Plural Fiber-to-fiber Connections Patents (Class 385/71)
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Patent number: 6869227Abstract: A universal breakout harness for reversing the polarity of optical fibers includes a multi-fiber connector having a plurality of optical paths, an optical ribbon having a plurality of optical fibers disposed in the optical paths of the multi-fiber connector, and a plurality of optical fiber connectors opposite the multi-fiber connector defining a plurality of pairs of optical fiber paths. The optical fibers are separated and routed between the optical paths of the multi-fiber connector and the pairs of optical paths defined by the plurality of optical fiber connectors such that the optical fibers in at least one of the pairs of optical paths are selected from optical fibers disposed in optical paths of the multi-fiber connector that are not immediately adjacent to each other. The universal breakout harness is used in methods of implementing reverse-ribbon positioning in a cabling system and transitioning ribbon cabling into multiple duplex systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Steven C. Del Grosso, Larry K. Shook, Jr., Alan W. Ugolini
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Patent number: 6837626Abstract: Example systems and methods related to an electro-optical connector are provided. In one example, an electro-optical connector includes an electrical port configured to communicate first and second electrical signals into and out of the electro-optical connector. An optical output port is provided in electrical communication with the electrical port, the optical output port configured to convert first electrical signals representing a first value into first optical signals representing the first value, and convert second electrical signals representing a second value into second optical signals representing the second value.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Richard A. Schumacher
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Publication number: 20040264874Abstract: The array ferrule of the present invention has a main body having a fiber receiving cavity which extends therethrough from a mating face to a rear end. A pair of pin slots is formed in opposing side walls of the main body being precisely located with respect to the fiber receiving cavity. In communication with each pin slot is a retention member slot for receiving a pin retention member. A plurality of fibers is precisely positioned within the fiber receiving cavity and an encapsulant substantially surrounds the fibers to substantially fill the fiber receiving cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Dimitry Grabbe
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Patent number: 6832858Abstract: A module houses a set of fiber optic interfaces. The module includes a fiber optic interface holder, which is configured to hold the set of fiber optic interfaces, and a shroud coupled to the fiber optic interface holder. The shroud is configured to move relative to the fiber optic interface holder along an axis defined by the fiber optic interface holder such that, when the fiber optic interface holder holds the set of fiber optic interfaces, the shroud (i) protects the set of fiber optic interfaces when the shroud is in a first location along the axis defined by the fiber optic interface holder, and (ii) exposes the set of fiber optic interfaces when the shroud is in a second location along the axis defined by the fiber optic interface holder.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.Inventors: Richard F. Roth, Sepehr Kiani, Joe J. George, William E. Howard
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Patent number: 6832856Abstract: Rotate-and-pull mechanisms for fiber optic modules. The rotate-and-pull mechanisms have a lever-actuator to unlatch and withdraw a fiber optic module from a cage assembly or a module receptacle. The lever-actuator pivotally couples to the fiber optic module so that when lever-actuator is rotated about its pivot point, the lever-actuator causes the second actuator to release the fiber optic module from the cage assembly. The lever-actuator includes an actuating-tab to cause the second actuator to move when the lever-actuator is rotated. By pulling the lever-actuator away from the cage assembly, the fiber optic module is withdrawn from the cage assembly. A belly-to-belly mounting configuration is introduced for the rotate-and-pull release fiber optic modules.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2002Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: E2O Communications, Inc.Inventors: Liew C. Chiu, Ron C. Pang, Yong P. Sim, Kee S. Tan, Tat T. Ming
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Patent number: 6827499Abstract: To provide a method of manufacturing a two-dimensional optical connector component by stacking a plural number of one-dimensional optical connector components using at least four parallel disposed guide pins. The positions of the guide pins are determined by at least five pieces of beams. According to this method of manufacturing a two-dimensional optical connector component, optical connector components, such as an FA, can be stacked with high precision. There is also provided a guide pin jig usable for the above-mentioned manufacturing method. The jig is provided with at least four pieces of parallel disposed guide pins, and at least five pieces of beams for determining the position of the guide pins.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Akira Matsumoto, Masashi Fukuyama, Akiyoshi Ide
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Patent number: 6814497Abstract: An optical fiber connector (100), which is used for interconnecting ends of optical fibers (200) together with a splice device or a similar device, comprises a connector body (10) and a protector (50), which is movably or slidably held by the connector body (10). The connector body (10) is provided with an arranging portion (23), which is separated from and independent of the protector (50). The arranging portion (23) arranges the optical fibers (200) so that the arrangement of the optical fibers (200) falls within a single closed predetermined area in an XZ plane perpendicular to a Y-direction, wherein the single closed predetermined area has a first area size in the XZ plane. The protector (50) is provided with a front end surface (52a), which is formed with a second opening (54). The second opening (54) has a second area size in the XZ plane, which is larger than the first area size.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2003Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, LimitedInventors: Jun Takeda, Yuichi Koreeda
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Publication number: 20040208455Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2003Publication date: October 21, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lizhang Yang, Edward B. Lurie
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Publication number: 20040184741Abstract: A universal breakout harness for reversing the polarity of optical fibers includes a multi-fiber connector having a plurality of optical paths, an optical ribbon having a plurality of optical fibers disposed in the optical paths of the multi-fiber connector, and a plurality of optical fiber connectors opposite the multi-fiber connector defining a plurality of pairs of optical fiber paths. The optical fibers are separated and routed between the optical paths of the multi-fiber connector and the pairs of optical paths defined by the plurality of optical fiber connectors such that the optical fibers in at least one of the pairs of optical paths are selected from optical fibers disposed in optical paths of the multi-fiber connector that are not immediately adjacent to each other. The universal breakout harness is used in methods of implementing reverse-ribbon positioning in a cabling system and transitioning ribbon cabling into multiple duplex systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Inventors: Steven C. Del Grosso, Larry K. Shook, Alan W. Ugolini
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Publication number: 20040161203Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventor: Bryan D. Cull
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Patent number: 6773166Abstract: A commercial fiber optic connector of a style constructed to accept a ferrule-like unit therein has optical fibers, each having a first part and a second part separated by lengths, a low precision piece having a peripheral shape of a part of the ferrule like unit, two high precision slices each having fiber holes therein. A chamber separates the two high precision pieces defining a volume therebetween. The optical fibers have their first parts within the fiber holes in one of the high precision slices, their second parts within the fiber holes in the other of the high precision slices, and at least some of their length within the volume. The low precision piece and the two high precision slices collectively form the ferrule like unit and the ferrule like unit is contained substantially within the connector housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Xanoptix, Inc.Inventors: John Trezza, Greg Dudoff, Keith Kang, Ronald Olson
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Patent number: 6767136Abstract: A device includes two optical fibers bonded to a body. The body has a mating end and a splicing end. Each of two optical fibers has a respective polished end and splicing end. The polished end of two optical fibers is situated adjacent to and flush with the mating end of the body. The length of the two optical fibers is the same, where the length is defined by the distance from the splicing end to the polished end. The length of the two optical fibers is greater than the length of the body as defined by the distance from the mating end to the splicing end of the body. The length of the two optical fibers is less than fifty millimeters. The two optical fibers are parallel to one another.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Stratos International, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. E. Durrant, Mark Krowiak
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Patent number: 6758600Abstract: An optical interconnection module having: an enclosure defining walls and a cavity within the walls for receiving and supporting optical fibers and connectors; an optical interconnection section formed in a wall of the module, the optical interconnection section having a multi-fiber connector with multiple optical paths formed therein, the optical paths being arranged in a generally planar array with the paths being immediately adjacent to at least one other optical path for optical alignment with optical fibers in an optical fiber ribbon; an optical connector station formed in a wall of the module having a plurality of optical fiber connectors; the optical paths and the optical connectors being optically interconnected by optical fibers disposed in the cavity, fiber pairs being formed by the optical fibers, at least one of the fiber pairs being routed to a respective connector station that is in optical communication with the optical paths.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Steven C. Del Grosso, Larry K. Shook, Jr., Alan W. Ugolini
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Publication number: 20040109646Abstract: A fiber optic connector contains a single thru-hole through which the cable passes essentially intact. This connector is intended to be used with a large core optic fiber ribbon cable having more than one conductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2002Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventors: Timothy W. Anderson, William Andrew Gordon, Simon Cowley
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Publication number: 20040091214Abstract: An optical fiber connector (20) is provided with a compact latching mechanism (42) for holding the connector in a bulkhead casing (12) when inserted therein, and for enabling easy removal, the connector also having a simplified strain relief assembly (170) for fiber optic cables. The connector has an outer shell with slits (74, 74) that form a beam (60) having a rear end (70) merging with the rest of the shell, a free front end (82), and a beam middle (84) that forms a latch dog (32) with a rearwardly-facing shoulder. When the connector is inserted into the bulkhead casing, the latch dogs snap into latch-receiving slots (30) of the casing to latch the connector in place. When the middle of the beam is depressed into a groove (100), the latch dog moves inwardly and out of engagement with the bulkhead shoulder. A latch release member (62) has a rear end (112) mounted on the outer shell and a front end (114) that can depress a bump (116) on the beam middle portion to facilitate inward deflection of the beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2002Publication date: May 13, 2004Applicant: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Michael Santos Finona
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Patent number: 6719461Abstract: A hybrid electro-optic connector (14) has an insert (28), a rear seal body (60) and a centrally disposed support member (62) which extends between the insert (28) and the rear seal body (60). The insert (28) has a rearwardly open recess (84) which is configured for receiving the support member (62). The support member (62) is formed of non-conductive plastic, and has a forward end defining a shank (76) and a retainer ring (78). The retainer ring (78) and the recess (84) in the insert (28) have mating profiles (196, 198, 212) which are configured for aligning to receive and retain optical termini (18), alignment sleeves (56) and electrical contacts (22) in fixed positions within the insert (28). The insert (28) is formed of conductive plastic, and a forward housing (29) of the connector (14) is formed of a non-conductive plastic, which is over molded to the insert (28).Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Fiber Systems InternationalInventor: Bryan D. Cull
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Publication number: 20040062489Abstract: An optical fiber connector (100), which is used for interconnecting ends of optical fibers (200) together with a splice device or a similar device, comprises a connector body (10) and a protector (50), which is movably or slidably held by the connector body (10). The connector body (10) is provided with an arranging portion (23), which is separated from and independent of the protector (50). The arranging portion (23) arranges the optical fibers (200) so that the arrangement of the optical fibers (200) falls within a single closed predetermined area in an XZ plane perpendicular to a Y-direction, wherein the single closed predetermined area has a first area size in the XZ plane. The protector (50) is provided with a front end surface (52a), which is formed with a second opening (54). The second opening (54) has a second are size in the XZ plane, which is larger than the first area size.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Jun Takeda, Yuichi Koreeda
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Publication number: 20040062498Abstract: An optical interconnection module having: an enclosure defining walls and a cavity within the walls for receiving and supporting optical fibers and connectors; an optical interconnection section formed in a wall of the module, the optical interconnection section having a multi-fiber connector with multiple optical paths formed therein, the optical paths being arranged in a generally planar array with the paths being immediately adjacent to at least one other optical path for optical alignment with optical fibers in an optical fiber ribbon; an optical connector station formed in a wall of the module having a plurality of optical fiber connectors; the optical paths and the optical connectors being optically interconnected by optical fibers disposed in the cavity, fiber pairs being formed by the optical fibers, at least one of the fiber pairs being routed to a respective connector station that is in optical communication with the optical paths.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2002Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventors: Steven C. Del Grosso, Larry D. Shook
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Publication number: 20040057671Abstract: A ferrule has a body, peripherally dimensioned for receipt within a commercially available fiber optic connector, the body has a forward portion comprising a front side and a rear side, the front side defining a face of the ferrule, the rear side defining an inner surface. The forward portion has a large format array of fiber holes, each of the fiber holes in the array extending between the front side and the rear side and being sized to accept an optical fiber inserted therein, and the forward portion having a thickness, T, less than 3000 microns but at least a minimum thickness sufficient to support optical fibers inserted into the fiber holes. An optical connector, having a ferrule, and a fiber optic cable assembly are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Inventors: Keith Kang, John Trezza
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Publication number: 20040047565Abstract: An optical connector assembly (2) has two optical connectors (3) and a combiner (5). Each optical connector has a connector body (30) with an angled latching arm (4) formed on the connector body. The latching arm has a fixed end (41) on the connector body and a free distal end. A groove (430) is defined on the distal end. The combiner has a combiner body (6) holding the optical connectors and a cantilevered trigger arm (7). The trigger arm has a fixed end on the combiner body and a free distal end. A rod (72) is formed on the distal end of the trigger arm, and is received in the grooves of the optical connectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2002Publication date: March 11, 2004Inventors: Yung Chang Cheng, Chung Hsin Mou, Nan Tsung Huang
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Publication number: 20040042731Abstract: A multi-fiber optic device includes two optical fibers and a body. The body is formed around and adhered to the two optical fibers. The body includes two alignment bosses, a mating end and a tapered end. Each alignment boss includes an alignment aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2002Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventor: Thomas A. Hall
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Publication number: 20040042732Abstract: A method of aligning fiber arrays includes the method steps of inserting optical fibers into a ferrule array with a predetermined portion of the fiber extending from the ferrule. The ends of the fibers are then inserted at least partially through a fiber alignment hole in a substrate. Once the fibers extend at least partially through the substrate, the substrate is then displaced in a direction perpendicular to the optical fiber to ensure contact between the end of the fiber and a corner formed on the inside edges of the fiber alignment holes in the substrate. Once the fiber is positioned, a bonding block may be attached to both the ferrule array and the substrate to maintain the positional relationship between them and to maintain the proper positioning of the fiber within the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2001Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventor: Donald Bruns
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Publication number: 20040042733Abstract: A system and method for insertion of fibers into respective rows of fiber holes in a ferrule that involves mounting the ferrule in a first element and a proximal end of a first cable containing exposed fibers onto a movable element, adjusting the movable element until the fibers are adjacent to a bottom-most row of fiber holes, inserting each fiber into its respective hole in the bottom-most row, mounting the first cable in a second element, releasing the first cable from the movable element, mounting a second cable containing exposed fibers onto the movable element, adjusting the movable element until the fibers are adjacent to a second row of ferrule fiber holes, and inserting each fiber into its respective hole in the second row.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2003Publication date: March 4, 2004Inventors: Keith Kang, Misu Kang, Robert Otto
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Publication number: 20040037510Abstract: An operation for removing a core wire during the manufacture of an electrodeposited layer of a metal ferrule for an optical fiber is omitted, so that manufacturing costs can be reduced. Various corrections are applied while measuring the concentricity and circularity of the inside diameter and outside diameter of an electrodeposited layer during manufacture of an electrodeposited layer of a ferrule for an optical fiber, so that precision of the concentricity and circularity of the inside diameter and the outside diameter of the electrodeposited layer is improved. The objective of the present invention is to provide—using the ferrules—a connector that is excellent in connection performance and that enables construction of an optical system having many channels.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Takahiko Mukouda
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Patent number: 6695486Abstract: A fiber optic connector module is presented that has one or more male fiber optic connectors on one end of an angled molded body and a corresponding number of female optical connectors on the other end. The molded body can be a fixed angle module made of a material such as plastic, or can be an adjustable angle module where the angle can be adjusted to from 90 and 180 degrees. The connector module prevents problems associated with optoelectronic equipment that is rack mounted and has vertically mounted optical interfaces, such as microbending of the optical fiber. Moreover, the connector module ensures that safety requirements, and in particular the elimination of eye-level laser exposure, are met.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Cisco Technology, INCInventor: Dean Falkenberg
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Patent number: 6682228Abstract: A connector housing for a connector to an optical device includes: a body with a bottom wall, a first side wall with a first lip, a second side wall with a second lip, where optical fibers may reside within the bottom, first side, and second side walls, where the first and second lips engage the optical fibers when residing within the bottom, first, and second side walls, where the first and second lips assist in preventing the optical fibers from being removed from the body; a spring coupled to the body and the optical fibers; and a sleeve coupled to the body, including a locking feature for locking the body to the optical device. The connector housing is compact in size, allowing larger numbers of fiber-optic modules to reside on a printed circuit board, increasing its density for optical devices. A connector with the connector housing is also more cost effective to manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: EMCORE CorporationInventors: Lakshman Rathnam, Albert T. Yuen
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Patent number: 6676299Abstract: A device includes two optical fibers bonded to a body. The body has a mating end and a splicing end. Each of the two optical fibers has a respective polished end and splicing end. The polished end of each of the two optical fibers is situated adjacent to and flush with the mating end of the body. The length of the two optical fibers is the same, where the length is defined by the distance from the splicing end to the polished end. The length of the two optical fibers is greater than the length of the body as defined by the distance from the mating end to the splicing end of the body. The length of the two optical fibers is less than fifty millimeters. The two optical fibers are parallel to one another.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Stratos Lightwave, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. E. Durrant, Mark Krowiak
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Patent number: 6669377Abstract: A fiber optic connector including a ferrule that is compatible with a mini-MT ferrule and an E-ferrule and, if sized properly, an MT ferrule is provided. Additionally, a guide pin retention mechanism is provided that permits guide pins to be inserted in the field following assembly of the connector and polishing of the front face of the ferrule. The connector includes a ferrule having a shank and a first shoulder portion proximate one end of the shank. The first shoulder portion has a cross-sectional profile that is larger than the shank. The ferrule may also include a second shoulder portion proximate the first shoulder portion that is smaller in lateral cross-section than the first shoulder portion. The connector can also include a pin retainer for engaging guide pins that extend along the second shoulder portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Michael deJong, Sean M. Kerr, Daniel Leyva, Jr., Susan E. Rinehart, Scott E. Semmler
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Publication number: 20030235374Abstract: A ferrule assembly having highly protruding optical fibers and a corresponding method of efficiently, precisely and repeatedly fabricating the ferrule assemblies are provided. In this regard, a ferrule assembly is provided that includes a plurality of optical fibers extending at least about 3.5 &mgr;m beyond the front face. The end portions of the optical fibers of the ferrule assembly may also be substantially coplanar with the end portions of the optical fibers differing in position from one another by no more than 100 nm. The ferrule assembly may be efficiently fabricated by polishing the optical fibers to a desired protrusion without first grinding or polishing the optical fibers to be flush with the front face of the ferrule. The ferrule assembly may be even more efficiently fabricated in instances in which the ferrule includes at least one polishing feature, such as an outwardly extending pedestal or a recessed portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2002Publication date: December 25, 2003Applicant: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: James P. Luther, Dennis M. Knecht, Hieu V. Tran, Robert B. Elkins
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Patent number: 6665477Abstract: A modular undersea optical fiber telecommunication system includes a plurality of fiber optic cable segments each containing fibers of a fiber type different from at least some of the other cable segments. Each cable segment has a plug unit at one end and a receptacle unit at the opposite end comprising mating halves of an underwater connector. The connector units contain a plurality of optical fiber contact terminals, and each optical fiber in the cable segment is terminated to a respective one of the contact terminals in the plug unit at one end and to a respective one of the contact terminals in the receptacle unit at the opposite end.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Ocean Design, Inc.Inventors: John R. Toth, John P. Strauss
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Publication number: 20030210870Abstract: A cross-connect switch for switching optical signals, in particular, Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed (DWDM) signals is disclosed. The switch includes a switching matrix for each of the predetermined wavelengths of the DWDM signals. The switching matrices include Micro-Electro-Mechanical (MEM) systems which have optically reflective elements, typically mirrors, arranged in rows and columns for switching an incoming optical signal travelling along a row of such elements to an output port aligned with a column of the elements. The switch has input demultiplexers to split an incoming DWDM signal into its component channel wavelengths, each of which is directed to a switching matrix where it is switched to an output port and recombined into an outgoing DWDM signal by a multiplexer before being transmitted out of the switch. A wavelength-converting switch, connected across the switching matrices, is also included for switching channels between wavelengths.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventor: Alan F. Graves
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Patent number: 6637949Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that permit multi-directional fiber optic connections to a device. The multi-directional aspect of the fiber optic connections permit the connections to be aligned closely with the direction of travel of the fiber optic cables that interface with the device. Closely aligning the fiber optic connections on the device with the fiber optic cables' direction of travel maximizes the bend radius of the fiber optic cable near the point of connection or eliminates the bend altogether and reduces the likelihood of a broken fiber or signal attenuation.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.Inventors: Vern Loch, Craig Bentz, Joseph Coffey
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Publication number: 20030174971Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2003Publication date: September 18, 2003Inventors: Takashi Shigenaga, Katsuki Suematsu
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Patent number: 6609836Abstract: A method for coupling fiber optic elements includes providing a hollow wax housing. A first fiber optic element is inserted in a first direction into the housing to position a free end thereof in the housing. A second fiber optic element is inserted into the housing from an opposite direction to position a free end of the second fiber optic element in the housing confronting the first fiber optic element free end. The housing is filled with optical grade epoxy resin which is permitted to cure, thereby to effect physical and optical connection between the first and second fiber optic elements. The free ends are in close proximity, or in the case of coupling from one strand to many, in enough of a spaced relation to cause needed light diffusion.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Lynn T. Antonelli, Patrick J. Monahan
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Publication number: 20030156798Abstract: A hybrid electro-optic connector (14) has an insert (28), a rear seal body (60) and a centrally disposed support member (62) which extends between the insert (28) and the rear seal body (60). The insert (28) has a rearwardly open recess (84) which is configured for receiving the support member (62). The support member (62) is formed of non-conductive plastic, and has a forward end defining a shank (76) and a retainer ring (78). The retainer ring (78) and the recess (84) in the insert (28) have mating profiles (196, 198, 212) which are configured for aligning to receive and retain optical termini (18), alignment sleeves (56) and electrical contacts (22) in fixed positions within the insert (28). The insert (28) is formed of conductive plastic, and a forward housing (29) of the connector (14) is formed of a non-conductive plastic, which is over molded to the insert (28).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2002Publication date: August 21, 2003Inventor: Bryan D. Cull
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Patent number: 6584253Abstract: Sealed cable connections can be used to connect first and second cables to a sealed cable joint. The sealed cable connection at one end of the sealed cable joint includes a cable socket body positioned within an inner region of a housing. The cable socket body includes a passageway receiving one of the cables. A seal securing member is positioned within the inner region of the housing and secured into contact with the cable socket body. At least one seal, such as a resilient metal seal, is compressed between the cable socket body and the seal securing member to seal against the inner surface of the housing. The sealed cable connection can also include a cable seal positioned around the cable and within the passageway of the cable socket body.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Tyco Telecommunications (US) Inc.Inventors: Maurice Kordahi, David Giordano, Robert Stix
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Patent number: 6572273Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a plurality of alignment sleeves (50) that each lies in one of the passages (20) of a connector body (12), with each alignment sleeve being easily replaceable. Each alignment sleeve lies in a mount sleeve (80), with each mount sleeve having a front end with an inner flange (84) that prevents forward movement of the alignment sleeve. Each mount sleeve has a more rearward outer flange (90) forming a forwardly-facing shoulder (94). A retainer (100) includes resilient tines (106) that abut the forwardly-facing flange shoulder to prevent forward movement of the mount sleeve, but with the tines being expandable by a special tool (130) so the mount sleeve and alignment sleeve can be removed and replaced.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Can Trong Nguyen
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Publication number: 20030091294Abstract: The invention provides a connection structure of optical fibers and a process for connecting optical fibers, by which the optical fibers are prevented from being damaged, the working time required for the connection is shortened, yield is improved, and efficiency of connection working is improved. The connection structure of optical fibers comprises 2 connecting members and brought face to face with each other and each having a through-hole and 2 optical fibers inserted into the respective through-holes of the connecting members. The 2 optical fibers are connected within the through-hole of one connecting member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Applicant: Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyoichi Sasaki, Ritsu Kawase, Masayoshi Suzuki, Tatsushi Kobayashi
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Patent number: 6554483Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cross-connecting the individual optical fibers of a plurality of fiber optic ribbons. A plurality of individual optical fibers are routed onto a substrate to form at least one first optical ribbon. The individual fibers are reorganized on the substrate to form a plurality of second fiber optic ribbons. A plurality of individual dummy optical fibers are routed onto the substrate to increase the number of individual optical fibers of the second fiber optic ribbons without including the dummy optical fibers in the at least one first fiber optic ribbon.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Molex IncorporatedInventors: Maurice X. Sun, Sammy Ali, Thomas R. Marrapode, Igor Grois
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Publication number: 20030072536Abstract: An optical connector system comprises at least one shield case (14) provided through a panel (12) at a through-hole of the panel, and at least one pair of housings (13 and 13′) provided in the shield case, each housing receiving at least one plug (17) and having at least one sleeve (15) for aligning and holding top end of the plug. The shield case comprises at least one insertion hole (25) in which the plug is inserted, a partition plate (24) made of a conductive material and provided between the pair of housings, and a flange portion (27) made of a conductive material and grounded to the ground of the panel. The partition plate and flange portion are provided such that leakage and entrance of electromagnetic waves from the through-hole of the panel are minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Michitomo Shibutani, Isamu Inokoshi, Katsuya Ezawa
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Patent number: 6540409Abstract: An engager for creating an optical fiber link between a first optical signal carrier secured to a first connector and a second optical signal carrier secured to a second connector, and including a frame structure, a fiber ram block, and a shaft. The fiber ram block has a surface for connection to the second connector. The shaft is rotatably secured to the frame structure. The shaft has a first section of thread for threaded engagement with a second section of thread on a fiber backing member to which the first connector is secured. The shaft has a shoulder which contacts the fiber ram block so that, upon rotation of the first section of thread relative to the second section of thread, the shoulder moves the fiber ram block so that the fiber ram block moves the second connector into engagement with the connector.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: Kevin S. Yamada
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Publication number: 20030044123Abstract: A ferrule assembly, in a preferred embodiment, having a first ferrule, a second ferrule, and at least two alignment members to align the first and second ferrules during mating is provided. The first ferrule, the second ferrule and the alignment members interact at the mating interface of the first and second ferrules to provide three constraint lines. In one embodiment, the first ferrule has a body with at least one channel for receiving at least one optical fiber. The first ferrule body includes a first surface portion for retaining a first alignment member and a second surface portion for retaining a second alignment member, the first and second surface portions being V-shaped. The second ferrule has a body with at least one channel for receiving at least one optical fiber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Sepehr Kiani, R. Ryan Vallance
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Patent number: 6518506Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulating body which comprises a lower part with a first engaging element, a second engaging element, and a stop, as well as an upper part with a distance collar and an engaging means arranged at the distance collar. In a first engagement position in which the first engaging element is engaged with the engaging means electrical and/or optical contacts can be arranged in the insulating body. In a second engagement position the second engaging element engages with the engaging means, with the stop of the lower part contacting the distance collar. In this manner it is ensured that the upper and lower part, due to the effective connection of the stop and the distance collar, on the one hand, securely engage with one another and, on the other hand, due to the effective connection of the stop and the distance collar assume a pregiven position relative to one another at any time.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Contact GmbHInventors: Markus Zink, Frank Andrä
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Patent number: 6513990Abstract: A coupling sleeve is described which contains a sleeve body with a passage opening for accommodating a coupling partner on both ends respectively. An electroconductive shielding plate has a tongue protruding into the passage opening. The tongue is provided with an opening that has a width that matches a cross-section of a coupling partner.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Wolfgang Kühne
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Publication number: 20030012516Abstract: To provide a method of manufacturing a two-dimensional optical connector component by stacking a plural number of one-dimensional optical connector components using at least four parallel disposed guide pins. The positions of said guide pins are determined by at least five pieces of beams. According to this method of manufacturing a two-dimensional optical connector component, optical connector components, such as an FA, can be stacked with high precision. There is also provided with a guide pin jig usable for the above-mentioned manufacturing method, and said jig is provided with at least four pieces of parallel disposed guide pins, and at least five pieces of beams for determining the position of said guide pins.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Akira Matsumoto, Masashi Fukuyama, Akiyoshi Ide
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Patent number: 6505976Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a body for mating with a complementary connecting device. An alignment pin subassembly is mounted in the body. The subassembly includes a pair of alignment pins having distal ends for projecting from the body into a pair of appropriate alignment holes in the complementary connecting device. A pin holding plate engages proximal ends of the alignment pins to hold the pins with the plate in the subassembly for mounting in the body.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Molex IncorporatedInventors: Igor Grois, Yuriy Belenkiy, Barbara Grzegorewska
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Patent number: 6485192Abstract: The present invention provides an optical component having an integral optical array interface formed along a mating face. The optical interface has an optical connector section extending from a front wall and a plurality of lead in surfaces also extending from the front wall adjacent to the optical interface.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1999Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Tyco Electronics CorporationInventors: Alan Edward Plotts, Edmund Joseph Haley
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Publication number: 20020168150Abstract: A ferrule for optical connector has a body in which lines of fiber holes are arranged in a plurality of tiers. A cavity is formed in the body, and its bottom connects with the respective inlets of the fiber holes. The bottom of the cavity is a tiered bottom designed so that the respective inlet positions of the fiber holes are differentiated in stages between adjacent lines of the fiber hole array. The tiered bottom is formed having guide grooves that extend toward the respective inlets of the fiber holes in the same column of the fiber hole array. An opening is formed in a position of the outer surface of the body parallel to rows of the fiber hole array. The opening allows the tiered bottom to be exposed through the outer surface of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: Masato Shiino, Hideki Miyazaki, Katsuki Suematsu, Takashi Shigenaga
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Patent number: 6474876Abstract: A shielded optical fiber adaptor for mounting in an opening of a conductive faceplate of electronic equipment. The adaptor has an insulative body with a conductive plate imbedded therein. The plate has an aperture within the body which allows passage of light from the optical fiber and extends outwardly of the body to contact the faceplate when the body is retained in the faceplate opening. The largest dimension of the plate aperture is no more than ten percent of the wavelength at the highest operating frequency of the electronic equipment. In another embodiment, the plate is eliminated and the body is covered by a layer of conductive material. An interior channel in the body holds the fiber and has an aperture of no more than ten percent of the wavelength at the highest operating frequency of the electronic equipment. Since the interior of the channel is covered by the layer of conductive material, it acts as an attenuating waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Fitel USA Corp.Inventor: Theodore J. Sikorski, Jr.
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Publication number: 20020159710Abstract: The invention relates to a holding device for holding at least one optical plug that can be coupled with a coupling partner in an optical coupling system. According to the invention, the holding device comprises an inner holding part (11) into which the plug (3) can be locked and an outer holding part (12) in which the inner holding part (11) is arranged so as to be rotatable and laterally displaceable. The holding device enables a coupling of an optical plug with a coupling partner even for the case in which the coupling partner is situated with an imprecise position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventor: Hans-Dieter Weigel