Fiber End Held In Ferrule Patents (Class 385/72)
  • Publication number: 20100220960
    Abstract: An optical connector in which works of attaching an incorporated optical fiber to a ferrule, removing a coating of the tip end side of a coated optical fiber, and attaching an optical connector to the coated optical fiber can be made more efficient, and the transmission characteristics can be prevented from being lowered in the optical connector, and a method of attaching the optical connector to a coated optical fiber are provided. An optical connector 101 includes: a ferrule 140 into which a glass fiber 121 that is obtained by peeling a coating 124 of a coated optical fiber 120 is to be inserted; a fixing portion 130 which fixes the coated optical fiber 120 inserted into the ferrule 140; and a coating-removing portion 110 which removes the coating 124 from an end portion of the coated optical fiber 120, by means of a force of inserting the coated optical fiber 120 into the optical connector 101.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicants: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., NIPPON TELEGRAPH AND TELEPHONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ohtsuka, Masahiro Hamada, Masaki Ohmura, Mitsuaki Tamura, Mitsuru Kihara, Ryo Koyama, Hitoshi Son
  • Patent number: 7785019
    Abstract: There is provided a fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly adapted to provide electrical connectors for electrical conductors. 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 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. The electrical connectors of the receptacle and plug are preferably provided separate from the biasing member assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 7785017
    Abstract: A strain-relief assembly for a field-installable fiber optic connector is disclosed, wherein the assembly includes a ferrule holder, an intermediate sleeve, and a crimp sleeve. The ferrule holder back section holds a buffered section of a fiber optic cable, while the ferrule holder front end holds a ferrule and a splice assembly. A stub fiber is held within the ferrule and the splice assembly so as to interface with a section of field optical fiber protruding from the buffered section. The intermediate sleeve engages and generally surrounds a portion of the ferrule holder back section and thus surrounds a portion of the buffered layer. An intermediate sleeve handler may be used to handle the intermediate sleeve and attached the intermediate sleeve to the ferrule holder back section. Stress-relief strands from the fiber optic cable are flared around the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve. A crimp sleeve is placed over the intermediate sleeve to hold the ends of the stress-relief strands in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ray S. Barnes, Kristine A. McEvoy, David W. Meek, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 7785016
    Abstract: A fiber optic assembly comprising an adapter assembly defining an internal cavity, a first end for a receiving a first fiber optic connector, and a second end for receiving a second fiber optic connector, wherein the first and the second fiber optic connectors are dissimilar. A fiber optic connection comprising a first fiber optic connector comprising a connector housing, a first multi-fiber ferrule, and a clearance about an end face of the first multi-fiber ferrule for clearing a ferrule surround during connector mating, and a second connector that is a FOCIS 5 compliant MTP connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: James Phillip Luther, Martin Eugene Norris, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 7785015
    Abstract: A preconnectorized outdoor cable streamlines the deployment of optical waveguides into the last mile of an optical network. The preconnectorized outdoor cable includes a cable and at least one plug connector. The plug connector is attached to a first end of the cable, thereby connectorizing at least one optical waveguide. The cable has at least one optical waveguide, at least one tensile element, and a cable jacket. Various cable designs such as figure-eight or flat cables may be used with the plug connector. In preferred embodiments, the plug connector includes a crimp assembly having a crimp housing and a crimp band. The crimp housing has two half-shells being held together by the crimp band for securing the at least one tensile element. When fully assembled, the crimp housing fits into a shroud of the preconnectorized cable. The shroud aides in mating the preconnectorized cable with a complimentary receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Stuart R. Melton, David A. Thompson, Michael J. Gimblet, Hieu V. Tran, Richard S. Wagman, Xin Liu
  • Patent number: 7744288
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector is disclosed for use with both a hardened fiber optic adapter and a non-hardened fiber optic adapter. The connector includes a connector housing having an end defining a plug portion. The plug portion includes first and second sets of retaining features for retaining the connector. The first and second retaining feature sets retain the connector within the hardened and unhardened adapters respectively. A threaded member can be included on the connector to threadingly engage and connect the connector to the hardened adapter. A sliding lock can be included on the connector to lock the connector to the non-hardened adapter when slid into a locking position. The sliding lock can be mounted to the threaded member. The sliding lock can include protrusions that engage and lock the non-hardened adapter when in the locking position thereby locking the non-hardened adapter to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Randy Reagan, Craig M. Standish
