Fiber End Held In Ferrule Patents (Class 385/60)
  • Patent number: 9477050
    Abstract: A plurality of connector modules are mounted to a support frame. The connector modules have respective optical connectors to optically connect with respective electronic devices, where the optical connectors are moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The optical connector of a first of the connector modules is retractable and extendable independently of a second of the connector modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: George D. Megason, Kevin B. Leigh, David W. Sherrod
  • Patent number: 9429699
    Abstract: The present invention provides a backlight module and a display apparatus. The display apparatus comprises the backlight module and a display panel. The backlight module comprises a light collector, optical fibers, a fiber light-outputting substrate, a light guide plate and fiber fixing collars. The optical fibers are connected between the light collector and the fiber light-outputting substrate. The light guide plate is disposed at one side of the fiber light-outputting substrate. The fiber fixing collars are attached to light-emitting ends of the optical fibers for fixing the optical fibers to the fiber light-outputting substrate. The present invention can use ambient light rays to form a backlight source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shih Hsiang Chen, Li-Yi Chen, Dehua Li
  • Patent number: 9407073
    Abstract: A guiding support for guiding a transmission line is disclosed having a holding structure positioned on a rear end and engageable with a fixation member of an end cap. A seat is positioned on a front end of the guiding support, and is engageable with an adapter member of a terminal. A first transmission line receiving channel is positioned along a longitudinal axis of the guiding support from the rear end to the front end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: TE Connectivity Nederland BV
    Inventor: Jacco Elenbaas
  • Patent number: 9400357
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a first housing, a first ferrule which is embedded in the first housing, a second housing which is detachably fitted to the first housing; and a second ferrule which is embedded in the second housing and is butt-jointed to the first ferrule when the second housing is fitted to the first housing, and the first housing includes a tubular outer housing, and a tubular inner housing which is accommodated in the outer housing to be movable in a center axis direction of the outer housing and which accommodates the first ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: Seiji Kato
  • Patent number: 9383527
    Abstract: A field assembly kit for use in assembling an optical connector may include a first component that includes a first plurality of pairs of opposing tabs configured to frictionally maintain a first subassembly component at a first fixed position relative to the first component. The kit may include a second component that includes a second plurality of pairs of opposing tabs configured to maintain a second subassembly component at a second fixed position relative to the first component. The first subassembly component may be configured to couple to the second subassembly component to maintain an optical fiber in a fixed rotational position relative to the first subassembly component and the second subassembly component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Rolling River, LLC
    Inventor: Brent Ware
  • Patent number: 9383523
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tightly mountable optical fiber adapter which has a plurality of mating parts formed at front and rear sides of a base of a shell member thereof, and the base is combined with a base plate and two opposite side panels , each side panel is extended to form a first elastic part, and ends of second elastic parts are respectively outwardly bent and extended to form stop parts whose inner sides are bent towards the first elastic part and extended to form third elastic parts. While shell member is transversely mounted into an installing hole, first elastic parts are abutted and deformed to cross installing hole to clasp back side, second elastic parts are located in installing hole, so that shell member cooperating with mounting spring clip can be tightly fastened in installing hole, whereby the entire structure can be more securer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Alliance Fiber Optic Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Keng-Hao Liu
  • Patent number: 9366828
    Abstract: Structures and techniques are described for aligning multicore optical fibers in a multicore optical fiber cable having a plurality of optical fiber cores, at least one end portion and a protective coating. The protective coating is removed from the end portion of the multicore fiber cable to create an exposed end portion of the multicore fiber. The exposed end portion of the multicore fiber is inserted into a guide hole defined longitudinally through a ferrule subassembly. The cores of the fiber are aligned rotationally, in a predetermined orientation, relative to the ferrule. Each fiber is biased within its respective guide hole in a predetermined orientation relative to the ferrule. The multicore fiber is bonded within the ferrule. The fiber is trimmed at the ferrule tip and the ferrule and fiber end faces are polished, so that a selected alignment of the multicore fiber is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: OFS FITEL, LLC
    Inventor: Kelvin B Bradley
  • Patent number: 9348095
    Abstract: A fiber optic ferrule includes a body extending from a first end to a second opposite end, with the body including an axial passage extending between the first and the second ends. The axial passage includes a first diameter portion having a diameter of at least 125 microns, a second diameter portion having a diameter of at least 250 microns and less than a diameter of a buffer, and a smooth and continuous transition between the first and the second diameter portions. The second diameter portion is positioned between the first diameter portion and the second end. The axial passage further defines a tapered shape at the second end extending inward from the second end toward the second diameter portion. In certain embodiments, another smooth and continuous transition can be provided between the taper shape and the second diameter portion. In certain embodiments, the axial passage is smooth and continuous between the first and the second ends of the body. A hub holds the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Steven C. Zimmel
  • Patent number: 9312676
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable sealing and retaining device capable of sealingly guiding and retaining a cable through an opening of the cable sealing and retaining device. The present invention provides an improved cable sealing and retaining device which allows a simple releasable fixation of a cable to the cable sealing and retaining device while the cable is sealingly guided through an opening provided with the cable sealing and retaining device. The cable sealing and retaining device (40;60) comprises a sealing part (11) providing a passageway with an inner seal (14) through which a cable (2) is sealingly guidable, and an outer seal (15) arranged on an outer circumference of the sealing part (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: CommScope Connectivity Belgium
    Inventors: Dirk Kempeneers, Bart Vos, Kristof Vastmans, Danny Willy August Verheyden
  • Patent number: 9279940
    Abstract: An optical fiber adapter includes a main body, two hook members, a hollow middle member and an elastic shutter member. The hook member has two hooks and two opposing walls that define a passage. The main body has an access opening on a first wall thereof for the two hook members and middle member to place within the passage of the main body. The middle member is positioned between the two hook members when the hook members and middle member are placed in the passage of the main body. The shutter member includes a fixing portion, a shutter plate and a connecting portion. The fixing portion is positioned in the accommodation recess formed on the first wall of the first hook member. The connecting portion connects the fixing portion with the shutter plate. The shutter plate extends from the connecting portion and into the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignees: Protai Photonic Co., Ltd., Senko Advanced Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Mamiya, Jyh-Cherng Yang, Yu-Kai Chen
  • Patent number: 9274287
    Abstract: Multi-fiber ferrules may be produced with tapered bodies and guide pin holes that have fluted internal surfaces with projections for engaging the guide pins, and channels for capturing any foreign material that may accumulate on or around the guide pins, thereby providing improved consistency in fiber connections during mating of the ferrules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Senko Advanced Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Takano, Jimmy Jun-Fu Chang
  • Patent number: 9239435
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable having an optical connector, includes: an optical connector assembled on a tip portion of an optical fiber cable, including a ferrule in which an optical fiber protruding from a terminal of the optical fiber cable is inserted and fixed; and a reinforced portion formed by heating and shrinking a heat-shrinkable tube and by solidifying a hot-melt adhesive of an inner portion of the heat-shrinkable tube after melting the hot-melt adhesive so as to integrate a rear end portion of the ferrule, the tip portion of the optical fiber cable which is disposed so as to be separated in a rear side of the ferrule, and the heat-shrinkable tube which accommodates the rear end portion of the ferrule and the tip portion of the optical fiber cable and in which the hot-melt adhesive is disposed in the inner portion of the heat-shrinkable tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignees: FUJIKURA, LTD., NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shigeo Takahashi, Takashi Yamaguchi, Tatsumi Miyazaki, Kazuhiro Takizawa, Tetsuhiro Numata, Kazutoshi Takamizawa, Atsushi Daido, Tadashi Sasaki, Hayato Minami
  • Patent number: 9232676
