Fiber End Held In Ferrule Patents (Class 385/60)
  • Patent number: 7380992
    Abstract: A universal hybrid adapter includes a first housing part, a second housing part, and a sleeve. The first housing part has a receptacle end configured to receive a plug connector including a ferrule having a first diameter. The second housing part has a receptacle end configured to receive a plug connector including a ferrule having a second diameter different from the first diameter. A first end of the sleeve is configured to receive the ferrule having the first diameter and a second end of the sleeve is configured to receive the ferrule having the second diameter. The transition from the first end to the second end of the sleeve takes place at right angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Anne Kramer, Hans-Joachim Faika, Jorg Adomeit
  • Publication number: 20080124029
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical receptacle which prevents the occurrence of a large impact by collision of a plug body with an optical propagation member. The optical receptacle includes a solid sleeve having a cavity hole into which the plug body is inserted from its one end side and which has an even inner diameter so as not to substantially define a gap with respect to an outer diameter of the plug body and an optical propagation member fixedly secured to the other end side of the cavity hole, with the solid sleeve being formed such that a length from an end portion of the cavity hole on the plug body insertion side to the optical propagation member is longer than a maximum length of extension due to the elastic body of the terminal member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Nobuaki Mitamura
  • Patent number: 7377699
    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: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuhiro Terakura
  • Patent number: 7377698
    Abstract: In an optical connector 1, a cord receiving hole portion 11c, where an optical fiber cord 90 can be inserted and received axially of the optical fiber cord, is formed in a housing 10. A mounting hole 13, through which a stopper 40 can be inserted into the portion 11c perpendicularly to an insertion direction of the cord 90, is formed in the housing. A positioning slit 42, having a width slightly smaller than the diameter of the cord 90, is formed in each plate-like portion 41. A blade portion 43 with an angle 90° is formed at each open end of the slit 42. When the stopper 40 is inserted into the portion 11c through the hole 13, each portion 43 abuts against a covering portion 92, and penetrates into the portion 92 while forcing a cut portion of this portion 92 away in the stopper insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignees: Autonetworks Technologies, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Asada
  • Patent number: 7377700
    Abstract: A process for preparing terminated fibers comprising: (a) positioning at least one fiber in a ferrule such that a portion of the fiber extends beyond the mating face of the ferrule; (b) affixing the fiber relative to the ferrule; and (c) cleaving the portion of the fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Manning, Antonius Hultermans, Sjoerd Van Geffen, David Baechtle
  • Patent number: 7373056
    Abstract: A high-voltage component, having a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is on a high-voltage potential with respect to the second end. An insulating part, is arranged between the first end and the second end, and an optical fiber is integrated in the high-voltage component and extends from the first end to the second end. A capillary extends from the first end to the second end and is arranged within the insulating part. The inside diameter of the capillary exceeds the outside diameter of the fiber, and the fiber is arranged within the capillary. The capillary includes a protective medium to achieve a dielectric strength in the capillary, which dielectric strength is suitable for the operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd
    Inventors: Klaus Bohnert, Philippe Gabus, Hubert Brändle
  • Patent number: 7371015
    Abstract: Attachments are respectively attached to one ends of a pair of light guides, which are integrally formed via a connecting portion, such that the attachments surround the one ends of the light guides. The one ends protrude from a rear face of a receptacle body and are opposed to a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device, respectively. The attachments are inserted and positioned in guide holes formed respectively on the light-emitting device and the light-receiving device, and the optical axes of the pair of light guides and the optical axes of the light-emitting device and the light-receiving device are aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Naoya Takehara, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Takeshi Isoda
  • Publication number: 20080107381
    Abstract: An optical connector according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises (a) a ferrule incorporating a short fiber; (b) a mechanical splice having a holding part and a fixing part, and adapted so that the fixing part mechanically fixes the short fiber extending from the ferrule held by the holding part, and an optical fiber in an optical cable to butt the short fiber; (c) an outer housing having a housing part in which the mechanical splice is located, and a pair of flexible arms located on both sides of the housing part, the pair of arms each being provided with a locking claw at a tip; and (d) a jacket fixture for fixing a cable jacket, the jacket fixture being coupled to the mechanical splice so that the cable jacket is inserted therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Daizo Nishioka, Kenichiro Ohtsuka, Kazuhito Saito, Yoshikyo Tamekuni, Yukihiro Yokomachi, Tunetaka Ema, Kenichi Nakazawa, Yasuhiko Hoshino
  • Patent number: 7369738
