Fiber End Held In Ferrule Patents (Class 385/78)
  • Patent number: 8936401
    Abstract: A method for terminating a first optical fiber within a proximal portion of a guidewire tubing. The guidewire tubing has an outside diameter defined as having a tolerance of ±0.001? or less. The method comprises the step of centering the first optical fiber within the guidewire tubing. A female optical receiving device used to receive an optical guidewire and connect guidewire internal optical fiber to an external relaying optical cable is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventors: Claude Belleville, Sébastien Lalancette, Alain Proulx
  • Patent number: 8931961
    Abstract: A fiber-optic connector for connecting an optical fiber to other optical assemblies is disclosed. The fiber-optic connector includes a top plate having a window of similar refractive index and transmission index as the material of an optic fiber to be contained within the fiber-optic connector. The fiber-optic connector also includes a ferrule connected to the top plate via multiple spring-loaded screws. The ferrule includes an interface and an insert. The insert is capable of firmly gripping an optical fiber. In order to reduce Fresnel reflection losses of the fiber-optic connector, the window is pre-coated with an anti-reflective surface on the side opposite an optic fiber to be contained within the fiber-optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph M. Owen, David P. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8931963
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plug-in connector for connecting at least one conductor, in particular a conductor cable with an optical conductor, comprising a main body (2) having a continuous opening, a tube-like conductor holder (3) and an anti-kink element (4). The conductor holder (3) is arranged at least partially inside the main body and movably mounted therein. The anti-kink element (4) protrudes at least partially over the main body (2). A spring element (5) is provided for positioning the conductor relative to the main body (2) and is clamped between the conductor holder (3) and the anti-kink element (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Huber+Suhner AG
    Inventors: Nesa Scopic, Patrick Zaina, Laif Gadmer
  • Publication number: 20150010276
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector has an opening for receiving a fiber optic cable, a pair of locating pins positioned adjacent to a front end ferrule and a housing for providing a covering between the opening and the locating pins. The locating pins are configured to be moveable between a first forward position where the locating pins extend out of the front ferrule and the housing and a second retracted position where the locating pins are retracted within the front ferrule and the housing. The locating pins are moveable from the first forward position and the second retracted position by a user via a mechanism accessible outside of the housing and without opening the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Michael Good, Greg Heffner, William E. Ayres, III
  • Publication number: 20150003789
    Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for passing optical radiation into and out of a body lumen. In particular, the invention is directed to a rotatable ferrule for use in an optical guidewire and methods for using a rotatable ferrule. The rotatable ferrule may be either rotatably captured by and free to rotate within a guidewire, or may rotate upon release from a releasable, mechanically stable friction-fit engagement with a guidewire. The invention is further directed to sterile interfaces for readily connecting and disconnecting an optical guidewire with and from other optical instrumentation while maintaining the sterility of the guidewire, and methods for using a sterile interface device. The invention is also directed to interface devices that provide either direct or indirect optical and mechanical connection between an optical guidewire and peripheral instrumentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: William E. Webler, Andrej M. Chudy, Marc M. Jalisi, Kevin M. Phillips, Michael D. Whitt, Susan Norton
  • Patent number: 8916812
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an optical module, including an MT-Ferrule and a photoelectric conversion unit. The MT-Ferrule is configured to connect multiple channels of optical channels outside the optical module with multiple channels of optical channels of the photoelectric conversion unit, and implement coupling and transmission of multiple channels of single-mode optical signals between the two. The photoelectric conversion unit is configured to convert multiple channels of single-mode optical signals input from the MT-Ferrule into multiple channels of electrical signals and output the multiple channels of electrical signals, and generate, driven by multiple channels of input electrical signals, multiple channels of single-mode optical signals and output the multiple channels of single-mode optical signals to the MT-Ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fei Yu, Tongxin Zeng, Junying Zhao, Yuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 8915656
    Abstract: A taper-locking ferrule for use with optical fibers is provided. The taper-locking ferrule has an interior channel. The interior channel is tapered from one end to the other end and has a threaded interior portion. In an embodiment, the threaded interior portion covers approximately half of the interior wall of the channel. A slit may extend along the threaded portion, from the exterior surface of the device to the interior channel, dividing the threaded portion of the interior channel into sections and allowing the interior channel to slightly expand. The threaded portion of the interior channel grasps and secures an optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Fiberfin, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul M. Mulligan
  • Publication number: 20140363129
    Abstract: An optical connector includes an optical fiber, and a ferrule configured to hold the optical fiber, wherein the ferrule has a front part, a rear part, a deformable mechanism to connect between the front part and the rear part, and an opening to allow the optical fiber to bend along with displacement of the deformable mechanism, and wherein the deformable mechanism has a restrictor to restrict the displacement or deformation of the deformable mechanism, the restrictor being provided at least between the deformable mechanism and the front part or between the deformable mechanism and the rear part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicants: FUJITSU LIMITED, FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Aoki, Shigenori Aoki, Hidenobu Muranaka, Katsuki Suematsu, Mitsuhiro Iwaya
  • Publication number: 20140363130
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a housing configured to mate with a receptacle, a collar body that includes a fiber stub and a mechanical splice device, a backbone to retain the collar body within the housing, and a boot. The backbone includes a fiber jacket clamping portion to clamp a jacket portion that surrounds a portion of the terminated optical fiber upon actuation. The boot actuates the fiber jacket clamping portion of the backbone upon attachment to the backbone. The optical fiber connector can be terminated in the field without the need to use a separate termination platform or tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Chansool PARK, Donald K. LARSON
  • Patent number: 8905648
    Abstract: The expanded beam, fiber optic connector includes an optical fiber, and a ferrule. The optical fiber includes a modified mode field diameter segment. The ferrule includes a recess. The optical fiber is retained by the ferrule. The modified mode field diameter segment is positioned in the recess of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Cinch Connectivity Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Wade F. M. Zhang
  • Patent number: 8899845
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a fiber optic connector and methods of assembly thereof. In one embodiment, the fiber optic connector of the present invention is designed to help decrease the stress placed on an optical fiber during the mating of a connector with a receptacle. In another embodiment, the connector of the present invention terminates onto a polymer coated optical fiber. Other embodiments of the present invention may provide means for simplifying termination of an optical fiber connector onto a fiber and for simplifying disengagement of a fiber optic connector from a corresponding receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Yuri M. Gallegos, Phillip J. Irwin, Jerry A. Wiltjer, Gregory L. Kuffel
  • Patent number: 8901590
    Abstract: Phototherapy devices for phototherapy treatment of a patient include a light emitter for emitting light received from a light source. Means may be provided for altering the amount of power to the light source in response to a change in light output to maintain a substantially constant light output. The light source may comprise one or more LEDs that generate a blue light output and at least one other LED that generates a different color light output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Lumitex, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey B. Williams
  • Publication number: 20140348468
    Abstract: A communication device includes a mechanical shell, which is configured to be inserted into a Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) receptacle and contains a notch configured to hold a ferrule for mating with a connector of a passive optical cable. The mechanical shell includes molded upper and lower covers, which are joined together along an assembly line. A pair of elastic clips are molded integrally with at least one of the upper and lower covers and are configured to receive and hold the connector when mated with the ferrule. Circuitry within the shell includes electrical terminals configured to mate with corresponding terminals of the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Mellanox Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Rafi Lagziel, Nimer Khazen, Jamal Mousa
  • Patent number: 8894298
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector has a connector outer housing and a connector inner housing. The connector inner housing has a projection to interact with a latch on an adapter into which the connector is inserted. The force required to move the connector outer housing relative to the connector inner housing is less than the force to remove the connector inner housing from the latch. A groove or opening may also be formed in the connector outer housing to effectively shorten the connector outer housing and prevent interaction of the latch with the outer housing, reducing debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: US Conec, Ltd
    Inventors: Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira, Darrell R. Childers, Eric Childers, Michael E. Hughes
  • Patent number: 8888378
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an optical fiber made of a silica-based material. A proximal end portion of the optical fiber has an outer-layer portion. The proximal end portion can be included in at least a portion of a launch connector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus also includes a component that has a bore therethrough and can be made of a doped silica material. The bore can have an inner-layer portion heat-fused to the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber. The component can also have an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction associated with the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Zerfas, Paul Jortberg, Richard P. Tumminelli
  • Publication number: 20140334781
    Abstract: Techniques related to optical connectors are described herein. In some examples, an optical connector is illustrated including a ferrule and a mating arrangement to mechanically attach the ferrule to an optical device. The mating element defines an insertion direction. The ferrule includes an optical pathway for light transmission through the ferrule. An end longitudinal section of the optical pathway is to optically couple the optical pathway to the optical device. The end longitudinal section is angled with respect to the insertion direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Marco Fiorentino, Paul Kessler Rosenberg, Raymond G. Beausoleil, David A. Fattal
  • Patent number: 8882364
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fiber-optic connection arrangement, with the connection arrangement (21) comprising a fiber-optic adapter (2), with the fiber-optic adapter (2) having a first connecting device (38) for a first connecting plug (11) and a second connecting device (6) for a second connecting plug (17), with the first and the second connecting devices (38, 6) being different, with the fiber-optic adapter (2) having at least one first adapter-side attachment means, with the first adapter-side attachment means being in the form of an external thread (8) with a first adapter-side nominal diameter, wherein the connection arrangement (21) furthermore comprises an adapter sleeve (26), with the adapter sleeve (26) having a first end section (27) with a first opening (28), and a second end section (29) with a second opening (30), with the first end section (27) having a first sleeve-side attachment means, with the first sleeve-side attachment means being in the form of a first internal thread (36), with the fi
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Services GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Dieter Busse, Wolfgang Kraft
  • Patent number: 8882365
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a high performance quick terminal assembly for optical fiber, comprising a ferrule and an inner bore inside the ferrule. The inner bore is exposed after part of the cylinder body of the ferrule is cut away, forming a connecting platform. Pre-embedded optical fiber and connecting optical fiber are connected in the inner bore of the connecting platform, and the connecting platform is disposed with a pressing device to compress the connecting point of the two optical fibers. The invention uses high precision inner bore of the ceramic ferrule to replace the existing V-shaped groove. It can be easily, efficiently and effectively installed and is cost saving. Meanwhile excellent optical performance and high reliability are achieved. The problem related to various failure or badness of the prior art are resolved in the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignees: Chaozhou-Three-Circle (Group) Co., Ltd., Nanchong Three-Circle Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cansheng Xie, Zhenhong Zheng, Zhanhui Wang
  • Patent number: 8876405
    Abstract: An LC format optical connector for terminating an optical fiber includes a housing configured to mate with an LC receptacle. A backbone is configured to engage an outer surface of the outer shell of the housing and includes a mounting structure that is configured to engage a boot. A collar body is retained between the outer shell and the backbone and includes a fiber stub disposed in a first portion of the collar body, the fiber stub being mounted in a ferrule. A mechanical splice is disposed in a second portion of the collar body, the mechanical splice configured to splice the fiber stub to the optical fiber. The backbone also includes a fiber jacket clamping portion to clamp a jacket portion that surrounds a portion of the optical fiber upon actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Donald K. Larson, Wesley A. Raider, Daniel J. Treadwell, Martin G. Afflerbaugh, David Gonzalez, Daniel H. Henderson, William G. Allen
  • Publication number: 20140321813
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable and a fiber optic connector. The cable includes a jacket having an elongated transverse cross-sectional profile that defines a major axis and a minor axis. Strength components of the cable are anchored to the connector. The fiber optic connector includes a multi-fiber ferrule defining a major axis that is generally perpendicular to the major axis of the jacket and a minor axis that is generally perpendicular to the minor axis of the jacket. Certain types of connectors include a connector body defining a side opening that extends along a length of the connector body; a multi-fiber ferrule configured for lateral insertion into the connector body through the side opening; and a cover that mounts over the side opening after the multi-fiber ferrule has been inserted into the connector body through the side opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Yu Lu
  • Publication number: 20140321812
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include pre-terminated fiber optic connector sub-assemblies, and related fiber optic connectors, cables, and methods. In certain embodiments, an optical fiber stub is pre-installed in a ferrule bore of a ferrule of a fiber optic connector sub-assembly, to provide the pre-terminated fiber optic connector sub-assembly. The optical fiber stub can be pre-installed in the ferrule bore prior to termination of the fiber optic connector sub-assembly. Because the pre-terminated optical fiber stub disposed in the ferrule bore is not directly accessible through a ferrule body of the ferrule when a field optical fiber is disposed in the ferrule bore for fusion splicing, the ferrule has properties that allow thermal energy to be directed through the ferrule body into the ferrule bore. In this manner, the optical fiber stub pre-installed in the ferrule bore can be fusion spliced with the field optical fiber to terminate a fiber optic cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Anthony Sebastian Bauco, Jeffrey Dean Danley, Robert Bruce Elkins, Steven Joseph Gregorski
  • Patent number: 8870469
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a shroud, spring, ferrule mount, shrink tube, and ferrule. The connector terminates a fiber optic cable including an optical fiber and a strength member. The ferrule terminates the optical fiber and is mounted to the ferrule mount. The ferrule mount attaches to the strength member and includes an exterior retaining surface and a passage for the optical fiber. The shroud is mounted over the ferrule mount and includes an interior retaining surface. The exterior and the interior retaining surfaces engage to limit distal movement of the shroud relative to the ferrule mount and the attached cable. The spring engages the cable and the shroud and distally urges the shroud relative to the cable. The shrink tube forms a seal between the shroud and the cable and can proximally urge the shroud relative to the ferrule mount. This proximal urging is overcome by the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 8873911
    Abstract: A method to assemble a pig-tailed optical module and an arrangement thereof are disclosed. The method includes a step to recover the optical coupling efficiency between the optical device in the optical module and the pig-tailed fiber. The method includes a step to iterating the YAG laser welding at points axially distributed but with an inconstant pitch as slightly rotating the optical module around the optical axis of the pig-tailed fiber clock wise and counter clock wise depending on the enhancement and/or the degradation of the optical coupling efficiency between the optical device and the pig-tailed fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Moriyama
  • Patent number: 8870466
    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: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Liang-Ju Lu
  • Patent number: 8864391
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector and cable assembly. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly includes a fiber optic connector, a fiber optic cable, and an anchoring mechanism. The fiber optic connector includes a connector housing and a ferrule assembly having a ferrule and a spring. The fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber contained within a cable jacket and at least one strength structure for providing tensile reinforcement to the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable is attached to the fiber optic connector and the at least one optical fiber runs from the fiber optic cable through a total length of the fiber optic connector. The anchor mechanism anchors the at least one optical fiber to at least one of the cable jacket and the at least one strength structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu Lu
  • Publication number: 20140308011
    Abstract: Disclosed are a high-density fiber connector and an assembly method thereof. The connector, adapted for use with a fiber adapter, comprises a connector casing, a ferrule, a spring and a boot, wherein the connector casing has a cross width of 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm. The connector casing comprises a front casing and a rear casing, which lock up one another to form a cavity. The tail of the connector casing is connected with a boot. On the connector casing are sequentially arranged a guide block and an elastic arm from the front toward the back. A fixed end of the elastic arm is oriented toward the tail of the connector, while a free end faces an insert end of the connector and includes a retaining bump. The ferrule 2 is fastened with the ferrule tailstock 3 and penetrates through a through hole at the front of the connector casing. The spring is compressed between the ferrule tailstock and a thrust block formed by inner walls of the connector casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: SUNSEA TELECOMMUNICATIONS CO.,LTD.
    Inventors: ZhiYun ZHONG, Guo YANG, QiYue WANG
  • Patent number: 8858093
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a jumper, optical fibers and an optical-electric coupling element. The jumper includes a first side surface and a second side surface. A locating flange extends from the first side surface. The locating flange includes a first vertical surface. The jumper defines receiving holes through the first and second side surfaces and the first vertical surface. Each of the optical fibers is received in a respective receiving hole. The optical-electric coupling element includes a third side surface defining a locating cavity. The locating cavity includes a second vertical surface forming coupling lenses. The locating cavity also includes a lower sidewall and an upper sidewall defining an opening. The second vertical surface is substantially perpendicular to the upper sidewall. The locating flange is inserted into the locating cavity, with each coupling lenses aligned with a respective optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang-Wei Kuo
  • Patent number: 8858090
    Abstract: Ferrule holders with an integral lead-in tube employed in fiber optic connector assemblies, and related components, connectors, and methods are disclosed. By integrating the integral lead-in tube as part of the ferrule holder, the integral lead-in tube may be less expensive to manufacture and easier to install. The integral lead-in tube may also be less susceptible to inadvertent removal by friction with a bonding agent syringe or by vibration during shipment. The ferrule holder may include a ferrule holder body and integral lead-in tube. The integral lead-in tube may guide an optical fiber from a rear end of a fiber optic connector to an internal passage of the ferrule holder, where the optical fiber may be further guided to a ferrule for precise alignment. The integral lead-in tube may also protect the optical fiber during installation, shipment, and use in the fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Charles T. Henke, Louis E. Parkman, III
  • Patent number: 8858094
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector system is described which includes a plug and a socket. The optically active surfaces of the plug and socket are automatically protected from soiling as soon as the connection is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Weinrotter, Pascal Woerner, Juergen Raimann
  • Patent number: 8858089
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable connector includes a ferrule with a guide hole that is shaped to closely receive a multicore fiber having a flat side indicative of the rotational orientation of the cores of the multicore fiber. The ferrule includes a flat surface at one side of the guide hole, corresponding in position to the flat side of the multicore fiber. Installing the multicore fiber into the guide hole with its flat side abutting the flat surface along the side of the guide hole provides alignment of the cores with respect to an optical component to which the multicore fiber endface is to be connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Jinkee Kim, Gregory A. Sandels, Willard C. White
  • Patent number: 8861908
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a connector for an optical imaging probe that includes one or more optical fibers communicating light along the catheter. The device may use multiple sections for simpler manufacturing and ease of assembly during a medical procedure. Light energy to and from a distal minimally-invasive portion of the probe is coupled by the connector to external diagnostic or analytical instrumentation through an external instrumentation lead. Certain examples provide a self-aligning two-section optical catheter with beveled ends, which is formed by separating an optical cable assembly. Techniques for improving light coupling include using a lens between instrumentation lead and probe portions. Techniques for improving the mechanical alignment of a multi-optical fiber catheter include using a stop or a guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Vascular Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Kenneth N. Bates, William W. Morey
  • Patent number: 8851765
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector for terminating an optical fiber is provided. The optical fiber connector includes a housing configured to mate with a receptacle. The connector also includes a collar body disposed in the housing and retained between the housing's outer shell and a backbone. The collar body includes a swivel head coupled to a front end portion of the collar body, where the swivel head is configured to receive a ferrule. The swivel head is configured to pivot with respect to the front end portion of the collar body by a controlled amount upon a side pull force being placed on the connector and/or optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Donald K. Larson, Wesley A. Raider, Joseph C. Sawicki, Daniel J. Treadwell
  • Publication number: 20140294350
    Abstract: A multicore fiber alignment apparatus is described, having a chassis into which is mounted ferrule-holding means for holding a multicore fiber ferrule having one or more capillaries extending therethrough. Fiber-holding means for holding one or more multicore fibers in position to be mounted into the ferrule, such that each multicore fiber extends through a respective ferrule capillary. Means are provided for monitoring the rotation angle of each multicore fiber within its respective capillary, relative to a reference rotational orientation. Means are further provided for rotating each of the multicore fibers within its respective capillary. The rotational orientation of each multicore fiber is fixed when its rotation angle is equal to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: Kelvin B. Bradley, Wladyslaw Czosnowski, Tristan Kremp, Yue Liang
  • Publication number: 20140294395
    Abstract: An optical fiber assembly comprises an optical fiber having a forward end, a ferrule supporting the optical fiber, a beam expanding element aligned with the forward end of the optical fiber, and a thermal expansion compensation element adjacent the optical fiber to compensate for thermal expansion differences between the optical fiber and the ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark Waldron, Malcolm H. Hodge, Wenzong Chen, Dean A. Richardson, Jannick Armand, Michael J. Gardner
  • Patent number: 8845206
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided and includes a housing, a block formed to define an array of holes corresponding to an array of plugs into which connectors with spring loaded sleeves are pluggable such that the block engages with a respective sleeve of each connector, the block being supportively disposed within the housing to be movable with respect to the housing between first and second block positions at which the sleeves are extended and retracted, respectively and a cam lever supported on the housing and coupled to the block, which selectively occupies first and second lever positions at which the cam lever causes the block to assume the first and second block positions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Y. Chan, Dennis Denizard, Michael J. Fisher, Gilles G. Labbe, James E. Tersigni
  • Patent number: 8845207
    Abstract: An optical fiber adapter includes a housing, a hook member and an elastic body. The housing has an axial cavity defined by a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall. The hook member is positioned in the axial cavity which comprises a flange, a hollow cylinder and a pair of hooks. The hollow cylinder and hooks extends from one end of the flange and the hollow cylinder is positioned between the hooks. The elastic body is positioned on and around the hollow cylinder. When the optical fiber connector is inserted into the axial cavity of the optical fiber adapter, the ferrule will be inserted into the hollow cylinder and the elastic body will be in contact with inner walls of the inner housing of the optical fiber connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Protai Photonic Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung An Lin, Sung Chi Lin
  • Patent number: 8849081
    Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus including an optical fiber having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the optical fiber has a surface configured to emit energy transverse to a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber. The apparatus also includes a tube including a channel, and the distal end of the optical fiber is disposed in the channel of the tube. The apparatus further includes an element disposed at a distal end of the tube such that a pocket is formed in the channel of the tube between the element and the distal end of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ty Fairneny, Isaac Ostrovsky, Michael O'Brien, William Asselin
  • Patent number: 8845208
    Abstract: An optical connector reduced in size and capable of reducing optical coupling losses when optical waveguides are connected to each other, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The optical connector comprises: an optical waveguide including cores for transmitting light, an under cladding layer provided under the cores, and an over cladding layer provided over the cores; and a ferrule section for optical connection provided in each end portion of the optical waveguide. Part of at least one of the over cladding layer and the under cladding layer lying in a location corresponding to each end portion of the optical waveguide is thick-walled to become the ferrule section for optical connection. A thin-walled part of the optical connector lying between the ferrule sections is an optical waveguide section. The optical connector requires no additional component as a ferrule, and is made small in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Tsujita, Yusuke Shimizu, Ryusuke Naito
  • Publication number: 20140286611
    Abstract: An optical connector for terminating a jacketed optical fiber cable comprises a housing configured to mate with a receptacle. The connector also includes a collar body disposed in the housing, the collar body securing, at a first end, a ferrule. The collar body includes a gripping mechanism disposed in a second portion of the collar body. The collar body further includes a buffer clamp configured within a third portion of the collar body, the buffer clamp configured to clamp at least a portion of a buffer cladding of the optical fiber upon actuation. The optical connector also includes a backbone to retain the collar body within the housing. The backbone includes a mounting structure surrounding a central bore at one end of the backbone, the mounting structure having at least one pocket region configured to receive a slit portion of the cable jacket. A fiber connector termination and assembly tool is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jerome A. Pratt, Ronald P. Pepin, Joseph C. Sawicki, Shirley E. Ball, Wesley A. Raider, Donald K. Larson
  • Publication number: 20140286609
    Abstract: An optical fiber assembly includes a housing with a mating face, a ferrule having a plurality of optical fibers, and a beam expanding element generally aligned with each optical fiber. A cover is slidably mounted on the housing adjacent the mating face. One of the housing and the cover includes a retention member. Another of the housing and the cover includes a guide and retention member. The guide and retention member interacts with the retention member to retain the cover to the housing and permit sliding movement of the housing relative to the cover. An assembly of connectors, a method of mating and a tool for mating are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Malcolm H. Hodge, B. Daniel Szilagyi
  • Patent number: 8840319
    Abstract: An optical fiber including an optical fiber connector attached thereto is prepared for use in a fiber optic system. The optical fiber connector includes an adjustable ferrule threadedly secured to a proximal end of a connector housing and rotatable with respect to the connector housing to translate an end face of the optical fiber longitudinally with respect to a proximal end of the adjustable ferrule. The optical fiber is cleaved to form a cleaved end face of the optical fiber. The adjustable ferrule is then rotated to translate the cleaved end face longitudinally toward the adjustable ferrule until the cleaved end face is adjacent to the proximal end of the adjustable ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hogue Surgical, LLC
    Inventor: Roger S. Hogue
  • Publication number: 20140270650
    Abstract: An optical subassembly and method of manufacturing an optical subassembly are provided. One subassembly includes a base, an optical emitter attached to the base and one or more spacers attached to the base surrounding at least a portion of the optical emitter. The optical subassembly further includes a ferrule sleeve attached to the base with the optical emitter and one or more spacers within the ferrule sleeve, wherein the ferrule sleeve is configured to receive an optical fiber therein. The optical subassembly also includes one or more reinforcement members attached to the base adjacent the ferrule sleeve and configured to provide support to the ferrule sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ansas Matthias Kasten, Sora Kim, David Richard Esler, Jim Grecco
  • Publication number: 20140270652
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for a fiber pigtail. The fiber pigtail includes a single mode fiber optic ribbon having a section of polymer ribbon removed to expose bare fibers, a fiber optic ferrule in contact with the single mode fiber optic ribbon at one distal end, and an integrated polymer lid permanently attached to the bare fibers of the single mode fiber optic ribbon at another distal end of the single mode fiber optic ribbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicants: AFL TELECOMMUNICATIONS LLC, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tymon Barwicz, Paul F. Fortier, Ted Lichoulas
  • Patent number: 8834042
    Abstract: A quick terminating fiber optic assembly and method of making same is provided. A pre-terminated fiber optic assembly having an optical fiber already terminated therein includes an exposed optical fiber. The exposed fiber is aligned and contacted with a second exposed optical fiber of another optical cable, and the two fibers are spliced. A sleeve is provided to cover and protect the splice and any exposed fibers. The sleeve secures the pre-terminated fiber optic termini to second optical fiber. This process terminates the second optical fiber at the termini in less time and with the same or similar tools as a conventional method of terminating optical fibers at a termini.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Optical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Vincent A. Wouters
  • Publication number: 20140254988
    Abstract: A connector includes a ferrule assembly having a ferrule, a hub and a spring, the ferrule having a distal face accessible at a distal end of the connector housing, the ferrule being movable in a proximal direction relative to the connector housing. The distal and proximal positions are separated by an axial displacement distance. The ferrule proximal movement is against the spring's bias. The cable of the assembly includes an optical fiber contained within a jacket and also a strength layer between the fiber and the jacket that is anchored to the connector housing. The fiber extends through a fiber from the proximal end of the connector housing to the ferrule. The fiber has a distal portion potted within the ferrule. The fiber passage has a fiber take-up region configured to take-up an excess length of the fiber corresponding to the ferrule axial displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Ponharith Nhep
  • Patent number: 8821034
    Abstract: This application describes an MPO type connector with an internal assembly having a pin clamp, ferrule, and fiber array. The pin clamp that has a pair of contact surfaces abutting the ferrule. The contact surfaces are located along the mid-point of the height of the ferrule on either side of and proximate to the fiber array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventor: Joel D. Kwasny
  • Patent number: 8821036
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical module and an optical system that can form a two-way optical transmitting and receiving line with the same optical wiring configuration without using any special parts. The optical module includes a plurality of single-fiber optical adapters, a multi-fiber optical adapter, a plurality of single-fiber optical connectors mating with the respective single-fiber optical adapters, a multi-fiber optical connector mating with the multi-fiber optical adapter, and a plurality of optical fibers connecting the respective single-fiber optical connectors and the multi-fiber optical connector. Wiring of the optical fibers is configured to connect two single-fiber optical connectors inserted into adjacent single-fiber optical adapters and fiber holes in the upper tier and the lower tier in the same row of the multi-fiber optical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Shigehara
  • Publication number: 20140241671
    Abstract: There is provided an optical connector configured to receive a plurality of MT ferrules attached to terminal ends of multi-fiber cables. The optical connector includes a housing through which multiple receiving holes receiving the MT ferrules are bored. The receiving holes are arranged in the direction of the long side of front end faces of the MT ferrules. A pair of holding elements is provided in each of the receiving holes. The pair of holding elements is positioned at both ends in the direction in which the receiving holes are arranged and protrude to a side at which the MT ferrules are inserted. Both ends of a rear end flange of each of the MT ferrules placed in the receiving holes are held by the pair of holding elements. The optical connector enables easy setting-in of MT ferrules and reduction in size of optical connectors can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Yuichi KOREEDA, Naoki KATAGIYAMA, Kohji NAKAGAWA, Rika NOMURA
  • Publication number: 20140241672
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, an optical assembly may include a ferrule element having a fiber guiding portion separated from an in-wall locating feature by an access region, and a lens element positioned opposite access region and aligned with the in-wall locating feature. The optical assembly also includes an optical component coupled to and extending through the fiber guiding portion and the access region such that a proximal end of the optical component is positioned within the in-wall locating feature. The optical component includes a coated portion that is coated with an insulator in positions proximate to the fiber guiding portion and an uncoated portion substantially free of the insulator in positions proximal to the in-wall locating feature. The optical assembly also includes a lens cover coupled to the ferrule element and positioned proximate to the lens element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: MICAH COLEN ISENHOUR, DENNIS MICHAEL KNECHT, JAMES PHILLIP LUTHER
  • Publication number: 20140241668
    Abstract: The present invention is a hybrid ferrule which is able to be connected to both, angle polished and flat polished, MPO connectors; a test device including the above mentioned hybrid ferrule; and a test kit, including the above mentioned test device with hybrid ferrule. The hybrid ferrule of the present invention includes first, second, and third surfaces which are designed in a special way to ensure the high quality connection with SM or MM type connectors. A hybrid fiber connector having an integrated end, a connection end, two sides, a flat center, and an optical fiber embedded in the flat center parallel to and halfway between the two sides. The connection end includes left and right edges and first, second, and third surfaces. The first surface angles upward from said left edge of said connection end to a first point, the second surface extends flat between the first point and a second point, and a third surface angles downward between the second point and the right edge of said connection end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: LIFODAS, UAB
    Inventor: Piotr Anatolij Levin