Plural Fiber-to-fiber Connections Patents (Class 385/71)
  • Patent number: 7457492
    Abstract: A multichannel optical communication module includes: a board, and a signal-converting element having optical-action points aligned with a first pitch to emit and receive signal light. The element performs conversion between an optical signal and an electric signal at each of the optical-action points. The module further includes an optical waveguide that includes optical waveguide cores each having a first and a second optical-signal ends that are opposed to each other. The first optical-signal ends are aligned with the first pitch and optically connected to the respective optical-action points, while the second optical-signal ends are aligned with a second pitch longer than the first pitch. The module further includes a coupling component fixed on the board and coupling, to the module, an optical connector that holds ends of optical fibers aligned with a pitch equal to the second pitch, thereby optically connecting the second optical-signal ends to the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoki Umezawa
  • Patent number: 7441962
    Abstract: A multi-channel fiber optic cable connector is provided for connecting the terminal ends of fiber optic cables utilizing alignment sleeves to align the adjacent termini of optical fibers included within respective ones of the cables. A retention mechanism, a sleeve retainer, secured within the connector, is provided that secures the alignment sleeve within the connector. In another aspect, a single floating seal assembly extends around a termini and seals between the termini and a connector housing. The single seal assembly provides a dual sealing function, sealing between an aperture of a floating collar and the termini body and sealing between the floating collar and a seal surface of a bore in the connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Optical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkata R. Penumatcha, Vincent A. Wouters
  • Patent number: 7431514
    Abstract: A multifiber optical connector is provided comprising: a ferrule including a junction-end-face and a plurality of optical-fiber-insertion holes which open in the junction-end-face; openings of the optical-fiber-insertion holes arranged on the junction-end-face in a line or row or in plural parallel lines or rows; and optical fibers received in the optical-fiber-insertion holes such that they protrude from the junction-end-face. The lengths of optical fibers disposed on both side portions of the junction-end-face are greater than the lengths of optical fibers disposed on a central portion of the junction-end-face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunihiko Fujiwara, Tatsuya Ohta, Seiji Katoh
  • Patent number: 7429136
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly comprising a connector housing, at least one multi-fiber ferrule maintained within the connector housing, the at least one multi-fiber ferrule defining a front end for presenting at least one optical fiber for optical connection with at least one other mating ferrule and a rear end for inserting the at least one optical fiber into the ferrule, and a biasing member maintained within the connector housing operable for providing a biasing force to the multi-fiber ferrule, wherein the biasing force is not applied to the rear end of the multi-fiber ferrule. A connector assembly including a 72 fiber ferrule and force centering structure for applying on-axis force to the ferrule, while preventing off-axis forces generated by a biasing spring from being applied to the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 7422375
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical connection structure and optical connection method for enabling a connection characterized by a simple structure, ability to retain optical fibers in an adhered state, easy installation and detachment/attachment, and excellent optical stability. The optical connection structure proposed by the present invention has a solid viscous connection member having refractive-index matching property disposed in a single layer state between the end faces of mutually opposing optical transmission media or between the end face of an optical transmission medium and an optical component that are mutually opposing. The solid viscous connection member should desirably be made of silicone resin or acrylic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Suzuki, Kyoichi Sasaki, Tatsushi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7419309
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fibre plug connector, comprising at least one pair of plug connectors and a coupling, whereby each plug connector comprises a ferrule, each two ferrules of a pair of plug connectors are detachably guided and aligned together within a guide sleeve and the coupling has a housing, for each of the plug connectors. According to the invention, a compact space-saving optical fibre plug connector made from few components may be achieved, whereby the coupling is made from only one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Faika, Dietrich Rund, Hans-Peter Sandeck
  • Patent number: 7401984
    Abstract: An optical connector for use with a light separator, the optical connector including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being optically couplable by first optical transmitter to a first input of the light separator and by second optical transmitter to a second input of the light separator. The first and second portions are detachably couplable to couple the first and second optical transmitter to third and fourth optical transmitters, respectively, provided in or coupled to the second portion. The first and second inputs of the light separator can thereby be optically coupled to a first optical instrument coupled to the third optical transmitter and a second optical instrument coupled to the fourth optical transmitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignees: Hoya Corporation, Optiscan Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Alan Pattie
  • Publication number: 20080131056
    Abstract: A loopback device utilizing bend insensitive optical fiber to facilitate deployment of a connectorized fiber optic distribution cable through small-diameter conduit. A loopback device utilizing bend insensitive optical fiber for use within an optical network to route optical signals transmitted downstream along one or more optical fibers back upstream along the same or other optical fibers for the purpose of the determining the integrity of the downstream and upstream optical paths from a single upstream location. A loopback device including one or more bend insensitive optical fibers, a multi-fiber loopback ferrule and a dust cap for sealing engaging a connector plug attached to a distribution cable or a tether of a pre-engineered distribution cable assembly prior to installation of the distribution cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Micah C. Isenhour, Christopher P. Lewallen, James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn, Hieu V. Tran
  • Publication number: 20080095502
    Abstract: The connector modules that are designed and shaped to mate with one side of the receptacle of the panel have mating devices that enable them to be stacked one atop the other inside of the receptacle in a relatively rigid stack. The connector modules that are designed and shaped to mate with the other side of the receptacle of the panel have mating devices that enable them to be held in slots that are slightly separated from one another by air gaps to allow them to “float” in the receptacle. By floating the connector modules in one side of the receptacle while having a relative rigid stack of connector modules in the other side of the receptacle, it is ensured that very precise optical alignment will be maintained between the respective lenses in the connector modules that face each other in the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Laurence Ray McColloch
  • Publication number: 20080089651
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly comprising a connector housing, at least one multi-fiber ferrule maintained within the connector housing, the at least one multi-fiber ferrule defining a front end for presenting at least one optical fiber for optical connection with at least one other mating ferrule and a rear end for inserting the at least one optical fiber into the ferrule, and a biasing member maintained within the connector housing operable for providing a biasing force to the multi-fiber ferrule, wherein the biasing force is not applied to the rear end of the multi-fiber ferrule. A connector assembly including a 72 fiber ferrule and force centering structure for applying on-axis force to the ferrule, while preventing off-axis forces generated by a biasing spring from being applied to the ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 7350979
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical transceiver that has an optical semiconductor device coupled to an optical fiber via an optical connector attached to an end of the optical fiber. The optical transceiver comprises at least one optical subassembly including the optical semiconductor device, an optical receptacle, a substrate, a frame and a cover. The optical semiconductor device optically couples to the optical fiber by mating the optical connector with the optical receptacle. The frame installs the optical subassembly, the optical receptacle, and the frame. According to the present invention, the optical receptacle is optionally positioned to the frame, so mechanical stress induced therebetween may be relaxed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Mizue, Manabu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7349619
    Abstract: A device and method of blocking customer access to a fiber optic distribution cable. A service blocker is positioned between a fiber distribution cable and a customer drop cable within a fiber optic adapter. The service blocker includes a unitary body which does not permit optical transmission between the fiber distribution cable and the customer drop cable. The service blocker includes a first end configured to be inserted within the fiber optic adapter and a second end configured receive a fiber optic cable connector. A system for mounting fiber optic cables including a service blocker positioned within a bulkhead mounted adapter between two fiber optic cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Beck, Scott C. Kowalczyk
  • Patent number: 7346254
    Abstract: A telecommunications assembly including a housing and a plurality of modules mounted within the housing. The modules includes a rear face in which is mounted at least one fiber optic connector. Within an interior of the housing are positioned at least one fiber optic adapters. Inserting the module through a front opening of the housing at a mounting location positions the connector of the module for insertion into and mating with the adapter of the housing. The adapters within the interior of the housing are integrally formed as part of a removable adapter assembly. A method of mounting a telecommunications module within a chassis. The modules include a connector mounting bulkhead which is moveable relative to the module to allow connector access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Anne Kramer, Ponharith Nhep
  • Patent number: 7344315
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a fiber assembly is provided. The fiber assembly has a first fiber having at least one core. The core has a length, a first end, and a second end, and light may be transmitted along the core. The second end has an obtusely angled end surface. The assembly also has a second fiber having at least one core having a first end. Light may be transmitted along the core. The second end of the first fiber is optically coupled to the first end of the second fiber such that light emitted from the first fiber may be transmitted to the second fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Martin Fenwick, Richard John Luebs, Terrel L. Morris, Duane A. Wegher, Jeffrey D. Yetter
  • Patent number: 7330546
    Abstract: A multimedia patching box including a generally rectangular housing. The housing includes a first wall positioned opposite from a second wall. The housing also includes opposing third and fourth walls that extend between the first and second walls. A panel is mounted adjacent the front of the housing. The panel is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The pivot axis is located adjacent to the third wall of the housing and extends generally along the third wall of the housing. A plurality of multimedia connectors are mounted on the panel. The housing defines at least one cable access opening defined through at least one of the first and second walls at a location adjacent the third wall. A cable management structure is connected to the back side of the panel. The cable management structure defines a cable guiding channel that extends generally along the pivot axis of the panel and generally aligns with the at least one cable access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Scott Kessler, Jeffrey Scott Hartzler, Cory Lee Grabinger
  • Patent number: 7325979
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removably connecting two groups of individual, parallel fibers that are delimited by end faces that are perpendicular to the fiber axis. The two groups of fibers are moved towards each other in an axial direction until each of the fibers abuts against the end face of the assigned fiber from the other group. The fibers of the two groups are aligned in pairs relative to each other before being moved into contact with each other, and any differences in fiber lengths is compensated for by elastically deforming the fiber along the fiber main axis. This method eliminates the disadvantages associated with bending the fibers because length variations are essentially compensated for by axially compressing the fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Huber + Suhner AG
    Inventors: Thomas Ammer, Uhland Goebel, Martin Strasser, Falk Draheim, Peter Nuechter, Carlo Compare
  • Publication number: 20070297724
    Abstract: A light-emitting funneling apparatus comprises a conduit with a pouring end and a discharge end, wherein the pouring end is wider than the discharge end. The light-emitting funneling apparatus also comprises one or more light sources positioned adjacent to a portion of the conduit and configured to illuminate in a direction of a flow of material through the conduit. In some embodiments, the one or more light sources are external to the conduit. Alternatively, the one or more light sources are internal to the conduit. The light-emitting funneling apparatus further comprises a means for selectively activating the light source. In some embodiments, the funnel comprises a battery for powering the one or more light sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventor: James Richards
  • Publication number: 20070297723
    Abstract: A multi-channel fiber optic cable connector is provided for connecting the terminal ends of fiber optic cables utilizing alignment sleeves to align the adjacent termini of optical fibers included within respective ones of the cables. A retention mechanism, a sleeve retainer, secured within the connector, is provided that secures the alignment sleeve within the connector. In another aspect, a single floating seal assembly extends around a termini and seals between the termini and a connector housing. The single seal assembly provides a dual sealing function, sealing between an aperture of a floating collar and the termini body and sealing between the floating collar and a seal surface of a bore in the connector housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: APPLIED OPTICAL SYSTEMS, INC
    Inventors: R.M. Flower, Venkata R. Penumatcha, Vincent A. Wouters
  • Patent number: 7296934
    Abstract: An optical transmission module is disclosed that comprises an optical element having an optical path formed therein, optical connection parts respectively arranged on both sides of the optical element so as to connect the optical element to plural optical fibers, and reinforcement parts. The reinforcement parts are applied to a part of or an entire circumference of respective connected portions between the optical element and the optical connection parts, and then cured to reinforce connections between the optical element and the optical connection parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Ono
  • Patent number: 7284911
    Abstract: In an optical connector for connecting an optical fiber to a mating object having a pair of guide members, the optical connector includes a connector body fixed to the optical fiber and an adapter removably attached to the connector body. The adapter has a positioning groove for positioning an end portion of the optical fiber and a pair of guide grooves adapted to receive the guide members, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Jun Takeda, Yuichi Koreeda
  • Patent number: 7275874
    Abstract: An optical connector comprises a clamp member holding an optical fiber, a first housing to which the clamp member is fixed, and a second housing fitted to the first housing. The first housing has an aligning portion for aligning and positioning the optical fiber, and a clamp holding portion holding the clamp member. The optical fiber has an end portion protruding forward from the aligning portion in a cantilevered state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Jun Takeda, Akihiro Onogawa, Yuichi Koreeda, Masashi Maruyama, Haruyuki Koshimizu, Kiyoyuki Mutaguchi, Hidehiko Matsushita, Shin Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7264404
    Abstract: Optical connector assemblies suitable for use in harsh environments such as down hole oil and gas well applications and methods for fabricating the same are provided. In one embodiment, an optical connector assembly suitable for down hole oil field applications comprises a first and second optical waveguide urged by a biasing member against a bracket. Each of the waveguides has at least one base surface formed on the exterior of the waveguide that is disposed against at least one of a plurality of reference surfaces of the bracket. In another embodiment, flats comprise two of the base surfaces on each optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lagace, John Grunbeck, Milton E. Ives, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7264402
    Abstract: A fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly adapted to be mounted within an opening through a wall of a connection terminal. The receptacle and plug define complimentary alignment and keying features for ensuring that the plug is mated with the receptacle in a predetermined orientation. An alignment sleeve is disposed within the plug for receiving a multi-fiber receptacle ferrule and a multi-fiber plug ferrule. The fiber optic receptacle and corresponding plug each include a biasing member assembly for urging the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule towards one another, wherein the biasing member assembly includes a round spring, a spring centering cuff and a ferrule boot that operatively engage the rear of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule, respectively, to substantially center a spring biasing force on the end face of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Theuerkorn, Martin E. Norris, James P. Luther
  • Patent number: 7255492
    Abstract: A method includes providing a light pipe having a metallized end surface, and soldering the metallized end surface of the light pipe to a surface of a substrate. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Weston C. Roth, Damion T. Searls, Thomas O. Morgan, James D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7246949
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transmitting optical signals between at least two components disposed for rotation. The invention excels itself by the provision that at least one micro-optical component is used for beam forming or beam guidance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Thiele, Hans Poisel
  • Patent number: 7241057
    Abstract: An optical connector apparatus includes a first and a second optical connector which are optically connectable to each other. The first optical connector includes a first connector body, a first light shielding device fitted to the first connector body in a first fitting direction, and a first guide portion coupled to the first light shielding device to guide fitting of the first light shielding device to the first connector body. The first guide portion has a first dimension in the first fitting direction. The second optical connector includes a second connector body, a second light shielding device fitted to the second connector body in a second fitting direction, and a second guide portion coupled to the second light shielding device to guide fitting of the second light shielding device to the second connector body. The second guide portion has a second dimension in the second fitting direction. In the optical connector, the second dimension is determined greater than the first dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignees: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Koreeda, Yoshiteru Abe, Masaru Kobayashi, Ryou Nagase
  • Patent number: 7237965
    Abstract: A fibre optic connector assembly includes first and second parts (1, 2) that can be physically connected together and separated from one another. Each connector part (1, 2) including a plurality of fibres (3, 4), each for optical connection to a respective fibre of the other part. A housing (8) is provided within the assembly, the housing defining a plurality of passageways for housing respective optical connections of the fibres (3, 4) of the first and second connector parts (1, 2) and for maintaining the fibres of each each optical connection in alignment. The housing (8) is tethered to the first connector part (1) by an elongate flexible member (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus UK Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Brownjohn
  • Patent number: 7234877
    Abstract: A fiber optic industrial connector includes a connector holder and a duplex clip assembly secured within the connector holder. The duplex clip assembly includes a duplex clip and two connectors secured within the duplex clip. The duplex clip has a front surface and a rear surface, and two openings positioned between the front surface and the rear surface. The duplex clip also has a projecting member extending from the rear surface and toward the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Thomas M. Sedor
  • Patent number: 7212713
    Abstract: Provided is an optical transmission substrate including: a first substrate; an optical waveguide which has clad covering a core and a periphery of the core and extends on an upper surface of the first substrate; a second substrate provided parallel to the first substrate so that a lower surface thereof contacts an upper surface of the optical waveguide; a reflection surface which is provided on a cross section of the core at an end of the optical waveguide and reflects light, which travels through the core of the optical waveguide, toward the second substrate; and a light guide which is provided in the second substrate and guides the light, which is reflected toward the second substrate, toward an upper surface of the second substrate from a position closer to the core than an upper surface of the clad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Fukuzawa, Masaki Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 7184635
    Abstract: A fiber optic ribbon cable includes: a plurality of substantially parallel optical fibers formed into a ribbon, the ribbon extending in a longitudinal direction and having first and second ends; and a termination assembly attached at each of the first and second ends of the ribbon. Each of the termination assemblies includes a body and a ferrule, the body having a key on an upper surface thereof. The ferrule has a polished contact surface that exposes ends of the optical fibers; the contact surface forms an oblique angle relative to a plane normal to axes defined by the fibers. The termination assemblies at the first and second ends of the ribbon either both face slightly upwardly or both face slightly downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Commscope Solutions Properties, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph C. Livingston
  • Patent number: 7177519
    Abstract: A functional multilayer film and a method for manufacturing the same is provided in which the intervals of fine metallic bodies in the thickness direction and the arrangement thereof in the surface direction are regular, and the fine metallic bodies arranged on each layer are aligned in the thickness direction. A functional multilayer film is obtained by fixing a plurality of fine metallic bodies to a matrix made of a dielectric substance. The matrix is obtained by laminating metal-arranged thin films, which each contain a dielectric thin film having a predetermined thickness and the fine metallic bodies arranged on the dielectric thin film. A plurality of recesses is regularly formed on the surface of the dielectric thin film, and the fine metallic bodies are arranged in the lower parts of the recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignees: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Someno, Munemitsu Abe, Masayoshi Esashi
  • Patent number: 7156560
    Abstract: An alignment assembly (20) is provided for holding alignment sleeves that each aligns the ends of a pair of optic fiber ferrules (22, 26) projecting from two mating connectors (12, 14), which assures that the mating connectors will always be mated in their proper relative orientations to avoid unacceptable insertion losses and the connection of the wrong pairs of fibers. The alignment assembly includes a housing (34) formed by two identical housing halves, and includes two identical locating pins (40, 42) mounted on the housing at opposite sides of the housing axis, each pin having having a pin end (91–94) projecting from each face of the housing. One pin has a large diameter end (94) projecting from a front housing face (100) into a large diameter locating hole (52) in a connector and the other pin has a small diameter end (93) projecting from the same front housing face into a small locating hole (51), to assure proper orientation of the two mating connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Alan Seeley
  • Patent number: 7153034
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical transmission line constructing method comprising the steps of connecting a plurality of optical fibers differing from each other in terms of a transmission characteristic; making inspection light incident on an entrance end of the connected plurality of optical fibers; detecting, on the entrance end side, respective return light components of the inspection light occurring at individual positions of the plurality of optical fibers in its longitudinal direction; evaluating a characteristic information distribution of return light in the longitudinal direction of the plurality of optical fibers; and constructing an optical transmission line according to a result of the evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eisuke Sasaoka, Masashi Onishi, Takemi Hasegawa, Masayuki Nishimura
  • Patent number: 7128470
    Abstract: A bipolar optical plug-and-socket connector for connecting two optical fibers with other optical fibers and electro-optical transmission and receiving devices includes an optical housing for holding two fiber end sleeves in which each sleeve terminates a fiber. The optical housing includes first and second housing portions which have different external forms from one another. The housing portions hold respective ones of the sleeves when the sleeves are inserted into the housing portions along a plugging direction. The housing portions join to one another in a direction running perpendicular to the plugging direction to place the optical housing in a fully assembled position while the housing portions hold the sleeves. Each housing portion includes an end lock for locking the sleeves in the housing portions. The end locks of the housing portions lock the sleeve held in the other of the housing portions when the housing portions are joined together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Leopold Kostal GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Scherer, Wolfgang Mohs, Wilfried Heringhaus
  • Patent number: 7090408
    Abstract: A ruggedized, snap-together, module securely retains a pair of mutually abutting fiber optic interconnect MT ferrules, that have been joined together by a ferrule aligning pin clamp structure. The module includes a generally rectangular base member having a ferrule retention cavity that is configured to retain a pair of MT ferrules and an associated pin clamp assembly therefor. A cover is configured to engage the base in such a manner that the two MT ferrules are firmly held in their intended face-to-face abutting condition as captured between the base and the cover. A bias compression spring is captured between the cover and the base in a manner that facilitates removal of the cover when it is desired to open the module and gain access to the two MT ferrules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Benjamin Brief, Ying-Ming Lee, Robert Grayson Wells, James William Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7083332
    Abstract: The objective is to offer a connector component for multi-core optical fiber, or an assembly of ferrules, having high precision ferrules in concentricity, circularity, axial linearity, and spacing distance, as well as to offer a method of manufacturing the same at a reduced cost. The connector (or ferrules) is featured by its manufacturing method including thermal-spraying or electroforming is applied, using a resin or a metal, to a plurality of cylinder-shaped ferrules, under the condition that projections which are positioned opposite each other of a positioning member are fitted and nipped to both ends of insertion holes of the cylinder-shaped ferrules so that each ferrule is properly positioned and the central axes are parallel to each other at specified positions so that the plurality of cylinder-shaped ferrules are coated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Takahiko Mukouda
  • Patent number: 7077577
    Abstract: An apparatus to accurately hold an optical fiber within a commercial fiber optic connector. The connector has a first high precision slice having multiple holes of a first area and a first alignment opening and a second high precision slice having multiple holes of a second area and a second alignment opening. The holes of the first high precision slice are arranged relative to the first alignment opening so that, when the second high precision slice and the first high precision slice are juxtaposed with one another and the first alignment opening and the second alignment opening are aligned, the holes of the first high precision slice and the holes of the second high precision slice will be offset relative to each other and will define an opening having an area less than a smaller of the first area and second area. The opening is capable of closely constraining an optical fiber inserted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Cubic Wafer, Inc.
    Inventors: John Trezza, Keith Kang, Greg Dudoff, Ronald Olson
  • Patent number: 7036997
    Abstract: An optical module comprises an first filter, an optical fiber for guiding light wave to a first end face of the filter, a second optical fiber for guiding a light wave transmitted through the filter from a second end face of the filter, a third optical fiber for guiding light wave to said second end face of the filter, a fourth optical fiber for guiding the light wave reflected by the filter and the light wave transmitted through the filter from said first end face of the filter, a plug connector for positioning said first and fourth optical fibers, and a socket connector for positioning said second and third optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Katsuyama, Makoto Shiraishi, Kentaro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7036996
    Abstract: An optical fiber coupling assembly is provided, which is an integration of connectors and coupler. A connector is installed to an end of a fiber cable. The connector is then inserted into a sleeve of a coupler. A latch is used to force the end surface of the fiber cable's core to be tightly joined to that of an opposite fiber cable also coupled to the coupling assembly, reducing the power loss of the light signal transmission over the two fiber cables. The coupling assembly is structurally simple, has a smaller form factor, and is able to increase operation efficiency and reduce production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Chong-Nien Wang
  • Patent number: 7034992
    Abstract: Briefly, the present invention relates to a system for combining the output light beams of a plurality of semiconductor laser diodes, for example, to form a combined light beam with increased brightness. The output light beams from the semiconductor laser diodes are coupled to a plurality of optical fibers forming a fiber coupled diode array. The optical fibers forming the fiber coupled diode array are coupled to a dual clad optical fiber with a central core. The output light beams from the optical fibers from the fiber coupled diode array are coupled to the inner cladding of a dual clad optical fiber. A Stokes seed source is applied to the central core, and the inner-clad diode light acts as a pump source to amplify the Stokes beam by stimulated Ramans scattering, thereby transferring power from the inner cladding into Stokes beam in the central core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Komine
  • Patent number: 7029183
    Abstract: An optic array connector is disclosed. The fiber optic array includes a first faceplate having a plurality of openings. The first faceplate is oriented in a first direction. The fiber optic array also includes a second faceplate having a plurality of openings. The second faceplate is oriented in a second direction. A plurality of optical fibers are inserted through the plurality of openings in the first faceplate and the plurality of openings in the second faceplate. The second faceplate and the first faceplate are adjusted such that a portion of the openings in the first faceplate and a portion of the openings in the second faceplate contact and hold the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: FLX Micro, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Melzak, Mehran Mehregany
  • Patent number: 6986608
    Abstract: Fiber optic connections are accomplished with passive alignment using a modular approach. An improved waveguide substrate has precisely aligned waveguides secured in place, including at an inlet channel, an outlet channel, or both. The waveguides need not extend beyond the face of the inlet or outlet location, and there is no need to have any unsupported fiber optic fibers connect to the waveguide substrate. When provided, a connector module or modules have fiber optic fibers having supported ends which precisely align with the waveguides of the waveguide substrate. Connecting pins typically are provided to insure alignment between waveguides and fibers is easily attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Masum Choudhury, Anthony L. Moretti
  • Patent number: 6971803
    Abstract: A multi-fiber ferrule is configured to accept coated optical fibers and an optical fiber ribbon. The multi-fiber ferrule includes an optical fiber receiving portion, a lead-in portion, and an alignment portion. The alignment portion includes a buffered fiber alignment portion to orient and separate buffered optical fibers. The alignment portion may also include a ribbon alignment portion to orient and align the optical fibers of an optical fiber ribbon. As a result, the stripped optical fibers of both the coated optical fibers and the optical fiber ribbon are guided and aligned with the optical fiber bores provided in the optical fiber receiving portion of the multi-fiber ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ronald L. Mudd, David L. Dean, Jr., Alan J. Malanowski, Joseph T. Cody
  • Patent number: 6973242
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for guiding at least one fiber optic ribbons into a ferule. The ferrule has front and rear faces, a longitudinal axis and at least one guide pin channel disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus comprises: (a) a cover; and (b) a base having first and second surfaces and comprising (i) a channel spanning from the first to the second surface, the channel being defined by a Cartesian coordinate system x, y, and z and having an x-dimension that coincides with the width of the fiber optic ribbon, and (ii) means for aligning said apparatus with said ferrule. When the cover is disposed on the base, a pocket is formed between the cover and the base. The height of the pocket coincides with the cumulative thickness of the number of fiber optic ribbons used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lizhang Yang, Edward B. Lurie
  • Patent number: 6910808
    Abstract: An optical connector ferrule for supporting an optical fiber tape conductor having an end of which a coating is peeled off to expose optical fibers, comprising: a plurality of fiber inserting holes which are arranged at a plurality of steps and into which the optical fibers are inserted; a guide portion for guiding insertion of optical fibers, formed so as to have an end communicating with a fiber inserting end of each of the fiber inserting holes, the guide portion extending along an axial direction of the fiber inserting holes; and a contact portion formed to be a predetermined distance spaced from an opening end opposed to the fiber inserting end of each of the fiber inserting holes along the axial direction of the fiber inserting holes, the contact portion being brought in contact with an exposed fiber side end of a tape member of the optical fiber tape conductor when each of the optical fibers of the optical fiber tape conductor is inserted into each of the fiber inserting holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Shigenaga, Katsuki Suematsu
  • Patent number: 6899465
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in a commercial fiber optic connector is made up of an assembly of a set of slices. Each of the slices having multiple through holes of a specified arrangement. At least some of the through holes on any two adjoining slices are aligned with respect to each other so as to define a conduit between them. A transmission medium is within the holes. A method of making a fiber optic connector adapted to receive a fiber bearing unit is also described. The method involves coupling at least two high precision pieces together, the at least two high precision pieces having holes configured with an optical medium inserted therein after the coupling and cured to form a waveguide structure, coupling the at least two high precision pieces to a low precision piece to form a unit, and housing the unit within a fiber optic connector housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Xanoptix Inc.
    Inventors: John Trezza, Keith Kang, Greg Dudoff, Ronald Olson
  • Patent number: 6893162
    Abstract: A system (10) comprises a carrier (1) which is adapted to carry an optical fiber (9) and an optical chip (3) having a circuit element (4). The carrier and the optical chip are provided with co-operable alignment features (13,14) for aligning the carrier with the optical chip so that the optical fiber and the circuit element are optically coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Bookham Technology PLC
    Inventors: Renaud Vegny, Christophe P. Prel
  • Patent number: 6883978
    Abstract: A fiber-coupled optical component package comprises a high thermal conductivity base, a housing including a ceramic substrate, an optical component mount aperture formed on the substrate and a substantially planar fiber mount region on the substrate adjacent to the optical component mount aperture. An optical component may be secured within an area defined by the optical component mount aperture and an optical fiber may be secured to the substantially planar fiber mount region to optically couple the fiber and the optical component. A package lid may be placed over one or more of the housing, the optical component, and a portion of the fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Powers
  • Patent number: 6883972
    Abstract: An optical fiber coupling reduces power loss by creating breaks in one or both of the optical fibers being joined so that destructive interference between modes of the signal escaping at the coupling and the breaks reduces total power loss. The breaks can be in the receiving and/or transmitting optical fiber, and each break generally correspond to a small region of changed refractive index in the cladding and/or core of an optical fiber. The breaks can be created using a laser or by removal and replacement of small regions of cladding material. An active alignment process can position the optical fibers for physical attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory C. Zimmer
  • Patent number: 6874946
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector for mounting to a cable having a plurality of optical fibers and connecting the optical fibers to mating optical fibers using termini. The connector comprises a housing defining an exterior and having a rear portion to which the cable is secured and through which the plurality of optical fibers enter. A support member having a shank which is engaged with a retainer ring and which is disposed within the housing extends between the rear portion of the housing and a forward portion of the housing with a gap disposed between the housing and the shank through which the optical fibers extend. A recess is disposed in the forward portion of the housing and has an interiorly disposed periphery which defines a recess profile. The recess profile has inner portions which receive the termini of the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Fiber Sytems International
    Inventor: Bryan D. Cull