Fiber End Held In Ferrule Patents (Class 385/78)
  • Patent number: 8585300
    Abstract: An optical ferrule comprising: (a) a body defining an end face; (b) one or more channels extending from said end face through said body, each channel adapted to receive an optical fiber; and (c) first and second alignment pin channels defined in said end face, each alignment pin channel having a center point, said center points being disposed along a first axis, said first alignment pin channel having a first cross section essentially the same as that of an alignment pin and being adapted to receive said alignment pin, said second alignment pin channel having a second cross section elongated along said first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Nederland BV
    Inventors: Marcellus P. J. Buijs, Jeroen Antonius Maria Duis, Jan Willem Rietveld, Antonius Bernardus Gerardus Bolhaar, Paul Schneider, Joseph Gerardus Maria Vos, Jacco Elenbaas
  • Publication number: 20130301994
    Abstract: An optical connector of the present invention comprising a regulating member having regulating portion provided between a lower surface of an operation arm and an upper surface of a retainer. The regulating member movable in a longitudinal direction between a regulating position for regulating downward movement of a front end of the operation arm by the regulating portion and a retracted position for allowing the downward movement of the front end of the operation arm. The retracted position is located behind the regulating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: SUNCALL CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira MOTOFUJI
  • Patent number: 8579520
    Abstract: An optical digital audio connector including a ferrule radially disposed over an optical fiber, an outer shell, having a first end and a second end, disposed over the ferrule, the outer shell having an extension extending from the first end of the outer shell, wherein the outer shell and extension have at least one axial slot, the at least one axial slot starting proximate the second end of the shell and axially extending through the outer shell and extension to facilitate radial movement of the outer shell and the extension, and a latching feature structurally integral with the extension, wherein the latching feature is a ramped surface forming a peak, the peak raised a distance from the outer surface, is provided. Furthermore, an associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: PPC Broadband, Inc.
    Inventor: Noah Montena
  • Patent number: 8579518
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical receptacle for receiving a corresponding optical connector may include a receptacle housing, a receptacle optical path and a positionable shutter assembly. The receptacle housing includes a connector port disposed at an end of the receptacle housing and a receptacle pathway. The connector port may receive the corresponding optical connector. The receptacle optical path may terminate within the receptacle housing and includes an optical waveguide. The positionable shutter assembly includes a cleaning member positioned on a support surface of the positionable shutter assembly. The positionable shutter assembly may be biased to the closed position such that the cleaning member contacts or is proximate to the optical waveguide and the positionable shutter assembly is disposed in the receptacle pathway. The positionable shutter assembly may be biased to the open position such that the cleaning member is not positioned over the receptacle optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Micah Colen Isenhour, Dennis Michael Knecht, James Phillip Luther
  • Patent number: 8582945
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for aligning optical transports, such as waveguides and optical fibers, in a ferrule of an optical connector. The ferrule has an open side through which optical transports may be inserted into a transport cavity in the ferrule from a direction transverse the longitudinal direction of the optical transports and ferrule. To assemble the optical transports in the ferrule, the ferrule is positioned with its front face abutting and aligned with a jig that has an opening substantially identical to the ferrule cavity. The jig has grooves in a bottom surface of the cavity into which the optical transports will be inserted for transversely aligning the optical transports. The optical transports are then dropped into the aligned cavities of the ferrule and jig through the open sides of the ferrule and jig so that the front ends of the optical transports sit at least partially in the V-shaped grooves of the jig, thereby aligning the transports in the transverse dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Nederland B.V.
