Fiber End Held In Ferrule Patents (Class 385/60)
  • Patent number: 7534051
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-cost attachable/detachable optical fiber connector, and the like. The optical fiber connector comprises first and second fiber connecting members. The first fiber connecting members has a ferrule that holds a first optical fiber in its inserting hole in a slidable state, a housing that covers the first optical fiber, and a fixing member that fixes the inserted first optical fiber to the housing behind the ferrule so as not to protrude out from the ferrule. The second fiber connecting members has a housing that has a ferrule engaging portion having a recess therein and an optical fiber holding portion that holds a second optical fiber in its inserting hole in a slidable state, and a fixing member that fixes the inserted second optical fiber to the housing behind the optical fiber holding portion so as to protrude into the recess from the optical fiber holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daizo Nishioka, Kenichiro Ohtsuka, Toshifumi Hosoya
  • Patent number: 7530745
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a ferrule surrounding an optical fiber and a hub engaging the ferrule. The hub includes a front portion having first and second surfaces and first and second tapered contact regions extending from the first and second surfaces to a front face. A housing includes an anti-rotation seat configured to engage the first and second surfaces, the anti-rotation seat including first and second angled contact surfaces positioned at a front of the anti-rotation seat. A spring within a chamber of the housing biases the ferrule through a bore in the front of the housing. The first tapered contact region of the hub engages the first contact surface, and the second tapered contact region engages the second contact surface when the hub and ferrule are in a first rotational position so that the optical fiber is maintained at a known orientation with respect to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Marlon E. Holmquist
  • Patent number: 7526162
    Abstract: An epoxy-free collimator assembly is configured with a ferrule and a lens operative to move within an outer case to a desired position therebetween. The collimator assembly further has an aligning component made from soft, malleable material which is capable of filling out the radial space between the ferrule and case so as to spatially fix the aligned fiber held in the ferrule and lens in the desirable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: IPG Photonics Corporation
    Inventors: Yuri Grapov, William D. Jones
  • Patent number: 7524117
    Abstract: To extend the service life of a latch of a plug housing and facilitate assembly and aligning operations of an optical connector. The optical connector includes a latch provided in a cantilever form on an external surface of the optical connector and deformable for attachment/detachment with respect to an adaptor, and an excessive deformation preventing unit that prevents excessive deformation of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Atsuhiro Terakura
  • Patent number: 7520677
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-physical contact (non-PC) visual fault locator (VFL) coupler that functions with fewer components and reduces handling, and without ferrule-to-ferrule contact, thereby reducing endface wear degradation and other problems. Specifically, the non-PC VFL coupler incorporates an alignment sleeve retainer that includes a connector stop, such that, when a field-installable fiber optic connector engages the alignment sleeve retainer of the non-PC VFL coupler, the endfaces of the ferrules of the non-PC VFL coupler and the field-installable fiber optic connector do not physically contact one another. Both 1.25 mm and 2.5 mm versions are contemplated, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Andrew Barnes, Bradley Scott Billman, David Wayne Meek, Scott Eric Semmler
  • Publication number: 20090097799
    Abstract: An optical connector that is capable of ensuring excellent waterproofing using a simple structure is provided. The optical connector comprises a connector plug and socket. Each of the plug and socket have a housing, which has a cable-guiding part and a cable-retaining part; a ferrule disposed within the housing and to hold a leading-end part of an optical fiber exposed from a sheath of an optical cable; and a seal member disposed between the cable-guiding part and the cable-retaining part to seal the cable-guiding part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Sakurai, Junji Fukui, Mitsuaki Tamura
  • Patent number: 7517157
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector has a center component provided with opposite first and second ends into which first and second connector inserts holding ends of respective optical fiber bundles are to be inserted, an optical core element mounted in the center component having opposite ends against which the ends of the respective optical fiber bundles in the first and second connector inserts are to be abutted in alignment, and fastener elements provided with the first and second ends for securely holding the first and second connector inserts in abutting contact with the respective opposite ends of the optical core element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Michael R. McNiece, John V. Alexander, Robert A. Nowak, Rick Bomber, James L. Melquist
  • Patent number: 7513694
    Abstract: An optical fiber connecting method not causing any damage to the optical fibers and enabling effective use of space and an optical fiber connection structure formed by the method. The optical fiber connection structure is for connecting optical fibers by means of a component for connecting optical fibers comprising two plugs for aligning at least two optical fibers and connecting them and an adapter for fixing the plugs. Each plug in which an optical fiber is inserted is attached to an adapter in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the optical fiber, and the plug and adapter are fixed. A modification may be made in which a latch member is provided to at least one of the plug and adapter, a latch engaging section is provided to the other, the latch member is engaged with the latch engaging section, and the plug and adapter are fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoichi Sasaki, Ritsu Kawase, Masayoshi Suzuki, Tatsushi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7510335
    Abstract: An exemplary optical connector 200 includes a first housing 20 and a second housing 24. The first housing 20 includes a main body 201. The main body 201 is elongated and hollow. One end of the main body 201 forms a resisting member 203 and the other end of the main body 201 forms a lock receiving portion 205. At least one latch hole 2051 is defined in the lock receiving portion 205 and at least one joint line 208 is formed in the lock receiving portion 205 adjacent to the at least one latch hole 2051. The extending direction of the joint line 208 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first housing 20. One end of the second housing 24 forms a lock portion 242 configured for engaging with the lock receiving portion 205. The lock portion 242 forms at least one protrusion 2423 configured for engaging with the latch hole 2051.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bing Su, Li-Jun Yang, Hao-Zhuan Lin, Xiao-She Bian
  • Patent number: 7507031
    Abstract: To provide a fusion-spliced optical connector capable of easily performing a fusion-splicing operation at an actual site in a short time, without need to perform additional special operations. An optical connector component is configured to attach a short-length optical fiber to a ferrule including a capillary and a flange. The capillary comprises a minute through hole and a coated-portion storage hole formed in the capillary, the minute through hole to be stored therein the bare optical fiber portion of the short-length optical fiber and the coated-portion storage hole to be stored therein a part of a coated optical fiber portion of the short-length optical fiber continuous to the bare optical fiber portion. The flange includes a coated-portion penetrating hole formed in the flange to be penetrated therein a very short portion continuous to the part of the coated optical fiber portion stored in the coated-portion storage hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasunari Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7505654
    Abstract: There is provided a mechanical connector for mechanically connecting and optically coupling two optical fiber ends, the connector comprising a longitudinal body, and a fiber conduit in the body for holding the two fiber ends and confining the fibers to be in end to end alignment in the conduit with sufficient inward radial pressure exerted from the conduit on each one of the fiber ends to ensure centering within the fiber conduit to provide the optical coupling without risking damage to a silica core of the fiber ends. The connector is adapted to controllably release the pressure on the fibers to allow for insertion of the fibers in the conduit, and the connector holds the fiber ends in the optical coupling without adhesive. There is further provided a method for mechanically connecting and optically coupling two optical fiber ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Demissy, Eric Weynant
  • Patent number: 7503702
    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: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: 7500789
    Abstract: A fibre optic coupler assembly for optically aligning a sectioned fibre optic cable, the cable having a first end and a second end and comprising one or more fibre optic cores. The assembly comprises a first holder for holding the first end; a second holder for holding the second end coupled to the first end; a retractor for retracting the second end; an aligning unit comprising a resilient construction having a conduit passing through it, for linear alignment of the ends; whereby the first and second ends are coupled by the respective holders and whereby the second end can be linearly aligned in the conduit of the aligning unit, retracted using the retractor, and rotated to obtain rotational alignment of the fiber cores of the ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: BioScan Ltd.
    Inventors: Ilan Grunberg, Avram Matcovitch
  • Publication number: 20090052844
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber optical connector including a housing with an axial passageway forming a longitudinal axis between a mating side and a rear side of said housing. A ferrule for fixating at least one optical fiber is disposed in said passageway, said ferrule having a front part, associated with said mating side of said housing, and a back part, associate with said rear side of said housing. The ferrule is arranged in said housing such that said back part of said ferrule is permitted to move transversely (D) to said longitudinal axis (L) to a larger extent than said front part. Accordingly, a fiber optical connector with a floating ferrule is obtained that has an improved installation performance, in particular with regard to decreasing the probability of damaging the ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Hendrikus Petrus Gijsbertus Van Der Steen
  • Patent number: 7488115
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for creating an optical waveguide connector-in connection for an optical waveguide cable containing an optical waveguide, said connector comprising a housing, a ferrule holder arranged in the housing, and a locking device arranged outside the housing, on a narrow side thereof. The inventive connector has a housing that has the outer shape of an RJ-45 connector, is open on the front side and the rear side thereof, and has an inner region surrounded by the narrow sides extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector-in connection, and a catch spring used as a locking device for engaging in a coupling, the catch spring being elastically connected to the housing. Ferrule holders for each of the optical waveguides guided into the inner region through the rear side of the housing are arranged in the inner region, each ferrule holder being respectively provided with a recess for a coupling ferrule on the side thereof facing the front side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Euromicron Werkzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Theis
  • Publication number: 20090034911
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for securing an information network through positional distinguishing of connectors and adapters. A communications connector system associated with the present disclosure includes at least a first patch cord connector assembly including a patch cord terminated at least at one end by a duplex connector. The duplex connector includes: (i) a connector housing clip adapted to enclose and securely position at least a portion of the terminated end of the patch cord and at least a portion of each of a pair of ferrule housings; and (ii) a pair of connector subassemblies. Each subassembly defines an inner cavity to allow a ferrule mounted with respect to one of the pair of ferrule housings to pass through the connector subassembly. Each of the subassemblies extend outwardly with respect to the connector housing clip and the ferrule housings and are adapted to securely mate with a corresponding pair of receptacles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: ORTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Adam Murano
  • Patent number: 7481584
    Abstract: A dry-mate connector has nipples on the front or mating side of the electrical conductors on both the plug and receptacle units which cooperate with an elastomeric seal on the mating end of one of the units to provide an individual seal around each electrical circuit in the mated condition. In a hybrid version of the connector, an optical contact assembly is provided in each unit which has a multi-fiber ferrule at the mating end of the assembly, allowing a high contact density to be achieved in a relatively small space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Ocean Design, Inc.
    Inventor: James L. Cairns
  • Patent number: 7481586
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector for use with a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector includes a connector housing having an end defining a plug portion. A ferrule assembly is mounted at least partially within the connector housing. The ferrule assembly includes a ferrule located at the plug portion of the connector housing. A sealing member is mounted about an exterior of the connector housing for providing a seal between the connector housing and the adapter. The fiber optic connector further includes first and second separate retaining mechanism for retaining the fiber optic connector within the fiber optic adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Randy Reagan
  • Patent number: 7476035
    Abstract: A hermaphroditic connector for mounting to a cable having a plurality of optical fibers and connecting the fibers to mating optical fibers wherein the optical fibers and mating optical fibers have termini mounted to the respective ends thereof, and wherein the termini of at least one of the optical fibers is slidably mounted and biased to provide a predetermined amount of longitudinal travel during connection includes a plug insert for mounting the termini, a generally cylindrical plug body for receiving the plug insert through an open end thereof, the plug body including a mating end with a plurality of mating features configured to cooperate with corresponding mating features of a second connector to align the termini of the first and second connectors in opposed relationship, a plurality of ears extending radially from the mating end of the plug body, a coupling nut slidably mounted on the plug including a groove formed between a plurality of ribs extending around an inside nut so that rotation of the coup
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Fiber Systems International
    Inventors: Bryan D. Cull, Jon M. Woodruff, Jamie Castillega
  • Patent number: 7473037
    Abstract: An optical fibre connector system, including an optical connector disposed therein, and a recess allowing a through connector to be connected to the optical connector. The optical fiber connector system includes an engagement mechanism that acts on the optical connector to prevent release of the through connector when connected to the optical connector, and which is operable to enable release of the through connector. The engagement mechanism is a movable element that normally engages the connector to the support and which can be moved to disengage the connector from the support, thereby releasing the through connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Kingfisher International, Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Bruce Elphinston Robertson, Ross Stuart Williams
  • Publication number: 20090003772
    Abstract: An interface converter is provided for mechanically and optically coupling a non-ruggedized fiber optic connector with a ruggedized adapter port. In a preferred embodiment, the interface converter attaches to an SC fiber optic connector and together form a converted fiber optic connector compatible with the ruggedized adapter port. In certain embodiments, a retractable release sleeve may be removed from the SC fiber optic connector prior to attaching the interface converter. In certain embodiments, the interface converter may be inserted into the ruggedized adapter port prior to being attached to the SC fiber optic connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Randy Reagan, Dennis Cheatham
  • Publication number: 20080310795
    Abstract: An adapter dust cap comprising a dust cap body defining a clearance extending at least partially therethrough, a resilient member attached to the connector body, and a latching feature attached to the resilient member and configured to engage within internal geometry defined by a connector adapter. The adapter dust cap is translucent so that visible light from a connector may diffuse therethrough, and may include a material or coating thereon for converting light in the invisible spectrum to visible light so that the light can be detected through the dust cap without removing the dust cap from an adapter to which it is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Louis Edward Parkman, III, Ronald Lee Mudd, Michael De Jong
  • Patent number: 7465106
    Abstract: An optical receptacle includes: a fiber stub having a ferrule and an optical fiber in a through-hole of the ferrule; a holder to which an rear end of the fiber stub is fixed; and a sleeve for holding a plug ferrule in front of the fiber stub; wherein a grip ring is provided on an outer side face in which the fiber stub and the sleeve are overlapped to each other, whereby attaining the shortened optical receptacle, and improving connection loss due to tilting of the plug ferrule, and obtaining good repeatability of the connection loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Ito, Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Toshiyuki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 7461980
    Abstract: A transmitter optical sub-assembly receptacle includes a thicker split sleeve positioned within a cylindrical shell structure and partly within a base structure such that a fiber ferrule, which is positioned within the base structure, is partly within the thicker split sleeve. The split sleeve has a thickness larger than 0.187 millimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng Kwang Han, Hock Aun Neoh, Albert Wooi Quan Khor
  • Patent number: 7463803
    Abstract: A substantially flat fiber optic drop cable assembly comprises: a fiber optic connector comprising a fiber optic ferrule and a housing; a crimp body coupled to the housing of the fiber optic connector; a fiber optic cable comprising a pair of strength members disposed partially within the fiber optic cable; a first sheath disposed between the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic cable, the first sheath coupled to the crimp body; a second sheath disposed between the fiber optic connector and the fiber optic cable, the second sheath coupled to the fiber optic cable; and a demarcation element joining the first sheath and the second sheath, wherein the demarcation element comprises a substantially tubular element; wherein the pair of strength members are configured to engage the crimp body about the first sheath, the second sheath, and the demarcation element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Joseph T Cody, Radawan Hall, Christopher Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther
  • Patent number: 7458729
    Abstract: An optical connecting method for optically connecting ends of a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber secured side to a first plug and a second plug, respectively, wherein the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber are threaded through the first and second plugs, and respective optical fiber is secured to respective plugs with securing parts, a bending step of bending a part of at least one of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber that is present ahead of the securing part, an aligning step of aligning the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber and fixing a relative position between the first and second plugs, and an abutting step of abutting the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber by releasing flexure of at least one of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoichi Sasaki, Masayoshi Suzuki, Tatsushi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20080292246
    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: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Akihiko Yazaki, Takaya Yamauchi, James R. Bylander, Eric M. Morgan, Wesley A. Raider, Kirk L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7455460
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector having a double-clad specialty optical stub fiber with a deep index core-to-inner-cladding profile and a raised index outer-cladding profile. The double-clad optical stub fiber abuts against a single-clad field optical fiber of the single-mode type to form an interface across which the primary mode traverses without significantly interfering with higher-order modes. The ratio of the radius of the inner cladding to the radius of the core of the stub fiber is less than 6.5:1. The index profile of the refractive index of the inner cladding is deep relative to the refractive index of the core to confine the primary mode within the core. The raised refractive index of the outer-cladding pulls the higher-order modes deeper into that region, reducing interference with the primary mode. The respective core diameters of the field and stub fibers are matched to avoid mode-field diameter mismatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Richard J. Pimpinella, Albert Brunsting
  • Patent number: 7452137
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, and a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of the buffer, the second diameter portion positioned between the first diameter and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end to the second diameter portion. A hub holds the ferrule. A method of assembling a terminated fiber optic cable is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Droege, Steven C. Zimmel
  • Publication number: 20080279507
    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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Lu Liang-Ju
  • Patent number: 7448809
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacture that minimizes the lateral offset of a plurality of optical fiber holes associated with a multi-fiber ferrule, including: determining an initial offset distance of each of the plurality of optical fiber holes from each of a plurality of corresponding target locations on an initial endface; removing a predetermined amount of material from the multi-fiber ferrule to form a subsequent endface; determining a subsequent offset distance of each of the plurality of optical fiber holes from each of the plurality of corresponding target locations on the subsequent endface; and, using the initial offset distance and the subsequent offset distance, determining an angle of each of the plurality of optical fiber holes relative to the initial endface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Todd Cody, David Lee Dean, Jr., Alan John Malanowski, Scott Timothy Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20080247709
    Abstract: A compact, highly compatible shading member-equipped optical connector plug that makes the optical connector plug compact while having the compatibility to engage existing connector receptacles. The shading member includes a shutter housing enclosing a plug frame slidably on an outside thereof, and inserted into an engagement opening of a connector receptacle to be engaged when the shading member-equipped optical connector is connected, a shutter one end of which is supported by the shutter housing at a front part of the housing and another end of which is urged by an elastic force and closes so as to shade the optical fibers at a position in front of the ferrule, and an elastic member disposed between the plug frame and the shutter housing that urges said shutter housing forward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Toshiaki Eguchi, Naohide Goto, Yasuaki Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 7431514
    Abstract: A multifiber optical connector is provided comprising: a ferrule including a junction-end-face and a plurality of optical-fiber-insertion holes which open in the junction-end-face; openings of the optical-fiber-insertion holes arranged on the junction-end-face in a line or row or in plural parallel lines or rows; and optical fibers received in the optical-fiber-insertion holes such that they protrude from the junction-end-face. The lengths of optical fibers disposed on both side portions of the junction-end-face are greater than the lengths of optical fibers disposed on a central portion of the junction-end-face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Fujiwara, Tatsuya Ohta, Seiji Katoh
  • Patent number: 7427164
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical connector arrangement wherein the connector and the converter are connected by short plastic fiber sections. The aim of the invention is to provide one such connector arrangement which can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner, can be easily and economically mounted on a circuit carrier and reliably and efficiently soldered to the conductors thereof, enables a modular assembly, and is at least partially heat-resistant during the assembly in such a way that, for example, a vibration-resistant reflow soldering can be carried out. To this end, the fiber sections are connected to a double ferrule which is fixed to the converters by means of a clamp. A false cover can be used for the transport and soldering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Otto Schempp
  • Publication number: 20080226235
    Abstract: A fiber optic assembly comprising an adapter assembly defining an internal cavity, a first end for a receiving a first fiber optic connector, and a second end for receiving a second fiber optic connector, wherein the first and the second fiber optic connectors are dissimilar. A fiber optic connection comprising a first fiber optic connector comprising a connector housing, a first multi-fiber ferrule, and a clearance about an end face of the first multi-fiber ferrule for clearing a ferrule surround during connector mating, and a second connector that is a FOCIS 5 compliant MTP connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: James Phillip Luther, Martin Eugene Norris, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20080226234
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a fiber optic connector having an outer housing with a connector interface end, a connector interface housing mounted at the connector interface end, and a retention nut rotatably mounted about the outer housing. The connector interface housing has a first end supporting a ferrule and a second end forming a base supported by a retention block mounted within the outer housing. A cap for covering the connector interface end includes internal threads and a stabilizing element. The internal threads receive external threads of the retention nut such that the retention nut secures the cap to the fiber optic connector. The stabilizing element is positioned within the cap and compresses against the retention block when the cap is secured to the fiber optic connector by the retention nut to maintain alignment of the connector interface housing relative to the outer housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Scott Droege
  • Publication number: 20080219624
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector having a double-clad specialty optical stub fiber with a deep index core-to-inner-cladding profile and a raised index outer-cladding profile. The double-clad optical stub fiber abuts against a single-clad field optical fiber of the single-mode type to form an interface across which the primary mode traverses without significantly interfering with higher-order modes. The ratio of the radius of the inner cladding to the radius of the core of the stub fiber is less than 6.5:1. The index profile of the refractive index of the inner cladding is deep relative to the refractive index of the core to confine the primary mode within the core. The raised refractive index of the outer-cladding pulls the higher-order modes deeper into that region, reducing interference with the primary mode. The respective core diameters of the field and stub fibers are matched to avoid mode-field diameter mismatch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventors: Richard J. Pimpinella, Albert Brunsting
  • Patent number: 7422375
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical connection structure and optical connection method for enabling a connection characterized by a simple structure, ability to retain optical fibers in an adhered state, easy installation and detachment/attachment, and excellent optical stability. The optical connection structure proposed by the present invention has a solid viscous connection member having refractive-index matching property disposed in a single layer state between the end faces of mutually opposing optical transmission media or between the end face of an optical transmission medium and an optical component that are mutually opposing. The solid viscous connection member should desirably be made of silicone resin or acrylic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Suzuki, Kyoichi Sasaki, Tatsushi Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20080212926
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical fiber (12,14) connector (10) comprising a longitudinally extending body (16), said body (16) comprising a first end (18) and a second end (20), and said body having a conduit (22) extending from said first end (18) to said second end (20), and said body (16) comprising a plurality of finger projections (24,26) that extend longitudinally at each end of said first (18) and second ends (20), the connector assembly (10) including a first collar circumferentially coupled to said first end (18) of said connector (10) and a second collar (36) circumferentially coupled to said second end (20) of said connector (10), the connector assembly (10) comprises a connector housing of four portions (38), which, when assembled, define a connector chamber for receiving and retaining a connector (10) as aforesaid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Le Savoir du Gardien, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Weynant, Daniel Demissy
  • Patent number: 7419309
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fibre plug connector, comprising at least one pair of plug connectors and a coupling, whereby each plug connector comprises a ferrule, each two ferrules of a pair of plug connectors are detachably guided and aligned together within a guide sleeve and the coupling has a housing, for each of the plug connectors. According to the invention, a compact space-saving optical fibre plug connector made from few components may be achieved, whereby the coupling is made from only one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Faika, Dietrich Rund, Hans-Peter Sandeck
  • Publication number: 20080205825
    Abstract: An optical device includes a housing having a front connector interface and a rear connector interface. The housing houses optics that provide an optical pathway from the front connector interface to the rear connector interface. The front connector interface is configured to be coupled with a first optical connector such that an optical signal from the first optical connector travels along the optical pathway. The rear connector interface is configured to be coupled with a second optical connector such that the second optical connector receives the optical signal from the optical pathway. The optical device includes an attenuator in the housing. The attenuator is configured to scatter the optical signal traveling along the optical pathway such that power of the optical signal is attenuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: MOLEX INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Barbara Grzegorzewska
  • Patent number: 7416348
    Abstract: In an optical connector for use in connecting an optical fiber, a housing defines an optical axis extending in a predetermined direction. For positioning the optical fiber along the optical axis, a ferrule is accommodated in the housing to be movable in the predetermined direction. The housing further accommodates a fixing member engaged with the housing in the predetermined direction. Between the ferrule and the fixing member, an elastic member is interposed to urge the ferrule towards one side in the predetermined direction. In addition, the housing has a guide groove extending in the predetermined direction. The fixing member has a guide portion protruding through the guide groove to the outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Jun Takeda, Yuichi Koreeda
  • Patent number: 7409135
    Abstract: A ferrule connectable to a fiber optic cable having an exposed portion of a length of optical fiber extending from a protective buffer. The ferrule includes a cylindrical body including an optical fiber bore coaxial with the body which extends longitudinally from a proximal end of the body through a distal end portion thereof sized to slidably receive the optical fiber therethrough. The distal end portion is mechanically deformable to frictionally engage the optical fiber within the bore, the distal end being either conically shaped or including an outwardly extending ring resulting in the distal end being a substantially planar surface, whereby a projecting length of the optical fiber extending beyond the distal end may be cleaved in very close proximity to the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Wojciech Beldycki
  • Publication number: 20080175540
    Abstract: An illustrative optical connector is disclosed having a first component having a first channel therein; a second component having a second channel therein, wherein the second component is configured to physically mate with the first component such that the first and second channels merge to form a single continuous first channel extending completely through the mated first and second components; a third component having a second channel configured to as to receive the mated first and second components; and an optical fiber partially disposed within the second channel. Also disclosed is an illustrative kit having connector components and an illustrative method for combining connector components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Tenvera, Inc.
    Inventors: Wenxin Zheng, Neal Zumovitch, Brent Ware
  • Publication number: 20080170825
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-physical contact (non-PC) visual fault locator (VFL) coupler that functions with fewer components and reduces handling, and without ferrule-to-ferrule contact, thereby reducing endface wear degradation and other problems. Specifically, the non-PC VFL coupler incorporates an alignment sleeve retainer that includes a connector stop, such that, when a field-installable fiber optic connector engages the alignment sleeve retainer of the non-PC VFL coupler, the endfaces of the ferrules of the non-PC VFL coupler and the field-installable fiber optic connector do not physically contact one another. Both 1.25 mm and 2.5 mm versions are contemplated, among others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Brandon Andrew Barnes, Bradley Scott Billman, David Wayne Meek, Scott Eric Semmier
  • Patent number: 7393143
    Abstract: An optical connector having: a ferrule into which a first optical fiber is inserted; an optical fiber connector disposed at an back end of the ferrule; and a cross-linkable refractive index matching member attached onto an end face on a back end side of the first optical fiber. The end face on the back end side of the first optical fiber and an end face of a second optical fiber to be inserted into the optical fiber connector from a back end side thereof are to be connected by a butting connection. The cross-linkable refractive index matching member is formed such that a cross-linkable refractive index matching agent is coated on the end face on the back end side of the first optical fiber, and the coated agent is cross-linked and hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Kato, Kanako Suzuki, Noribumi Shiina, Tomoyuki Nisio, Kazumasa Ohsono, Yoshikazu Namekawa, Yoshihiro Nakatani
  • Patent number: 7387446
    Abstract: An optical plug-in connection for the connection of polarization-maintaining optical fibers includes a sleeve having a bore therein and a receptacle having a bore therein for supporting the sleeve with the bore of the sleeve aligned with the bore of the receptacle. First and second ferrules are provided having bores supporting ends of optical fibers. A first end of the first ferrule is received in one end of the bore of the sleeve via one end of the bore of the receptacle. A first end of the second ferrule is received in the other end of the bore of the sleeve via the other end of the bore of the receptacle. A locking mechanism is provided for locking the first and second ferrules to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Huber + Suhner AG
    Inventors: Daniel Greub, Besnik Zajmi
  • Patent number: 7387447
    Abstract: A secure fiber optic connector and adapter system including at least one connector including a first housing portion defining a first key slot and a second housing portion defining a second key slot independent of the first key slot, and at least one adapter including a first cavity for receiving the first housing portion and defining a first key therein for engaging with the first key slot, and a second cavity for receiving the second housing portion and defining a second key therein for engaging with the second key slot, wherein only a connector and an adapter having corresponding key slots and keys may mate. A secure fiber optic connector and adapter system for providing a level of secure access within a fiber optic network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ronald L. Mudd, Joshua D. Raker
  • Patent number: 7384201
    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: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: RE40622
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector has two ferrules contained within a single connector housing with the ferrules positioned in parallel, spaced-apart alignment. The connector includes a first mating fastener exposed on exterior sides of the connector housing. A fiber optic adapter has an open end to slidably receive the connector housing. The adapter includes two parallel sleeves contained within the adapter housing and aligned with the ferrules of the connector. The adapter includes a second mating fastener exposed to an interior of the adapter housing to releasably mate with the first mating fastener when the connector housing is in the full insert position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu