Compressively Fixed (e.g., Chuck, Collet, Crimp, Set Screws, Etc.) Patents (Class 385/62)
  • Patent number: 8388237
    Abstract: An optical connector that is assembled at the terminal of an optical fiber cable that integrates an optical fiber and a tension-resisting member extending in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber, the optical connector including: a connector body having a stationary portion at the rear end thereof, the stationary portion having a threaded portion formed on the outer periphery surface, and a fixing cap that is screwed onto the threaded portion of the stationary portion, wherein the fixing cap fixes the tension-resisting member that has been drawn out from the optical fiber cable terminal by sandwiching the tension-resisting member between the fixing cap and the connector body when the fixing cap is screwed onto the stationary portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Daigo Saito, Kazuhiro Takizawa, Serin Khee Yen Tan
  • Patent number: 8382381
    Abstract: A blind hole insert fixing device is configured for fixing a number of blind hole inserts. The blind hole insert fixing device includes a hollow housing defining a cavity and an engagement member received in the cavity. The housing includes a first inner surface and an opposing second inner surface in the cavity. The engagement member includes a body portion, a number of spring portions, and a number of engagement portions conforming to the blind hole inserts. The spring portions and the engagement portions are located at opposite sides of the body portion. The spring portions abut against the first inner surface. The engagement portions and the second inner surface cooperatively form a number of receiving spaces for receiving the blind hole inserts. The spring portions are configured for applying a force to the body portion in a direction away from the first inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tai-Cherng Yu, I-Thun Lin
  • Patent number: 8376631
    Abstract: A connector assembly for reversibly terminating a fiber optic cable comprising an optical fiber stub and an actuator illustratively configured for sliding along a path between a first position and a second position which illustratively serves to move one or more anvils thereby mechanically clamping the fiber optic cable proximate to the optical fiber stub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Belden CDT (Canada) Inc.
    Inventors: Luc Milette, Moise Levy, Yannick Demers
  • Patent number: 8328432
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic connector and a fiber optic cable having at least one strength element, the connector and cable held together by a crimp band. The crimp band may include at least one lateral aperture on at least one end for inspecting the disposition of the strength element prior to crimping to ensure a uniform distribution of the strength element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Terry L. Cooke, David L. Dean, Jr., Christopher S. Houser, James M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8272790
    Abstract: A cable connector assembly for outdoor connection to transceivers. Electrical connection between a component of the cable connector assembly and a connector inside an electronic assembly to which the cable connector assembly is attached is made through a force generated by a biasing member within the cable connector assembly. The biasing member may generate the force as the cable connector assembly is attached to an adapter. Once the cable connector assembly is disengaged from the adapter, the force is released, allowing easy removal of the cable connector assembly, without the need to release a latch. In an environmentally sealed connector in which access to a release mechanism may be restricted, such a structure provides ease of use for either electrical or optical connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignees: Amphenol Fiber Optics, Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Belsan, Anh Ngoc Nguyen, Darijus Baltrukonis
  • Patent number: 8267596
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a fiber optic cable with one or more optical fiber ribbons attached to a fiber optic connector. The connector includes a ferrule assembly and a crimp body with a fiber access aperture. The aperture has at least two walls defining a first width and a second width defining a predetermined delta and a predetermined aspect ratio. The delta and aspect ratio provide optical fiber access for alignment of the optical fiber ribbon to the optical fiber ferrule assembly. A method of making the fiber optic connector assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 8256970
    Abstract: An improved, reversibly terminable fiber stub connector assembly is provided that can be readily and positively terminated in the field using simple termination tools. This allows repositioning or replacement of fiber optic cable field fibers if termination is not acceptable in performance. The tool may be a hand-held tool, or used in conjunction with a connector support structure to provide simplified and expeditious field termination of fiber optic cables. The cam tool can include a throughbore that enables connection of a patchcord to the stub fiber of the connector during or shortly after termination without removal of the termination tool. Accordingly, field testing of the connection can be made at the site of termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel M. Marrs, Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer
  • Publication number: 20120213478
