With Additional Nonoptical Structure Patents (Class 385/75)
  • Patent number: 8206041
    Abstract: This high power optical connector is used at least on a light-receiving side of an optical fiber. The high power optical connector is provided with: a housing; a ferrule which is accommodated in the housing to retain the optical fiber; and a flange which is connected and fixed to the housing while being in contact with an end portion of the ferrule. The ferrule is made of a transparent glass; and the flange is made of a transparent material which transmits a light which propagates through the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Oba
  • Patent number: 8192089
    Abstract: A connector has first and second connector units, each unit incorporating an oil-filled chamber housing one or more contact elements to be joined. At least one connector unit has a face seal assembly which seals the forward end of the contact chamber in the unmated condition. The face seal assembly comprises three elements. One element is an annular elastomeric seal situated radially outward. The two other elements are inner seal elements which are pressed together radially to form a substantially disc-like shape. The resulting disc-like shaped seal fills the central, circular end face opening of the outer annular seal. As the connector units are mated, elements of the elastomeric face seal assembly are displaced, one axially, and others both axially and radially, creating an opening between the oil-filled chambers that is sealed from the outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Teledyne Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Cairns, Srikanth Ramasubramanian, Stewart M. Barlow
  • Patent number: 8186890
    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: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: 8152386
    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: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: James Phillip Luther, Martin Eugene Norris, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 8147147
    Abstract: A junction box and hybrid fiber optic cable connector which permit repair of damaged fibers or copper conductors carried by a hybrid fiber/copper cable without requiring replacement of the entire cable assembly or retermination of the cable. A method of repairing a hybrid fiber/copper cable and connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: M'hamed Anis Khemakhem, Dean Michael Rosenthal, Duane Sand, Jeffery Louis Peters, Joy K. McKnight, Ross Heggestad, Patrick Jude Nault, Foad Abdulkadir Mohamed Ahmed
  • Patent number: 8149586
    Abstract: A tray keying mechanism is mounted on a backplane inside a modular chassis and has a protrusion that stands out like a post for each of several equipment bays. A modular tray can be inserted into each of the equipment bays, but it will not be allowed to be fully inserted and to engage the electrical connectors on the backplane if the corresponding post meets an obstruction on the rear apron of the tray. If the particular tray is the correct type, and is not upside down, the post will encounter no obstructions during the insertion of the tray, and the electrical connectors will be allowed to engage. In one embodiment, the keying mechanism comprises a bracket of molded plastic that fits all around the several connectors on the backplane, and could be patterned to fit an already existing and in-service backplane and chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Allen Curnalia, Kenji Hidaka, Michihiro Okamoto, Yasuhiro Yamamoto, Takeshi Wagatsuma
  • Patent number: 8128558
    Abstract: A connector assembly for an endoscope apparatus, which includes a plug removably insertable in a receptacle, is disclosed. The plug has a molded body incorporating a light cable and an electrical connector in a fixed spatial relationship within the molded body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc R. Amling, David Chatenever, Bruce L. Kennedy, Barry A. Mirrer
  • Patent number: 8113722
    Abstract: A hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly which permits repair of damaged fibers or copper conductors carried by a hybrid fiber/copper cable without requiring replacement of the entire connector assembly or the cable is disclosed. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly disclosed also allows individual hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly to be converted from one gender to a different gender. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly disclosed also allows the individual hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly to be converted from being hybrid fiber/copper connectors to being only fiber connectors or only copper connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarrod Scadden, M'Hamed Anis Khemakhem, Jeffrey Louis Peters, Kenneth Allen Skluzacek
  • Patent number: 8113723
    Abstract: One embodiment includes an integrated boot and release slide having a release slide and a boot. The release slide includes a main body, a plurality of arms, and a plurality of coupling structures. The arms extend from a first end of the main body. The coupling structures extend from a second end of the main body opposite the first end. The boot is overmolded over the coupling structures of the release slide and defines a cavity configured to slidably receive a communications cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Chris K. Togami, Tat Ming Teo, Frank J. Flens
  • Publication number: 20120033918
    Abstract: An optical connector adapter allowing a stopper member to be arranged at ends of an insertion hole while being overlaid on a shutter member is provided. In the optical connector adapter, a first base plate of the shutter member is fitted into a bottom wall recess, a second base plate of the stopper member is fitted into the bottom wall recess while being overlaid on the first base plate of the shutter member, first both side plates of the shutter member are fitted into a sidewall recess, and the second both side plates of the stopper member are fitted into the sidewall recess while being overlaid on the first both side plates of the shutter member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKOH GIKEN Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki JIBIKI, Junji Taira
  • Patent number: 8100588
    Abstract: A small form factor pluggable (SFP) optical transceiver module and method for performing optical communications are provided. The SFP optical transceiver module has a housing to which a duplex receptacle is secured. The duplex receptacle has a C-shaped opening, the upper and lower portions of which are defined by upper and lower flexible retaining elements for receiving and retaining a duplex optical connector therein. An electrical assembly of the module is secured within the transceiver module housing. The electrical assembly comprises a PCB, the back end of which is configured as a plug end for removably plugging the PCB into a receptacle of an external communications management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tom Sheau Tung Wong, Adrianus Van Haasteren, Tze Wei Lim
  • Publication number: 20110317962
    Abstract: A cable assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (2) defining a mounting cavity (221); an optical module (5) accommodated in the mounting cavity and capable of moving therein along a front-to-back direction; at least one fiber (6) coupled to the optical module; two resilient members (9) spaced apart from each other along a transversal direction; and a cap (7) integrated with the two resilient members, the cap mounted to the insulative housing to cover the at least one fiber, and the two resilient members pressing against the optical module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: RICHARD LEE MALEHORN, II, TOD M. HARLAN
  • Patent number: 8083416
    Abstract: A hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly which permits repair of damaged fibers or copper conductors carried by a hybrid fiber/copper cable without requiring replacement of the entire connector assembly or the cable is disclosed. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly disclosed also allows individual hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly to be converted from one gender to a different gender. The hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly include removable keying members mountable to housings of the connectors. The removable keying members allow gender conversion and proper mating and orientation. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly also allows the individual connectors of the assembly to be converted from being hybrid fiber/copper connectors to being only fiber connectors or only copper connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Jarrod Scadden, M'Hamed Anis Khemakhem, Jeffrey Louis Peters, Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 8083415
    Abstract: Electrical connections from the printed circuit board (“PCB”) of an optoelectronic device through the front or line-side of the device enable a microcontroller or other component on the PCB to electrically communicate with an optical connector or other line-side device. The electrical connections can be integrated within a lead frame and trace structure providing mechanical support for the electrical connections and the PCB, with each electrical connection including a PCB-side contact and a line-side contact supported by the integrated structure. Alternately, the electrical connections can be integrated within one or more flex circuits. The optical connector can include traces and contacts configured to be electrically coupled to corresponding line-side contacts when the optical connector is received within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua Moore, Greta Light
  • Patent number: 8070367
    Abstract: An LC format optical connector for terminating an optical fiber includes a housing configured to mate with an LC receptacle, the housing including a shell, a first resilient latch disposed on a surface of the shell, and a backbone. The LC format connector also includes a collar body disposed in the housing and retained between the outer shell and the backbone, wherein the collar body includes a fiber stub disposed in a first portion of the collar body. The collar body further includes a mechanical splice disposed in a second portion of the collar body, the mechanical splice configured to splice the second end of the fiber stub to a second optical fiber. The LC format connector further includes a trigger coupled to an outer surface of the housing backbone, the trigger including a second latch that engages the first latch when acted upon by a pressing force. An optical connector with a single piece latch structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Paul N. Winberg, Donald K. Larson, Wesley A. Raider
  • Patent number: 8061905
    Abstract: A multi-level cell (MLC) dual-personality extended fiber optic flash drive includes a MLC dual-personality extended fiber optic Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug connector connected to a dual-personality extended fiber optic flash drive and being removably connectable to a host. The connector is adaptable to receive electrical data and optical data. A transceiver, located on the flash drive, is operative to convert received electrical data to optical data or to convert received optical data to electrical data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: SuperTalent Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham Ma, I-Kang Yu, David Nguyen, Charles C. Lee, Ming-Shiang Shen
  • Publication number: 20110268392
    Abstract: A device for optically coupling two photonic elements may comprise an interposer where each photonic element is axially aligned with an optical pathway in the interposer. Also included is an optics assembly configured to direct a photonic signal along the optical pathway; and a mechanical guide assembly configured to reduce the relative tilt and rotation of photonic elements. Another such device may comprise two connectors where each connector comprises an optical pathway element in which an optics assembly is situated and a photonic element aligned with the optical pathway element. A mechanical guide assembly secures the optical pathway elements in a position so as to reduce the relative tilt and rotation of the photonic elements. A connection for optically coupling two computing units can comprise a partition situated between the computing units and on which an interposer is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Kessler Rosenberg, Michael Renne Ty Tan, Huei Pei Kuo, Robert G. Walmsley, Eric Peterson
  • Patent number: 8047725
    Abstract: In an optical connector adapter for use in connecting a first and a second optical connector plug to each other, a second adapter half is butted against a first adapter half in a predetermined direction. The first and second adapter halves have engaging means for maintaining the first and second adapter halves in a butted state in the predetermined direction. The engaging means is configured to be disposed inside the optical connector adapter and to be prevented from releasing engagement thereof by at least one of the first and second optical connector plugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignees: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited, NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Katagiyama, Yuichi Koreeda, Hikaru Kouta, Hisaya Takahashi, Mikio Oda, Hideyuki Ono
  • Patent number: 8038355
    Abstract: A connector which makes it easy to view light from a light source. A light guide 7 guides light from LEDs 21 forward of the housing 5 in a fitting direction. The light guide 7 is configured to be mounted on the housing 5 that hold contacts 3, in a manner covering the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Ind., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Hashiguchi
  • Publication number: 20110243505
    Abstract: An adapter is provided that has both an electrical coupling configuration that complies with the RJ-45 wiring standard for electrical communications and an optical coupling configuration for optical communications. The adapter is configured as an interface for at least two modular connector assemblies to enable the modular connector assemblies to communicate with each other either optically or electrically, depending on whether the plugs of the assemblies are configured to have optical or electrical communications capabilities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES FIBER IP (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Chung-Yi Su, Tak K. Wang
  • Patent number: 8030593
    Abstract: A laser welding apparatus and method for easily adjusting a laser focusing position according to a distance from a laser irradiating device to a laser irradiating point on a work piece, or a welding point. A post-collimation laser diameter is measured when the laser emitting end has an optimal laser diameter on the work piece with respect to the distance from the laser processing head to the work piece. Corresponding data is stored with the above distance and the post-collimation laser diameter corresponding to each other. During welding, a diameter of the laser beam passing through a collimate lens is measured by a laser diameter measuring device. The post-collimation laser diameter is adjusted to be an optimal value according to the corresponding data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8021056
    Abstract: A junction is made between a first microfluidic substrate (12) having an elongate component (303) protruding from it and a second microfluidic substrate (22) having a corresponding conduit (261). Each of the substrates has a pair of alignment features, for example planar orthogonal surfaces (13, 15; 23, 25) or grooves (141, 151; 241, 251) in opposite sides of the substrate. The substrates are placed on an alignment jig 6 having location features (63, 65) corresponding to the alignment features. The elongate component can be surrounded by a compressible gasket 40). The substrates are pushed towards each other so that the elongate component enters the conduit and the gasket, if any, is compressed. A fluid-tight junction results so long as the substrates are maintained in the necessary position, either by permanent means, or, if a junction which can be disassembled is needed, by maintaining pressure between the substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: AB Sciex, LLC
    Inventors: Don W. Arnold, Kenneth R. Hencken, Sammy S. Datwani, Patrick Pak-Ho Leung, Douglas R. Cyr, Jason E. Rehm
  • Patent number: 8021057
    Abstract: Operation efficiency can be dramatically improved and a smaller configuration can be obtained by simplifying the optical connection. An optical module has an electrical connector to connect a device; an optical element unit being electrically connected to the electrical connector and provided with optical elements to convert electrical signals and optical signals and emitting or receiving light; an optical ferrule, having a plurality of optical fiber insertion holes, to hold optical fibers inserted into the plurality of optical fiber insertion holes so as to allow the fibers to be optically connected to the optical element; and an optical cable inlet to introduce an end part of an optical cable provided with the optical fibers. The cable unit with an optical module has an optical cable that includes a plurality of optical fibers and an optical module provided at two ends of the optical cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuaki Tamura, Wataru Sakurai, Junji Fukui
  • Patent number: 7997805
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector assembly includes optical fibers, a first connector, electric wires, and a second connector. The first connector receives the optical fibers. The second connector includes a coupling portion and a conversion portion. The coupling portion is mechanically engaged with the first connector and includes lenses optically coupled to the respective optical fibers. The conversion portion receives the electric wires and includes light detectors electrically connected to the corresponding electric wires and configured for receiving and converting optical signals into electrical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: I-Thun Lin
  • Patent number: 7988367
    Abstract: A cap for a field-installable optical connector having a front and rear orientation, a housing, an axially-actuated clamping mechanism in the housing, and a ferrule assembly forward of the clamping mechanism and forwardly biased in the housing, the ferrule assembly comprising a holder and a ferrule extending from the holder, the cap comprising a front end defining a cavity for receiving the ferrule and having an outer surface defining at least part of a front-end geometry, a back end defining an opening through which the ferrule is received and a perimeter around the opening, the perimeter configured to contact the holder when the cap is pushed rearward in the housing, the front and back ends being unitary such that any rearward force on the front end is transferred to the back end and through the perimeter to the holder and a retention portion for contacting the housing to secure the cap to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lawrence Gurreri, David Donald Erdman, Eric James Hopkins, Douglas Harold Rohde, Koen Verweyen, Daniel Daems
  • Patent number: 7985026
    Abstract: A guiding connector for optical fiber extension has a positioning section in the accommodating hole to receive a optical fiber and has a ventilative recess defined on one side to communicate with the positioning section of the accommodating hole. The positioning section adjacent to the ventilative recess achieves a ventilative portion to discharge gas inside the positioning section so that optical fibers are assembled and processed precisely and rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Foci Fiber Optic Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Song Fure Lin, Cheng Lih Liu, Vivian Kung, Janpu Hou, Pinsung Wang, Wally Hua, Archer Shu
  • Publication number: 20110158590
    Abstract: A cable assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (2) defining a mounting cavity (221); an optical module (5) accommodated in the mounting cavity and capable of moving therein along a front-to-back direction; at least one fiber (6) coupled to the optical module; an elastomeric member (9) disposed in the mounting cavity and arranged behind the optical module; and a cap member (7) combined with the elastomeric member and fixed to the insulated housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: TOD M. HARLAN
  • Publication number: 20110158588
    Abstract: A cable assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (2) having a mounting cavity (221); an optical module (5) accommodated in the mounting cavity and capable of moving therein along a front-to-back direction; at least one fiber (6) coupled to the optical module; and two coil springs (9) spaced away from each other along a transversal direction and located behind the optical module to bias the optical module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: TERRANCE F. LITTLE, STEPHEN SEDIO
  • Publication number: 20110150397
    Abstract: A cable assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (2) having a base portion (21) and a tongue portion (22) extending forwardly from the base portion, said tongue portion defining a top side and a bottom side opposite to the top side, at least a mounting cavity (2212) and a slot (2213) defined in a bottom side of the insulated housing, said slot located behind and communicated to the mounting cavity; a plurality of contacts (3) supported by the base portion, each contact having a mating portion arranged proximate to the top side of the tongue portion, and a tail portion supported by the base portion; an optical module (6) floatably accommodated in the mounting cavity and capable of moving in the mounting cavity along a front-to-back direction, said optical module including at least one lens member and a holder member enclosing the lens member; an optical fiber extending through the slot and connected to the optical module; and a metal shell (8) having a mating frame enclosing the tongue portion and the opt
