Fiber End Held In Ferrule Patents (Class 385/60)
  • Patent number: 7226215
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fiber connector comprising a ferrule disposed in a connector body and receiving the optical fiber in a longitudinal bore, said ferrule being subjected to a compression spring disposed on a part extending the ferrule, referred to as a “counter-ferrule”, and pressed by a closure part secured to said connector body. According to the invention, the ferrule and the counter-ferrule are constituted by two separate parts, and an optical fiber holder element is inserted between these two separate parts, said holder element being capable of being caused to hold the optical fiber from outside the connector, and said holder element is also capable of being released from outside the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Baudouin Bareel, Peter D'hondt
  • Patent number: 7213974
    Abstract: An optical connector system joining waveguides in two printed circuit boards. A flexible optical conductor is connected at one end to one of the boards. The flexible conductor includes at its free end an alignment structure that provides a separable, low loss interface to an alignment structure coupled to the waveguide on the other board. The ends of the waveguides are enclosed in housings that protect the waveguides from abrasion and contaminates, but expose the waveguides when the connectors mate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Sepehr Kiani, John A. Lehman
  • Patent number: 7210857
    Abstract: An optical coupling system having a split sleeve with a metallized strip adhered to a housing barrel at one end. The sleeve may be smaller than an optical fiber ferrule. The sleeve may have spring-like flexibility and be stretched open at the slit sufficiently to permit insertion of the ferrule in the sleeve. The sleeve may be made of zirconia. The ferrule may be held by the sleeve's spring-like contraction around the ferrule. Attached at the other end of the barrel may be an optoelectronic element such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser. An optical fiber end of the ferrule may be aligned with the laser. Since the ferrule may be held firmly by the sleeve attached to the coupling barrel, there would be virtually no movement or wiggle of the fiber end relative to the laser and thus the alignment may be maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond W. Blasingame, James C. Lee, Bernard Q. Li
  • Patent number: 7207726
    Abstract: In an optical connector including an optical connector plug holding a first optical fiber and an optical connector plug holding a second optical fiber, the optical connector plugs cooperates with each other to obtain a connected state in which exposed longitudinal ends of the first and the second optical fibers are brought into contact with each other. The first optical fiber includes a long fiber portion and a short fiber portion higher in breakage resistance than the long fiber portion. One of the longitudinal ends of the short fiber is fused to one of longitudinal ends of the long fiber portion. Another of the longitudinal ends of the short fiber portion is exposed to serve as one of the exposed longitudinal ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Go Kaneko, Akihiro Onogawa, Yuichi Koreeda, Jun Takeda
  • Patent number: 7204016
    Abstract: A ferrule assembly for terminating at least one fiber of a ribbon cable in a ferrule, where the ferrule assembly is disposable in a housing of an optical connector, is provided. The ferrule assembly includes the ferrule having a mating face, at least one groove for receiving the fiber and at least one through-hole. The ferrule assembly also includes an alignment member holder having at least one alignment member and providing a first channel for the ribbon cable, the alignment member being insertable in the through-hole of the ferrule and having a first length such that an end of the alignment member extends beyond the mating face of the ferrule when the ferrule assembly is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Richard F. Roth, Joseph J. George, Sepehr Kiani
  • Patent number: 7201518
    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 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. The tapered contact regions are planar surfaces sized smaller than the angled contact surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Marlon E. Holmquist
  • Patent number: 7189008
    Abstract: A high-performance connector for optical fibers includes a cylindrical ceramic or metallic ferrule installed in a structure. This structure is positioned in a non-plastic (metallic system) base member to form a fiber holder. This overall generally cylindrical structure includes a small passageway along its central axis for holding an optical fiber. This entire structure is mounted within the non-plastic housing that includes an opening at one end thereof from which the ceramic ferrule protrudes. A cylindrical spring that is integral to the ferrule support structure and interacts with an interior surface of the surrounding structure via a secondary piece of the cylindrical structure urges the ceramic ferrule outward from the opening in the housing. The housing includes a metallic leaf-spring latch which is located on a single surface thereof, which is manually operable and used to lock the connector to an associated receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: David E. Dye
  • Patent number: 7186035
    Abstract: An optical fibre connector includes a connector having a receptacle or socket with a recessed optical fibre ferrule assembly for aligning an optical fibre within the connector. An optical socket has recessed therein a sleeve for receiving and bringing into optical alignment an optical fibre ferrule assembly at an internal end of the socket with a similar optical fibre ferrule assembly of an optical plug connected to the optical socket. The optical connector has a housing with at least two portions that are removably secured to one another. A method of cleaning such a recessed assembley includes removing at least one of said portions from the remainder of the housing. Contamination is then cleaned from the optical fibre ferrule assembly. Then, the the removed portion(s) are reassembled with the remainder of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Jeffrey Dunn, Nicholas Turner
  • Patent number: 7182524
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter of the type where a coupling for glass fiber plug-in connectors is inserted from the front into a front plate and is locked by a spring. The inventive adapter comprises a one-piece or two-piece housing which comprises at least on one side a flange projecting from the cross-section of the housing against which the front plate rests, at least one plug-in connector recess which is disposed on the front end and/or rear end with respect to the front plate, and at least one form-fit detachable locking device for the plug-in connector. Every plug-in connector recess comprises an opening for alternately receiving at least two of three different plug-in connector types LX.5, LC and MU of and one respective locking device suitable for the respective type. The adapter can be configured as a simplex plug-in coupling for alternately receiving all three types, or as a duplex plug-in connector for alternately receiving the plug types LX.5 and LC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Anne Kramer, Jörg Adomeit
  • Patent number: 7178988
    Abstract: An optical connector plug adapted to be freely and readily attached to or detached from either an SC or an FC connector adapter comprising a housing that couples to the adapter and attaches the plug to the adapter, a plug frame disposed within the housing, which plug frame supports a ferrule secured to one end of an optical fiber and a flange secured around the outside of the ferrule such that the ferrule and the flange can rotate around the axial center of the ferrule, and a plug holder, disposed inside the housing, for positioning the ferrule in relation to the housing by non-incrementally rotating the ferrule to any determinable angle in relation thereto, the plug holder having a coupling part that couples to a groove formed in the flange and is capable of rotating in relation to the plug frame around the center axis of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuhiro Terakura
  • Patent number: 7175352
    Abstract: In order to advantageously weld a pre-mounted connector-plug part (1) to an optical waveguide cable, the connector-plug part is provided with a pin holder (4) receiving a connector-plug pin (2) on a pin receiving section (5). Preferably, two cladding parts (8, 8?) form a cable receiving section (6) in said pin holder. In order to carry out welding in a simple manner on the bare end (22) of the end of a fiber, the cladding parts (8, 8?) can be pivoted around a hinge (9, 9?) between an open position and a closed position. A dividable protective sheath (25, 25?) is provided inside the cable receiving section or inside the cladding parts and can enclose the weld. When mounted, the protective sheath can be de-coupled from the cladding parts (8, 8?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Diamond SA
    Inventor: Silverio De Marchi
  • Patent number: 7168861
    Abstract: A optical fiber connector cord capable of being detachably attached to a receptacle fixed to an optical apparatus includes an optical fiber having at least one hole which extends along an optical axis, a plug having a fiber hole through which the optical fiber extends and which is capable of being fitted into the receptacle, a first sealing member which is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the plug and which seals a gap between the plug and the receptacle along the outer periphery of the plug, and a second sealing member which seals a gap between an inner surface of the plug's fiber hole and the optical fiber along the outer periphery of the optical fiber, so that holes in the optical fiber are effectively prevented from communicating with the atmosphere. In addition, an optical coupling set includes the optical fiber connector cord and the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuhiko Saitoh
  • Patent number: 7163342
    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 fibre 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: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Kingfisher International, Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Bruce Elphinston Robertson, Ross Stuart Williams
  • Patent number: 7156560
    Abstract: An alignment assembly (20) is provided for holding alignment sleeves that each aligns the ends of a pair of optic fiber ferrules (22, 26) projecting from two mating connectors (12, 14), which assures that the mating connectors will always be mated in their proper relative orientations to avoid unacceptable insertion losses and the connection of the wrong pairs of fibers. The alignment assembly includes a housing (34) formed by two identical housing halves, and includes two identical locating pins (40, 42) mounted on the housing at opposite sides of the housing axis, each pin having having a pin end (91–94) projecting from each face of the housing. One pin has a large diameter end (94) projecting from a front housing face (100) into a large diameter locating hole (52) in a connector and the other pin has a small diameter end (93) projecting from the same front housing face into a small locating hole (51), to assure proper orientation of the two mating connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Alan Seeley
  • Patent number: 7150567
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector including one or more ferrule assemblies having a ferrule and a keyed ferrule holder defining a first key slot and a second key slot, and a connector housing defining a key that is received within the first or the second key slot. The first key slot configures the connector in a first keyed position for simultaneous, coplanar end face polishing of the ferrules, and the second keyed position configures the connector for mating with a receptacle, optical device or another connector. A fiber optic connector including a connector outer housing defining a first key slot for positioning the connector housing in a first keyed position and a second key slot for positioning the connector housing in a second keyed position, a connector inner housing defining a key and a ferrule assembly including a ferrule and a ferrule holder, wherein the ferrule assembly is biased outwardly within the connector outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn, Hleu V. Tran
  • Patent number: 7147384
    Abstract: A optical connector for terminating an optical fiber comprises a housing configured to mate with an LC receptacle. The housing comprises a polymer material that does not deform when exposed to temperatures of at least 210° C. The optical connector further includes a ferrule assembly. The ferrule assembly includes a ferrule portion and a barrel portion. The ferrule assembly is preloaded with a thermoplastic adhesive material. The thermoplastic material can be a polyamide-based hot melt adhesive. The thermoplastic mater can be an ultra high temperature hot melt adhesive. These optical connectors can be terminated in the field in a short amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David S. Hardcastle, Eric M. Morgan, Edward B. Lurie, Janet A. Kling
  • Patent number: 7149400
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ferrule assembly for optical fibres comprising a high-density ferrule plate with a two-dimensional array of through-holes for said optical fibres. The holes of the ferrule plate comprise substantially straight edges adapted to substantially contain said optical fibres. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a high-density ferrule plate, a mould for die casting such a high-density ferrule plate and a method for manufacturing such a mould.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: FCI
    Inventors: Ludwig Gerardus Martinus Antonius Lange, Henrikus Petrus Gijsbertus Van Der Steen
  • Patent number: 7144163
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique for intercepting light which is emitted from a connection reception side optical connector which is housed inside a connector hole of a connector housing of a device such as an optical connector adapter or the like using a shutter, and more particularly relates to a development of this technology which makes it possible to arrange the shutter without exerting the negative effect of increasing the size of the connector housing. With the present invention such light interception is implemented, without increasing the size of the connector housing 14, by providing a structure in which a shutter unit is fitted within a connector hole 14a of a connector housing 14, with this shutter unit comprising two shutter leaves 53A and 53B for light interception supported upon shafts in a main section 51 of the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuwa Tanaka, Kunihiko Fujiwara, Takaaki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7128470
    Abstract: A bipolar optical plug-and-socket connector for connecting two optical fibers with other optical fibers and electro-optical transmission and receiving devices includes an optical housing for holding two fiber end sleeves in which each sleeve terminates a fiber. The optical housing includes first and second housing portions which have different external forms from one another. The housing portions hold respective ones of the sleeves when the sleeves are inserted into the housing portions along a plugging direction. The housing portions join to one another in a direction running perpendicular to the plugging direction to place the optical housing in a fully assembled position while the housing portions hold the sleeves. Each housing portion includes an end lock for locking the sleeves in the housing portions. The end locks of the housing portions lock the sleeve held in the other of the housing portions when the housing portions are joined together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Scherer, Wolfgang Mohs, Wilfried Heringhaus
  • Patent number: 7130522
    Abstract: A method is provided for making ferrules for connecting optical fibers to other optical fibers or to an optical input device such as an optical chip. The method utilizes ceramic greensheets or silicon wafers. In one method, the greensheets are stacked and laminated and then fiber optic through openings are provided in the laminate for holding the fibers. The laminate is then sintered forming the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John U Knickerbocker, How T Lin
  • Patent number: 7118288
    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: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: 7118287
    Abstract: A coupler for coupling first and second fiber optic cables terminating in first and second connectors having first and second ferrules, respectively. The coupler includes a holder element and a mating element. The holder element defines a channel for receiving the first ferrule and a socket aligned with the channel for receiving an optical component The holder element further defines a first cable connector adapted for connection to the first connector and a first element connector opposite said first cable connector. The mating element defines a channel for receiving the second ferrule, a second cable connector adapted for connection to the second connector and a second element connector opposite the second cable connector. Accordingly, the holder element and mating element are connectable to house an optical component aligned with the channels and positionable substantially contiguous with the first and second ferrules when attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Alexander S. Perry, George M. Murray
  • Patent number: 7118285
    Abstract: In one embodiment, fiber assemblies are provided. The fiber assemblies may have a first fiber and a second fiber. The first fiber may have at least one core having a length and first and second ends. The second end may have a first connector. The second fiber may have at least one core having a length and first and second ends. The second end may have a second connector having at least one magnet. The first connector may be engaged to the second connector, and the at least one magnet may be operated to engage the first connector to the second connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    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: 7093983
    Abstract: Provided are an optical connector plug and an optical connector, including: a shielding plate which is held in a plug frame holding hole of a plug housing in a manner that allows the shielding plate to tilt, the distal end of the shielding plate moving between a shielding position and an unshielding position; an operating plate which is held in a tiltable manner in the plug frame holding hole and adapted to tilt along with the shielding plate, the plug frame being capable of retracting, upon movement of the shielding plate to the shielding position, to a housing position at which no interference occurs with the shielding plate and the operating plate; and a biasing and holding member for biasing and positioning the shielding plate and the operating plate in a manner that brings the shielding plate to the shielding position as the plug frame moves to the housing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Taira, Norimasa Arai, Kouji Minami
  • Patent number: 7077576
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a multifiber ferrule and at least one force centering element for applying a biasing force to the ferrule in the longitudinal direction without introducing a moment about a lateral axis. The connector further includes a coil spring for exerting the biasing force and a spring seat disposed between the coil spring and the ferrule. The rearward portion or the forward portion of the spring seat may be provided with a pair of outwardly extending protrusions that are laterally spaced apart to transfer the biasing force to the ferrule. Alternatively, the forward portion of the spring seat or the rear face of the ferrule may define a convex surface. Alternatively, the ferrule defines a convex surface in the direction of a first lateral axis and the spring seat defines a convex surface in the direction of a second lateral axis perpendicular to the first lateral axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: James P. Luther, Terry L. Cooke, Michael deJong, Robert B. Elkins, II, Lars K. Nielsen, Thomas Theuerkorn, Tory A. Klavuhn
  • Patent number: 7066656
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a connector (10) for connecting optic fibers (12, 13). The connector has a longitudinally extending body (14). The body has a first end and a second end. The body has a pass-conduit (20) extending from the first end to the second end. The body is divided into a plurality of fingers (22, 26) formed by slots (28) that extend longitudinally at each of the first and second ends and many be circumferentially offset from each other by any angel. The connector may be made from material that has a shape memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Le Berger du Savoir Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Demissy, Eric Weynant
  • Patent number: 7052185
    Abstract: A connector for joining a first fiber optic cable end and a second fiber optic end includes first and second connector ends adapted to receive the first and second fiber optic cable ends. Each connector end houses a plurality of termini for terminating the fiber optic cable ends. The connector also includes a first alignment feature and a second alignment feature. The first alignment feature includes a plurality of flanges formed on the first connector end to define a plurality of key openings and a plurality of key protrusions formed on the second connector end adapted to fit into the plurality of key openings to ensure proper alignment of the first and second connector ends. The second alignment includes a plurality of termini keys with each termini key being disposed on each of the termini and fitting into a key termini slot formed in the first and second connector ends for receiving the termini.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Rubino, Nabil E. Mishriky, Daniel Caisse, Peter Gumprecht
  • Patent number: 7052187
    Abstract: A pair of guide holes for guide pin insertion and one or a plurality of optical fiber positioning holes extending inwardly from the front end surface are formed in a connector ferrule of an optical connector. A chamfer is formed on the opening edge portion of the guide hole of the connector ferrule on the front end surface side thereof. The opening diameter R of the guide hole at the front end surface is preferably 1.0 to 1.5 mm when the front end surface is slant polished at an angle of 8 degrees. Furthermore, the chamfering angle ? of the chamfer is preferably 90 to 150 degrees. Moreover, the average particle size of the filler contained in the connector ferrule is no more than 20 ?m. As a result, the surface of the chamfer is comparatively smooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ohtsuka, Yoshikyo Tamekuni, Hiroshi Katsura, Tomohiko Ueda, Toshiaki Kakii
  • Patent number: 7048448
    Abstract: A ferrule connector assembly includes a housing having a bore therethrough. The housing has a first end adapted to receive a sleeve assembly having a split sleeve and core member disposed in the split sleeve. A second end of the housing receives a ferrule containing an optical fiber. The core member has a hole extending therethrough that is optically aligned with the optical fiber. The sleeve assembly is press-fit within the bore of the housing and secured within the housing through one or more securing structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Rosenberg, Martin Wisecarver
  • Patent number: 7043127
    Abstract: An optical fiber suitable for use in a single fiber or multifiber optical connector or array is structured with a core region and a cladding region surrounding the core region, and exhibits a bending loss of a fundamental mode of the fiber at a wavelength ? is lower than 0.1 dB/m at a diameter of 15 mm, a mode-field diameter of the fundamental mode at an end of the fiber at the wavelength ? is between 8.0 ?m and 50 ?, and a bending loss of a first higher-order mode at the wavelength ? is higher than 1 dB/m at a diameter of 30 mm. The fiber may be multistructured, wherein the cladding region comprises a main medium and a plurality of sub medium regions therein to form a spatially uniform average refractive index.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takemi Hasegawa, Eisuke Sasaoka, Daizo Nishioka, Tomohiko Ueda, Toshifumi Hosoya
  • Patent number: 7033347
    Abstract: An endovascular laser treatment device preferably includes a catheter having a hub at its proximal end, an optical fiber for insertion into the catheter, a fiber connector attached to the optical fiber at a selected distance from the distal end of the optical fiber, and a temporary stop removably mounted around the optical fiber. The treatment device has two positions: a protective position and an operating position. As the fiber is inserted through the catheter, the temporary stop rests against the hub and places the fiber tip in the protective position where the distal end of the optical fiber is positioned near the distal end of the catheter, but is still disposed inside the catheter. When the temporary stop is removed and the fiber connector is coupled with the catheter hub, the fiber tip is in the operating position where the distal end of the optical fiber extends past the distal end of the catheter by a predetermined distance to expose the fiber tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: AngioDynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: William M. Appling
  • Patent number: 7025609
    Abstract: An electrical connector includes a dielectric housing having a receptacle for receiving a complementary mating connecting device. A shutter is pivotally mounted on the housing for pivotal movement in an angular range between a closed position blocking the receptacle and an open position allowing mating of the complementary mating connecting device. The shutter includes a pivot shaft insertable transversely into a bearing hole in the housing. The bearing hole has a given width and a restricted mouth of a width less than the given width. The pivot shaft has a major cross-dimension for rotation in the bearing hole and a minor cross-dimension for insertion through the restricted mouth to allow the pivot shaft to be inserted transversely into the bearing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Yasuyoshi Matsumoto, Mitsuhiro Tomita
  • Patent number: 7008118
    Abstract: This invention relates to a ferule of an optical connector for connecting optical fibers with each other, and an object of the invention is to provide a ferule of an optical connector that can fix and mold a pipe favorably as well as can be manufactured easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ohashi Technica, Inc.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yoshitani, Hinako Uneme, legal representative, Haruhiko Uneme, legal representative, Hideaki Uneme, legal representative, Naoko Uneme, legal representative, Kazuhiko Uneme, deceased
  • Patent number: 6997620
    Abstract: The optical plug includes a ferule, adapter housing, a plug body, a compression coil spring and a compression bonding sleeve. The plug body includes a projecting portion and an extending portion which is provided with a plurality of annular grooves. The compression bonding sleeve includes a crimp portion and a support portion. According to the present invention, the diameter of the crimp portion is uniformly narrowed so that the crimp portion compression-bonds the high tensile strength wires to the annular grooves of the extending portion. Accordingly, it is possible to maintain the deformation of the crimp portion within the limit of its plastic deformation and hence, the occurrence of cracks and rupture can be prevented, so that the optical plug can be miniaturized. Further, it is possible to mount the optical fiber cable to the optical plug at a low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuma Kurooka, Masataka Nishiura
  • Patent number: 6994477
    Abstract: A ferrule for an optical connector, comprising: a ferrule body formed of a resin and including a through-hole having an inner wall for releasably receiving an optical fiber, the inner wall of through-hole being defined by a large-diameter portion and a small-diameter portion which are axially aligned; and a metallic pipe disposed on at least part of the inner wall of the through-hole, said metallic pipe being formed of at least one of an alloy of iron-nickel and an alloy of iron-nickel-cobalt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Murata Manfacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Takada, Kenji Ijichi, Hideo Hige, Masayuki Okano
  • Patent number: 6981802
    Abstract: The invention provides a connection structure of optical fibers and a process for connecting optical fibers, by which the optical fibers are prevented from being damaged, the working time required for the connection is shortened, yield is improved, and efficiency of connection working is improved. The connection structure of optical fibers comprises 2 connecting members and brought face to face with each other and each having a through-hole and 2 optical fibers inserted into the respective through-holes of the connecting members. The 2 optical fibers are connected within the through-hole of one connecting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoichi Sasaki, Ritsu Kawase, Masayoshi Suzuki, Tatsushi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6969203
    Abstract: An optical fiber receptacle and ferrule interconnection system is disclosed. The interconnection system includes an optical fiber ferrule and a receptacle. The receptacle has a first portion that is attachable to an optical device and a second portion that is connected to the first portion. The second portion has an inner surface that defines a slot for detachably receiving the optical fiber ferrule and for aligning the optical fiber within the optical fiber ferrule with an attached optical device to allow transmission of light therebetween. The slot provides an interference fit with the ferrule. The inner surface of the second portion and an outer surface of the ferrule are adapted to form at least one channel therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alvin H. S. Low
  • Patent number: 6961486
    Abstract: A first plurality of stages each support a ferrule surrounding an end portion of a corresponding one of N optical input fibers. A second plurality of stages each support a ferrule surrounding an end portion of a corresponding one of M optical output fibers. Mechanical mechanisms translate the stages along a plurality of orthogonal X and Y axes to align a facet of a selected one of the N input optical fibers with a facet of a selected one of the M output optical fibers. The stages of the input optical fibers, the output optical fibers, or both, have mechanical mechanisms for moving the ferrules along Z axes perpendicular to the X and Y axes into and out of alignment holes of a central panel to physically mate the facets of the coupled fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian E. Lemoff, Charles D. Hoke, Dale W. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 6953288
    Abstract: A safe connection system for coupling radiation from radiation sources, such as lasers, into optical fibers is provided. The system prevents the accidental use of standard optical fibers with radiation sources that require fibers capable of transmitting high power or other radiation with unique characteristics. Because often the fibers for use with high power lasers, for example, may also be used with standard lasers, the system preserves the interchangeability of standard connection systems such as SMA by providing connectors that can properly fit both in standard receptacles and in the receptacles of the present invention. Thus, this connection system preserves the advantages of a standard laser-fiber connection system while increasing the safety of such systems, where it is necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: CeramOptec Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Foley, Wolfgang Neuberger, Heinrich Kudla, Stefan Spaniol
  • Patent number: 6945703
    Abstract: When connecting an optical connector to an optical connector adaptor, there is a demand to position the optical connector with high precision with maintaining connection workability. In the optical connector of this invention has a key for positioning the optical connector around an axis of the optical connector adaptor by inserting the key into a key groove of the optical connector adaptor, and a spring structure which can elastically deform in the groove width direction of the key groove. Therefore, unsteadiness of the key can be prevented by pressingly inserting the key into the key groove, increasing the precision of the positioning. Furthermore, since a difference in the groove width of the key groove can be absorbed by the range of elastic deformation of the key, the optical connector is universally applicable for differences in groove widths depend on the type of the optical connector adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Yonezawa Electric Wire Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Daisuke Hayasaka
  • Patent number: 6945704
    Abstract: An optical connector 1 includes a first connector 2 and a second connector 3. The first connector 2 includes a first ferrule 4 and a first housing 5. The terminal of an optical fiber 7 is attached to the first ferrule 4. The first housing 5 accommodates the first ferrule 4 so as to be movable along the axial line P of an optical fiber cable 7. The second connector 3 includes a second ferrule 20, a second housing 21 and a coil spring 23. The terminal of another optical fiber cable 7 is attached to the second ferrule 20. The second housing 21 accommodates the second ferrule 20 and the coil spring 23. The coil spring 23 urges the second ferrule 20 toward the first connector 2. Such a configuration provides an optical connector which permits the housings to be easily coupled with each other and suppresses the labor for assembling the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Noboru Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6932514
    Abstract: A high density panel mounting assembly has a first connector housing having first and second arrays of channels for receiving modified connectors, separated by a shelf. An adapter assembly for receiving the ferrules of the connectors has an interior wall having first and second arrays of bored projections forming sleeves for receiving the connector ferrules. The adapter assembly has a second connector housing substantially identical with the first connector housing mounted to or integral with the rear of the adapter housing for receiving individual connectors. Each of the connector housings has an array of apertures along the top and bottom surfaces for latching the connectors in place. Each of the connectors has a resilient latching arm having a distal end having a latching surface thereon which bears against the end of its corresponding aperture to latch the connector in place within the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry M. Anderson, Scott R. Andrews, Sean L. Jones, Norman R. Lampert, Gregory A. Sandels
  • Patent number: 6934087
    Abstract: A fiber optic collimator comprises an optical fiber with an angled end face, a ferrule and a plano-convex lens. An end portion of the optical fiber is inserted in the ferrule. The plano-convex lens collimates a beam of light from the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Siimpel Corporation
    Inventors: Roman C. Gutierrez, Thomas R. Vanzandt, Christopher I. Walker, Edouard G. H. Schmidtlin, Robert J. Calvet
  • Patent number: 6926793
    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: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Totoku Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Nonomura, Hidetoku Iida, Atsushi Koyama
  • Patent number: 6923579
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of marking a fiber optic indicia on the surface of a fiber optic component and the fiber optic component produced thereby. The fiber optic indicia is represented as a predetermined pattern marked on the fiber optic component and is associated with data about at least one of an optical characteristic and a product characteristic. According to a preferred embodiment, the fiber optic indicia is marked on a chamfered surface of a ferrule. The fiber optic indicia may include at least one alphanumerical character, a symbol, or combinations thereof. The method comprises establishing the predetermined pattern of the fiber optic indicia, providing a fiber optic component for marking, preparing a predetermined portion of a surface of the fiber optic component for marking, and marking the predetermined portion in accordance with the predetermined pattern of the fiber optic indicia.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Paul A. Fleenor, Joel C. Rosson, Dennis M. Knecht
  • Patent number: 6920268
    Abstract: Disclosed is a variable alignment-type optical fiber block in which alignment of waveguides can be changed according to temperature. The optical fiber block includes: a substrate having a receiving section formed at one end of the substrate, the receiving section having a predetermined volume; a ferrule seated in the receiving section, the ferrule having a hole in which an optical fiber is inserted; a first expandable block disposed between one side surface of the ferrule and an inner wall surface of the receiving section, which are opposed to each other, the first expandable block having a first thermal expansive coefficient; and, a second expandable block disposed between the other side surface of the ferrule and another inner wall surface of the receiving section, which are opposed to each other, the second expandable block having a second thermal expansive coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Oh-Dal Kwon, Shin-Young Yoon, Sang-Gil Shin, Bang-Weon Lee, Jeong-Hwan Song, Sang-Wook Yoo, Young-Gyu Son
  • Patent number: 6913394
    Abstract: An optical connector plug has a front housing 1, a rear housing 2, a ferrule 3, a coil spring 4 and an optical cord fixing member 5, and in addition to the ferrule 3 and the coil spring 4, the optical cord fixing member 5 for fixing a tension resistive member and a cord outer jacket is received and held within an internal through space defined when the front housing 1 and the rear housing 2 are coupled. Also, upon assembling the optical connector plug, assembling of these members 1 to 5 can be realized by movement in an axial direction as much as possible. Accordingly, assembling of the optical connector plug is facilitated and suitable for automatic assembling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Iwano, Shin Sumida, Shuichi Yanagi
  • Patent number: 6913392
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes an outer connector housing defining an optic axis. An inner optical fiber plug is mounted in the housing for limited axial movement therein and for rotational movement angularly of the axis. An indexing or locking mechanism is provided between the plug and the housing to hold the plug in selected rotational positions of adjustment angular of the optic axis. Axial movement of the plug within and relative to the housing is effective to disengage the lock or indexing mechanism and allow rotation of the plug. A retainer is selectively movable into engagement with the plug to prevent axial movement of the plug and, thereby, prevent disengagement of the lock or indexing mechanism, thereby fixing the rotational position of the adjustment of the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Barbara Grzegorzewska, Igor Grois, Yuriy Belenkiy
  • Patent number: 6910807
    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: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: 6910808
    Abstract: An optical connector ferrule for supporting an optical fiber tape conductor having an end of which a coating is peeled off to expose optical fibers, comprising: a plurality of fiber inserting holes which are arranged at a plurality of steps and into which the optical fibers are inserted; a guide portion for guiding insertion of optical fibers, formed so as to have an end communicating with a fiber inserting end of each of the fiber inserting holes, the guide portion extending along an axial direction of the fiber inserting holes; and a contact portion formed to be a predetermined distance spaced from an opening end opposed to the fiber inserting end of each of the fiber inserting holes along the axial direction of the fiber inserting holes, the contact portion being brought in contact with an exposed fiber side end of a tape member of the optical fiber tape conductor when each of the optical fibers of the optical fiber tape conductor is inserted into each of the fiber inserting holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Shigenaga, Katsuki Suematsu