    Inventors: Jeroen Antonius Maria Duis, Jan Willem Rietveld, Jacco Elenbaas
  • Patent number: 8573854
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector assembly includes a front housing and a rear housing movably coupled to the front housing between retracted and advanced positions. A drive mechanism is coupled to the rear housing that moves the rear housing from the retracted position to the advanced position. Fiber optic connectors are fixedly coupled to the rear housing with a mating end driven with respect to the front housing in a mating direction when the rear housing is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position. Optionally, the fiber optic connector assembly may be side-loaded into position with respect to a fixed connector assembly, and then the fiber optic connector is driven to the advanced position in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Robert C. Briggs, David R. Baechtle, Edmunc J. Haley
  • Patent number: 8573856
    Abstract: A method for preparing a ferrule assembly avoids polishing while providing adequate control over fiber end protrusion and co-planarity. A distal end of the fiber is prepared before securing the fiber in a ferrule, and before or after inserting the fiber into the ferrule. The prepared fiber is manipulated to provide a desired spatial relationship between the fiber end and the ferrule's end face, and then secured to maintain the desired spatial relationship. Preferably, the fiber end is prepared using a laser cleaving technique to provide a suitable end without abrasive polishing. An interferometer may be used to obtain measurements, during manipulation of the prepared fiber within the ferrule, that indicate whether the prepared fiber is satisfactorily positioned. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, a ferrule assembly prepared in accordance with the method, and a connector or other optical package including such a ferrule assembly are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua L. Webb, Douglas Harold Rohde, David William Cormany, Michael Lawrence Gurreri
  • Patent number: 8576089
    Abstract: A system for data communication connection in an architecture including an optical fiber communication line running from a communication service provider source to a proximity of at least one building, a fiber optic branch line extending from a point along the communication line generally towards the at least one building, and a receptacle, comprises a communication unit, a fiber optic cable coupled to the communication unit, and at least one connector adapted to couple the branch line to the fiber optic cable coupled to the communication unit. The connector may reside within the receptacle, and at least one of the communication unit, the cable, the branch line, the connector, and the receptacle may provide a visual indication that coupling of the branch line and the cable is effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: James Fintan Kelly
  • Patent number: 8573857
    Abstract: A special plug connector is proposed for contacting a mating plug using a standard plug connector, such that the dimensions of the mating plug differ from this standard plug connector in both horizontal and vertical directions. This special plug connector has a plug connector housing with two bearing pins and a holding element for holding two respective ferrule housings. Firstly, the holding element is elastically connected by a first spring element to the plug connector housing. Secondly, the holding element having two arms, each of which has a corresponding elongated hole, is rotatable within a certain angular range about the bearing pins of the insert under the influence of a spring and is held on the plug connector housing, so that it is displaceable by a first displacement path axially to the ferrules under the influence of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Harting Electronics GmbH
    Inventors: Rita Hoffmann, Martin Luckemeier, Mark Lindkamp
  • Patent number: 8573858
    Abstract: An assembly includes a connector and a carrier engaged therewith. Connector has a first mating end and a second end and a first fiber. The fiber defines a first end adjacent the mating end and a second end protruding from the connector second end. Carrier has a connector end and an opposite cable end and includes a heat activated meltable portion adjacent the cable end. An alignment structure is on the carrier and includes first and second ends, and a throughhole. The first end of the alignment structure receives the second end of the first fiber and the second end receives an end of a second fiber entering the carrier. The heat activated portion melts and assumes a flowable condition when exposed to a predetermined amount of heat and resolidifies when heat is removed, bonding the second fiber to the carrier after the first and second fibers are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Allen Skluzacek, Wagner Da Silva Aguiar, Jarrod Scadden, Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 8568039
    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: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph McLellan Owen, III, David Paul Kelly
  • Publication number: 20130279920