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHONG YI, KEVIN E. WALKER, PEI TSAO, STEPHEN SEDIO
  • Patent number: 7959362
    Abstract: A combination fiber optic and electrical connector and a plug for mating therewith are both provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Sigmund Sommer
  • Publication number: 20110135254
    Abstract: A photoelectric connector assembly includes a first and a second connector and a photoelectric signal conversion module. The first connector defines a mating cavity, first terminals including contacting sections exposing to the mating cavity and a first light transmission module including convex lenses at a front thereof exposing to the mating cavity and first light ports at a rear thereof The second connector includes an insulating seat and second terminals. The seat defines a rear mating end loading the second terminals and a receiving cavity opening upwards. The conversion module is inserted in the receiving cavity and includes second light ports coupled with the first light ports of the first light transmission module and conductive pads touching with the second terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: SHIH-WEI HSIAO, MING-LUN SZU, WEN-YI HSIEH
  • Patent number: 7957624
    Abstract: A cable management panel including a chassis, a drawer, and a rear latch arrangement. The rear latch arrangement including a latch having a free tab end. The free tab end engaging the front edge of a top wall of the chassis to prevent inadvertent closing movement of the drawer relative to the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Krampotich, Ryan Kostecka
  • Publication number: 20110129188
    Abstract: An electric connector comprises a conductive terminal and a housing. The conductive terminal is provided with a terminal body portion, a soldering portion, to which an end portion of an electric wire is soldered, and a connection portion connected to a counterpart terminal. The housing is provided with a terminal receipt-hole, in which at least a portion of the terminal body portion is received, and a soldering portion accommodation-groove, in which at least a portion of the soldering portion is accommodated. The soldering portion accommodation-groove is provided with inner side walls, that extend along lateral ends of a soldering surface of the soldering portion, and a concave portion, which is formed in the inner side walls so that a portion of solder that is used for soldering of the end portion of the electric wire is able to come into the concave portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: MOLEX INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Akihiro Shimotsu, Masayuki Arai
  • Publication number: 20110123157
    Abstract: A cable connector assembly for outdoor connection to transceivers. Electrical connection between a component of the cable connector assembly and a connector inside an electronic assembly to which the cable connector assembly is attached is made through a force generated by a biasing member within the cable connector assembly. The biasing member may generate the force as the cable connector assembly is attached to an adapter. Once the cable connector assembly is disengaged from the adapter, the force is released, allowing easy removal of the cable connector assembly, without the need to release a latch. In an environmentally sealed connector in which access to a release mechanism may be restricted, such a structure provides ease of use for either electrical or optical connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Belsan, Anh Ngoc Nguyen, Darijus Baltrukonis
  • Publication number: 20110116747
    Abstract: Electronic devices are provided that communicate over cables and other communications paths that include optical and electrical paths. A cable may include wires for forming an electrical path and one or more optical fibers for forming an optical path. Connectors at one or both ends of the cable may include electrical contacts and an optical coupling structure associated with the optical path. Optical paths may be included in connectors such as tip-ring-sleeve connectors and connectors of other types. Interface circuitry may be included in a connector to convert between optical and electrical signaling schemes. Wavelength-division-multiplexing may be used to support bidirectional communications. Breakout boxes and other equipment may be connected using the cables. Digital signals such as digital noise cancellation signals may be conveyed over the optical paths. Power and other electrical signals may be conveyed over the electrical paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Victor Tiscareno, Jesse L. Dorogusker
  • Publication number: 20110114006
    Abstract: Unmanned underwater vehicles (1) which can be controlled from a carrier platform (2) by an optical waveguide cable (3) can be used for widely differing missions. For mine countermeasures, the loss of the underwater vehicle (1) is often accepted, with the optical waveguide cable (3) also being destroyed by the explosion. To reduce the costs of a mission of the underwater vehicle, the invention provides for the optical waveguide cable (3) to be connected to the underwater vehicle (1) via a connecting device (4). The connecting device (4) comprises a connecting cable (8) and connecting elements (11, 12) at the ends (9, 10) of the connecting cable (8) for an optical waveguide cable (3) at one end and for an unmanned underwater vehicle (1) at the other end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Atlas Elektronik GmbH
    Inventor: Torsten JUNG
  • Patent number: 7942588
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-contact connector comprising: a plug constituting the termination of a cable having at least one optical conductor and/or at least one electrical conductor; and a socket for connecting to the plug and comprising a body and a plate for fastening to a panel; wherein the socket is a single piece of polymer material and wherein the connector includes electromagnetic shielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Radiall
    Inventors: Renaud Durand, Charles Populaire
  • Patent number: 7942587
    Abstract: A strain-relief assembly for a field-installable fiber optic connector is disclosed, wherein the assembly includes a ferrule holder, an intermediate sleeve, and a crimp sleeve. The ferrule holder back section holds a buffered section of a fiber optic cable, while the ferrule holder front end holds a ferrule and a splice assembly. A stub fiber is held within the ferrule and the splice assembly so as to interface with a section of field optical fiber protruding from the buffered section. The intermediate sleeve engages and generally surrounds a portion of the ferrule holder back section and thus surrounds a portion of the buffered layer. An intermediate sleeve handler may be used to handle the intermediate sleeve and attached the intermediate sleeve to the ferrule holder back section. Stress-relief strands from the fiber optic cable are flared around the outer surface of the intermediate sleeve. A crimp sleeve is placed over the intermediate sleeve to hold the ends of the stress-relief strands in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ray S. Barnes, Kristine A. McEvoy, David W. Meek, Scott E. Semmler
  • Publication number: 20110097040
    Abstract: An cable assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a main portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forwardly from the main portion, a cavity (121) defined in the tongue portion, a groove (122) defined in the tongue portion and located behind the cavity, and a tapered positioning member (1221) formed in the groove; a plurality of terminals (2) retained in the insulative housing; an optical module (3) accommodated in the cavity; a coil spring (4) sandwiched between the insulative housing and the optical module, with the positioning member inserted into a rear portion of the coil spring; and a cable including at least one fiber (81) connected to the optical module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HSIEN-CHU LIN, CHI-NAN LIAO
  • Publication number: 20110097043
    Abstract: A connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a receiving slot (141) formed therein; an optical module (3) for transmitting optical data and being movably received in the receiving slot; a compression coil spring (4) having a first end for biasing the optical module to move in the receiving slot; a metal shell (7) shielding the insulative housing; and a sleeve (40) encircling a second end of the compression coil spring (4) opposite to the first end for retaining the compression coil spring therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIA-YONG HE, QI-SHENG ZHENG
  • Publication number: 20110097039
    Abstract: Disclosed herewith a interconnection system includes an optoelectronic receptacle connector including insulative housing defines a cylindrical receiving chamber having a front and a rear end. An aligning pin extends from the rear end into the chamber and with an optical receiver disposed in the chamber. An optoelectronic plug connector includes a jack member defining a passage to receive the aligning pin when the plug connector is inserted into the receptacle connector. An organizer is enveloped on the jack member and defines at least a pair of orifices aligned with the optical receiver. And an optoelectronic cable includes at least a pair of fiber optics disposed within the orifices of the organizer and at least a conductive wires terminated to the jack member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Jim Zhao, Andrew C. Cheng
  • Publication number: 20110097042
    Abstract: An cable assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a main portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forwardly from the main portion, a cavity (121) defined in the tongue portion, and a retaining slot (112) defined in the main portion; a plurality of terminals (2) retained in the insulative housing; an optical module (3) accommodated in the cavity; an elastic member (4) sandwiched between the insulative housing and the optical module; a cable including at least one fiber (81), the fiber passing through the retaining slot and connected to the optical module; and a metallic shell (7) including a plurality of walls forming a frame to receive the insulative housing, the frame having a top wall (711) disposed proximate to the main portion of the insulative housing (1) to minimize a gap (1120) therebetween, and the gap being smaller than a diameter of the fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chi-Nan Liao, Hsien-Chu Lin
  • Publication number: 20110097041
    Abstract: An cable assembly includes an insulative housing (1) having a main portion (11) and a tongue portion (12) extending forwardly from the main portion, a cavity (121) defined in the tongue portion, and a tapered fiber passage (111) defined in the main portion and communicating with the cavity; a plurality of terminals (2) retained in the insulative housing; an optical module (3) accommodated in the cavity; an elastic member (4) sandwiched between the insulative housing and the optical module; and a cable including at least one fiber (81), the fiber passing through the fiber passage and connected to the optical module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chi-Nan Liao, Hsien-Chu Lin
  • Publication number: 20110091160
    Abstract: An optical connector comprises an insulative housing defining a mating port, at least one grounding contact disposed on the housing, and exposed into the mating port; an optical module movably retained in the housing along a front-to-rear direction and adapted for transmitting optical signal; and a metallic resilient member located behind the optical module to constantly urge the optical module forwardly. The resilient member is electrically connected with the grounding contact and thus grounded through the grounding contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIA-YONG HE, QI-SHENG ZHENG
  • Publication number: 20110091161
    Abstract: An optical connector comprises an insulative housing defining a mounting cavity; an optical module accommodated in the mounting cavity and capable of moving therein along a front-to-rear direction, the optical module defining a horizontal central line along a middle portion thereof in the front-to-rear direction; at least one fiber coupled to the optical module; and a resilient member located behind the optical module, and having a first abuting portion engaged with the insulative housing, and two second abuting portions extending forwardly from the first abutting portion and pressing onto the optical module. The two second abuting portions are spaced away from each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIA-YONG HE, QI-SHENG ZHENG
  • Publication number: 20110091162
    Abstract: A connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1) having a receiving slot (141) formed therein; an optical module (3) for transmitting optical data and being movably received in the receiving slot; a metal spring member (4) sandwiched between the insulative housing and the optical module for biasing the optical module to move in the receiving slot (141); a metal shell (7) shielding the insulative housing; and a shorting member (40) electrically connecting the spring member (4) and the metal shell (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JIA-YONG HE, QI-SHENG ZHENG
  • Patent number: 7896559
    Abstract: A cable assembly (100) includes an insulative housing (2) having a base portion (21) and a tongue portion (22) extending forwardly therefrom, at least a mounting cavity (2212) and a curved slot (2213) defined in a low section of the insulated housing, said curved slot located behind and communicated to the mounting cavity; a plurality of contacts (4) supported by the base portion, each contact having a mating portion arranged proximate to the top side of the tongue portion, and a tail portion extending beyond a back surface of the base portion; an optical module (6) accommodated in the mounting cavity and a spring member (63) arranged between the optical module and a back side of the mounting cavity; an optical fiber (53) extending through the curved slot and connected to the optical module; and a metal shell (8) having a mating frame enclosing the tongue portion and the optical module therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chong Yi, Kevin E. Walker, Pei Tsao, Stephen Sedio
  • Publication number: 20110043371
    Abstract: Methods for collecting information regarding a remote connector port that is connected to a patch panel connector port by a communications cable that has at least one data communications channel and a separate control channel are provided in which a first conductor of the separate control channel of the communications cable is biased to power an integrated circuit chip that is associated with the remote connector port. A first signal is transmitted over the separate control channel of the communications cable to the integrated circuit chip associated with the remote connector port. A second signal is received from the integrated circuit chip over the separate control channel of the communications cable in response to the first signal. The second signal includes information regarding the remote connector port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Michael German, Peter T. Tucker, Matias Peluffo, Luc Walter Adriaenssens
  • Publication number: 20110038582
    Abstract: Circuits, apparatus, and methods that provide a connector system that can supply both power and data to a mobile computing or other type of device using a single connection. Further examples also provide a power and data adapter that can provide power and data to a mobile computing device using a single cable. Further examples provide an easy disengagement when a cable connected to the connector is pulled. One such example provides a magnetic connector that uncouples without binding when its cord is pulled. Another example prevents power from being provided at a connector insert until the connector insert is placed in a connector receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: John C. DiFonzo, Chris Ligtenberg, Michael Culbert
  • Patent number: 7874738
    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 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu