Fiber End Held In Ferrule Patents (Class 385/72)
  • Patent number: 7490995
    Abstract: The present solution relates to a system and method of an optical connector assembly for interconnecting two optical fibers. The optical connector assembly has a splice with a fiber conduit for holding bare ends of the two optical fibers together. Additionally, the optical connector has two corresponding ferrules. The two corresponding ferrules are for securing optical fibers and for aligning the bare end of an optical fiber into the splice without catching an edge. The method includes compressing along the longitudinal axis a first ferrule against the splice to force a guiding member of the first ferrule into a first aperture of the splice, thus opening a conduit of the splice at the first aperture. Once the optic fiber is inserted, the method includes releasing the compression along the longitudinal axis of the first ferrule against the splice to allow the splice to apply radial retention forces on fibers. A sheath to form a connector body of the optical connector assembly interconnects the ferrules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Phasoptx
    Inventors: Eric Weynant, Laurent Buffard
  • Patent number: 7488115
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for creating an optical waveguide connector-in connection for an optical waveguide cable containing an optical waveguide, said connector comprising a housing, a ferrule holder arranged in the housing, and a locking device arranged outside the housing, on a narrow side thereof. The inventive connector has a housing that has the outer shape of an RJ-45 connector, is open on the front side and the rear side thereof, and has an inner region surrounded by the narrow sides extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector-in connection, and a catch spring used as a locking device for engaging in a coupling, the catch spring being elastically connected to the housing. Ferrule holders for each of the optical waveguides guided into the inner region through the rear side of the housing are arranged in the inner region, each ferrule holder being respectively provided with a recess for a coupling ferrule on the side thereof facing the front side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Euromicron Werkzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Theis
  • Publication number: 20080310796
    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: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventor: Yu Lu
  • Patent number: 7455460
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector having a double-clad specialty optical stub fiber with a deep index core-to-inner-cladding profile and a raised index outer-cladding profile. The double-clad optical stub fiber abuts against a single-clad field optical fiber of the single-mode type to form an interface across which the primary mode traverses without significantly interfering with higher-order modes. The ratio of the radius of the inner cladding to the radius of the core of the stub fiber is less than 6.5:1. The index profile of the refractive index of the inner cladding is deep relative to the refractive index of the core to confine the primary mode within the core. The raised refractive index of the outer-cladding pulls the higher-order modes deeper into that region, reducing interference with the primary mode. The respective core diameters of the field and stub fibers are matched to avoid mode-field diameter mismatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Richard J. Pimpinella, Albert Brunsting
  • Publication number: 20080279509
    Abstract: The expanded beam, single fiber, fiber optic connector includes a lens holder, a lens, and a ferrule. The lens holder retains the lens, and the lens holder accommodates the ferrule. The lens is in optical communication with an optical fiber retained in the ferrule. The lens holder has an outside diameter that is substantially the same as the outside diameter of a ferrule of a physical contact, single fiber, fiber optic connector, such as one of an LC, SC, FC, and ST style or standard fiber optic connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Richard C.E. Durrant, Mark Waldron
  • Publication number: 20080279508
    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: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Junji Fukui, Wataru Sakurai, Mitsuaki Tamura
  • Patent number: 7448809
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacture that minimizes the lateral offset of a plurality of optical fiber holes associated with a multi-fiber ferrule, including: determining an initial offset distance of each of the plurality of optical fiber holes from each of a plurality of corresponding target locations on an initial endface; removing a predetermined amount of material from the multi-fiber ferrule to form a subsequent endface; determining a subsequent offset distance of each of the plurality of optical fiber holes from each of the plurality of corresponding target locations on the subsequent endface; and, using the initial offset distance and the subsequent offset distance, determining an angle of each of the plurality of optical fiber holes relative to the initial endface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Todd Cody, David Lee Dean, Jr., Alan John Malanowski, Scott Timothy Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20080273840
    Abstract: An interface converter is provided for mechanically and optically coupling a fiber optic connector with an adapter port. In a preferred embodiment, the interface converter attaches to an SC fiber optic connector and together form a converted fiber optic connector compatible with the adapter port. In certain embodiments, a retractable release sleeve may be removed from the SC fiber optic connector prior to attaching the interface converter. In certain embodiments, the interface converter may be inserted into the adapter port prior to being attached to the SC fiber optic connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Yu Lu, Randy Reagan, Dennis Cheatham
  • Publication number: 20080273839