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable and connector includes a bundle of optical fibers and a ferrule associated with the bundle. The ferrule has an insertable portion and an external portion, the insertable portion retaining the respective proximal ends of the optical fibers on substantially the same plane with one another, the plane being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal access of the ferrule. A collar around the external portion of the ferrule has a positioning means with a slot, a recess, a hole, a tongue, a pin, a shaft, a bar, a notch, a flat, a detent, a bump, a ridge or a groove. The positioning means engages with at least one positioning element, and provides a repeatable rotational alignment of the fibers with respect to a receiver when engaged with the positioning element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Donald G. Herzog
  • Patent number: 8562225
    Abstract: An optical ferrule that holds an optical fiber, the optical ferrule having an ejector pin mark formed by an ejector pin during molding, the optical ferrule includes a ferrule body, ferrule body having an optical fiber insertion opening to be inserted with the optical fiber, optical fiber hole from which a tip end of the optical fiber is to be exposed, and a lower surface of the ferrule body that is to be a reference plane, lower surface of the ferrule body including a recessed section, ejector pin mark being located on a bottom surface of the recessed section, side surface of the recessed section being formed higher than a molding burr of the ejector pin mark.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Kato, Tatsuya Ohta
  • Publication number: 20130272660
    Abstract: An optical connector for operation within a temperature range, comprising: (a) a ferrule comprising a first material having a coefficient of thermal expansion COE-1, and a diameter no greater than a diameter d1 below a transition temperature Ts within the temperature range and no less than a diameter d2 above Ts; (b) a spring disposed behind and in contact with the ferrule to apply a forward force to the ferrule; and (c) a housing comprising a second material having a coefficient of thermal expansion COE-2 and defining a bore hole having a diameter greater than d2, and an interface having a restricted bore hole having a diameter no greater than a diameter d3 below Ts, and no less than a diameter d4 above Ts, wherein connector configuration is COE-2>COE-1 with d>d3 and d2<d4 or COE-2<COE-1 with d1<d3 and d2>d4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Soren Grinderslev, Michael Aaron Kadar-Kallen, Daniel E. Wertman
  • Publication number: 20130266267
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a fixing module, an optical fiber ferrule positioned at an end of the fixing module, and an optical fiber gripped in the fixing module. The optical fiber ferrule axially defines a through hole. An end surface of the optical fiber includes an arc surface. The optical fiber is received in the through hole of the optical ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: ZHI-MING LI, LE-PENG WEI
  • Publication number: 20130266272
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a fixing module and an optical fiber ferrule positioned at an end of the fixing module. The optical fiber connector is used for gripping a cable including an optical fiber. The optical fiber ferrule axially defines a through hole. The optical fiber is gripped in the fixing module and is partly protruded out of the optical ferrule. When the optical fiber connector is assembled to an adapter to join with another optical fiber connector, the optical fiber is bent to elastically resist an optical fiber of the another optical fiber connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: ZHI-MING LI, LE-PENG WEI
  • Publication number: 20130266266
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a fixing module and an optical fiber ferrule positioned at an end of the fixing module. The optical fiber connector is used for gripping a cable including an optical fiber. The optical fiber ferrule axially defines a through hole, the optical fiber is gripped in the fixing module and is partly protruded out of the optical ferrule. When the optical fiber connector is assembled to an adapter to join with another optical fiber connector, the optical fiber will be bent to elastically resist an optical fiber of the another optical fiber connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD .
    Inventors: ZHI-MING LI, LE-PENG WEI
  • Publication number: 20130266270
    Abstract: An optical connector 11 is provided with a housing 17 for receiving ferrules 21 connected to an optical fiber cable, a lock arm 37 provided with the housing 17 and blocking removal from other housing fitted into the housing 17, a slit 45 formed in the housing 17, and in which the lock arm 37 moving in an unlocked direction is entered, a stopper 31 which has recesses 57 and is attached to the housing 17 to position the ferrules 21, and opening prevention ribs 59 respectively vertically provided with a pair of upper wall parts 43 of the housing 17 facing in a state of sandwiching the slit 45, the opening prevention ribs being inserted into the recesses 57 in a state of abutting on a left inner wall surface 61 and a right inner wall surface 63 of the recesses 57 so as to regulate a separation between the pair of upper wall parts 43.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohiro Hikosaka, Kenichi Ikeya
  • Publication number: 20130259428
    Abstract: Field-installable mechanical splice connectors for making optical and/or electrical connections in the field are disclosed. One embodiment is a hybrid mechanical splice connector having an electrical portion and an optical portion that includes at least one electrical contact, a shell, and at least one body for receiving at least one field optical fiber and securing the electrical contact. The connector includes a mechanical retention component for securing at least one optical field fiber to the at least one body. Another embodiment is directed to a mechanical splice connector having at least one body for receiving at least one field optical fiber, a mechanical retention component for securing at least one optical field fiber to the at least one body, and at least one lens attached to the at least one body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Micah Colen Isenhour, Dennis Michael Knecht, James Phillip Luther
  • Publication number: 20130259429
    Abstract: A ganged connector housing Is configured to receive a plurality of single-fiber connectors. Each connector is removably retainable at a respective location in the connector housing. Each single-fiber connector comprises a ferrule configured to receive and retain a single multicore fiber. The single-fiber connectors have a high-density packing footprint within the connector housing. Each single-fiber connector and its respective ferrule is configured to enable individual repositioning, tuning, alignment, repair or replacement of a respective multicore fiber terminated therein, independent of other optical fibers within the plurality of single fiber ferrules, and without requiring replacement of the entire set of multicore fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: Wladyslaw Czosnowski, Gregory A. Sandels
  • Publication number: 20130251376
    Abstract: A modular connector assembly is provided that has both an electrical coupling configuration that complies with the RJ-45 wiring standard and an optical coupling configuration that provides the assembly with optical communications capabilities. In addition, the modular connector assembly is configured to have backwards compatibility with existing 8P8C jacks and plugs that implement the RJ-45 wiring standard. Consequently, the modular connector assembly may be used to communicate optical data signals at higher data rates (e.g., 10 Gb/s and higher) or to communicate electrical data signals at lower data rates (e.g., 1 Gb/s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Yi Su, Tak Kui Wang
  • Publication number: 20130251309
    Abstract: Plug and receptacle ferrules, and fiber optic plug and receptacle connectors that use the plug and receptacle ferrules are disclosed. Connector assemblies formed by mating the plug and receptacle connectors are also disclosed. The fiber optic connectors and connector assemblies are suitable for use with commercial electronic devices and provide either an optical connection, or both electrical and optical connections. The plug ferrule includes an open section over which light converges are diverges. The receptacle ferrule includes a receptacle optical pathway having a substantially right angle bend formed by a mirror. The plug ferrule has a plug optical pathway that interfaces with the receptacle optical pathway at a solid-solid interface that serves to substantially expel any liquid from the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Jeffery Alan DeMerritt, Davide Domenico Fortusini, Micah Colen Isenhour, Dennis Michael Knecht, James Phillip Luther
  • Patent number: 8540435
    Abstract: Ferrule retainers for retaining and supporting fiber optic ferrules in an optical fiber connector are disclosed. In one embodiment, the ferrule retainers include one or more access windows for accessing an alignment feature(s) of the ferrule located inside the ferrule retainer when the ferrule is assembled in the ferrule retainer. In this manner, the alignment feature(s) of the ferrule is accessible for referencing, if desired, when processing (e.g., polishing) the optical fiber(s) disposed in the ferrule when the ferrule is assembled in the ferrule retainer. The access window(s) provided in the ferrule retainers allows fiber processing equipment to reference the alignment feature(s) of the ferrule when assembled in a ferrule retainer regardless of whether the fiber processing equipment also references the ferrule retainer to reference the ferrule. The embodiments disclosed herein also include related fiber optic connector assemblies, connectors, and referencing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Martin Eugene Norris, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 8534928
    Abstract: A ferrule assembly includes a ferrule comprising a ferrule boot insertion end and a ferrule boot. The ferrule boot includes a lower component and an upper component. The lower component of the ferrule boot includes a first grooved surface that includes a plurality of first grooves that are dimensioned to receive a plurality of optical fibers. The upper component includes a second grooved surface that includes a plurality of second grooves that are dimensioned to receive the plurality of optical fibers. In one embodiment, the lower component is coupled to the upper component such that individual ones of the plurality of first grooves are substantially aligned with individual ones of the plurality of second grooves. The lower component and the upper component also define a fiber insertion end and a ferrule insertion end of the ferrule boot. The ferrule insertion end of the ferrule boot is at least partially positioned within the ferrule at the ferrule boot insertion end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Terry L. Cooke, Tory A. Klavuhn, Matthew W. Smith, Wesley Allan Yates
  • Publication number: 20130236142
    Abstract: A connector comprising: (a) at least one multi-fiber ferrule having a front face presenting a plurality of fiber end faces, and a back face having a first surface and defining a first orifice through which the fibers pass; (b) a retainer for holding the at least one multi-fiber ferrule, the retainer comprising a front face having a second surface and defining a second orifice through which the fibers pass, the second surface contacting the first surface; wherein at least one of the first or second surface is convex along at least one of an x-axis or a y-axis such that the at least one multi-fiber ferrule is able to move relative to the retainer about at least one of the axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: David James Fabian, John Anthony Fulponi, Ronald Patrick Heberle, James Patrick Mosier
  • Publication number: 20130236140
    Abstract: A hermaphroditic connector assembly for fiber optic cables includes a base portion defining at least one passage for receiving at least one optical fiber. The connector further includes an insert cap that selectively connects to and disconnects from the base portion to receive the optical fiber. The insert cap defines a first face and a tower extending substantially perpendicularly adjacent the first face. The tower defines a cavity therein. A first ferrule is supported by and extends through the first face of the insert cap. A second ferrule is supported by and extends through the tower, and the second ferrule is within the cavity defined by the tower. The first and second ferrules define sets of socket and pin termini within the hermaphroditic connector assembly. An electrical pin terminus extends through the first face, and an electrical socket terminus extends into the tower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Optical Cable Corporation
    Inventor: Vincent A. Wouters
  • Patent number: 8529138
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a ferrule for aligning optical transports within an optical connector for coupling to a mating optical connector for purposes of aligning the optical transports in the first connector with optical transports in the mating connector. The ferrule comprises a main body portion defining a longitudinal cavity running between a front face and the rear face of the main ferrule body. The cavity has an opening to a lateral side of the ferrule main body that permits the installation of optical transports into the cavity from a lateral direction (as well as still permitting longitudinal installation, if desired). A cover may be provided for closing off the lateral opening after the optical transports are installed in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Jeroen Antonius Maria Duis, Jan Willem Rietveld, Marcellus Petrus Josephus Buijs, Ton Antonius Bernardus Gerardus Bolhaar, Joseph Gerardus Maria Vos, Shelly A. Buchter, Douglas Harold Rohde
  • Publication number: 20130230284
    Abstract: An optical connector and a method for assembling the optical connector with which the optical connector can be easily assembled are provided. An optical connector includes a ferrule assembly including a ferrule that holds an embedded fiber, a sleeve that holds the ferrule assembly, and a rear housing that is connected to the sleeve and through which an optical fiber that is connected to the embedded fiber is inserted. The ferrule assembly is fixed to the sleeve by threadably engaging a male screw of the ferrule assembly with a female screw of the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicants: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD., SEI Optifrontier Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikyo Tamekuni, Yuji Suzuki, Yukihiro Yokomachi
  • Publication number: 20130230283
    Abstract: Keying may be used to indicate various features of cables, cable connectors, and/or equipment. The keying mechanisms of the connectors systems disclosed herein identifies whether each plug is a pinned plug or a pinless plug. The keying mechanisms disclosed herein identify the number of optical fibers terminated at each plug. For example, one type of keying mechanism may indicate a cable plug manufactured under a 40 Gb/sec standard and another type of keying mechanism may indicate a cable plug manufactured under a 100 Gb/sec standard. The keying mechanisms may indicate a cabling/wiring pattern to be used (e.g., indicates a polarity of the cable). The cables and/or plugs may be color coded based on the keying mechanism. Accordingly, the keying may alert a user to the features of the cable that are not readily apparent upon a cursory inspection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: James Joseph Eberle, Franciscus Karel Maria Van Geijn
  • Publication number: 20130223797
    Abstract: Provided is a multi-fiber connector and a method of providing a secure fiber network, where the multi-fiber connector includes a housing; a multi-position ferrule disposed within the housing, the multi-position ferrule including a plurality of fiber holes arranged in a predetermined pattern; and at least one fiber. Each of the plurality of fiber holes is configured to receive one of the at least one fiber and each fiber is selectively inserted within one of the plurality of fiber holes at a selected position among the plurality of fiber holes. Additionally, only a portion of the plurality of fiber holes are populated with the at least one fiber and a remaining portion of the plurality of fiber holes are not populated with fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: AFL Telecommunications LLC
  • Publication number: 20130216190
    Abstract: An optical cable assembly is provided for being connected to an opto-electric device assembly having a substrate, an opto-electric device (OED) mounted on the substrate, and a frame mounted on the substrate. The optical cable assembly includes an optical cable including an optical conductor having an end. A ferrule terminates the optical cable. The ferrule includes a body having a chamber. The optical conductor is held by the ferrule such that at least a portion of the end of the optical conductor extends within the chamber of the body of the ferrule. The body of the ferrule is configured to be engaged with and removably connected to the frame of the electro-optical device assembly to optically connect the optical conductor to the OED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Edmund J. Haley, David Robert Baechtle
  • Publication number: 20130216189
    Abstract: A connector comprising a first outer housing defining at least one cavity, the cavity being cylindrical, a first insert disposed in the cavity, the first insert comprising at least a first housing, the housing being cylindrical, a first ferrule in the first housing, the first ferrule configured with arcuate sides to be received in the cavity, the first ferule comprising an end face, at least one alignment hole for receiving an alignment pin defined in the end face, and at least one fiber-receiving channel for receiving an optical fiber, an optical fiber disposed in the fiber-receiving channel of the first ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Soren Grinderslev, Lin Lin
  • Publication number: 20130216186
    Abstract: An optical fiber connection system includes a first and a second optical fiber, each with end portions that are terminated by a first and a second fiber optic connector, respectively. A fiber optic adapter connects the first and the second fiber optic connectors. A fiber alignment apparatus includes V-blocks and gel blocks. Each of the fiber optic connectors includes a connector housing and a sheath. The end portions of the optical fibers are positioned beyond distal ends of the respective connector housings. The sheath is slidably connected to the connector housing and slides between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. The sheath covers the end portion of the respective optical fiber when the sheath is at the extended configuration and exposes the end portion when at the retracted configuration. The end portions of the optical fibers are cleaned when slid between the V-blocks and the gel blocks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: ADC TELECOMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Michael J. Ott
  • Patent number: 8511910
    Abstract: It is an object to obtain an optical connector capable of implementing a more reduction in a cost of a work for carrying out an assembly into a site optical fiber, and a method of assembling the optical connector. An almost sheet-like protecting member 17 for transmitting a light in a predetermined refractive index is stuck to a tip surface of a ferrule 3 having a fiber inserting hole 15 penetrating therethrough with the fiber inserting hole 15 covered, and an optical fiber 14 positioned by a positioning mechanism 5 to be coupled to a rear part of the ferrule 3 has a tip surface inserted through the fiber inserting hole 15 of the ferrule 3 to abut on the protecting member 17 with an elastic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ohtsuka, Masaki Ohmura, Masahiro Hamada, Mitsuru Kihara, Hitoshi Son
  • Patent number: 8511912
    Abstract: An optical fiber module includes an optical transmission line and a fiber stub structure. The optical transmission line has an optical fiber core, a coating enclosing the optical fiber core and a buffer layer enclosing the coating. A part of the optical fiber core is exposed to outer side of a free end of the optical transmission line. The fiber stub structure includes a sleeve and a ferrule. The sleeve has an internal central hole for accommodating the optical transmission line and an oblique hole in communication with the central hole for accommodating the ferrule. The ferrule has an internal passageway for accommodating a part of the optical fiber core of the optical transmission line. When installed, under the restriction of the oblique hole, the ferrule is disposed in the sleeve in an inclined state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: EZCONN Corporation
    Inventor: Chin-Tsung Wu
  • Patent number: 8515228
    Abstract: A method and apparatus involve: yieldably urging movement of a first section relative to a second section in two directions transverse to each other and to a reference axis of the first section, where an optical fiber end portion can be supported on the first section; selectively operating positioning structures that respectively move the first section relative to the second section in the two directions against the yieldable urging. A different method and apparatus involve: selectively operating positioning structure that can move a first section with a reference axis relative to a second section in directions within a plane perpendicular to the axis, that can maintain the first section in a selected position, and that includes plural angularly-offset radial threaded openings in the second section that each have a screw therein with an end engaging the first section, an optical fiber end portion being supported on the first section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Raytheon Canada Limited
    Inventor: Peter A. Rozitis
  • Patent number: 8511911
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a loop back plug including a ferrule having a distal side and a proximal side. The ferrule defines a plurality of openings that extend through the ferrule from the distal side to the proximal side. The openings are arranged in first and second parallel rows. The loop back plug also includes a plurality of loop back optical fibers each having first and second end portions secured within the openings of the ferrule. At least some of the loop back optical fibers are looped between the openings of the first and second rows with their first end portions secured within the openings of the first row and their second end portions secured within the openings of the second row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael James Ott, Ronald J. Kleckowski, Thomas P. Huegerich
  • Publication number: 20130209042
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable assembly includes an optical fiber cable, an optical fiber connector and a strain relief member. The optical fiber connector has a housing supporting a plurality of optical fibers of the cable. The strain relief member has a flexible conduit, a first section and a second section spaced from the first section. The first section is connected to a rear end of the optical fiber connector and the second section is connected to a portion of the optical fiber cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: MOLEX INCORPORATED
    Inventor: MOLEX INCORPORATED
  • Publication number: 20130209043
    Abstract: Fiber optic cable sub-assemblies comprise a fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber, a cable jacket that houses the optical fiber and at least one strength member. The fiber optic cable sub-assembly further comprises a collar including an inner portion seated within a cavity of an outer portion, wherein the inner portion is attached to an end portion of the strength member of the cable, and the optical fiber extends through the collar to protrude from an outer axial end of the collar. Methods of assembling a fiber optic cable sub-assembly include providing a cable having a strength member along with a collar having an inner portion and an outer portion, attaching the inner portion to an end portion of the strength member so the optical fiber extends from an outer axial end of the collar along with methods for making cable assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Martin Eugene Norris, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Publication number: 20130209041
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable assembly includes an optical fiber cable, an optical fiber connector, and a strain relief member. The optical fiber connector has a housing with at least two ferrules supporting a plurality of optical fibers of the cable. Each ferrule has at least two ribbons of optical fibers therein. The strain relief member has a flexible corrugated conduit. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: MOLEX INCORPORATED
    Inventor: MOLEX INCORPORATED
  • Patent number: 8506174
    Abstract: An optical connector includes a second operation lever extending rearward from a first operation lever. By pressing a rear end portion of the second operation lever up, or pressing the second operation lever forward, the first operation lever can be inclined forward. In this way, a front end portion of the first operation lever presses a rear end portion of a locking lever down, and disengages the locking lever and an optical adapter from each other. Thus, the optical connector can be detached from the optical adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Suncall Corporation
    Inventor: Masaya Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20130202254
    Abstract: A connector set of discriminating receptacles and plugs, the connector set comprising a plurality of different receptacles and a plurality of different plugs for optically or electrically coupling with the different receptacles, each different plug having a unique first geometry, each different receptacle having a unique second geometry; wherein each unique first geometry corresponds to one, and only one, unique second geometry such that the plugs and receptacles having corresponding unique first and second geometries in the connector set are mating pairs; wherein each mating pair is marked with a matching visual identification different from the plugs and receptacles having different first and second geometries in the connector set, the visual identification being at least one of color, alphanumerical, or symbol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Tyco Electronics Corporation
  • Patent number: 8500341
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drop cable assembly including a fiber optic drop cable having a length that extends from a first end of the fiber optic drop cable to an opposite second end of the fiber optic drop cable. The fiber optic drop cable also includes an intermediate location located between the first and second ends of the fiber optic drop cable. The drop cable assembly also includes a first fiber optic connector mounted at the first end of the fiber optic drop cable and a second fiber optic connector mounted at the second end of the fiber optic drop cable. The drop cable assembly further includes an optical fiber that extends continuously without splicing along the length of the fiber optic drop cable from the first fiber optic connector to the second fiber optic connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Christopher Stroth, Wayne M. Kachmar, Ronald J. Kleckowski
  • Publication number: 20130195407
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector comprises a ferrule having a rear end, a chuck located rearward of the ferrule, a ring having a front end, and a coil spring. The ring is attached to the chuck so as to surround the chuck. The optical fiber connector holds an optical fiber which is inserted from a rear end of the optical fiber connector. In detail, when the optical fiber is inserted into the optical fiber connector, an end of the optical fiber passes through the chuck to be accommodated in the ferrule. The coil spring presses the ring forward (toward the ferrule) so that the chuck is squeezed to hold the inserted optical fiber. When the ring is moved rearward by a stopper inserted between the rear end of the ferrule and the front end of the ring, the chuck is released to release the optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicants: ASAHI GLASS COMPANY, LIMITED, JAPAN AVIATION ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited, Asahi Glass Company, Limited
  • Patent number: 8496386
    Abstract: Ferrules having anti-rotation features along with fiber optic connectors using the same are disclosed. The ferrules have a body with a first diameter and at least one bore extending from a rear end of the ferrule to a front end of the ferrule. The ferrule has at least one anti-rotation feature such as a rib. The ferrule may be part of a ferrule assembly that includes a ferrule holder where the anti-rotation feature improves the bond between the ferrule and the ferrule holder. Methods for making the ferrules and assemblies using the ferrule are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Sean M. Kerr, Louis E. Parkman, III, Glenn G. Riddell
  • Publication number: 20130183005
    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: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu Lu
  • Publication number: 20130183007
    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: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Nesa Scopic, Patrick Zaina, Laif Gadmer
  • Publication number: 20130183030
    Abstract: A network comprising: (a) a fiber having first and second ends; (b) a transmitter connected to the first end of the fiber and configured to launch a test signal having a first wavelength down the fiber; and (c) a thin-film selective reflector configured to reflect the first wavelength, the thin-film selective reflector optically connected to the second end of the first fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: TYCO ELECTRONICS NEDERLAND BV
    Inventors: Jeroen Antonious Maria Duis, Jan Willem Rietveld
  • Publication number: 20130183006
    Abstract: A ferrule holding member has a tube-shaped receiving portion including a receiving space therein, the receiving space receiving at least partially a ferrule mounted to a terminal of an optical fiber; and an engaging portion engaged to the ferrule received in the receiving portion, to thereby regulate movement of the ferrule relative to the receiving portion. The receiving portion includes a communicating hole to allow the receiving space to communicate externally. The engaging portion includes an engaging protrusion configured to be inserted in the communicating hole from an outer periphery side of the receiving portion, to engage the ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Hitachi Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Juhyun Yu, Hiroki Yasuda
  • Publication number: 20130177279
    Abstract: A fiber optic adapter is disclosed. The fiber optic adapter includes a main body configured to receive a first fiber optic connector through a first end and a second fiber optic connector through a second end for mating with the first fiber optic connector. The adapter includes a ferrule alignment structure located within an axial cavity of the main body, the ferrule alignment structure including a sleeve mount and a ferrule sleeve, the sleeve mount including an axial bore and at least one latching hook extending from a center portion of the sleeve mount toward the first end of the main body and at least one latching hook extending from the center portion toward the second end of the main body, the latching hooks configured to flex for releasably latching the first and second fiber optic connectors to the fiber optic adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.