    Abstract: An optical connector for terminating an optical fiber comprises a housing configured to mate with a receptacle and a collar body disposed in the housing. The collar body includes a fiber stub disposed in a first portion of the collar body, the fiber stub including a first optical fiber mounted in a ferrule and having a first end proximate to an end face of the ferrule and a second end. The collar body also includes a mechanical splice disposed in a second portion of the collar body, the mechanical splice configured to splice the second end of the fiber stub to a second optical fiber. The collar body also includes a buffer clamp configured within a third portion of the collar body, the buffer clamp configured to clamp at least a portion of a buffer cladding of the second fiber upon actuation. A fiber distribution unit is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Donald K. Larson, Paul N. Winberg, Wesley A. Raider, Chansool Park, Wai-Fung Mak, James B. Carpenter, Frank J. Glatzl
  • Patent number: 7364366
    Abstract: A guide insert having a guide member having an arcuate portion for bending an optical fiber of a backplane, and a circuit board assembly comprising the backplane and a daughterboard wherein the daughterboard is operatively connected to the backplane via the guide insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Viasystems Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph A. A. M. Tourne
  • Patent number: 7357580
    Abstract: A receptacle assembly that receives an optical connector. The receptacle assembly includes a first piece having a central bore with a stepped diameter. The receptacle assembly also includes an annular second piece designed to receive the optical connector and that has an outside surface designed to establish an interference fit with the inside surface of the first piece central bore. Further, the assembly includes an annular third piece that has a constant inner diameter and a stepped outer diameter. The outside surface of the third piece is designed to establish an interference fit with the inside surface of the annular second piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Morgenstern, Stefan M. Pfnuer
  • Patent number: 7347627
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a connector body that has a first optical fiber housed in advance in a ferrule so as to project from a back end of the ferrule opposite to the connecting end surface and an anchoring fixture that anchors a second optical fiber that is to be optically connected to the first optical fiber, and by pressing the anchoring fixture into the connector body while the second optical fiber is anchored in this anchoring fixture, the anchoring fixture and the connector body are connected to optically connect the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and the connecting portion that connects the anchoring fixture and the connector body form a movable connecting portion that is adapted to vary the direction of the anchoring fixture with respect to the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corp.
    Inventors: Daigo Saito, Kazuhiro Takizawa, Hiroshi Furukawa, Terutake Kobayashi, Hiroshi Aoyama, Yasuhiko Hoshino, Yasou Oda
  • Patent number: 7349619
    Abstract: A device and method of blocking customer access to a fiber optic distribution cable. A service blocker is positioned between a fiber distribution cable and a customer drop cable within a fiber optic adapter. The service blocker includes a unitary body which does not permit optical transmission between the fiber distribution cable and the customer drop cable. The service blocker includes a first end configured to be inserted within the fiber optic adapter and a second end configured receive a fiber optic cable connector. A system for mounting fiber optic cables including a service blocker positioned within a bulkhead mounted adapter between two fiber optic cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Beck, Scott C. Kowalczyk
  • Publication number: 20080069501
    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: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald L. Mudd, Joshua D. Raker
  • Patent number: 7344315
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a fiber assembly is provided. The fiber assembly has a first fiber having at least one core. The core has a length, a first end, and a second end, and light may be transmitted along the core. The second end has an obtusely angled end surface. The assembly also has a second fiber having at least one core having a first end. Light may be transmitted along the core. The second end of the first fiber is optically coupled to the first end of the second fiber such that light emitted from the first fiber may be transmitted to the second fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Martin Fenwick, Richard John Luebs, Terrel L. Morris, Duane A. Wegher, Jeffrey D. Yetter
  • Patent number: 7344317
    Abstract: The device includes a ferrule, a housing, a first gap, and a holder. The housing having a recess, a first cantilever spring, a second cantilever spring. The recess accommodates the ferrule. The first cantilever spring has a first contact area, and the second cantilever spring has a second contact area. The holder having a ferrule seating surface, first, second, third, and fourth cantilever spring seating surfaces, and a second gap. The holder is interposed between the ferrule, and the first and second cantilever springs. The first and second cantilever spring seating surfaces contact the first contact area if the first cantilever spring. The third and fourth cantilever spring seating surfaces contact the second contact area of the second cantilever spring. The ferrule contacts the ferrule seating surface of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Stratos International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Krowiak, Joe Sutton, Mark Waldron
  • Patent number: 7341381