    Abstract: Connectorized nano-engineered optical fibers and method for forming them are disclosed. The methods include heating a mid-span bare fiber portion of the nano-engineered fiber to collapse the airlines therein so as to form an airline-free portion. The fiber is then inserted into a ferrule channel so that the fiber end protrudes beyond the ferrule end face, but with the airline-free portion positioned at the ferrule end face. The fiber is then cleaved at or near the ferrule end face in the airline-free portion, and the new fiber end face polished to create a solid fiber end face that coincides with the ferrule end face. The methods result in at most only minimal changes to the mode field diameter (MFD) and/or to the outer cladding diameter, which is essential in forming a connectorized nano-engineered fiber that can connect to like-size nano-engineered or non-nano-engineered fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Robert R. Beshears, Dana C. Bookbinder, Terry L. Cooke, John B. Johnson, Dennis M. Knecht, Ming-Jun Li
  • Publication number: 20080260333
    Abstract: A first mating unit for engaging a second mating unit of an optical connector is described. The first mating unit includes a connector sleeve, a connector housing connected to one end of the connector sleeve, and a ferrule carrier inserted into the connector sleeve opposite the connector housing. The connector housing is substantially shaped to mate with the second mating unit. The ferrule carrier is removably engaged to the connector sleeve and adapted to connect with an optical fiber cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Richard F. Roth
  • Patent number: 7435011
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to very accurately position and align a plurality of optical fibers in each groove of a substrate for an optical fiber array, without leading to inappropriate upsizing and complication of an apparatus and increase in cost. To achieve the object, an optical-fiber aligning part 3 of a substrate 1 is formed, in parallel, with a plurality of grooves 2 at least on the top thereof, the plurality of grooves retaining and aligning a plurality of optical fibers 5. A cross section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the grooves 2 is recessed at a center portion of the top in the widthwise direction, and depths A of the grooves 2 provided at the center portion are shallower than depths A of the grooves 2 provided at both ends in the widthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Takeuchi, Nobuo Funabiki, Sotohiro Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7422375
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical connection structure and optical connection method for enabling a connection characterized by a simple structure, ability to retain optical fibers in an adhered state, easy installation and detachment/attachment, and excellent optical stability. The optical connection structure proposed by the present invention has a solid viscous connection member having refractive-index matching property disposed in a single layer state between the end faces of mutually opposing optical transmission media or between the end face of an optical transmission medium and an optical component that are mutually opposing. The solid viscous connection member should desirably be made of silicone resin or acrylic resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Tomoegawa Paper Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Suzuki, Kyoichi Sasaki, Tatsushi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7419309
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fibre plug connector, comprising at least one pair of plug connectors and a coupling, whereby each plug connector comprises a ferrule, each two ferrules of a pair of plug connectors are detachably guided and aligned together within a guide sleeve and the coupling has a housing, for each of the plug connectors. According to the invention, a compact space-saving optical fibre plug connector made from few components may be achieved, whereby the coupling is made from only one component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Faika, Dietrich Rund, Hans-Peter Sandeck
  • Patent number: 7416348
    Abstract: In an optical connector for use in connecting an optical fiber, a housing defines an optical axis extending in a predetermined direction. For positioning the optical fiber along the optical axis, a ferrule is accommodated in the housing to be movable in the predetermined direction. The housing further accommodates a fixing member engaged with the housing in the predetermined direction. Between the ferrule and the fixing member, an elastic member is interposed to urge the ferrule towards one side in the predetermined direction. In addition, the housing has a guide groove extending in the predetermined direction. The fixing member has a guide portion protruding through the guide groove to the outside of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Jun Takeda, Yuichi Koreeda
  • Patent number: 7405391
    Abstract: A modular sensor for damage detection with an optical fiber (FBG sensor) to detect a damage of a composite material, having a high level of visibility and manageability, and its manufacturing method is described. A structural composite material embedded with this modular sensor for damage detection is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshimichi Ogisu, Seiji Kojima
  • Publication number: 20080175543
    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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventors: Richard C.E. Durrant, Mark Waldron
  • Publication number: 20080156971
    Abstract: A modular sensor for damage detection with an optical fiber (FBG sensor) to detect a damage of a composite material, having a high level of visibility and manageability, and its manufacturing method is described. A structural composite material embedded with this modular sensor for damage detection is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Toshimichi Ogisu, Seiji Kojima
  • Publication number: 20080159696
    Abstract: An optical connector according to the present invention comprises a ferrule and a V-groove board connected to the ferrule, wherein a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber being butt jointed in a V-groove formed in the V-groove board so as to be interconnected; the second optical fiber is connected to the first optical fiber through a refractive index matching material of cross-link curing type applied to an end surface on the V-groove board side of the first optical fiber; and spaces are provided in the V-groove so as to relax stress loaded on the refractive index matching material of cross-link curing type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Kanako Suzuki, Yoshihisa Kato, Noribumi Shiina, Kazumasa Ohsono, Tomoyuki Nisio