    Abstract: A cable backplane system includes a backplane having a plurality of openings therethrough and a plurality of mounting blocks. A cable rack is coupled to a rear of the backplane and includes a tray having a frame surrounding a raceway. Spacers are coupled to the tray that are secured to corresponding mounting blocks to position the spacers relative to the backplane. Cable connector assemblies are held by the tray. Each cable connector assembly has a plurality of cables extending between at least two cable connectors. The cables are routed in the raceway. Each cable connector assembly is positioned between and supported by corresponding spacers on opposite sides of the cable connector assemblies. The spacers allow limited movement of the cable connectors in at least two directions to allow alignment of the cable connectors within corresponding openings in the backplane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua Tyler Sechrist, Christopher David Ritter, Nathan Glenn Lehman, Brian Patrick Costello, Robert Paul Nichols
  • Patent number: 9195010
    Abstract: An optical connector apparatus includes a connector connected to an electro-optical composite cable including an optical fiber and a metal conductor, and a connection object to be connected. The connector is provided with a ferrule which has a conductive portion on the surface thereof. The connection object is provided with an electrically conductive connection member to be connected to the ferrule. The ferrule and the cable are connected by a crimping structure. Provided is also an optical connector apparatus which includes a connector having a plurality of ferrules having distances between the end of the ferrules and the conductive portions so that the timing of the connection of the connector to the object is delayed, and thus the optical connector apparatus is capable of hot swapping. The connection object can be a combination of an adapter and a mating connector, or an optical element and an adapter which holds the same, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Hideto Shimazu, Osamu Hashiguchi
  • Patent number: 9182567
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a first sub-assembly that is factory-installed to a first end of an optical fiber and a second sub-assembly that is field-installed to the first end of the optical fiber. The optical fiber and first sub-assembly can be routed through a structure (e.g., a building) prior to installation of the second sub-assembly. The second sub-assembly interlocks with the first sub-assembly to inhibit relative axial movement therebetween. Example first sub-assemblies include a ferrule, a hub, and a strain-relief sleeve that mount to an optical fiber. Example second sub-assemblies include a mounting block; and an outer connector housing forming a plug portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Julian S. Mullaney
  • Patent number: 9182648
    Abstract: A large coherent two-dimensional (2D) spatial filter array (SFA), 30 by 30 or larger, is produced by coupling a 2D planar lightwave circuit (PLC) array with a pair of lenslet arrays at the input and output side. The 2D PLC array is produced by stacking a plurality of chips, each chip with a plural number of straight PLC waveguides. A pupil array is coated onto the focal plane of the lenslet array. The PLC waveguides are produced by deposition of a plural number of silica layers on the silicon wafer, followed by photolithography and reactive ion etching (RIE) processes. A plural number of mode filters are included in the silica-on-silicon waveguide such that the PLC waveguide is transparent to the fundamental mode but higher order modes are attenuated by 40 dB or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: LUMINIT LLC
    Inventors: Jun Ai, Fedor Dimov
  • Patent number: 9164250
    Abstract: Connectors of a first removable modular optical connection assembly, having a first predefined arrangement of optical signal conduits, are connected to respective connectors on a support structure that are optically connected to corresponding devices. The first modular optical connection assembly is replaceable with a second modular optical connection assembly having a second, different predefined arrangement of optical signal conduits, to change a topology of a network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Clifford Mogul, Dwight L. Barron, Kevin B. Leigh, Jayaram Mudigonda, Praveen Yalagandula, Guodong Zhang, Terrel Morris
  • Patent number: 9116307
    Abstract: A sleeve for an optical connector into which a ferrule arranged to hold an optical fiber is to be inserted, and by which an optical connector in which the sleeve is to be housed can be reduced in size in a direction that the optical connector is fitted into a counterpart optical connector. A sleeve for an optical connector includes a portion having a tube shape, into which a ferrule is to be inserted, and a hook portion at one end of the sleeve, the hook portion protruding in a diameter direction of the tube-shaped portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignees: AUTONETWORKS TECHNOLOGIES, LTD., SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD., SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Maesoba, Tetsuji Tanaka, Hidetoshi Ishida
  • Patent number: 9091833
    Abstract: A cable retention structure defining a castellated fiber cable clamping surface. The castellated surface has a series of alternating small and large cavities distributed along the axial direction. The small cavities are sized such that when the castellated surface is pressed against the buffer jacket exterior of the fiber cable, the small cavities will be able to clamp the fiber cable jacket within its full dimensional tolerance range. The large cavities are sized to provide sufficient clearance to accommodate the relatively soft material of the cable jacket which cannot be accommodated by the small cavities. The cable jacket is securely held by the retention structure to prevent slipping. Accordingly, fiber cables having buffer jackets with large dimensional variations can still be securely retained by the castellated retention structure in accordance with the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: NANOPRECISION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Yang Chen, King-Fu Hii, Tewodros Mengesha, Fred Bosch, Chris Morgan, Robert Ryan Vallance
  • Patent number: 9081156
    Abstract: One embodiment includes a connector comprising a connector housing, a ferrule, and a crimp ring. The connector housing has inner and outer surfaces extending between forward and rear ends of the connector housing. The inner surfaces defined a passageway extending lengthwise between the forward and rear ends. The connector housing includes at least one protrusion formed on one of the outer surfaces that is configured to engage a corresponding connector engaging structure of an alignment guide to secure the connector housing within the alignment guide. The ferrule is configured to mount upon end portions of a plurality of optical fibers of a multi-fiber communication cable. The ferrule is disposed partially within the passageway. The crimp ring encompasses the rear end of the connector housing and is configured to secure the connector to the multi-fiber communication cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: FINISAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chris K. Togami, Gary D. Sasser, Frank Flens
  • Patent number: 9057845
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable assembly includes an optical fiber cable, an optical fiber connector, and a strain relief member. The optical fiber connector has a housing with at least two ferrules supporting a plurality of optical fibers of the cable. Each ferrule has at least two ribbons of optical fibers therein. The strain relief member has a flexible corrugated conduit. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: B. Daniel Szilagyi, Yuriy Belenkiy
  • Patent number: 9052471
    Abstract: An inserting and extracting motion of an optical plug can be easily carried out via a knob, even in a narrow space. An optical connector plug is provided with a stopper guide in a rear portion of an upper surface of a knob to which an optical plug is installed, a spring guide, an outer cover which is provided in an outer surface of the knob, and a spring which is arranged in between the stopper guide and the outer cover. In the optical connector plug, the outer cover is pressed by an optical connector adapter so as to move backward while compressing the spring, whereby a shutter is opened and the optical plug is allowed to protrude forward from the outer cover. The optical connector plug is provided with a grip portion which protrudes up and down and right and left from a rear end portion of the knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: SANWA DENKI KOGYO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasusuke Hioki, Norio Iguchi
  • Patent number: 9052470
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an optical connector. The connector may include a housing, a channel within the housing for receiving an end of an optical fiber, a ferrule, and an optical fiber stub. The connector also has a lens for projecting and/or receiving an expanded beam. A sleeve may surround the ferrule and presents an open end for receiving a termination ferrule of an optical fiber inserted into the channel. The ferrule may be secured by a ring within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Fibreco Limited
    Inventors: David Edward Everett, Mark Edward Hicks
  • Patent number: 9048573
    Abstract: An interconnect system (30, 100) includes a transceiver module assembly (105) that is mountable in an industrial receptacle (28, 103). The receptacle mates to an industrial optical connector (34) to form an environmentally sealed connection. The receptacle has an interior passageway (143, 162) and mating means (124) for attaching the module assembly. The module assembly includes a spring-loaded module cage (50) for receiving active devices (48), such as SFP transceivers. The spring-loaded module cage can adjust its position within the receptacle to accommodate different type of modules from various vendors. When attached to the platform, the module assembly is positioned so that the cage's open end is accessible through the receptacle's passageway. Users have the option of plugging/unplugging the transceiver module either through the passageway or by removing the module assembly from the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Barbara Grzegorzewska, Thomas R. Marrapode, Bogdan Andrei, David S. Rifkin
  • Patent number: 9022668
    Abstract: Each of a plug and a receptacle is provided with an optical contact and a shutter mechanism. The shutter mechanisms are linkaged with each other when connecting the plug and the receptacle to each other. At least one of the plug and the receptacle includes a movable member moved with being pushed by the other of the plug and the receptacle, an urging member constantly urging the movable member toward the other of the plug and the receptacle, and a cam mechanism causes the shutter mechanism to follow movement of the movable member. The shutter mechanism includes a shutter plate having an opening and movable between a first position where the opening does not face the optical contact and a second position where the opening faces the optical contact, and a projection adapted to be fitted into the opening when the shutter plate is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventor: Masaki Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 9022667
    Abstract: An optical cable assembly includes an optical cable having an end. The optical cable includes a plastic optical fiber (POF) having a tip segment that includes a tip surface. The optical cable assembly also includes a socket terminus assembly that terminates the end of the optical cable and is configured to mate with a pin terminus assembly. The socket terminus assembly includes a terminus body having a cable passage. At least a portion of the end of the optical cable extends within the cable passage such that the tip surface of the tip segment of the POF is configured to engage a mating POF of the pin terminus assembly to optically couple the POF to the mating POF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: David James Fabian, Jun Li, James Patrick Mosier
  • Patent number: 9016953
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable and connector assembly including a fiber optic connector mounted at the end of a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic connector includes a ferrule assembly including a stub fiber supported within a ferrule. The stub fiber is fusion spliced to an optical fiber of the fiber optic cable at a location within the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Ott, Thomas P. Huegerich, Steven C. Zimmel, Ponharith Nhep
  • Patent number: 9016955
    Abstract: An optical connector for operation within a temperature range, comprising: (a) a ferrule comprising a first material having a coefficient of thermal expansion COE-1, and a diameter no greater than a diameter d1 below a transition temperature Ts within the temperature range and no less than a diameter d2 above Ts; (b) a spring disposed behind and in contact with the ferrule to apply a forward force to the ferrule; and (c) a housing comprising a second material having a coefficient of thermal expansion COE-2 and defining a bore hole having a diameter greater than d2, and an interface having a restricted bore hole having a diameter no greater than a diameter d3 below Ts, and no less than a diameter d4 above Ts, wherein connector configuration is COE-2>COE-1 with d>d3 and d2<d4 or COE-2<COE-1 with d1<d3 and d2>d4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Soren Grinderslev, Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Daniel E. Wertman
  • Publication number: 20150093076
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a first engaging member holding at least one first optical fiber to guide light from a light source, a second engaging member holding a second optical fiber to be optically connected to the first optical fiber, and configured to be engaged with the first engaging member, and a light shield member provided near an emission end of the first optical fiber, at such a position as to shield light from the first optical fiber at disengagement of the engaging members. The light shield member is pushed by the second engaging member at engagement of the engaging members, so as to be folded and evacuated in a gap. The light shield member includes a light absorption member to absorb light and to generate heat, a thermal diffusion member to diffuse and radiate the heat, and a base supporting the light absorption member and thermal diffusion member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinori TANAKA, Satoshi OHARA
  • Patent number: 8992098
    Abstract: A connectorized fiber optic cabling assembly includes a loose tube fiber optic cable and a connector assembly. The cable has a termination end and includes: an optical fiber bundle including a plurality of optical fibers; at least one strength member; and a jacket surrounding the optical fiber bundle and the at least one strength member. The connector assembly includes a rigid portion and defines a fiber passage. The connector assembly is mounted on the termination end of the cable such that the optical fiber bundle extends through at least a portion of the fiber passage. The plurality of optical fibers of the optical fiber bundle have a ribbonized configuration in the rigid portion of the connector assembly and a loose, non-ribbonized configuration outside the rigid portion. The plurality of optical fibers undergo a transition from the ribbonized configuration to the loose, non-ribbonized configuration in the rigid portion of the connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Timothy W. Anderson, Richard L. Case
  • Patent number: 8985867
    Abstract: An optical fiber connection system includes a first and a second optical fiber, each with end portions that are terminated by a first and a second fiber optic connector, respectively. A fiber optic adapter connects the first and the second fiber optic connectors. A fiber alignment apparatus includes V-blocks and gel blocks. Each of the fiber optic connectors includes a connector housing and a sheath. The end portions of the optical fibers are positioned beyond distal ends of the respective connector housings. The sheath is slidably connected to the connector housing and slides between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The sheath covers the end portion of the respective optical fiber when the sheath is at the extended configuration and exposes the end portion when at the retracted configuration. The end portions of the optical fibers are cleaned when slid between the V-blocks and the gel blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: James Ott Michael
  • Patent number: 8979388
    Abstract: A fiber optic link connection system facilitates connection between two arrays of optical fibers. Two female-type connector plugs, each attached to a respective end of two fiber optic arrays, are inserted into the open ends of a connector guide sleeve. Two guide pins are captured by intrusions within the guide sleeve in order to mate with and align the two plugs. Guide capture pins and associated springs are disposed within the guide pin intrusions to capture the guide pins. Such an arrangement not only protects the guide pins from damage, but also promotes connector compatibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Cirrex Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Michael L. Wach
  • Patent number: 8961033
    Abstract: An optical contact having a ferrule extending along a longitudinal axis, the ferrule having a front face facing an optical contact of complementary type when the optical contact is connected to the optical contact of complementary type, and a rear face opposite from the front face, and a body within which the ferrule is received in optionally movable manner, the body including at least one portion surrounding the outside of the ferrule around the longitudinal axis thereof, and at least one portion extending beyond the rear face of the ferrule towards the outside thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Radiall
    Inventor: Laurent Valencia
  • Publication number: 20150043870
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber-optic connection arrangement, with the connection arrangement (21) comprising a fiber-optic adapter (2), with the fiber-optic adapter (2) having a first connecting device (38) for a first connecting plug (11) and a second connecting device (6) for a second connecting plug (17), with the first and the second connecting devices (38, 6) being different, with the fiber-optic adapter (2) having at least one first adapter-side attachment means, with the first adapter-side attachment means being in the form of an external thread (8) with a first adapter-side nominal diameter, wherein the connection arrangement (21) furthermore comprises an adapter sleeve (26), with the adapter sleeve (26) having a first end section (27) with a first opening (28), and a second end section (29) with a second opening (30), with the first end section (27) having a first sleeve-side attachment means, with the first sleeve-side attachment means being in the form of a first internal thread (36), with the fi
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Ralf-Dieter BUSSE, Wolfgang KRAFT
  • Patent number: 8950949
    Abstract: Circuit boards employing optical interfaces optically connected to surface-accessible, planar-shaped inter-board optical fiber traces, and related connectors, assemblies, and methods are disclosed. The circuit boards include inter-board optical fiber traces optically connected to optical components interfacing optical signals to electronic signal components in the circuit board. Providing inter-board optical fiber traces protects the optical fiber traces from the environment. To optically interface to the inter-board optical fiber traces, planar-shaped end portions of the inter-board optical fiber traces are provided surface accessible on the circuit board. In this manner, optical interfaces can be optically connected to planar-shaped, end portions of the inter-board optical fibers traces to establish optical connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Micah Colen Isenhour, Dennis Michael Knecht, James Phillip Luther
  • Patent number: 8939654
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector and fiber optic cable assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a fiber optic cable having a plurality of optical fibers. The assembly also includes a connector body, a multi-fiber ferrule and a protective housing. The fiber optic cable is anchored to a proximal end of the connector body and the multi-fiber ferrule is mounted at a distal end of the connector body. The multi-fiber ferrule supports end portions of optical fibers of the optical fiber cable. The protective housing mounts over the connector body. A dimensionally recoverable sleeve prevents contaminants from entering the protective housing through a proximal end of the protective housing. A dust cap and sealing member prevent contaminants from entering the protective housing through a distal end of the protective housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Gregory J. Schaible
  • Patent number: 8934745
    Abstract: According to an example, an apparatus for use in optoelectronics includes a bottom transparent layer, a top transparent layer having a top surface, a lens sandwiched between the bottom transparent layer and the top transparent layer, and a first alignment element attached to the top surface of the top transparent layer, wherein the first alignment element is offset with respect to the lens and is to mate with a mating alignment element on an optical transmission medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Sagi Varghese Mathai, Michael Renne Ty Tan, Paul Kessler Rosenberg, Wayne Victor Sorin
  • Patent number: 8931961
    Abstract: A fiber-optic connector for connecting an optical fiber to other optical assemblies is disclosed. The fiber-optic connector includes a top plate having a window of similar refractive index and transmission index as the material of an optic fiber to be contained within the fiber-optic connector. The fiber-optic connector also includes a ferrule connected to the top plate via multiple spring-loaded screws. The ferrule includes an interface and an insert. The insert is capable of firmly gripping an optical fiber. In order to reduce Fresnel reflection losses of the fiber-optic connector, the window is pre-coated with an anti-reflective surface on the side opposite an optic fiber to be contained within the fiber-optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Owen, David P. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8920049
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides for improved field termination optical fiber connector members and/or splicers for use in terminating or fusing optical fibers. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for convenient, low-cost, accurate, and effective methods for terminating or fusing optical fibers utilizing advantageous field termination optical fiber connector members and/or splicers. Improved apparatus and methods are provided for use in terminating or fusing a broad variety of optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ortronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan J. Grandidge, Rudolph A. Montgelas, Adam Murano, William Dietz, Alex Richard, Jose Mozota
  • Patent number: 8905648
    Abstract: The expanded beam, fiber optic connector includes an optical fiber, and a ferrule. The optical fiber includes a modified mode field diameter segment. The ferrule includes a recess. The optical fiber is retained by the ferrule. The modified mode field diameter segment is positioned in the recess of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Cinch Connectivity Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Wade F. M. Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140341510
    Abstract: An optical fiber assembly includes a housing with a mating face and a housing axis. A ferrule has a plurality of optical fibers positioned therein. A cover is slidably mounted on the housing adjacent the mating face. A mating guide is positioned at an angle to the housing axis to guide relative movement of the housing from a first operative position at which the housing axis is spaced from the mated axis to a second operative position at which the housing axis is generally aligned with a mated axis of a mating component. An assembly of cable assemblies and a method of mating are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: Malcolm H. Hodge
  • Patent number: 8876402
    Abstract: In a relay optical connector 1, a part 16 of a ferrule 4 is butted against a part 17 of a ferrule 5 in a ferrule end face 14 of the ferrule 4 in which an optical fiber 2 for an optical connection is exposed and a ferrule end face 15 of the ferrule 5 in which an optical fiber 3 is exposed and the one optical fiber 2 and the other optical fiber 3 are arranged so as not to come into contact with each other. Specifically, one of the ferrule end faces 14 and 15 is surface-ground so as to extend along a surface at right angles to an optical axis L and the other thereof is diagonally surface-ground so as to be inclined at a prescribed angle ? relative to the surface at right angles to the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventor: Tomohiro Hikosaka
  • Patent number: 8870466
    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: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: 8870467
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a connector that connects to optical fibers for connecting first and second optical signals to the apparatus. A first optical ferrule is mounted perpendicularly to the connector, and transfers the first optical signals between the connector and first optical transducers mounted on a first substrate, via first holes formed in the first substrate. A second optical ferrule is mounted perpendicularly to the connector, and transfers the second optical signals between the connector and second optical transducers mounted on a second substrate, via second holes formed in the second substrate. A light rotation module bends and transfers the first and second optical signals between the connector and the first and second ferrules. One or more lenses are mounted between the first ferrule and the first holes, so as to couple the first optical signals via the first holes between the first ferrule and the first optical transducers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Mellanox Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Shmuel Levy, Shai Rephaeli, Nimer Khazen, Yonatan Malkiman
  • Patent number: 8864389
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a connector housing and a positioning unit. The connector housing has two opposite side walls, a base wall disposed between and interconnecting the side walls, and a lid disposed between and inter-engaging releasably the side walls. The connector housing defines an inner space, and an access opening in spatial communication with the inner space and covered by the lid. The positioning unit is mounted in the inner space and includes first and second holding members and a coupling sleeve extending into and interconnecting the first and second holding members. The positioning unit is inserted into the inner space through the access opening so as to be mounted in the inner space before covering the access opening with the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignees: Gloriole Electroptic Technology Corp., Ample Sun Trading Limited
    Inventor: Jim Lin
  • Patent number: 8864390
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a housing with at least one elongated cylindrical cavity, a fiber holder within the cavity including a ferrule which secures an optical fiber therein and a biasing member engaging the fiber holder to bias the ferrule towards an unmated position. A resilient metal latch is mounted on the housing for releasably securing the optical fiber connector to another component. A latch travel limiting structure prevents the latch from deflecting outside a desired predetermined path. Improved structures for mounting the latch on the housing and for creating a duplex connector assembly are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: WenZong Chen, Scot Ernst, Igor Kuprin, Brian Smith, Joanna Szewczyk, Mark Matuszewski
  • Patent number: 8858090
    Abstract: Ferrule holders with an integral lead-in tube employed in fiber optic connector assemblies, and related components, connectors, and methods are disclosed. By integrating the integral lead-in tube as part of the ferrule holder, the integral lead-in tube may be less expensive to manufacture and easier to install. The integral lead-in tube may also be less susceptible to inadvertent removal by friction with a bonding agent syringe or by vibration during shipment. The ferrule holder may include a ferrule holder body and integral lead-in tube. The integral lead-in tube may guide an optical fiber from a rear end of a fiber optic connector to an internal passage of the ferrule holder, where the optical fiber may be further guided to a ferrule for precise alignment. The integral lead-in tube may also protect the optical fiber during installation, shipment, and use in the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Charles T. Henke, Louis E. Parkman, III
  • Patent number: 8858089
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable connector includes a ferrule with a guide hole that is shaped to closely receive a multicore fiber having a flat side indicative of the rotational orientation of the cores of the multicore fiber. The ferrule includes a flat surface at one side of the guide hole, corresponding in position to the flat side of the multicore fiber. Installing the multicore fiber into the guide hole with its flat side abutting the flat surface along the side of the guide hole provides alignment of the cores with respect to an optical component to which the multicore fiber endface is to be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Jinkee Kim, Gregory A. Sandels, Willard C. White
  • Patent number: 8845206
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided and includes a housing, a block formed to define an array of holes corresponding to an array of plugs into which connectors with spring loaded sleeves are pluggable such that the block engages with a respective sleeve of each connector, the block being supportively disposed within the housing to be movable with respect to the housing between first and second block positions at which the sleeves are extended and retracted, respectively and a cam lever supported on the housing and coupled to the block, which selectively occupies first and second lever positions at which the cam lever causes the block to assume the first and second block positions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Y. Chan, Dennis Denizard, Michael J. Fisher, Gilles G. Labbe, James E. Tersigni
  • Patent number: 8845208
    Abstract: An optical connector reduced in size and capable of reducing optical coupling losses when optical waveguides are connected to each other, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The optical connector comprises: an optical waveguide including cores for transmitting light, an under cladding layer provided under the cores, and an over cladding layer provided over the cores; and a ferrule section for optical connection provided in each end portion of the optical waveguide. Part of at least one of the over cladding layer and the under cladding layer lying in a location corresponding to each end portion of the optical waveguide is thick-walled to become the ferrule section for optical connection. A thin-walled part of the optical connector lying between the ferrule sections is an optical waveguide section. The optical connector requires no additional component as a ferrule, and is made small in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Tsujita, Yusuke Shimizu, Ryusuke Naito