  • Publication number: 20100150503
    Abstract: The invention relates to a male contact for an optical fibre (1), that comprises an outer body (2) of an elastically deformable material, a cylindrical guide (6) having a front portion (5) attached in the rear portion (4) of the outer body (2) and a rear portion (7) protruding from the rear portion (4) of the outer body (2). A cable adapter (65) extends through the cylindrical guide (6). An elongated floating ferrule (18) extends through the front portion (3) of the outer body (2). The ferrule (18) is connected to a ferrule holder (13) movably mounted in said outer body (2). It comprises abutment means (19) bearing on the first shoulders (11) of the outer body (2), and a helical spring (21) provided between the front portion (5) of the cylindrical guide (6) and the abutment means (19) of the ferrule holder (13). The cable adapter (65) is mounted so as to float within the cylindrical guide (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Hamblin
  • Patent number: 7722260
    Abstract: To provide an optical connector that enables the reduction in the number of parts and can be easily attached to an optical cable, a concave portion 18 for a ferrule is formed in a plug housing 6, and a ferrule 3 is inserted from the side of a collar portion 10 into the concave portion 18 for a ferrule. A hook portion 28 for a ferrule is provided in a protruding condition inside the plug housing 6. The collar portion 10 is guided by the hook portion 28 for a ferrule, which has been elastically deformed, and moves toward a bottom surface 26 of the concave portion 18 for a ferrule. Where the collar portion 10 reaches a space between the bottom surface 26 and the hook portion 28 for a ferrule, the hook portion 28 for a ferrule is elastically restored. Therefore, even if the collar portion 10 tries to move toward an opening 24 of the concave portion 18 for a ferrule, the collar portion is locked by the hook portion 28 for a ferrule and the movement is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Fukui, Wataru Sakurai, Mitsuaki Tamura
  • Patent number: 7722261
    Abstract: An optical connector comprising: (a) a lens; (b) a ferrule assembly comprising a ferrule with an endface and at least one fiber in the ferrule having a fiber end presented at the endface; (c) a housing for holding the ferrule assembly and the lens in a certain axial and radial relationship; and (d) a glass element having a first and second surface, the first surface affixed to the endface such that it is in physical contact with the fiber end, the second surface having an AR coating and defining a space between it and the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Soren Grinderslev, Randall Bobby Paul
  • Patent number: 7717625
    Abstract: An optical fiber interconnect system wherein the adapter is connected to and released from the holder and the connector is connected to and released from adapter through two push-release connection and release mechanisms. The connector is engaged with the adapter by applying an insertion force to the connector. The connector is released by applying a releasing force to the connection mechanism on the adapter. The system of the invention includes a holder for attachment of the adapter to a front panel. A release opening is provided on the holder for the release of the adapter from the holder from the front of the panel so as to provide access to the back connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Illum Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Margolin, Gregory Bunin
  • Patent number: 7712972
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical receptacle which prevents the occurrence of a large impact by collision of a plug body with an optical propagation member. The optical receptacle includes a solid sleeve having a cavity hole into which the plug body is inserted from its one end side and which has an even inner diameter so as not to substantially define a gap with respect to an outer diameter of the plug body and an optical propagation member fixedly secured to the other end side of the cavity hole, with the solid sleeve being formed such that a length from an end portion of the cavity hole on the plug body insertion side to the optical propagation member is longer than a maximum length of extension due to the elastic body of the terminal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Nobuaki Mitamura
  • Patent number: 7703988
    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: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lagace, John Grunbeck, Milton E. Ives, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7699535
    Abstract: A ferrule and method are presented that fuses optical fibers, capillaries and the like to ferrules while reducing deformation of the fused component and the ferrule and minimizing stresses within the assembly. Reduced deformation and stress is accomplished by providing high contact angles in a symmetrical, short section of fusion in fusing the component carried by the ferrule to the ferrule. It is particularly applicable to hermetic terminations of polymer clad fiber optics where irregular glass fusion joints cause irregular light leakage at the fiber launch but benefits are significant when used for other fiber and capillary architectures as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: InnovaQuartz Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen E. Griffin