  • Patent number: 7384201
    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: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: 7380992
    Abstract: A universal hybrid adapter includes a first housing part, a second housing part, and a sleeve. The first housing part has a receptacle end configured to receive a plug connector including a ferrule having a first diameter. The second housing part has a receptacle end configured to receive a plug connector including a ferrule having a second diameter different from the first diameter. A first end of the sleeve is configured to receive the ferrule having the first diameter and a second end of the sleeve is configured to receive the ferrule having the second diameter. The transition from the first end to the second end of the sleeve takes place at right angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: ADC GmbH
    Inventors: Anne Kramer, Hans-Joachim Faika, Jorg Adomeit
  • Patent number: 7377700
    Abstract: A process for preparing terminated fibers comprising: (a) positioning at least one fiber in a ferrule such that a portion of the fiber extends beyond the mating face of the ferrule; (b) affixing the fiber relative to the ferrule; and (c) cleaving the portion of the fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Manning, Antonius Hultermans, Sjoerd Van Geffen, David Baechtle
  • Patent number: 7371015
    Abstract: Attachments are respectively attached to one ends of a pair of light guides, which are integrally formed via a connecting portion, such that the attachments surround the one ends of the light guides. The one ends protrude from a rear face of a receptacle body and are opposed to a light-emitting device and a light-receiving device, respectively. The attachments are inserted and positioned in guide holes formed respectively on the light-emitting device and the light-receiving device, and the optical axes of the pair of light guides and the optical axes of the light-emitting device and the light-receiving device are aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Naoya Takehara, Hiroshi Nakagawa, Takeshi Isoda
  • Patent number: 7367720
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical transceiver with an optical subassembly optically coupling with an optical connector via a receptacle member, in which the optical subassembly is positioned to the housing of the transceiver without causing any mechanical stress. The optical subassembly is fixed to the receptacle member by inserting a sleeve thereof into an opening of the receptacle member. The receptacle member is assembled with the housing via the holder by adjusting the positional relation between the holder and the housing. Therefore, even when the subassembly is fixed to the receptacle member via the sleeve thereof, the subassembly can fit to the housing without causing any mechanical stress because the holder is interposed therebetween, which secures the heat dissipating path from the optical subassembly to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Mizue, Manabu Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20080095503
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical wave guide and a ferrule. The optical wave guide has a prespecified horizontal-positioning surface and a prespecified vertical-positioning surface. The ferrule is to precisely couple with the optical wave guide. The ferrule defines a first datum plane mating with the prespecified vertical-positioning surface of the optical wave guide to precisely mechanically vertically position the optical wave guide within the ferrule. The ferrule defines a second datum plane mating with the prespecified horizontal-positioning surface of the optical wave guide to precisely mechanically horizontally position the optical wave guide within the ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Masaki Hasegawa, Fumiaki Yamada, Yoichi Taira
  • Publication number: 20080085082
    Abstract: The invention relates to a connector for creating an optical waveguide connector-in connection for an optical waveguide cable containing an optical waveguide, said connector comprising a housing, a ferrule holder arranged in the housing, and a locking device arranged outside the housing, on a narrow side thereof. The inventive connector has a housing that has the outer shape of an RJ-45 connector, is open on the front side and the rear side thereof, and has an inner region surrounded by the narrow sides extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connector-in connection, and a catch spring used as a locking device for engaging in a coupling, the catch spring being elastically connected to the housing. Ferrule holders for each of the optical waveguides guided into the inner region through the rear side of the housing are arranged in the inner region, each ferrule holder being respectively provided with a recess for a coupling ferrule on the side thereof facing the front side of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Theis
  • Patent number: 7350981
    Abstract: The fiber optic buildout converter includes a housing, a first fiber optic connector, and a second fiber optic connector. The housing has a first end and a second end. The first fiber optic connector is located near the first end of the housing, and the first fiber optic connector has a first interface style. The second fiber optic connector is located near the second end of the housing, and the second fiber optic connector has a second interface style. The second interface style of the second fiber optic connector is different that the first interface style of the first fiber optic connector. Furthermore, the second fiber optic connector is in optical communication with the first fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Stratos International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. E. Durrant, Mark Waldron
  • Patent number: 7349619