    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: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: MOLES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: WenZong Chen, Scot Ernst, Igor Kuprin, Brian Smith, Joanna Szewczyk, Mark Matuszewski
  • Patent number: 8240927
    Abstract: A cable attachment system is disclosed for attaching a fiber optic connector to a fiber optic cable. In particular, strength members of the fiber optic cable are crimped between a crimp sleeve and a cable anchor, and the cable anchor is anchored to the fiber optic connector. An end of the crimp sleeve is adapted to receive an end of a jacket of the fiber optic cable. An end of the cable anchor includes a nipple adapted for insertion into the end of the jacket. An end portion of the jacket is crimped between an intermediate portion of the crimp sleeve and the nipple of the cable anchor. A support portion of the crimp sleeve, positioned between the end and the intermediate portion of crimp sleeve, supports a transitioning portion of the jacket beyond the end of the cable anchor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Craig M. Standish
  • Patent number: 8221006
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable with one or more optical fibers attached to a housing. The housing includes a connector housing for a connector, a furcation housing for a furcation, and a splice housing for a mid-span cable splice. The furcation housing and the splice housing include a crimp body. The crimp body has a compression area and at least one hoop about the compression area defining a crimp zone. A crimp band is arranged for engaging the crimp zone and including an indentation defining a compression surface and a rib defining a rib interior. The crimp band and the crimp body cooperate to grip the strength element and resist cable pull off forces. A method of making the fiber optic cable assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20120063722
    Abstract: A cold joint terminal for optical fibers comprises a box-shaped casing (1), a fixing device, and a compressing device which are provided in the casing (1). The fixing device comprising a tail shaft (4), a pushing pipe (5), and a guiding block (7), is used for fixing the fiber jacket when the fibers are inserted in position. The compressing device comprising a V-shaped groove metal block (2) and a cap (3), is compressed when the end faces of two fibers contact with each other. Connecting chambers (1-6) are provided respectively at both ends of the casing (1). A floating block (1-2) is provided in the middle of the casing (1). A caulking groove (1-1) and a groove (1-5) for receiving the cap (3) are provided respectively on both sides of the floating block (1-2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Genliang Lv, Jinan Huang
  • Patent number: 8118494
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector comprises an outer housing configured to mate with a receptacle and a collar body disposed in the outer housing. The collar body receives and secures a ferrule in a first portion of the collar body. The ferrule includes a central bore that defines an axis. The ferrule further includes a fiber stub disposed in a portion of the central bore, the fiber stub comprising a first optical fiber having a first end proximate to an end face of the ferrule and a prepared second end terminating within the ferrule. The collar body further includes a second portion that includes a housing portion to house a gripping device that grips a second optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Donald K. Larson, Sidney J. Berglund, Paul N. Winberg, James R. Bylander, Takaya Yamauchi, Tomoyasu Oike, Yukino Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 8113720
    Abstract: A hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly which permits repair of damaged fibers or copper conductors carried by a hybrid fiber/copper cable without requiring replacement of the entire connector assembly or the cable is disclosed. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly disclosed also allows individual hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly to be converted from one gender to a different gender. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly disclosed also allows the individual hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly to be converted from being hybrid fiber/copper connectors to being only fiber connectors or only copper connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarrod Scadden, M'Hamed Anis Khemakhem, Jeffrey Louis Peters, Kenneth Allen Skluzacek, Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 8109678
    Abstract: An optic connector jack is provided with a punch-down fiber optic cable termination. The jack is made up of a housing with a connector mating interface, for connection to a plug connector, and a cradle for receiving a fiber optic cable. The cradle has at least one U-shaped punch-down blade for securing each fiber optic cable with respect to the housing. A crimping plate overlies the cradle and mates to the housing for securing each fiber optic cable in the cradle. The U-shaped punch-down blade has an open top portion, a closed bottom portion, and an inside diameter about equal to a fiber optic cable diameter. The U-shaped punch-down blade has an interior blade edge, the interior blade edge securing a fiber optic cable by slicing into at least a part of the fiber optic cable circumference. In one aspect, the jack includes a lens for each fiber optic cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Micro Circuits Corporation
    Inventors: Igor Zhovnirovsky, Subhash Roy
  • Publication number: 20110311183
    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: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph McLellan OWEN, III, David Paul KELLY
  • Patent number: 8075197
    Abstract: An exemplary fiber optic connector includes four converging lenses and a main body. The main body includes a first surface and a opposite second surface. The first surface defines four receiving holes for receiving four optical fibers. The converging lenses are arranged on the second surface and align with the respective receiving holes. The second surface defines two receiving slots for fixedly receiving two fixing protrusions of a complementary fiber optic connector, as well as two buffer slot. The two buffer slots each are located between the converging lens and the receiving slot, and are configured for allowing two portions of the main body to be bendable, such that precise alignment of the converging lens and the receiving slot is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Hung Chen
  • Patent number: 8070367
    Abstract: An LC format optical connector for terminating an optical fiber includes a housing configured to mate with an LC receptacle, the housing including a shell, a first resilient latch disposed on a surface of the shell, and a backbone. The LC format connector also includes a collar body disposed in the housing and retained between the outer shell and the backbone, wherein the collar body includes a fiber stub disposed in a first portion of the collar body. The collar body further includes a mechanical splice disposed in a second portion of the collar body, the mechanical splice configured to splice the second end of the fiber stub to a second optical fiber. The LC format connector further includes a trigger coupled to an outer surface of the housing backbone, the trigger including a second latch that engages the first latch when acted upon by a pressing force. An optical connector with a single piece latch structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Paul N. Winberg, Donald K. Larson, Wesley A. Raider
  • Patent number: 8047727
    Abstract: A strain-relief assembly for a field-installable fiber optic connector is disclosed, wherein the assembly includes a ferrule holder, an intermediate sleeve, and a crimp sleeve. The ferrule holder back section holds a buffered section of a fiber optic cable, while the ferrule holder front end holds a ferrule and a splice assembly. A stub fiber is held within the ferrule and the splice assembly so as to interface with a section of field optical fiber protruding from the buffered section. The intermediate sleeve engages and generally surrounds a portion of the ferrule holder back section and thus surrounds a portion of the buffered layer. An intermediate sleeve handler may be used to handle the intermediate sleeve and attached the intermediate sleeve to the ferrule holder back section. Stress-relief strands from the fiber optic cable are flared around the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve. A crimp sleeve is placed over the intermediate sleeve to hold the ends of the stress-relief strands in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ray S. Barnes, Kristine A. McEvoy, David W. Meek, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 8023794
    Abstract: An apparatus for establishing an optical circuit path spanning a discontinuity in an optical channel supported by a first cable oriented about a first axis on a first side of the discontinuity and supported by a second cable section oriented about a second axis on a second side of the discontinuity includes: (a) a first coupling member coupled with the optical channel on the first side; (b) a first supporting member fixed with the first coupling member in an installed orientation in a clamping relation with the first cable section; (c) a second coupling member coupled with the optical channel on the second side; (d) a second supporting member fixed with the second coupling member in an installed orientation clamped with the second cable section; and (e) a connecting member optically coupling the first coupling member with the second coupling member to establish the optical circuit path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Charles Eugene Morris, Thomas L. Weaver, Kirby J. Keller
  • Patent number: 8014641
    Abstract: A coupler assembly for a fiber laser is disclosed. The assembly includes a tubular housing having a sidewall with an interior surface, an exterior surface, a first end and a second end. An input collimator unit is also included and configured to be received within the first end of the sidewall of the tubular housing. An output collimator unit received within the second end of the sidewall of the tubular housing. Further included is a compression mechanism configured and arranged to concentrically align the input collimator unit and the output collimator unit about a common central axis. The assembly may further include an alignment mechanism configured and arranged to optically align the input collimator unit and the output collimator unit about a common optical axis. Optionally, a fluid coolant system may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventors: Yuri Grapov, William D. Jones, Vladlen Ivshin
  • Publication number: 20110188810
    Abstract: A connector for simultaneously connecting optical fibers and copper conductors having a receptable connector part and a plug connector part is disclosed. The plug connector part fits into the receptable connector part during mating of the plug connector part and the receptable connector part. The receptable connector part includes a receptable housing accommodating first electrical contacts, a first fiber optic ferrule, a first ferrule holding member for the first ferrule, a first spring element acting against said first ferrule holding member and is held by a first spring push element. The plug connector part includes a plug housing accommodating second electrical contacts, a second fiber optic ferrule, a second ferrule holding member for the second ferrule and a second spring element acting against the second ferrule holding member and being held by a second spring push element. The receptable housing and plug housing each being designed as a one piece housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Tomasz A. Ciechomski, Maria Plonezynska, Tadeusz M. Tenderenda
  • Patent number: 7942587
    Abstract: A strain-relief assembly for a field-installable fiber optic connector is disclosed, wherein the assembly includes a ferrule holder, an intermediate sleeve, and a crimp sleeve. The ferrule holder back section holds a buffered section of a fiber optic cable, while the ferrule holder front end holds a ferrule and a splice assembly. A stub fiber is held within the ferrule and the splice assembly so as to interface with a section of field optical fiber protruding from the buffered section. The intermediate sleeve engages and generally surrounds a portion of the ferrule holder back section and thus surrounds a portion of the buffered layer. An intermediate sleeve handler may be used to handle the intermediate sleeve and attached the intermediate sleeve to the ferrule holder back section. Stress-relief strands from the fiber optic cable are flared around the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve. A crimp sleeve is placed over the intermediate sleeve to hold the ends of the stress-relief strands in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ray S. Barnes, Kristine A. McEvoy, David W. Meek, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 7927024
    Abstract: A system may include a housing and a patch panel located within the housing. The patch panel may include a connection plate, and a matrix of fiber connectors connected to the connection plate and arranged to receive optical fibers in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventor: David Z. Chen
  • Patent number: 7927023
    Abstract: A connector receives and grips an optical fiber in registry with an optical element. Pivoting portions are held in default inoperative position by the spring action of molded hinges, at which position two shutter portions meet, so forming a shutter preventing the ingress of dirt to the optical element. As the optical liber is pushed a small distance into the connector, the pivoting portions are caused to pivot a small amount about the hinges, bringing teeth into contact with the outside jacket of the fiber. The bodies of the inserts are forced radially away from the central axis of the connector, so providing a leaf spring force which keeps the teeth engaged with the jacket of the fiber. The shutter portions move out of the way of the fiber and the spring action applies a force to draw the fiber further into the body of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Firecomms Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Moriarty, John Douglas Lambkin
  • Publication number: 20110081113
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes two connectors on fiber optic cables joined together by a clip having a trigger arm and a clip body. The trigger arm extends from the clip body at a shallow angle. The shallow angle of the trigger arm effectively reduces an amount of normal force required to activate latch mechanisms on the connectors. The clip is sandwiched between a connector housing and a boot, inhibiting the clip from axially translating relative to the connector assembly. The clip further includes an anti-rotation system to inhibit rotation of the connector assembly relative to the clip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Ashley W. Jones
  • Patent number: 7891882
    Abstract: A re-terminable, no-crimp ST-type optical connector assembly includes a spring-loaded ferrule holder assembly and a reusable activation system for termination of the assembly. The optical connector can be terminated by a suitable cam activation tool. The connector includes a housing, such as a bayonet, matable to a mating adapter, a backbone retained within a rear of the housing, a ferrule holder provided within the backbone, and a cam provided between the ferrule holder and the backbone. The ferrule holder includes an alignment key exposed to mate with a cam activation tool to lock rotation of the ferrule holder relative to other connector components. The cam includes a cam activation cutout at a front face thereof that mates with a cam activation tool interface to enable rotation of the cam between de-activated and activated positions, the cam activation cutout also receiving the alignment key of the ferrule holder therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Samuel M. Marrs, Shaun P. Brouwer, Robert T. Fitzpatrick, Phillip J. Irwin, Matthew M. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20110033154
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a connector comprising shape memory material such as a shape memory alloy, an optical fiber conduit and an axial stress opening traversing the connector from the connector surface to the fiber conduit and along at least a portion of a longitudinal length of the connector. The fiber conduit is dimensioned for optical fibers and to secure two optical fibers in abutment alignment for light signal transmission from one fiber to the other, with minimal attenuation and for securing the fibers without crushing or other damage to the fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: PHASOPTX INC.
    Inventors: Eric Weynant, Patrick Zivojinovic, Eric Menu, Alex Fraser, Mathieu Bergeron
  • Publication number: 20110002586
    Abstract: A connector and method for assembling a connector. The connector includes a ferrule that is retainably engaged within a hub. The connector further includes a rear housing and a front housing. The front housing is sized to receive and rotationally retain the hub. The front housing has a bore that receives and engages the exterior surface of a rear housing. The front and rear housing include engagement members that allow the rear housing to be retained within the front housing. A grip housing slideably mounts to the front housing. A boot mounts to the rear housing and terminates before the grip. An inner passage of the rear housing includes a flared passage adjacent to the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: PONHARITH NHEP
  • Patent number: 7857662
    Abstract: A receptacle cage (100) for receiving a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver therein includes a cage body (10) inserted into a passage (201) defined in a chassis (200), and a conductive plate (21) attached to outside of the cage body (10), said conductive plate (21) forming a plurality of resilient fingers (26) for grounding said cage body (10) to said chassis (200). The conductive plate (21) forming a front edge portion (282) closed to the cage body (10), a connection portion (284) extending slantways and rearwardly from the front edge portion (282), and the plurality of resilient fingers (26) being listed side by side in a first direction and extending from the connection portion (284), wherein said connection portion (284) extends continuously in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to corresponding wall of the cage body (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Brian J. Gillespie, Chun-Hsiung Hsu, Xin-Jie Zhang
  • Patent number: 7845858
    Abstract: The proposed optic-fiber connector is used for interconnecting optic-fiber cables. It comprises a receptacle with spring-loaded centralisers and two plugs with ferrules. The centraliser at each side includes an embracing portion, fixed end, movable end furnished with projections. The receptacle includes two sliders, each having a lock with a releasing knob. Each plug is provided with —a movable grid for compressing a spring-loaded insertion, —an arm for moving the grid, and —a fixing device. The embracing portions tightly encompass the ferrules. The slider essentially fixes the plug in the receptacle, and releases the grid for displacement. The insertion produces a force required for compressing the counterpart ferrules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Yurij Igorevich Donetsky, Andrey Yurievich Donetsky
  • Patent number: 7824110
    Abstract: The invention relates to a data transmission cable (10; 20), in particular for motor vehicles, at at least one of whose ends a plastics housing (14; 24) is arranged, said housing having mechanical dimensions in its interface region (30; 32) which conform to the FAKRA standardisation scheme. The data transmission cable (10; 20) has an optical waveguide, wherein a holding member (40) is provided in the plastics housing (14; 24), said holding member being configured for holding an optical imaging element (42) and for connecting the optical imaging element (42) to the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Rosenberger, Clemens Wurster
  • Patent number: 7806600
    Abstract: An improved, reversibly terminable fiber stub connector assembly is provided that can be readily and positively terminated in the field using simple termination tools. This allows repositioning or replacement of fiber optic cable field fibers if termination is not acceptable in performance. The tool may be a hand-held tool, or used in conjunction with a connector support structure to provide simplified and expeditious field termination of fiber optic cables. The cam tool can include a throughbore that enables connection of a patchcord to the stub fiber of the connector during or shortly after termination without removal of the termination tool. Accordingly, field testing of the connection can be made at the site of termination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Samuel M. Marrs, Jerry A. Wiltjer, Shaun P. Brouwer
  • Patent number: 7785017
    Abstract: A strain-relief assembly for a field-installable fiber optic connector is disclosed, wherein the assembly includes a ferrule holder, an intermediate sleeve, and a crimp sleeve. The ferrule holder back section holds a buffered section of a fiber optic cable, while the ferrule holder front end holds a ferrule and a splice assembly. A stub fiber is held within the ferrule and the splice assembly so as to interface with a section of field optical fiber protruding from the buffered section. The intermediate sleeve engages and generally surrounds a portion of the ferrule holder back section and thus surrounds a portion of the buffered layer. An intermediate sleeve handler may be used to handle the intermediate sleeve and attached the intermediate sleeve to the ferrule holder back section. Stress-relief strands from the fiber optic cable are flared around the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve. A crimp sleeve is placed over the intermediate sleeve to hold the ends of the stress-relief strands in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ray S. Barnes, Kristine A. McEvoy, David W. Meek, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 7758257
    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: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Timothy W. Anderson, Richard L. Case
  • Patent number: 7758256
    Abstract: A field-installable optical connector for terminating an optical cable, said connector comprising: (a) a housing having a front and back orientation; (b) a rear body attached to the back of said connector housing; (c) a ferrule assembly disposed in said connector housing, said ferrule assembly comprising at least a ferrule adapted for receiving a fiber of said cable, and a clamping mechanism to the rear of said ferrule, said clamping mechanism comprising at least a platform defining a fiber-receiving channel for receiving said fiber, a first member adjacent to the fiber-receiving channel and having at least one cam surface, and a second member having a second cam surface, said first and second cam surfaces cooperating such that relative movement between said first and second members causes said first member to move toward said fiber-receiving channel; (d) an actuator operatively connected to said second member to cause said second member to move relative said first member upon axial movement of said actuator,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Eric James Hopkins, Douglas Harold Rohde, David Donald Erdman
  • Patent number: 7717625
    Abstract: An optical fiber interconnect system wherein the adapter is connected to and released from the holder and the connector is connected to and released from adapter through two push-release connection and release mechanisms. The connector is engaged with the adapter by applying an insertion force to the connector. The connector is released by applying a releasing force to the connection mechanism on the adapter. The system of the invention includes a holder for attachment of the adapter to a front panel. A release opening is provided on the holder for the release of the adapter from the holder from the front of the panel so as to provide access to the back connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Illum Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Margolin, Gregory Bunin
  • Patent number: 7712971
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical connection. In the present invention, an element wire is removably fastened to the optical connector by tightening a main wire connection member using a tightening member from a state in which a plug, a main wire aligning member, a spring, a fastening member, the main wire connection member and the tightening member are previously assembled together. Consequently, only a related optical line need be repaired or replaced with another one, so that the optical line connection work is markedly simplified and can be performed conveniently. Furthermore, there is an advantage of efficient reuse of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Goldtel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Soo Lee, Hyung-Gon Jeong, Yong-Hyun Kim, Dong-Keun Kim, Yong-Moo Lim, Jeong-Bin Lee, Yong-Woo Yi
  • Patent number: 7712974
    Abstract: An optical connector and a method of assembling an optical connector that is capable of avoiding generation of unnecessary tension in the optical fiber cable in which plain fiber portions are optically connected to each other using a splice assembly. The optical connector comprises a connector housing having splice means configured to abut a stripped and cleaved end surface of a plain fiber of an optical fiber cable (2) onto an end of a fiber stub predisposed in the splice means to form an optical connection; and a cable fixing assembly (26, 40), that includes a cable fixing member (26) and a cable holder (40), for fixing an outer covering (2c) of the optical fiber cable (2) introduced into said connector housing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Akihiko Yazaki, Tomoyasu Oike, Takaya Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 7690848
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fiber plug connector, comprising at least one pair of plug connectors and a coupling, whereby each plug connector comprises a ferrule, each two ferrules of a pair of plug connectors are detachably guided and aligned together within a guide sleeve and the coupling has a housing, for each of the plug connectors. According to the invention, a compact space-saving optical fiber plug connector made from few components may be achieved, whereby the coupling is made from only one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Faika, Dietrich Rund, Hans-Peter Sandeck
  • Patent number: 7665901
    Abstract: Devices to enhance the reliability of optical networks and to reduce the cost of repair are disclosed in this invention. In particular, compact and inexpensive fiber optic union adapters with built-in protective isolation prevent the transfer of damage from one connectorized fiber optic cable to another. The fiber optic union includes a split sleeve with an interior channel and a fiber stub centrally located within the interior channel. The fiber stub makes direct optical contact with the cable endfaces to enable efficient optical transmission between interconnected cables while providing a low loss, low back reflection adiabatic transition between the waveguide cores of the two cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Telescent Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Stephen Kewitsch
  • Publication number: 20100027941
    Abstract: An electro-optical connector including a first connector end and a second connector end. The first connector end is coupled to a first electro-optical device. The second connector end coupled to a second electro-optical device. The second connector is flexibly coupled to a connector base so a second connector face can move flexibly with respect to a first connector face. A force mechanism on at least one connector end applies a force on an interface between the first connector end and the second connector end. The force is applied when the first connector face is within a predefined proximity of the second connector face. A mechanical guide on the connector end can align the first connector face with the second connector face when the force mechanism applies the force. The connector end for the force mechanism or the mechanical guide can be the first connector end or the second connector end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Duncan Stewart, Paul Rosenberg, Michael Tan
  • Patent number: 7648285
    Abstract: An optical waveguide connecter includes a socket part having a first waveguide contact placed in a channel of the socket part, and a plug part with a second waveguide contact placed in a channel of the plug part. The plug part channel is sealed with a piston displaceable counter to the force of a spring. The socket part has a pivotable cap for sealing an interface surface of the first waveguide contact. The plug part has a path for receiving the piston, with a section of the path being inclined to the axis of the second waveguide contact. During a plugging process, the cap displaced the spring-loaded piston, frees the first waveguide contact of socket part, frees the second waveguide contact in the plug part channel and is guided through the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: GISMA Steckverbinder GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Maletzky, Oliver Hirsch
  • Patent number: 7621676
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a receptacle body 40 having an engage hole 46 formed in a peripheral wall 45 of a chamber 44, a pigtail body 50 having a base body 51 contained in the chamber 44 and a locking protrusion 56 engaged in the engage hole 46 to attach the pigtail body 50, and a ferrule assembly 60 being inserted in a container 53 in the base body 51 so that the ferrule 62 is positioned in a receptacle cylinder 52, and a spring 70 inserted through an opening 54 in the base body 51 and pressing the ferrule 62 forward, wherein a stopper 73 is formed in the spring 70 as an integral part of the spring 70. A locking part 73b included in the stopper 73 is positioned in a recess 63 in the ferrule 62.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakagawa, Takeshi Isoda
  • Patent number: 7621675
    Abstract: According to an example embodiment of the invention a one-piece retention housing is utilized for terminating an optical fiber cable. The retention housing attaches to strength members within the cable, providing tensile strength and a means for further mating with components of an optical fiber connector assembly. The retention housing is used as part of a kit for terminating and securing the optical fiber cable connector to a complementary receptacle or terminal for drop-cable deployments in optical access networks and outside plant applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventor: Kelvin B. Bradley
  • Patent number: 7594764
    Abstract: A field-installable fusion spliced optical fiber connector including a ferrule, a fiber stub, a splice cover defining a longitudinal passage therethrough, a crimp body coupled to the splice cover, a biasing spring and a connector housing. A ferrule handling block is used for handling the ferrule during connector assembly and a splice cover handling block is used for handling the crimp body, the splice cover and the spring during connector assembly. A fusion splice point of the fiber optic stub and a field fiber is positioned within the longitudinal passage of the splice cover. A method for assembling a field-installable fusion spliced optical fiber connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Palmer, Jason F. Forsberg, Kevin C. Beach
  • Publication number: 20090220197
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body member that defines a passageway which is configured to receive a rugged fiber optic cable at a first end of the passageway and a fiber optic connector at a second end of the passageway, a first arm member connected to the body member, and a second arm member connected to the body member and coplanar with the first arm member. The first and second arm members are configured to receive the fiber optic connector therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey Gniadek, Tomoyuki Mamiya, Stephen O'Riorden, David Geldart
  • Publication number: 20090148103
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector and cable assembly includes a cable with one or more strength members secured to a connector that is connectable to both a hardened and a non-hardened fiber optic adapter. The cable can include multiple cable types with various shapes and strength member configurations. The connector includes a connector housing having a one-piece main body and a cover piece mounted thereon. The one-piece main body defines a plug portion compatible with the adapters. A ferrule assembly is mounted in the plug portion and biased outwardly by a spring. An insert within the connector housing includes a spring stop for holding the spring and a cable retention portion for securing the strength members of the cable. The spring stop and the cable retention portion can be included on a one-piece insert or they can separately be included on separate inserts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Randy Reagan
  • Patent number: 7540666
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-fiber fiber optic connector assembly providing articulated force application, including: a ferrule holder including an x-pivot component and a y-pivot component, wherein the x-pivot component of the ferrule holder is operable for providing relative rotational movement about the x-axis of the multi-fiber fiber optic connector assembly and the y-pivot component of the ferrule holder is operable for providing relative rotational movement about the x-axis of the multi-fiber fiber optic connector assembly; a multi-fiber ferrule comprising a plurality of optical connection points coupled to the ferrule holder; and a biasing member coupled to the ferrule holder and the multi-fiber ferrule, wherein the biasing member is operable for transferring a force through the ferrule holder and to the multi-fiber ferrule, and wherein the y-pivot component of the ferrule holder is coupled to the biasing member, the x-pivot component of the ferrule holder is coupled to the y-pivot component
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: James Phillip Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 7534051
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-cost attachable/detachable optical fiber connector, and the like. The optical fiber connector comprises first and second fiber connecting members. The first fiber connecting members has a ferrule that holds a first optical fiber in its inserting hole in a slidable state, a housing that covers the first optical fiber, and a fixing member that fixes the inserted first optical fiber to the housing behind the ferrule so as not to protrude out from the ferrule. The second fiber connecting members has a housing that has a ferrule engaging portion having a recess therein and an optical fiber holding portion that holds a second optical fiber in its inserting hole in a slidable state, and a fixing member that fixes the inserted second optical fiber to the housing behind the optical fiber holding portion so as to protrude into the recess from the optical fiber holding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Daizo Nishioka, Kenichiro Ohtsuka, Toshifumi Hosoya
  • Patent number: 7500789
    Abstract: A fibre optic coupler assembly for optically aligning a sectioned fibre optic cable, the cable having a first end and a second end and comprising one or more fibre optic cores. The assembly comprises a first holder for holding the first end; a second holder for holding the second end coupled to the first end; a retractor for retracting the second end; an aligning unit comprising a resilient construction having a conduit passing through it, for linear alignment of the ends; whereby the first and second ends are coupled by the respective holders and whereby the second end can be linearly aligned in the conduit of the aligning unit, retracted using the retractor, and rotated to obtain rotational alignment of the fiber cores of the ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: BioScan Ltd.
    Inventors: Ilan Grunberg, Avram Matcovitch