  • Patent number: 7695199
    Abstract: An optical subassembly (“OSA”) for use in optical communications modules is disclosed. The OSA solves various issues related to the insertion and removal of an optical fiber connector into and from the OSA receptacle, including hard plug, wiggle performance, and shavings production. In one embodiment, an optical communications module is disclosed and includes a housing and an optical subassembly of the present invention partially contained within the housing. The optical subassembly includes various components, including a body composed of a first material, and a plug receptacle formed with the body. The plug receptacle includes an inner surface on which surface features, such as threads, are formed. A hollow cylindrical sleeve composed of a second material is received in the plug receptacle such that the outer sleeve surface engages the surface features of the plug receptacle inner surface and such that an optical fiber connector can be received by the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Tat Ming Teo, Chris Kiyoshi Togami, Jinxiang Liu
  • Patent number: 7695200
    Abstract: A connecting member which is formed by filling a mold with a resin composition and then solidifying the resin composition, the connecting member having one end face in which a plurality of fine holes of a ? or less are arrayed in a row with a pitch P therebetween, and guide pin insertion holes are formed on either side of the fine holes, wherein the resin composition is comprised of a resin and a filler mixed therein, and wherein the space (P?a) between the fine holes meets the following formula; Dm<(P?a)<Dmax, in which Dmax represents the largest diameter of the filler particles, and Dm represents the most frequent diameter of the filler particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Naka, Shinpei Todo, Takashi Shigematu, Takayuki Ando, Yoshimi Ono
  • Patent number: 7690848
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fiber plug connector, comprising at least one pair of plug connectors and a coupling, whereby each plug connector comprises a ferrule, each two ferrules of a pair of plug connectors are detachably guided and aligned together within a guide sleeve and the coupling has a housing, for each of the plug connectors. According to the invention, a compact space-saving optical fiber plug connector made from few components may be achieved, whereby the coupling is made from only one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Faika, Dietrich Rund, Hans-Peter Sandeck
  • Patent number: 7686519
    Abstract: A female fiber optic connector includes an outer housing, a single internal male fiber optic connector, and a fiber optic adapter. The outer housing has a first end, which receives a fiber optic cable, positioned opposite from a second end, which defines a connector port for receiving an external male connector. The single internal male fiber optic connector is positioned within the outer housing and includes a ferrule in which a fiber is terminated. The fiber optic adapter is positioned within the outer housing and includes an alignment sleeve, a first end, which receives the single internal male fiber optic connector with the ferrule of the single internal male fiber optic connector positioned within the alignment sleeve, and an opposite second end facing toward the connector port and being configured so that a ferrule of the external male connector fits within the alignment sleeve when inserted in the connector port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu Lu
  • Patent number: 7674047
    Abstract: A casing includes a solid sleeve and a split sleeve in combination to provide a connection between a fiber stub and a ferrule containing an optical fiber. The arrangement prevents wiggle of the ferrule, and also does so without the tight tolerances that would otherwise be required in solid sleeve systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Opnext, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianyao Chen, Frank Yashar
  • Patent number: 7665901
    Abstract: Devices to enhance the reliability of optical networks and to reduce the cost of repair are disclosed in this invention. In particular, compact and inexpensive fiber optic union adapters with built-in protective isolation prevent the transfer of damage from one connectorized fiber optic cable to another. The fiber optic union includes a split sleeve with an interior channel and a fiber stub centrally located within the interior channel. The fiber stub makes direct optical contact with the cable endfaces to enable efficient optical transmission between interconnected cables while providing a low loss, low back reflection adiabatic transition between the waveguide cores of the two cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Telescent Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Stephen Kewitsch
  • Publication number: 20100034503
    Abstract: A keyed connector system for providing selective interconnection between a receptacle socket and a connector plug terminating an optic fibre, the connector plug adapted for insertion into the receptacle socket. The keying system comprises a raised boss configured to one of a plurality of predefined boss keying geometries and a cavity configured to one of a plurality of predefined cavity keying geometries. The boss is either in one of the receptacle socket or on a forward end of the connector plug and the cavity is formed in the other of the receptacle socket or the forward end of the connector plug. At least one of the predefined boss keying geometries matches at least one of the predefined cavity keying geometries. When the boss keying geometry matches the cavity keying geometry, the boss can be inserted into the cavity thereby interconnecting the connector plug with the receptacle socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Luc Milette
  • Patent number: 7654749
    Abstract: Fiberoptic connector and adapter assembly includes a fiberoptic connector received within an adapter. The connector has a cover on the connector housing. The cover pivots between open and closed positions to expose or cover, respectively, a optical fiber contained within the connector. Longitudinal guides of the connector are received cooperating with longitudinal guides of the adapter to direct the connector into the adapter in a prescribed alignment. A cam pin is carried on the adapter to engage a cam pin receiving slot on the cover to urge the cover to the open position as the connector is inserted into the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: 7654748
    Abstract: A re-terminable, no-crimp ST-type optical connector assembly includes a spring-loaded ferrule holder assembly and a reusable activation system for termination of the assembly. The optical connector can be terminated by a suitable cam activation tool. The connector includes a housing, such as a bayonet, matable to a mating adapter, a backbone retained within a rear of the housing, a ferrule holder provided within the backbone, and a cam provided between the ferrule holder and the backbone. The ferrule holder includes an alignment key exposed to mate with a cam activation tool to lock rotation of the ferrule holder relative to other connector components. The cam includes a cam activation cutout at a front face thereof that mates with a cam activation tool interface to enable rotation of the cam between de-activated and activated positions, the cam activation cutout also receiving the alignment key of the ferrule holder therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Samuel M. Marrs, Shaun P. Brouwer, Robert T. Fitzpatrick, Phillip J. Irwin, Matthew M. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7641395
    Abstract: A fiber optic splice housing and integral dry mate connector system. In a described embodiment, a fiber optic connection system includes optical fiber sections in respective conduit sections. Each of the conduit sections is received in the housing assembly. An optical connection between the optical fiber sections is positioned within the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Serives, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Ringgenberg, Neal G. Skinner, John L. Maida, David O. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090324175
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical connector for use in a fibre optic communications system, and particularly an expanded beam optical connector (20) for connecting optical fibres. The connector (20) comprises a housing (6), a port (48) within the housing for receiving an end (35) of an optical fibre (38), a cylindrical ferrule (32) within the housing (6) having opposite first and second ends (33, 35), and an optical fibre stub held axially (14) within the ferrule (32) and extending between said ferrule ends (33, 35). The connector (20) also has a lens (8) for projecting and/or receiving an expanded beam (40) optically coupled with the optical fibre stub at the first ferrule end (33). A sleeve (34) surrounds the ferrule (32) and extends towards the port (48) axially away from the second ferrule end (35) to present an open end to the sleeve for receiving a termination ferrule (36) of an optical fibre (38) inserted into the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: David Edward Everett, Dominic Patrick Daniel Curran
  • Patent number: 7634163
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a process and to a device for positioning an optical component between two optical fibers furnished at their end with lenses comprising: drilling a support in such a way as to fix therein a capillary tube whose inside diameter is designed to slip an optical fiber thereinto, fixing the capillary tube in the drilling of the support, making a blind cut of the support and of the capillary tube, in such a way as to separate the capillary tube into two parts, a first plane face of the cut being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the capillary tube, positioning the component on the first plane face, positioning an optical fiber in each of the parts. The device comprises a support through which is fixed a capillary tube, the support comprising a cut so as to separate the capillary tube into two parts. The cut comprises a first plane face perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the capillary tube. The component is positioned on the first plane face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Atmel Grenoble S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Moy, Romain Ramel, Emmanuel Dhardemare
  • Patent number: 7625129
    Abstract: A multi channel connector includes a first connector housing and a mating second connector housing. The first connector housing includes a plurality of first termini, each first terminus resting upon a respective bench or within a respective channel. The second connector housing loosely holds a plurality of second termini. In a first embodiment, a biasing member is disposed in the first connector housing and when the first and second housings are mated, the biasing member engages the plurality of second termini to press the second termini onto engagement with respective benches within the first housing to thereby ensure accurate end-to-end alignments between the plurality of first termini and the plurality of second termini. In a second embodiment, chamfers are formed at openings to the respective channels and beveled outer edges are formed at tip ends of the second termini to guide the second termini into respective channels, when the first and second connector housings are mated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Commscope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Nielson, Matthew Cruz
  • Patent number: 7621676
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a receptacle body 40 having an engage hole 46 formed in a peripheral wall 45 of a chamber 44, a pigtail body 50 having a base body 51 contained in the chamber 44 and a locking protrusion 56 engaged in the engage hole 46 to attach the pigtail body 50, and a ferrule assembly 60 being inserted in a container 53 in the base body 51 so that the ferrule 62 is positioned in a receptacle cylinder 52, and a spring 70 inserted through an opening 54 in the base body 51 and pressing the ferrule 62 forward, wherein a stopper 73 is formed in the spring 70 as an integral part of the spring 70. A locking part 73b included in the stopper 73 is positioned in a recess 63 in the ferrule 62.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakagawa, Takeshi Isoda
  • Patent number: 7614798
    Abstract: The device includes a biconical housing, and a ferrule. The biconical housing has an aperture. The ferrule is slidably mounted in the aperture of the biconical housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Stratos International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. E. Durrant, Mark Waldron
  • Patent number: 7604417
    Abstract: A terminus for a fiber optic cable includes a ferrule. An optic fiber of the cable passes through a central bore of the ferrule and is attached to a lens seated in a conical or cylindrical seat formed in an end surface of the ferrule by an epoxy. Preferably, the seat permits the lens to be recessed below the end surface of the ferrule. An inspection slot may be formed through the seat to allow a technician to inspect the state of the epoxy attachment. The ferrule may also include retaining features, such as an o-ring encircling a groove in the outer circumference of the ferrule or a metal sleeve crimped or otherwise attached to the ferrule to permit the ferrule to be easily attached to a cable retention sleeve, connector body or similar structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Commscope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Nielson, Timothy W. Anderson, Matthew Cruz
  • Patent number: 7591595
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic adapter for use with fiber optic connectors. The fiber optic adapter includes a housing having a first axial end portion defining a first adapter port and a second axial end portion defining a second adapter port. The fiber optic adapter further includes a first retaining mechanism that is operably associated with the first axial end portion for retaining a first fiber optic connector in the first adapter port of the fiber optic adapter and a second retaining mechanism that is operably associated with the first axial end portion for retaining the first fiber optic connector in the first adapter port of the fiber optic adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telelcommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Randy Reagan
  • Publication number: 20090225302
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the insertion loss of a fiber optic connection is provided. The invention generally comprises a light source providing light to a test connector which contains a juncture of two fiber optic cables. The test connector has one or more opaque portions surrounding the fiber optic juncture. A pyrometer or other heat detection means is then used to measure any temperature increase as a result of light scattered into the opaque portions of the test connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventors: Jack E. Caveney, Brett Lane
  • Patent number: 7572066
    Abstract: A translucent dust cap for a fiber optic adapter allows the viewing of visible light emanating from a fiber optic connector coupled to the adapter, without removing the dust cap. A translucent dust cap for a fiber optic adapter that serves to diffuse a visible light source of sufficient power, such as that from a VFL, and lights up to aid in connector identification. A translucent dust cap for a fiber optic adapter that serves to attenuate infrared optical transmission power to prevent eye damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael de Jong, Gerry J. Harvey
  • Patent number: 7563034
    Abstract: A casing includes a solid sleeve and a split sleeve in combination to provide a connection between a fiber stub and a ferrule containing an optical fiber. The arrangement prevents wiggle of the ferrule, and also does so without the tight tolerances that would otherwise be required in solid sleeve systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Opnext, Inc.
    Inventors: Jianyao Chen, Frank Yashar
  • Patent number: 7559700
    Abstract: A shading member-equipped optical connector plug is compact while having the compatibility to engage existing connector receptacles. The connector plug includes a shading member having a shutter housing enclosing a plug frame slidably on an outside thereof. The shutter housing is inserted into an engagement opening of a connector receptacle to be engaged when the shading member-equipped optical connector is connected. The shading member also has a shutter one end of which is supported by the shutter housing at a front part of the housing and another end of which is urged by an elastic force and closes so as to shade the optical fibers at a position in front of the ferrule, and an elastic member disposed between the plug frame and the shutter housing that urges the shutter housing forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Tsushin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Eguchi, Naohide Goto, Yasuaki Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 7556437
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a fiber optic connector having an outer housing with a connector interface end, a connector interface housing mounted at the connector interface end, and a retention nut rotatably mounted about the outer housing. The connector interface housing has a first end supporting a ferrule and a second end forming a base supported by a retention block mounted within the outer housing. A cap for covering the connector interface end includes internal threads and a stabilizing element. The internal threads receive external threads of the retention nut such that the retention nut secures the cap to the fiber optic connector. The stabilizing element is positioned within the cap and compresses against the retention block when the cap is secured to the fiber optic connector by the retention nut to maintain alignment of the connector interface housing relative to the outer housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Droege
  • Patent number: 7556438
    Abstract: An angle type optical connector enables a splicing operation of an optical fiber cable accurately and stably without requiring skilled labor and having a superior on-site installation property. An optical connector is provided with a splicing section for securely supporting an incorporated optical fiber securely supported at a ferrule and an optical fiber of an outside optical fiber cable in an end-abutting condition. The body of the optical connector is provided with a cable holding member able to hold an optical fiber cable. The cable holding member can be set at a temporary position where it makes an optical fiber of the optical fiber cable abut against the incorporated optical fiber at the splicing section in the state holding the optical fiber cable and bends a covered optical fiber of the optical fiber cable between the splicing section and the cable holding member by a pressing force in the lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Tomayasu Oike, Takaya Yamauchi, Akihiko Yazaki, Tsunetaka Ema, Kenichi Nakazawa, Yasuhiko Hoshino
  • Publication number: 20090162016
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector for use with a fiber optic adapter. The fiber optic connector includes a connector housing having an end defining a plug portion. A ferrule assembly is mounted at least partially within the connector housing. The ferrule assembly includes a ferrule located at the plug portion of the connector housing. A sealing member is mounted about an exterior of the connector housing for providing a seal between the connector housing and the adapter. The fiber optic connector further includes first and second separate retaining mechanism for retaining the fiber optic connector within the fiber optic adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: ADC TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Randy Reagan
  • Publication number: 20090148104
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector and a fiber optic adapter are disclosed that are manually connectable and disconnectable with each other by a slideable latching means. The fiber optic connector includes an end defining a plug portion. The plug portion holds a ferrule and also directly engages a port on the fiber optic adapter. The plug portion includes a protrusion which also forms a latch catch. The port of the fiber optic adapter includes a flexible retention latch within a slot. The slot engages the protrusion and thus rotationally aligns the fiber optic connector and adapter. The flexible retention latch snaps into and out of the latch catch when the plug portion of the fiber optic connector is slid into and out of the port of the fiber optic adapter thus providing the slideable latching means. Angled retaining surfaces are provided on the retention latch and the latch catch that engage each other. Angles defining the angled retaining surfaces are chosen to provide desired holding and release characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Randy Reagan
  • Patent number: 7540668
    Abstract: A transparent ferrule is fused to an end of an optical fiber to increase the coupling area without altering the input numerical aperture of the fiber system. This is accomplished by controlling the length of the area at which the transparent ferrule is fused or welded. In addition, an extended ferrule portion is situated behind the fusion area and is separated from the fiber core such that light that fails to couple to the core is reflected from the inner diameter of the extended ferrule portion away from the fiber core, where it can be deflected or dissipated by a beam block or absorptive material. The transparent ferrule is formed from a plurality of relative thin wall ferrules that are successively fused from the side to form at the least the termination or coupling end of the transparent ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Inventor: Joe D. Brown
  • Publication number: 20090136183
    Abstract: A coupling (1) for receiving at least two plug-in connectors (2) which are joined to glass fiber cables, comprising at least one moveable cover (14) which is associated with a sheath opening (121), said cover covering the opening (121) of the sheath in a first position, and being able to be moved into a second position by introducing a plug-in connector (2), whereupon the cover (14) releases the opening (121) in the sheath, said cover (14) comprising a bent metallic leaf spring (141) and said leaf spring (141) being unstressed in the first position and the curvature of the leaf spring (141) being selected in such a way that a ferrule (23) of the plug-in connector (2) never comes into contact with the leaf spring (141) during the insertion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Eberhard KAHLE, Anne KRAMER, Jorg ADOMEIT
  • Patent number: 7527434
    Abstract: A connecting member which is formed by filling a mold with a resin composition and then solidifying the resin composition, the connecting member having one end face in which a plurality of fine holes of a ? or less are arrayed in a row with a pitch P therebetween, and guide pin insertion holes are formed on either side of the fine holes, wherein the resin composition is comprised of a resin and a filler mixed therein, and wherein the space (P?a) between the fine holes meets the following formula; Dm<(P?a)<Dmax, in which Dmax represents the largest diameter of the filler particles, and Dm represents the most frequent diameter of the filler particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Naka, Shinpei Todo, Takashi Shigematu, Takayuki Ando, Yoshimi Ono
  • Publication number: 20090110347
    Abstract: There is provided an optical assembly (100) comprising an optical fiber arrangement (220, 230) and a lens arrangement (120). The lens arrangement (120) is spatially disposed relative to the fiber arrangement (220, 230) so as to be capable of providing an axial substantially collimated beam of radiation in response to receiving radiation from the optical fiber arrangement (220, 230) and capable of providing a focused beam of radiation to the optical fiber arrangement (220, 330) in response to receiving substantially collimated radiation to the lens arrangement (120). The assembly (100) further comprises a configuration of elements (110, 130, 200, 260) for spatially disposing the optical fiber arrangement (220, 230) relative to the lens arrangement (120).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Claes Jacobsson
  • Patent number: 7526162
    Abstract: An epoxy-free collimator assembly is configured with a ferrule and a lens operative to move within an outer case to a desired position therebetween. The collimator assembly further has an aligning component made from soft, malleable material which is capable of filling out the radial space between the ferrule and case so as to spatially fix the aligned fiber held in the ferrule and lens in the desirable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: IPG Photonics Corporation
    Inventors: Yuri Grapov, William D. Jones
  • Patent number: 7520677
    Abstract: The present invention provides a non-physical contact (non-PC) visual fault locator (VFL) coupler that functions with fewer components and reduces handling, and without ferrule-to-ferrule contact, thereby reducing endface wear degradation and other problems. Specifically, the non-PC VFL coupler incorporates an alignment sleeve retainer that includes a connector stop, such that, when a field-installable fiber optic connector engages the alignment sleeve retainer of the non-PC VFL coupler, the endfaces of the ferrules of the non-PC VFL coupler and the field-installable fiber optic connector do not physically contact one another. Both 1.25 mm and 2.5 mm versions are contemplated, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Andrew Barnes, Bradley Scott Billman, David Wayne Meek, Scott Eric Semmler
  • Publication number: 20090087147
    Abstract: A strain-relief assembly for a field-installable fiber optic connector is disclosed, wherein the assembly includes a ferrule holder, an intermediate sleeve, and a crimp sleeve. The ferrule holder back section holds a buffered section of a fiber optic cable, while the ferrule holder front end holds a ferrule and a splice assembly. A stub fiber is held within the ferrule and the splice assembly so as to interface with a section of field optical fiber protruding from the buffered section. The intermediate sleeve engages and generally surrounds a portion of the ferrule holder back section and thus surrounds a portion of the buffered layer. An intermediate sleeve handler may be used to handle the intermediate sleeve and attached the intermediate sleeve to the ferrule holder back section. Stress-relief strands from the fiber optic cable are flared around the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve. A crimp sleeve is placed over the intermediate sleeve to hold the ends of the stress-relief strands in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Ray S. Barnes, Kristine A. McEvoy, David W. Meek, Scott E. Semmler
  • Publication number: 20090080838
    Abstract: A casing includes a solid sleeve and a split sleeve in combination to provide a connection between a fiber stub and a ferrule containing an optical fiber. The arrangement prevents wiggle of the ferrule, and also does so without the tight tolerances that would otherwise be required in solid sleeve systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Jianyao Chen
  • Publication number: 20090080839
    Abstract: A plug-type optical connector is provided with a ferrule and an aligning sleeve member. The aligning sleeve member receives a portion of the ferrule including an abutting end face inside a bore to prevent staining and damage and uses a movable shutter to prevent light emitted through the ferrule from leaking to the outside. The socket type optical connector is provided with a ferrule and a holding section. The optical connector is not provided with an aligning sleeve member and further can hold a coated optical fiber by a holding section behind the ferrule by a radius of curvature of at least a prescribed minimum radius of curvature. Optical loss in the coated optical fiber can be reduced while effectively reducing the external dimensions in the direction of extension of the ferrule at the time of use. An optical fiber connecting device that includes a combination of a pair of optical connectors is also provided to be suitably applied to an optical transmission line laid indoors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Akihiko Yazaki, Takaya Yamauchi, James R. Bylander, Eric M. Morgan, Wesley A. Raider, Kirk L. Taylor
  • Patent number: 7507031
    Abstract: To provide a fusion-spliced optical connector capable of easily performing a fusion-splicing operation at an actual site in a short time, without need to perform additional special operations. An optical connector component is configured to attach a short-length optical fiber to a ferrule including a capillary and a flange. The capillary comprises a minute through hole and a coated-portion storage hole formed in the capillary, the minute through hole to be stored therein the bare optical fiber portion of the short-length optical fiber and the coated-portion storage hole to be stored therein a part of a coated optical fiber portion of the short-length optical fiber continuous to the bare optical fiber portion. The flange includes a coated-portion penetrating hole formed in the flange to be penetrated therein a very short portion continuous to the part of the coated optical fiber portion stored in the coated-portion storage hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasunari Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 7503702
    Abstract: Fiberoptic connector and adapter assembly includes a fiberoptic connector received within an adapter. The connector has a cover on the connector housing. The cover pivots between open and closed positions to expose or cover, respectively, a optical fiber contained within the connector. Longitudinal guides of the connector are received cooperating with longitudinal guides of the adapter to direct the connector into the adapter in a prescribed alignment. A cam pin is carried on the adapter to engage a cam pin receiving slot on the cover to urge the cover to the open position as the connector is inserted into the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: 7505654
    Abstract: There is provided a mechanical connector for mechanically connecting and optically coupling two optical fiber ends, the connector comprising a longitudinal body, and a fiber conduit in the body for holding the two fiber ends and confining the fibers to be in end to end alignment in the conduit with sufficient inward radial pressure exerted from the conduit on each one of the fiber ends to ensure centering within the fiber conduit to provide the optical coupling without risking damage to a silica core of the fiber ends. The connector is adapted to controllably release the pressure on the fibers to allow for insertion of the fibers in the conduit, and the connector holds the fiber ends in the optical coupling without adhesive. There is further provided a method for mechanically connecting and optically coupling two optical fiber ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Demissy, Eric Weynant