    Abstract: A device and method of blocking customer access to a fiber optic distribution cable. A service blocker is positioned between a fiber distribution cable and a customer drop cable within a fiber optic adapter. The service blocker includes a unitary body which does not permit optical transmission between the fiber distribution cable and the customer drop cable. The service blocker includes a first end configured to be inserted within the fiber optic adapter and a second end configured receive a fiber optic cable connector. A system for mounting fiber optic cables including a service blocker positioned within a bulkhead mounted adapter between two fiber optic cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Beck, Scott C. Kowalczyk
  • Patent number: 7344315
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a fiber assembly is provided. The fiber assembly has a first fiber having at least one core. The core has a length, a first end, and a second end, and light may be transmitted along the core. The second end has an obtusely angled end surface. The assembly also has a second fiber having at least one core having a first end. Light may be transmitted along the core. The second end of the first fiber is optically coupled to the first end of the second fiber such that light emitted from the first fiber may be transmitted to the second fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Martin Fenwick, Richard John Luebs, Terrel L. Morris, Duane A. Wegher, Jeffrey D. Yetter
  • Patent number: 7344317
    Abstract: The device includes a ferrule, a housing, a first gap, and a holder. The housing having a recess, a first cantilever spring, a second cantilever spring. The recess accommodates the ferrule. The first cantilever spring has a first contact area, and the second cantilever spring has a second contact area. The holder having a ferrule seating surface, first, second, third, and fourth cantilever spring seating surfaces, and a second gap. The holder is interposed between the ferrule, and the first and second cantilever springs. The first and second cantilever spring seating surfaces contact the first contact area if the first cantilever spring. The third and fourth cantilever spring seating surfaces contact the second contact area of the second cantilever spring. The ferrule contacts the ferrule seating surface of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Stratos International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Krowiak, Joe Sutton, Mark Waldron
  • Publication number: 20080050072
    Abstract: The expanded beam, single fiber, fiber optic connector includes a lens holder, a lens, and a ferrule. The lens holder retains the lens, and the lens holder accommodates the ferrule. The lens is in optical communication with an optical fiber retained in the ferrule. The lens holder has an outside diameter that is substantially the same as the outside diameter of a ferrule of a physical contact, single fiber, fiber optic connector, such as one of an LC, SC, FC, and ST style or standard fiber optic connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Richard S.E. Durrant, Mark Waldron
  • Patent number: 7330546
    Abstract: A multimedia patching box including a generally rectangular housing. The housing includes a first wall positioned opposite from a second wall. The housing also includes opposing third and fourth walls that extend between the first and second walls. A panel is mounted adjacent the front of the housing. The panel is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The pivot axis is located adjacent to the third wall of the housing and extends generally along the third wall of the housing. A plurality of multimedia connectors are mounted on the panel. The housing defines at least one cable access opening defined through at least one of the first and second walls at a location adjacent the third wall. A cable management structure is connected to the back side of the panel. The cable management structure defines a cable guiding channel that extends generally along the pivot axis of the panel and generally aligns with the at least one cable access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Scott Kessler, Jeffrey Scott Hartzler, Cory Lee Grabinger
  • Patent number: 7322751
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for orienting an optical waveguide in relation to an optical unit arranged in or on an optical module. The optical module has a reference geometry which defines a first axis of symmetry. An offset between the optical axis of the optical unit and the axis of symmetry of the reference geometry is determined. A coupling element such as a sleeve is provided that serves to receive an optical waveguide that is to be oriented in relation to the optical unit. The sleeve has a hole defined by an internal contour thereof that defines a second axis of symmetry. The coupling element is arranged in relation to the optical module in such a way that the second axis of symmetry coincides with the optical axis of the optical unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Hans Hurt
  • Patent number: 7314317
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector is used to optically connect a pair of optical fibers with their tips opposing each other. The optical fiber connector is formed of a material having a higher thermal deformation temperature than the coverings of the optical fibers. The connector has a guide hole for inserting therein the optical fibers with their tips opposing each other. The connector has fiber-fixing groove portions circumferentially formed in the wall of the guide hole. When the coverings of the optical fibers are thermally deformed, parts of the coverings bite the groove portions, whereby the optical fibers are fixed in the guide hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hamasaki, Hideto Furuyama
  • Patent number: 7315682
    Abstract: A protection system for a fiber optic coupling having a first housing with a guide slot in a side wall includes a protective cap with a slot in a side wall and defining a passage for receiving the first housing whereby the protective cap slot aligns with the guide slot in the first housing and a protective shutter pivotally connected to the protective cap for covering a distal end and guide slot of the fiber optic coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Senko Advanced Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel I. En Lin, Stephen O'Riorden
  • Patent number: 7309167
    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: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Innovaquartz Inc.
    Inventor: Griffin Stephen
  • Patent number: 7287912
    Abstract: In an optical connector having a housing defining an area surrounding a connection axis of the optical connector, the housing has a pair of slits spaced from each other and defining an elastic portion therebetween. A protruding portion protrudes from the elastic portion outward in a radial direction of the housing. A mounting portion is faced to the protruding portion with a space left therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventors: Yuichi Koreeda, Yasutaka Hiroki
  • Patent number: 7284912
    Abstract: An optical fiber interconnect system comprising a connector for carrying an array of optical fibers along a longitudinal axis. The adapter comprises a push-push coupling mechanism configured to receive and couple with the connector upon application of a first pushing force to the connector. The connector is disengaged and may be withdrawn from the adapter upon application of a second pushing force upon the connector. The pushing forces can be applied at a pushing region by using a stylus member. Spring-biased automatic shutters are included in the adapter to provide protection against dust and other contaminants, as well as eye injuries, when only one of the connectors is inserted in the adapter. The release mechanism that disengages the connector and adapter facilitates the handling of a small connector. When the release is operated, the separation of the connector and adapter is initiated actively without the need of a strong pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignees: Illum Technologies, Inc., Adamant Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Suzuki, Gregory Bunin
  • Patent number: 7278790
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include an improved connector for a fiber-optic cable including: a fiber-optic conductor disposed in a center portion of the fiber-optic connector; one or more flexible end portions disposed on an outer portion of the fiber-optic connector; a swab disposed on an inner surface of at least one flexible end portion; wherein the swab contacts and cleans the fiber-optic conductor when the improved connector is attached to a receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Eric L. Kobrin
  • Patent number: 7278789
    Abstract: An undersea equipment housing includes an inner housing, molded terminations secured at each end of the inner housing, and an outer strength housing. In one embodiment, the housing is used to house optical and electrical equipment, for example, in a repeater. The undersea equipment housing may also include a molded portion around an inside of the inner housing. The molded portion and the molded terminations provide voltage isolation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Tyco Telecommunications (US) Inc.
    Inventor: Maurice E. Kordahi
  • Patent number: 7270487
    Abstract: A field installable optical fiber connector is provided, the connector including an inner housing defining an interior passageway extending longitudinally between a forward end and a rearward end, a first connector subassembly inserted through the rearward end of the inner housing into the interior passageway thereof. In one embodiment, the first connector subassembly includes a ferrule holder having a ferrule disposed within the ferrule holder, and an optical fiber stub disposed within the ferrule. In another embodiment, the first connector subassembly also includes a flange disposed at a first end of the ferrule holder, a spring element and a spring element retainer slidably mounted on the ferrule holder, and a collar mounted on a second end of the ferrule holder so as to capture the spring and the spring element retainer between the flange and the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Bradley S. Billman, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 7264404
    Abstract: Optical connector assemblies suitable for use in harsh environments such as down hole oil and gas well applications and methods for fabricating the same are provided. In one embodiment, an optical connector assembly suitable for down hole oil field applications comprises a first and second optical waveguide urged by a biasing member against a bracket. Each of the waveguides has at least one base surface formed on the exterior of the waveguide that is disposed against at least one of a plurality of reference surfaces of the bracket. In another embodiment, flats comprise two of the base surfaces on each optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Lagace, John Grunbeck, Milton E. Ives, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7264403
    Abstract: An optical ferrule is provided with a ferrule body having a front face and at least one covering applied to the front face to protect the front face of the ferrule from a laser beam used during a trimming process. The optical ferrule may also have a second covering disposed between the front face of the ferrule and the first covering to assist in adhering the first covering to the optical ferrule. A method is also provided for applying the first covering or the first covering and the second covering to the front face of the ferrule. A method is also provided for trimming, and in particular, ablating portions of one or more optical fibers that protrude beyond the front face of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Danley, Paul A. Sachenlk, Robert S. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7264402
