cable. A substrate includes an interconnect connector which is coupled to the cable. The substrate includes a cut-out sized to receive the cable management assembly such that the cable management assembly is recessed within the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Ciena Corporation
    Inventors: Paolo Sacchetto, Ralph T. Hofmeister, Narasinha Parasnis
  • Patent number: 6799900
    Abstract: A ferrule for optical connector has a body in which lines of fiber holes are arranged in a plurality of tiers. A cavity is formed in the body, and its bottom connects with the respective inlets of the fiber holes. The bottom of the cavity is a tiered bottom designed so that the respective inlet positions of the fiber holes are differentiated in stages between adjacent lines of the fiber hole array. The tiered bottom is formed having guide grooves that extend toward the respective inlets of the fiber holes in the same column of the fiber hole array. An opening is formed in a position of the outer surface of the body parallel to rows of the fiber hole array. The opening allows the tiered bottom to be exposed through the outer surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Shiino, Hideki Miyazaki, Katsuki Suematsu, Takashi Shigenaga
  • Patent number: 6796715
    Abstract: Fiber optic modules having a pull-actuator to unlatch and withdraw (i.e. unplug) it from a cage assembly or a module receptacle. The pull-actuator includes a pull-tab, an arm or push rod, and a catch to couple to a pivot-arm actuator. The pivot-arm actuator pivotally latches to the pull-actuator and to the cage assembly or module receptacle. The pull-actuator makes it easy to de-latch and unplug a fiber optic module. A nose grip is further provided to pull the fiber optic module away from the cage or module receptacle. A belly-to-belly mounting configuration is introduced for the pull-release fiber optic modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: E20 Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Liew C. Chiu, Ron C. Pang, Yong P. Sim, Kee S. Tan, Edwin Dair
  • Publication number: 20040179786
    Abstract: An optic fiber connector has a terminus (24) with a front tip (110) that lies at an initial position at which the tip is at least flush with or forward of the surrounding housing front surface (112) and which is moved rearwardly by a mating terminus (22) so the tips of the termini are halfway between front and rear ends (132, 134) of an alignment sleeve (34). The housing has a peripheral portion (120) that projects forward of the ferrule front tips to protect them even though they project forward of the housing front surface. The alignment sleeve has a short length (A) that is about three times its inside diameter (C), and a long spring (84) is used to bias the terminus forwardly and maintain a substantially constant forward force on the terminus, the spring having an initial length (B) which is at least 150% of the alignment sleeve length. A plug (96) that holds the alignment sleeve in place, has an internal bore with a rear bore portion (154) that receives the front end of the terminus body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Frederick Gross, Peter Joseph Hyzin
  • Patent number: 6776533
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector system includes first and second mateable connectors (12, 14) with fiber blocks (32,72) that hold optical fiber termini (50), wherein forward (F) movement of the second connector housing (70) toward the first housing (30) results in automatic latching together of the fiber blocks with the latches taking the forces of termini springs that have been partially compressed. The second fiber block (72) can slide within the second housing (70) between front and rear positions, and is held in the front position by a cam (90) that engages a free end (104) of a cam follower arm (103) of the second housing. As the connectors mate, a rigid second fiber block latch (100) deflects a resilient first housing latch end (62) and rides forward of it until faces of the blocks are close together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Daniel Gherardini
  • Patent number: 6773166
    Abstract: A commercial fiber optic connector of a style constructed to accept a ferrule-like unit therein has optical fibers, each having a first part and a second part separated by lengths, a low precision piece having a peripheral shape of a part of the ferrule like unit, two high precision slices each having fiber holes therein. A chamber separates the two high precision pieces defining a volume therebetween. The optical fibers have their first parts within the fiber holes in one of the high precision slices, their second parts within the fiber holes in the other of the high precision slices, and at least some of their length within the volume. The low precision piece and the two high precision slices collectively form the ferrule like unit and the ferrule like unit is contained substantially within the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Xanoptix, Inc.
    Inventors: John Trezza, Greg Dudoff, Keith Kang, Ronald Olson
  • Patent number: 6775456
    Abstract: An optical fiber connecting unit includes a first and a second support members 33 and 34 hinged to a fixed member 37 to be swingable about a common axis 38. The first and second support members 33 and 34 are movable between a position for aligning in an alternating arrangement, and a position for separating from each other, adaptors 31 supported by the first support member 33 and adaptors supported by the second support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Matsuura
  • Patent number: 6769811
    Abstract: A multi-fiber optic device includes two optical fibers and a body. The body is formed around and adhered to the two optical fibers. The body includes two alignment bosses, a mating end and a tapered end. Each alignment boss includes an alignment aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Stratos International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Hall, Richard C. E. Durrant, Mark Krowiak
  • Patent number: 6764221
    Abstract: A flexible multifiber fiber optic jumper is provided with a multifiber ferrule mounted to a first end of optical fibers and at least one ferrule mounted to the second end of the optical fibers. The flexible multifiber fiber optic jumper also has a protective covering over at least a portion of the plurality of optical fibers with the plurality of optical fibers being free to move relative to one another within the protective covering. The flexible multifiber fiber optic jumper may also have a transition boot to bend it through a predetermined angle and a furcation body to allow for multiple connectors at one end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Calde Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael de Jong, Stuart R. Melton
  • Patent number: 6758600
    Abstract: An optical interconnection module having: an enclosure defining walls and a cavity within the walls for receiving and supporting optical fibers and connectors; an optical interconnection section formed in a wall of the module, the optical interconnection section having a multi-fiber connector with multiple optical paths formed therein, the optical paths being arranged in a generally planar array with the paths being immediately adjacent to at least one other optical path for optical alignment with optical fibers in an optical fiber ribbon; an optical connector station formed in a wall of the module having a plurality of optical fiber connectors; the optical paths and the optical connectors being optically interconnected by optical fibers disposed in the cavity, fiber pairs being formed by the optical fibers, at least one of the fiber pairs being routed to a respective connector station that is in optical communication with the optical paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Steven C. Del Grosso, Larry K. Shook, Jr., Alan W. Ugolini
  • Patent number: 6757460
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-optical module for transmitting and/or receiving optical signals on at least two optical data channels which are carried in an optical waveguide. The optical waveguide in the module forms at least two optical waveguide sections, with each section having at least one inclined end surface. The inclined end surfaces of the optical waveguide sections are positioned axially one behind the other. Light is injected into or light is output from the optical waveguide for a specific optical data channel by light for the optical data channel being passed to an inclined end surface, or emerging from it, at an angle to the optical axis of the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Lutz Melchior, Volker Plickert
  • Patent number: 6748156
    Abstract: A method for connecting optical waveguides to optical fibers, the optical waveguides being arranged side by side in an optical waveguide circuit device, the method including inserting optical fibers into arranging guide grooves formed side by side in a guide substrate of an optical fiber array device, warping the optical fiber array device by a contraction stress caused by hardening of an adhesive for attaching the guide substrate to a cap plate for attachment and fixing, and optically connecting the optical waveguides to the optical fibers, by facing a connection terminal surface of the optical waveguide circuit device to a connection terminal surface of the optical fiber array device in the curved shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsunetoshi Saito, Toshihiko Ota
  • Publication number: 20040101251
    Abstract: A multichannel fiber connector including a pair of mating connector parts, each including a body, each mating connector part including an optical fiber coupling element for each respective channel. The optical fiber coupling element having an outer section and an inner section. The coupling element is positioned on a first fiber receiving side having a first thread section and the coupling element on a second fiber receiving side having a second threaded section. The first and second threaded sections are directly in contact with and biting into the first and second fibers when the fibers are positioned in the respective optical coupling element. The connector further includes a latching assembly comprising a resilient locking arm on one connector part and a locking catch on the other connector part. The locking arm is adapted to engage the locking catch when the connector parts are mated and secure the parts together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: FCI Americas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Rahrig, Adam W. Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20040096163
    Abstract: A method wherein optical fibers in a silicon connector are joined to a second optical component. The silicon connector is etched back with a dry etchant that is highly preferential for silicon to thereby etch the silicon connector much more than the optical fiber. After etching, the optical fibers protrude beyond the silicon connector so that they may be easily joined to the second optical component. Also disclosed is an optical fiber assembly made according to this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Evan George Colgan, Robert W. Law, Subhash Laxman Shinde
  • Patent number: 6736546
    Abstract: A ferrule assembly, in a preferred embodiment, having a first ferrule, a second ferrule, and at least two alignment members to align the first and second ferrules during mating is provided. The first ferrule, the second ferrule and the alignment members interact at the mating interface of the first and second ferrules to provide three constraint lines. In one embodiment, the first ferrule has a body with at least one channel for receiving at least one optical fiber. The first ferrule body includes a first surface portion for retaining a first alignment member and a second surface portion for retaining a second alignment member, the first and second surface portions being V-shaped. The second ferrule has a body with at least one channel for receiving at least one optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventors: Sepehr Kiani, Ryan R. Vallance
  • Publication number: 20040071407
    Abstract: A ferrule-less optical connector comprising: (a) a housing having a front end portion and a back end portion, the housing having at least one passageway extending from the back end portion to the front end portion to accommodate at least one fiber, the housing defining a cavity along a first portion of the passageway such that a fiber in the passageway is deflected into the cavity when the connector is in the mated state; (b) a barrier along a second portion of the passageway, the barrier preventing a fiber from being deflected into the second portion when the connector is in the mated state; (c) a fiber retainer at the back end portion, the fiber retainer adapted to restrict a fiber's backward movement with respect to the housing when in the mated state; and (d) the front end portion being configured to mate with an alignment member such that a fiber in the passageway is received within a passage of the alignment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Henricus Vergeest
  • Patent number: 6712525
    Abstract: An optical inter-connection apparatus according to this invention has plural optical fibers 4, which are routed in a two-dimensional plane and are provided at opposite ends thereof with end portions 5 adapted to permit optical interconnections thereto, and at least one protective resin layer 2 by which the optical fibers are held in place. The protective resin layer 2 is formed from a silicone-base material curable through a condensation reaction with liberation of an oxime or liberation of an alcohol or from a silicone-base material, which is curable by crosslinking through a hydrosilation reaction, and an adhesion promoter, and is joined with a base 1 or another protective resin layer via an adhesive layer 3. The adhesive layer comprises an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive. As an alternative, the adhesive layer may comprise a silicone-base pressure-sensitive adhesive which is curable by crosslinking through a hydrosilation reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ritsu Kawase, Kyoichi Sasaki, Ken Sukegawa, Tatsushi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20040052472
    Abstract: A module houses a set of fiber optic interfaces. The module includes a fiber optic interface holder, which is configured to hold the set of fiber optic interfaces, and a shroud coupled to the fiber optic interface holder. The shroud is configured to move relative to the fiber optic interface holder along an axis defined by the fiber optic interface holder such that, when the fiber optic interface holder holds the set of fiber optic interfaces, the shroud (i) protects the set of fiber optic interfaces when the shroud is in a first location along the axis defined by the fiber optic interface holder, and (ii) exposes the set of fiber optic interfaces when the shroud is in a second location along the axis defined by the fiber optic interface holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Richard F. Roth, Sepehr Kiani, Joe J. George, William E. Howard
  • Publication number: 20040042731
    Abstract: A multi-fiber optic device includes two optical fibers and a body. The body is formed around and adhered to the two optical fibers. The body includes two alignment bosses, a mating end and a tapered end. Each alignment boss includes an alignment aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas A. Hall
  • Publication number: 20040042733
    Abstract: A system and method for insertion of fibers into respective rows of fiber holes in a ferrule that involves mounting the ferrule in a first element and a proximal end of a first cable containing exposed fibers onto a movable element, adjusting the movable element until the fibers are adjacent to a bottom-most row of fiber holes, inserting each fiber into its respective hole in the bottom-most row, mounting the first cable in a second element, releasing the first cable from the movable element, mounting a second cable containing exposed fibers onto the movable element, adjusting the movable element until the fibers are adjacent to a second row of ferrule fiber holes, and inserting each fiber into its respective hole in the second row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Keith Kang, Misu Kang, Robert Otto
  • Patent number: 6695486
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector module is presented that has one or more male fiber optic connectors on one end of an angled molded body and a corresponding number of female optical connectors on the other end. The molded body can be a fixed angle module made of a material such as plastic, or can be an adjustable angle module where the angle can be adjusted to from 90 and 180 degrees. The connector module prevents problems associated with optoelectronic equipment that is rack mounted and has vertically mounted optical interfaces, such as microbending of the optical fiber. Moreover, the connector module ensures that safety requirements, and in particular the elimination of eye-level laser exposure, are met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, INC
    Inventor: Dean Falkenberg
  • Patent number: 6682228
    Abstract: A connector housing for a connector to an optical device includes: a body with a bottom wall, a first side wall with a first lip, a second side wall with a second lip, where optical fibers may reside within the bottom, first side, and second side walls, where the first and second lips engage the optical fibers when residing within the bottom, first, and second side walls, where the first and second lips assist in preventing the optical fibers from being removed from the body; a spring coupled to the body and the optical fibers; and a sleeve coupled to the body, including a locking feature for locking the body to the optical device. The connector housing is compact in size, allowing larger numbers of fiber-optic modules to reside on a printed circuit board, increasing its density for optical devices. A connector with the connector housing is also more cost effective to manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: EMCORE Corporation
    Inventors: Lakshman Rathnam, Albert T. Yuen
  • Patent number: 6676299
    Abstract: A device includes two optical fibers bonded to a body. The body has a mating end and a splicing end. Each of the two optical fibers has a respective polished end and splicing end. The polished end of each of the two optical fibers is situated adjacent to and flush with the mating end of the body. The length of the two optical fibers is the same, where the length is defined by the distance from the splicing end to the polished end. The length of the two optical fibers is greater than the length of the body as defined by the distance from the mating end to the splicing end of the body. The length of the two optical fibers is less than fifty millimeters. The two optical fibers are parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Stratos Lightwave, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. E. Durrant, Mark Krowiak
  • Patent number: 6672898
    Abstract: The invention relates to a duplex plug-in connector for optical fiber connectors, comprising two fastening devices for receiving two simplex plug-in connectors (14) for forming a duplex plug-in connector (22), the fastening devices being designed in such a way that they at least partially enclose the connector housing (18) and/or a kink preventer (17) of a plug-in connector (14) to be received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Krone GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard Kahle, Detlev Thalemann
  • Patent number: 6659652
    Abstract: An optical cross-connector for a signal connection between fiber-optical wires, including a plurality of ports for connection of fiber-optical connectors. A signal connection is configured to connect optical signals from the connectors between the ports, and a contact sensor is configured to register when fiber-optical connectors are connected to the ports. The signal connection is configured to automatically establish a signal connection from a first registered connection connector to a second registered connection connector. The optical cross-connector can be set to a position for automatic configuration in pairs of point-to-point signal connections, for broadcasting signal connection, or to a position without automatic configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Wavium AB
    Inventor: Stefan Larsson
  • Publication number: 20030223700
    Abstract: An optic array connector is disclosed. The fiber optic array includes a first faceplate having a plurality of openings. The first faceplate is oriented in a first direction. The fiber optic array also includes a second faceplate having a plurality of openings. The second faceplate is oriented in a second direction. A plurality of optical fibers are inserted through the plurality of openings in the first faceplate and the plurality of openings in the second faceplate. The second faceplate and the first faceplate are adjusted such that a portion of the openings in the first faceplate and a portion of the openings in the second faceplate contact and hold the optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Applicant: Fiberlead, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Melzak, Mehran Mehregany
  • Patent number: 6654186
    Abstract: An arrangement for fixing an optical component part in position in a device housing, comprising a holder which is connected to a housing and which presses the component part into a cutout in the housing accompanied by pretensioning. The holder is fashioned in one piece from elastic material and is provided with clamps that are formed integral with it, at least one of which clamps presses the component part against a reference plane in direction of one of the coordinates X, Y, Z accompanied by pretensioning, and fastening elements are formed integral with the holder for securing it to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH
    Inventors: Ullrich Klarner, Nico Correns, Werner Hoyme, Felix Kerstan
  • Patent number: 6652153
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector system includes a rear connector (16) comprising a main rear shell (50) with a plurality of ports (52) and a plurality of rear module bodies (54) each lying in one of the ports. A plurality of backshells (84) extend rearwardly from the rear of the module bodies, with the jackets of multiple fiber cables stripped at a location within each backshell to leave free individual optical fiber devices that extend into passages of the module. Each backshell has a pair of backshell passages (162) that each holds a backshell fastener (172) that fastens the backshell to a module body, each backshell fastener having a wrench-receiving passage (192). Jackscrews (150) fasten each module body to the shell, and each backshell has a wrench-receiving passage (192) extending along its length for passing a wrench to screw in and unscrew a jackscrew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Linsday Bates, III, Peter Joseph Hyzin
  • Patent number: 6648520
    Abstract: A relatively small fiber optic plug is provided to facilitate pulling of the fiber optic plug and an associated fiber optic cable through small passageways. The fiber optic plug may include a shroud that protects the fiber optic connector and that may further define at least one opening, and preferably a pair of openings. The openings are sized to receive portions of an adapter sleeve once the fiber optic plug is mated with a fiber optic receptacle. The fiber optic plug may also include a cap mounted upon and adapted to swivel relative to the remainder of the fiber optic plug to serve as a pulling grip during installation of the fiber optic cable. Further, the fiber optic plug may include a crimp band that is mechanically coupled to both the fiber optic cable and the plug body in order to isolate the fiber optic connector from torque otherwise created by forces to which the fiber optic cable is subjected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: A. John McDonald, Stuart R. Melton, Hieu V. Tran, James P. Luther, Darrell R. Childers
  • Publication number: 20030210861
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the redundancy of IALDA-based imaging devices and for increasing their serviceability. The functioning emitters are coupled to an array of optical fibers, leaving some of the functioning emitters as spare. The second ends of the optical fibers are arranged in an equidistance array, optionally passing through multi-fiber connectors or through an optical switchboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: Creo IL. Ltd.
    Inventors: Alex Weiss, Nissim Pilossof, Daniel Gelbart
  • Patent number: 6644864
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to fiber optical arrays, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to 3-dimentional array fiber optical couplers. More particularly, the present invention provides means of coupling semiconductor laser light sources to fiber-optic transmission devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Benson Chan, Richard R. Hall, How T. Lin, John H. Sherman
  • Patent number: 6641310
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable connector including a coupler body with a channel for receiving a connector plug therein; and a door spanning the channel, the door biased to cover the channel but displaceable with respect to the channel when the plug body is received in the channel to prevent light from escaping the channel when the plug body is removed from the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Teraconnect, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Williams
  • Publication number: 20030202752
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a body forming a fiber insertion path and an optical lens. The fiber insertion path receives an optical fiber and extends within the body to an internal end. The lens includes a first concave surface formed at the internal end of the fiber channel and a second concave surface formed on an external side of the body. The first and second concave surfaces of the lens are operative to direct light towards each other to enable optical communications between an inserted optical fiber and a connected second connector. Multiple connectors may be incorporated within the same body. A fiber tip cleaner and fiber bonding system may be included within the insertion path. An optical block incorporating the connectors may be configured as a splitter and/or combiner. The connectors and optical blocks may be used to implement a segmented FTTH optical network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Donald T. Gall, David M. Pangrac
  • Patent number: 6637948
    Abstract: A receptacle module capable of suppressing deterioration of characteristics of optical signals transmitted in optical fiber cables even when an external force is applied in a direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction in a state where an optical fiber connector is attached in a receptacle. The reception module is provided with a receptacle having a first sleeve for holding in a detachable manner an optical fiber connector provided at end of an optical fiber cable, a second sleeve, and a window communicating the first and second sleeves and with an optical module held and fixed in the second sleeve. A projection of the optical module passes over the window to be positioned in the first sleeve and moves a ferrule a bit to press a spring when the connector is inserted in the first sleeve. The ferrule is moved to the right against the pushing force of the spring 21a. The abutting force increases the connection load between the optical fiber cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehiro Shirai, Masayuki Iwase
  • Patent number: 6637949
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that permit multi-directional fiber optic connections to a device. The multi-directional aspect of the fiber optic connections permit the connections to be aligned closely with the direction of travel of the fiber optic cables that interface with the device. Closely aligning the fiber optic connections on the device with the fiber optic cables' direction of travel maximizes the bend radius of the fiber optic cable near the point of connection or eliminates the bend altogether and reduces the likelihood of a broken fiber or signal attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Vern Loch, Craig Bentz, Joseph Coffey
  • Publication number: 20030198442
    Abstract: A multi-fiber ferrule (5) includes a ceramic body (10) and a housing (20) for combining with the ceramic body. The ceramic body has a rectangular portion (101) and two opposing latches (102) extending therefrom. A plurality of through holes (103) and a pair of guide pin channels (105) are defined through the rectangular portion between the two opposing latches. The housing defines a cavity (201), a passageway (204) communicating with the cavity, and a pair of guide pin channels (205) corresponding to the guide pin channels of the ceramic body. A plurality of V-grooves 203 for mounting fibers is formed in a floor of the cavity. The plurality of V-grooves each aligns with a corresponding through hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Yung-Chang Cheng, Chin-Hsing Lee
  • Patent number: 6634797
    Abstract: A multi-fiber array assembly comprises a main housing, a ferrule holder, a stopper, a front plate, a strain relief assembly, springs and ferrules with optical fibers retained therein. The ferrule holder is retained in the housing, and comprises a ferrule holding plate defining a first array of holes. The stopper is secured to the ferrule holder at a location rearward of the first array of holes, and defines a plurality of passages. The ferrules have a conical front ends, and are extended in the first array of holes. The springs are compressed between the ferrules and the stopper. The optical fibers extend through the passages of the stopper. The front plate is secured to a front end of the ferrule holder and defines a second array of the hole. Each hole of the second array has a rear conical section in which the conical front end of a corresponding ferrule is fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sunney Yang, Tien Lu Kao, Frank Quach, Jim Xin Zhao, Chiu Yu Tang
  • Patent number: 6632024
    Abstract: An optical interconnection apparatus comprises an adhesive layer having a 2-dimensional plane, and optical fibers secured on the adhesive layer. The optical fibers are routed on the adhesive layer so as to have at least one of an intersection portion, a bent portion, and a changing portion of fiber pitch, and to have a end portion outwardly projecting from the adhesive layer. The projecting end portion is used for optical interconnection. At least a portion of the circumferential edge surface of the adhesive layer is covered by a flame resistant material at an end of the optical fiber and in the vicinity thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignees: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ritsu Kawase, Kyouichi Sasaki, Tatsushi Kobayashi, Takashi Yoshida, Mamoru Hirayama
  • Publication number: 20030190123
    Abstract: The invention relates to a duplex plug-in connector for optical fiber connectors, comprising two fastening devices for receiving two simplex plug-in connectors (14) for forming a duplex plug-in connector (22), the fastening devices being designed in such a way that they at least partially enclose the connector housing (18) and/or a kink preventer (17) of a plug-in connector (14) to be received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Inventors: Eberhard Kahle, Detlev Thalemann
  • Patent number: 6629781
    Abstract: In a ferrule for a multi fiber optical connector of the multi stages where at least two layers of guide grooves and fiber holes are laminated, a distance of from a straight line that connect middle points between the center axes of the fiber holes that make up a fiber hole array at one end side in a laminating direction and the center axes of the fiber holes that make up a fiber hole array at another end side to an upper side of the entry is longer than a distance of from the straight line to a lower side of the entry. A ceiling of the entry is notched so that an inclination of the multi fiber tape is not regulated by the upper side of the entry when a leading end of each of the optical fibers is pressed against the corresponding guide groove while the multi fiber tape inserted from the entry is inclined toward the upper side of the entry. In a method of manufacturing a multi fiber optical connector, the multi fiber tape is inserted into the ferrule from the entry while being inclined obliquely downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Shigenaga, Katsuki Suematsu, Masao Shinoda
  • Patent number: 6623172
    Abstract: A connector is provided for use in fiber to the desk applications. The connector according to the present invention includes a main housing with a passageway therethrough, a ferrule assembly mountable to the main housing, and a splice member. The connector also includes a latch on at least one exterior surface of the main housing to engage a corresponding structure in an adapter sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael de Jong, Ronald L. Mudd, Markus A. Giebel, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 6619994
    Abstract: A jack plug of digital connector includes a jack plug with an optical fiber cable. The device is characterized in that the jack plug is composed of a front plug and a tail plug. A plug hole is disposed at the back part of the front plug. The tail plug has an insertion hole and on the front part of the tail plug possesses two clips at upper and bottom side respectively. The optical fiber cable picks through the insertion hole of the tail plug and then insert the tail plug into the plug hole of the front plug so as to make the two clips of the tail plug hold the optical fiber cable and fixed them at the back end of the front plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Jess-Link Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zen-Chyuan Chen, Kuo-Chiang Wu
  • Patent number: 6619856
    Abstract: An adapter for receiving a connector plug terminating an optical fiber has a body member having at least one opening therein having sidewalls for receiving the plug. The opening has a longitudinally extending channel for receiving the latching arm of the connector plug, the side walls of the channel being angled inwardly to create a channel cross-section in the shape of a truncated wedge. In one of the sidewalls of the plug, preferably an outer side wall, is a cantilevered spring member biased inwardly toward the interim of the adapter for maintaining pressure upon the side of a connector plug when inserted therein. The exterior of the adapter body member has a flange thereon for bearing against a panel member or the like, and a metallic member straddles the body member and ahs cantilever leaf springs forming locking members for bearing against the opposite side of the panel from the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Fitel USA Corp.
    Inventors: Norman R. Lampert, Yu Lu, Naif T. Subh
  • Patent number: 6619853
    Abstract: An optical fiber interconnection system is provided, including a method of fabricating the system. A flat fiber optic circuit is provided with a flat substrate having a peripheral edge and a plurality of first optical fibers mounted on the flat substrate, with ends of the first fibers extending beyond the substrate. A fiber optic connector is terminated to a plurality of second optical fibers, with ends of the second fibers extending from the connector to a connecting point for connection to the ends of the first fibers from the flat fiber optic circuit. A protective shroud is installed over the connecting point between the ends of the first and second fibers. The protective shroud is fixed to the projecting tail portion of the substrate of the flat fiber optic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Igor Grois, Maurice X. Sun
  • Patent number: 6616341
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for ensuring that two guide pins with a centerline in a module (e.g., a fiber optic module) mate with two holes in a connector. A connector guide positioner is provided to position a connector guide in an aligned orientation with respect to the guide pins. When in the aligned orientation, the centerline of the connector guide is in alignment with the centerline of the two guide pins of the module, thereby ensuring that the two holes of the connector mate with the two guide pins when the connector is inserted into the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kendra Gallup, Brian H. Kim
  • Publication number: 20030156797
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector system includes first and second mateable connectors (12, 14) with fiber blocks (32,72) that hold optical fiber termini (50), wherein forward (F) movement of the second connector housing (70) toward the first housing (30) results in automatic latching together of the fiber blocks with the latches taking the forces of termini springs that have been partially compressed. The second fiber block (72) can slide within the second housing (70) between front and rear positions, and is held in the front position by a cam (90) that engages a free end (104) of a cam follower arm (103) of the second housing. As the connectors mate, a rigid second fiber block latch (100) deflects a resilient first housing latch end (62) and rides forward of it until faces of the blocks are close together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Applicant: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Daniel Gherardini
  • Publication number: 20030152331
    Abstract: A fiber-optic module having a housing/shielding unit and a module chassis frame having optical, electrical and electro-optical components. The housing/shielding unit functions both as a protective outer housing and an electromagnetic shield. The housing/shielding unit includes forward fingers and backward fingers. The forward fingers provide an EMI seal around an opening in a bezel, face-plate, back-plate, wall, or panel of a host system and thereby can ground the housing/shielding unit to a chassis ground. The backward fingers can contact host tabs of the host system and can also thereby ground the housing/shielding unit to a chassis ground. The module chassis frame may be formed of a conductive material and can be grounded as well through a host system faceplate or otherwise to the chassis ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Edwin Dair, Wenbin Jiang, Cheng Ping Wei, Yong Peng Sim
  • Patent number: RE38311
    Abstract: A fiber distribution frame includes a fixture having a plurality of modules mounted side-by-side within said fixture with each of the modules being individually mounted in a line of travel. Each of the modules can be locked in any one of a plurality of discrete positions within the line of travel. Each of the modules contains a plurality of adapters for receiving and retaining fiber optic connectors. Further, the fixture may be tilted downwardly to provide access to the rear of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd A. Wheeler