    Abstract: A cantilever type latch having the fixed end on the side of exposing the terminal end surface of the optical fiber is provided on the side of the plug housing. Near the center of the upper surface of the latch, an engaging projection which is to be engaged in the engaging hole formed in the adapter or the receptacle is formed. The engaging projection has the slope which decreases the height toward the fixed end side of the latch, in which the gradient of the slope is nearly equal to or greater than the rotation angle required for the elastic deformation of the latch with the fixed end functioned as the fulcrum. Thereby easy disconnecting of the latch is implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignees: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd, Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Corporation, Fujikura Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoko Shimoji, Masato Shiino, Masanobu Toyonaga, Kuniaki Terakawa, Hiroyuki Tanase, Tatsuya Nakajima, Masashi Awamori, Kazuhiro Takizawa, Daigo Saitoh, Kenichiro Ohtsuka, Daizo Nishioka, Masahiro Hamada
  • Publication number: 20080050072
    Abstract: The expanded beam, single fiber, fiber optic connector includes a lens holder, a lens, and a ferrule. The lens holder retains the lens, and the lens holder accommodates the ferrule. The lens is in optical communication with an optical fiber retained in the ferrule. The lens holder has an outside diameter that is substantially the same as the outside diameter of a ferrule of a physical contact, single fiber, fiber optic connector, such as one of an LC, SC, FC, and ST style or standard fiber optic connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Richard S.E. Durrant, Mark Waldron
  • Publication number: 20080044137
    Abstract: A ruggedized fiber optic connector assembly includes a substantially hollow plug housing; and a glue body disposed within the substantially hollow plug housing; wherein the glue body includes a first portion that is configured to engage and retain an optical cable comprising an optical fiber and one or more strength members; wherein the glue body includes a second portion that is configured to engage and retain a connector sub-assembly comprising an optical ferrule; wherein the second portion of the glue body includes a pair of opposed snap hooks that are configured to engage a corresponding pair of opposed recesses of the connector sub-assembly; and wherein the optical fiber and the optical ferrule are optically coupled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn, Xin Liu
  • Patent number: 7330546
    Abstract: A multimedia patching box including a generally rectangular housing. The housing includes a first wall positioned opposite from a second wall. The housing also includes opposing third and fourth walls that extend between the first and second walls. A panel is mounted adjacent the front of the housing. The panel is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The pivot axis is located adjacent to the third wall of the housing and extends generally along the third wall of the housing. A plurality of multimedia connectors are mounted on the panel. The housing defines at least one cable access opening defined through at least one of the first and second walls at a location adjacent the third wall. A cable management structure is connected to the back side of the panel. The cable management structure defines a cable guiding channel that extends generally along the pivot axis of the panel and generally aligns with the at least one cable access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Scott Kessler, Jeffrey Scott Hartzler, Cory Lee Grabinger
  • Patent number: 7325977
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling and decoupling optical leads while preventing twists or kinks in the optical leas as well as back reflections with the apparatus including an a rotatable optical coupler and a non-rotatable optical coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Rick C. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7325980
    Abstract: A yoke member is provided for selective insertion into a passage of a first-half housing portion of a connector interface assembly, wherein the first-half housing portion is selectively matable with a complementary second-half housing portion. The yoke member includes a base wall; a pair of side walls; and an intermediate wall disposed between the side walls. The base wall, the pair of side walls and the intermediate wall define a pair of channels. A fiber optic connector is selectively positionable within each channel of the yoke member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Paul John Pepe
  • Publication number: 20080019643
    Abstract: An optical subassembly (“OSA”) for use in optical communications modules is disclosed. The OSA solves various issues related to the insertion and removal of an optical fiber connector into and from the OSA receptacle, including hard plug, wiggle performance, and shavings production. In one embodiment, an optical communications module is disclosed and includes a housing and an optical subassembly of the present invention partially contained within the housing. The optical subassembly includes various components, including a body composed of a first material, and a plug receptacle formed with the body. The plug receptacle includes an inner surface on which surface features, such as threads, are formed. A hollow cylindrical sleeve composed of a second material is received in the plug receptacle such that the outer sleeve surface engages the surface features of the plug receptacle inner surface and such that an optical fiber connector can be received by the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Tat Ming Teo, Chris Kiyoshi Togami, Jinxiang Liu
  • Publication number: 20080013893
    Abstract: An optical fiber network may be provided in a building or set of buildings that can be used with any type of services, regardless of whether those services are provided as electrical signals or as optical signals. To accomplish this, a service aggregation gateway may be provided that receives electrical and/or optical service signals and converts the incoming electrical signals to optical signals. Also, a way for conventional electronic devices in the building to communicate with the optical fiber network is provided. In addition, units for allowing such communication between electronic devices and the optical network may be modularized such that they are interchangeable. In addition, keyed optical fiber ferrule/connector pairs are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: TENVERA, INC.
    Inventors: Wenxin Zheng, Mikael Kostet, Neal Zumovitch
  • Publication number: 20080008425
    Abstract: In one aspect, a connector is described. The connector comprises a plurality of optical fibers, at least two MT fiber optic connectors, communicatively coupled to one another utilizing the plurality of optical fibers, each MT fiber optic connector comprises a mating end. The connector further comprises a connector body formed around the MT fiber optic connectors and the plurality of optical fibers, said mating ends of the MT fiber optic connectors accessible from opposite ends of the connector body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Robert B. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7315682
    Abstract: A protection system for a fiber optic coupling having a first housing with a guide slot in a side wall includes a protective cap with a slot in a side wall and defining a passage for receiving the first housing whereby the protective cap slot aligns with the guide slot in the first housing and a protective shutter pivotally connected to the protective cap for covering a distal end and guide slot of the fiber optic coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Senko Advanced Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel I. En Lin, Stephen O'Riorden
  • Patent number: 7314317
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector is used to optically connect a pair of optical fibers with their tips opposing each other. The optical fiber connector is formed of a material having a higher thermal deformation temperature than the coverings of the optical fibers. The connector has a guide hole for inserting therein the optical fibers with their tips opposing each other. The connector has fiber-fixing groove portions circumferentially formed in the wall of the guide hole. When the coverings of the optical fibers are thermally deformed, parts of the coverings bite the groove portions, whereby the optical fibers are fixed in the guide hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hamasaki, Hideto Furuyama
  • Patent number: 7309167
    Abstract: A ferrule and method are presented that fuses optical fibers, capillaries and the like to ferrules while reducing deformation of the fused component and the ferrule and minimizing stresses within the assembly. Reduced deformation and stress is accomplished by providing high contact angles in a symmetrical, short section of fusion in fusing the component carried by the ferrule to the ferrule. It is particularly applicable to hermetic terminations of polymer clad fiber optics where irregular glass fusion joints cause irregular light leakage at the fiber launch but benefits are significant when used for other fiber and capillary architectures as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Innovaquartz Inc.
    Inventor: Griffin Stephen
  • Patent number: 7296935
    Abstract: An adapter for holding a multi-fiber ferrule in position to mate with a fiber optic connector includes an adapter body having a first side and a second side, with a first opening disposed in the first side that is configured to receive the multi-fiber ferrule. A second opening is disposed in the second side of the adapter end is configured to receive a fiber optic connector. An engagement member, which preferably rotates about an axis transverse to the opening, is disposed adjacent the first opening to engage and hold the multi-fiber ferrule in the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd.
    Inventors: Darrell R Childers, Russell J. Granger, Joseph P Howard, Myron W Yount
  • Patent number: 7295743
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical waveguide including an optical waveguide core for transmitting optical signals, a plate-shaped clad portion containing the optical waveguide core therein, and at least one of a concave portion and a convex portion at an end surface portion of the clad portion which end surface portion is disposed near one end of the optical waveguide core; an optical waveguide ferrule having an opening portion for receiving an optical waveguide, and at least one of a convex portion and a convex portion having a concave portion on an inner surface thereof at one end of the opening portion; and an optical connector in which the optical waveguide is inserted in the opening portion of the optical waveguide ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Yatsuda, Keishi Shimizu, Shigemi Ohtsu, Eiichi Akutsu
  • Patent number: 7287912
    Abstract: In an optical connector having a housing defining an area surrounding a connection axis of the optical connector, the housing has a pair of slits spaced from each other and defining an elastic portion therebetween. A protruding portion protrudes from the elastic portion outward in a radial direction of the housing. A mounting portion is faced to the protruding portion with a space left therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Yuichi Koreeda, Yasutaka Hiroki
  • Patent number: 7284912
    Abstract: An optical fiber interconnect system comprising a connector for carrying an array of optical fibers along a longitudinal axis. The adapter comprises a push-push coupling mechanism configured to receive and couple with the connector upon application of a first pushing force to the connector. The connector is disengaged and may be withdrawn from the adapter upon application of a second pushing force upon the connector. The pushing forces can be applied at a pushing region by using a stylus member. Spring-biased automatic shutters are included in the adapter to provide protection against dust and other contaminants, as well as eye injuries, when only one of the connectors is inserted in the adapter. The release mechanism that disengages the connector and adapter facilitates the handling of a small connector. When the release is operated, the separation of the connector and adapter is initiated actively without the need of a strong pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignees: Illum Technologies, Inc., Adamant Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Suzuki, Gregory Bunin
  • Patent number: 7281859
    Abstract: A method for assembling an optical fiber connector comprising providing a one piece housing comprising a tailpiece and a body defining a forward first end, a rearward second end and a passage extending longitudinally therebetween, inserting a spring element into the passage through the forward first end, inserting a subassembly comprising a ferrule, a ferrule holder and a lead-in tube into the passage through the forward first end, maintaining the spring within the passage between a shoulder defined by the one piece housing and a flange of the ferrule holder, and inserting a subassembly retainer into the passage through the forward first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ronald L. Mudd, Derek N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7281858
    Abstract: In an optical connector, a holding member is coupled to a ferrule and attached to a housing. The ferrule has a flange portion brought into contact with the contact surface. The ferrule is adapted to receive an optical fiber. The housing has a contact surface and an engaging surface faced inward with respect to each other in an optical axis direction. The holding member includes a cylindrical main body for receiving the ferrule inserted therein, a first engaging portion connected to the main body and engaged with the engaging surface, and a second engaging portion connected to the main body and engaged with the flange portion, the second engaging portion being elastically deformable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Jun Takeda, Yuichi Koreeda
  • Patent number: 7278790
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include an improved connector for a fiber-optic cable including: a fiber-optic conductor disposed in a center portion of the fiber-optic connector; one or more flexible end portions disposed on an outer portion of the fiber-optic connector; a swab disposed on an inner surface of at least one flexible end portion; wherein the swab contacts and cleans the fiber-optic conductor when the improved connector is attached to a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Eric L. Kobrin
  • Patent number: 7270487
    Abstract: A field installable optical fiber connector is provided, the connector including an inner housing defining an interior passageway extending longitudinally between a forward end and a rearward end, a first connector subassembly inserted through the rearward end of the inner housing into the interior passageway thereof. In one embodiment, the first connector subassembly includes a ferrule holder having a ferrule disposed within the ferrule holder, and an optical fiber stub disposed within the ferrule. In another embodiment, the first connector subassembly also includes a flange disposed at a first end of the ferrule holder, a spring element and a spring element retainer slidably mounted on the ferrule holder, and a collar mounted on a second end of the ferrule holder so as to capture the spring and the spring element retainer between the flange and the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Bradley S. Billman, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 7264403
    Abstract: An optical ferrule is provided with a ferrule body having a front face and at least one covering applied to the front face to protect the front face of the ferrule from a laser beam used during a trimming process. The optical ferrule may also have a second covering disposed between the front face of the ferrule and the first covering to assist in adhering the first covering to the optical ferrule. A method is also provided for applying the first covering or the first covering and the second covering to the front face of the ferrule. A method is also provided for trimming, and in particular, ablating portions of one or more optical fibers that protrude beyond the front face of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Danley, Paul A. Sachenlk, Robert S. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7264402
    Abstract: A fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly adapted to be mounted within an opening through a wall of a connection terminal. The receptacle and plug define complimentary alignment and keying features for ensuring that the plug is mated with the receptacle in a predetermined orientation. An alignment sleeve is disposed within the plug for receiving a multi-fiber receptacle ferrule and a multi-fiber plug ferrule. The fiber optic receptacle and corresponding plug each include a biasing member assembly for urging the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule towards one another, wherein the biasing member assembly includes a round spring, a spring centering cuff and a ferrule boot that operatively engage the rear of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule, respectively, to substantially center a spring biasing force on the end face of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Theuerkorn, Martin E. Norris, James P. Luther
  • Patent number: 7261469
    Abstract: A precision mold insert and method for manufacturing angled or angled and bumpered multi-fiber ferrules. The precision mold insert includes an angled end face forming portion, one or more optional bumper forming portions, one or more fiber bores for receiving one or more fiber bore forming pins, and one or more guide pin holes for receiving one or more guide pin hole forming pins. A method for manufacturing a precision mold insert for molding angled or angled and bumpered multi-fiber ferrules utilizing electrical discharge machining (EDM) process and/or a poly crystalline diamond (PCD) grinding tool is provided. The mold insert is used to produce a multi-fiber ferrule having a pre-molded angled end face that is not machined, polished or otherwise altered subsequent to the molding process. The ferrule may also include bumpers for polishing end portions of optical fibers positioned within the fiber bores without altering the angled end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: David L. Dean, Jr., Alan J. Malanowski, Joseph T Cody
  • Patent number: 7261472
    Abstract: An optical fiber interconnect system comprising a connector for carrying an optical fiber along a longitudinal axis. The adapter comprises a push-push coupling mechanism configured to receive and couple with the connector upon application of a first pushing force to the connector so as to removably receive the connector in operably connected fashion. The connector is disengaged from the adapter upon application of a second pushing force upon the connector to enable withdrawal of the connector from the adapter. The pushing forces can be applied to the connector at a pushing region by using a stylus member. A zero rotation embodiment provides for linear or curvilinear, non-rotational movement of the ferrule within the connector relative to the optical axis for better alignment and tunability. A movable plug extender is provided within the ferrule holder to facilitate injection of adhesive and protect fiber from breakage during the termination process and thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignees: Illum Technologies, Inc., Adamant Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Suzuki, Gregory Bunm
  • Patent number: 7255486
    Abstract: A load adapter and method for terminating an optical fiber in a small form factor connector having a ferrule portion and a barrel portion that include a pre-loaded thermoplastic adhesive material, and a housing. The load adapter includes a thermally conductive body having a base section and a connector mounting section extending axially therefrom. The base section is adapted to be inserted/placed in an oven port of a portable heat source. The connector mounting section has a substantially cylindrical shape adapted to surround a substantial portion of the small form factor connector housing and includes at least one slot. The connector mounting section includes a mount adapted to receive the small form factor connector. The mount includes a stem having a substantially cylindrical structure adapted to slidably receive the ferrule portion of the small form factor connector, where an end of a received ferrule portion of the small form factor connector extends beyond an edge of an inner wall of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry R. Cox, Edward B. Lurie, Eric M. Morgan, David S. Hardcastle
  • Patent number: 7255485
    Abstract: An optical plug-in connection including: an optical plug-in connector; a coupling configured to receive the plug-in connector; and locking means for locking the plug-in connector in the coupling when the plug-in connector is inserted into the coupling, wherein the locking means are designed to prevent unintentional unlocking when in a locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Huber+Suhner AG
    Inventors: Willi Thäler, David Vollenweider, Michael Columbus
  • Patent number: 7252130
    Abstract: While clamped by a clamping jig 100, polarization-maintaining fiber cables 11 and 12 are automatically oriented with an orientation adjusting unit 200 and then heated by a heater 105 for curing thermoset resins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Totoku Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Nonomura, Hidetoku Iida, Atsushi Koyama
  • Patent number: 7246950
    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: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: 7241056
    Abstract: A re-terminable, no-crimp ST-type optical connector assembly includes a spring-loaded ferrule holder assembly and a reusable activation system for termination of the assembly. The optical connector can be terminated by a suitable cam activation tool. The connector includes a housing, such as a bayonet, matable to a mating adapter, a backbone retained within a rear of the housing, a ferrule holder provided within the backbone, and a cam provided between the ferrule holder and the backbone. The ferrule holder includes an alignment key exposed to mate with a cam activation tool to lock rotation of the ferrule holder relative to other connector components. The cam includes a cam activation cutout at a front face thereof that mates with a cam activation tool interface to enable rotation of the cam between de-activated and activated positions, the cam activation cutout also receiving the alignment key of the ferrule holder therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Samuel M. Marrs, Shaun P. Brouwer, Robert T. Fitzpatrick, Phillip J. Irwin, Matthew M. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7241055
    Abstract: A screwing part 1220 is inserted into a large through-hole 1110 from its front side and is screwed together with a male screw part of a jig. A convex part 1230 in an approximately ring shape is formed at a back end part of the screwing part 1220. The convex part 1230 is adjacent to a fitting part 1111 which is made of an approximately ring convex part projecting toward inside of the large through-hole 1110. The back of the fitting part 1111 is adjacent to a front end opening part 1310 of a back tubular part 1300. In short, the fitting part 1111 of the adaptor main body 1110 is sandwiched between the convex part 1230 and the front end opening part 1310. By inserting and pressing the back end opening part 1210 of the front tubular part 1200 into the front end opening part 1310 of the back tubular part 1300, the front tubular part 1200 and the back tubular part 1300 are connected and fixed with each other. Sign ? represents their pressing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Canare Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Takahashi, Manabu Komatsubara
  • Publication number: 20070147742
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable, comprising a cable main unit with an optical fiber covered by a sheath and terminal units mounted on end portions of the cable main unit, wherein each of the terminal units has a transparent cover member with a refractive index approximately equal to the optical fiber, the cover member of at least one of the terminal units and the optical fiber are welded under such condition that the cover member is brought closer to or into contact with the optical fiber, and the cover member and the optical fiber are integrated with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Masayuki Momiuchi, Shinya Ikoma, Shigenori Nagano, Akira Takada
  • Patent number: 7234876
    Abstract: A first guiding mechanism is formed by the interior shape of an engagement portion of a plug housing and the exterior shape of an engagement portion of a receptacle housing, to be guided and inserted into the engagement portion. A second guiding mechanism is formed by guide posts and guide holes. A third guiding mechanism is formed by the interior shape of the engagement portion of the receptacle housing and the exterior shapes of first multi core ferrules of the plug side optical connector, to be inserted into the engagement portion of the receptacle housing. A fourth guiding mechanism is formed by guide pins of second multi core ferrules and guide pin apertures, for receiving the guide pins of the first multi core ferrules. The first, second, third, and fourth guiding mechanisms operate in this order during engagement of a receptacle side optical connector and a plug side optical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP K.K
    Inventors: Nobuaki Ohtsu, Takehiro Hayashi, Shigeru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7234875
    Abstract: The device includes first and second ferrules, first and second housings, and first and second holders. The first and second ferrules have respective first and second mating ends. The first housing has a first cantilever spring, a second cantilever spring, and a first recess for accommodating the first ferrule. The second housing has a third cantilever spring, a fourth cantilever spring, and a second recess for accommodating the second ferrule. The first holder is interposed between the first ferrule and the first and second cantilever springs. The second holder is interposed between the second ferrule and the third and fourth cantilever springs. In a connected state, the first mating end of the first ferrule contacts the second mating end of the second ferrule so that the first ferrule is in optical communication with the second ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Stratos International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Krowiak, Joe Sutton, Mark Waldron
  • Patent number: 7232259
    Abstract: An optical plug-in connection for connecting polarization-maintaining optical fibers includes at least two plug-in connectors and a coupler into which the plug-in connectors are plugged from opposite ends. The optical fiber to be connected is fixed to the fiber end of a ferrule in each of the plug-in connectors. The coupler is provided with a guiding device into which the ferrules enter from opposite ends when the plug-in connectors are plugged into the coupler. Also provided are means for positioning the ferrules at an angle from each other. The ferrules can be positioned in relation to each other in a much more precise manner by means of such an optical plug-in connection by configuring the positioning means in such a way that the ferrules are placed at an angle that is relative to the guiding device when the plug-in connectors are plugged into the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Huber+Suhner AG
    Inventors: Daniel Greub, Besnik Zajmi