    Abstract: A fiber optic receptacle and plug assembly adapted to be mounted within an opening through a wall of a connection terminal. The receptacle and plug define complimentary alignment and keying features for ensuring that the plug is mated with the receptacle in a predetermined orientation. An alignment sleeve is disposed within the plug for receiving a multi-fiber receptacle ferrule and a multi-fiber plug ferrule. The fiber optic receptacle and corresponding plug each include a biasing member assembly for urging the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule towards one another, wherein the biasing member assembly includes a round spring, a spring centering cuff and a ferrule boot that operatively engage the rear of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule, respectively, to substantially center a spring biasing force on the end face of the receptacle ferrule and the plug ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Theuerkorn, Martin E. Norris, James P. Luther
  • Patent number: 7261472
    Abstract: An optical fiber interconnect system comprising a connector for carrying an optical fiber along a longitudinal axis. The adapter comprises a push-push coupling mechanism configured to receive and couple with the connector upon application of a first pushing force to the connector so as to removably receive the connector in operably connected fashion. The connector is disengaged from the adapter upon application of a second pushing force upon the connector to enable withdrawal of the connector from the adapter. The pushing forces can be applied to the connector at a pushing region by using a stylus member. A zero rotation embodiment provides for linear or curvilinear, non-rotational movement of the ferrule within the connector relative to the optical axis for better alignment and tunability. A movable plug extender is provided within the ferrule holder to facilitate injection of adhesive and protect fiber from breakage during the termination process and thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignees: Illum Technologies, Inc., Adamant Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Suzuki, Gregory Bunm
  • Patent number: 7261471
    Abstract: There is provided an optical connector device which prevents leakage of light until right before connectors are connected to each other and is small-sized by a reduction in space for housing shutters. The optical connector device is an optical connector device comprising a first optical connector and a second optical connector. When shutters for shutting out light from the optical connectors are collided with each other, the shutters move to positions where they do not shut out the light. Therefore, the first optical connector and the second optical connector are connected to each other. After moving, the shutter of the first optical connector and the shutter of the second optical connector are inserted into the second optical connector while remaining contacting each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignees: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, NTT Electronics Corporation, Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Limited
    Inventors: Masahiro Tsuchida, Yoshiteru Abe, Masaru Kobayashi, Ryo Nagase, Koichi Arishima, Yuichi Koreeda, Akihiro Onogawa
  • Patent number: 7255487
    Abstract: A novel Fabry-Perot resonance cavity has been recognized with ruggedized packaging. This cavity is formed by simple planar and concave (or two concave) mirrors—attached at the fiber ends. The concave mirror is precisely aligned to the core of the fiber. The concave lens is fabricated on the end of the fiber by making an indentation of correct geometry and smoothness. The concave mirror has multiple dielectric layers applied on the concave lens to achieve the final, desired optical characteristics. This structure is packaged using novel techniques from which it derives great utility. The resulting packaged assembly is environmentally robust and capable of operating at very high frequencies with low input voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventor: Youngmin A. Choi
  • Patent number: 7246950
    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: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: 7241056
    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 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Samuel M. Marrs, Shaun P. Brouwer, Robert T. Fitzpatrick, Phillip J. Irwin, Matthew M. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7232260
    Abstract: A ferrule holder and a coil spring are provided in a main body formed in an approximately tube shape. A cable adaptor including a front opening part at a large diameter part is inserted from a back opening part into the main body having slits and. A first small diameter part of the main body fits with the large diameter part of the cable adaptor and prevents the cable adaptor from translating in the z-axis direction. And the second small diameter part of the main body controls transfer of the ferrule holder in the z-axis direction. At the forward part of the large diameter, a taper part which helps to insert the cable adaptor is formed around the circuit of the optical axis. Each slit formed at the back opening part also helps to insert the cable adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Canare Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Takahashi, Manabu Komatsubara
  • Patent number: RE40622
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector has two ferrules contained within a single connector housing with the ferrules positioned in parallel, spaced-apart alignment. The connector includes a first mating fastener exposed on exterior sides of the connector housing. A fiber optic adapter has an open end to slidably receive the connector housing. The adapter includes two parallel sleeves contained within the adapter housing and aligned with the ferrules of the connector. The adapter includes a second mating fastener exposed to an interior of the adapter housing to releasably mate with the first mating fastener when the connector housing is in the full insert position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu