Compressively Fixed (chuck, Collet, Crimp, Set Screw, Etc.) Patents (Class 385/81)
  • Publication number: 20080295565
    Abstract: Disclosed is a termination tool and a method for securing a connector to a cable. The termination tool includes a holder receivable of the connector and a push block slideably located in the termination tool. The push block is capable of forming at least one axial crimp in the connector when the push block is articulated along a connector axis toward the holder. At least two crimp dies are rotably fixed to the termination tool and are capable of forming at least one transverse crimp in the connector when the at least two crimp dies are moved toward the connector axis. A lever is in operable communication with the push block and the at least two crimp dies. The lever is capable of urging the push block along the connector axis toward the holder and the at least two crimp dies toward the connector axis to form both the at least one axial crimp and the at least one transverse crimp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: THE SIEMON COMPANY
    Inventors: Bryan Boemmels, John Gogol, David Medeiros, Charlie Maynard
  • Patent number: 7457499
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described, which permit a simple, rapid manufacture of an end of an optical fiber bundle. According to the method a metallic sleeve is placed on an end section of the bundle, the end section with the sleeve on it is positioned in a shaping tool without pressing the sleeve and then pressure is exerted on the sleeve exclusively in a radial direction by press jaws of the shaping tool. In the optical fiber bundle made by the method the outer optical fibers (4?) of the optical fiber bundle (1) are embedded at least partially in the sleeve material. The apparatus for making the end of the bundle (1) with the sleeve (10) has a shaping tool (20) including at least two radially movable press jaws (22a-22f) that substantially surround the sleeve (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Schott AG
    Inventors: Hubertus Russert, Thomas Heinrich
  • Patent number: 7435012
    Abstract: A ferrule connectable to a fiber optic cable having an exposed portion of a length of optical fiber extending from a protective buffer. The ferrule includes a cylindrical body preferably having a mostly hollow interior open at a proximal end thereof adapted in size to receive an end portion of the buffer. An optical fiber bore coaxial with the hollow interior extends longitudinally through a distal end portion of the body sized to slidably receive the optical fiber therethrough. The distal end portion is mechanically deformable to frictionally engage the optical fiber within the bore, the distal end face being either conically shaped or including an outwardly extending ring resulting in the distal end face being a substantially planar surface, whereby a projecting length of the optical fiber extending beyond the distal end face may be cleaved in very close proximity to the distal end face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Wojciech Beldycki
  • Patent number: 7431515
    Abstract: A fiber optic termini device having an inner bore for receiving a terminating end of a fiber optic cable includes a rearward extending crimp member or body. The crimp member is formed of two distinct portions, either integrally formed or by a combination of two separate components. A first portion has a first outside diameter while the second portion has a second outside diameter that is less than the outside diameter of the first portion. The second portion extends longitudinally rearward from the first portion. Both portions have crimp grooves or protrusions for securing material positioned between a crimp sleeve and the first and second portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Applied Optical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Venkata R. Penumatcha, Vincent A. Wouters, Rodney M. Flower
  • Publication number: 20080240658
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fibre connection device comprising a part (103) of a screw-threadless multi-part (101, 103) optical fibre cable connector (100), the multi-parts (101, 103) of the connector (100) being inter-connectable, the part (103) comprising a body (102), the body (102) comprising: an optical fibre cable connection end (105) for connection with an optical fibre cable (106); a part connection end (104) for connection with another part (101) of the multi-part optical fibre cable connector (100); and one or more formations (113) adapted to co-operate with a retainer (213, 313) in a mounting (200, 300) for the connector (100), the mounting (200, 300) used to retain the optical fibre cable (106) and the connector (100) when the optical fibre cable (106) is connected to the optical fibre cable connection end (105) of the body (102), the formations (113) adapted to co-operate with the mounting retainer (213, 313) to resist rotational and/or axial movement of the connector (100) when the
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics UK Limited
    Inventors: Sam Leeman, Erik Peeters, Erwin Junius, Sandra Goossens
  • Publication number: 20080232742
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to ferrule holders and associated fiber optic connectors used in optical communications networks, optical devices, and the like to optically couple optical fibers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ferrule holder and an associated fiber optic connector having improved anti-withdrawal and anti-rotation features, such as a twin-threaded configuration, a single-threaded configuration, a splined configuration, a broached configuration, a counter-bored configuration, a dented configuration, a finned configuration, etc. These anti-withdrawal and anti-rotation features assist in holding an optical fiber in secure optical and/or physical contact with a ferrule within the ferrule holder and associated fiber optic connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Terry Lee Cooke, James Phillip Luther, Joel Christopher Rosson, Jillcha Fekadu Wakjira
  • Publication number: 20080226236
    Abstract: An optical connector for terminating an optical fiber comprises a housing configured to mate with a receptacle and a collar body disposed in the housing. The collar body includes a ferrule securely disposed in an opening of the collar body, the ferrule including a central bore that defines an axis, and a housing portion disposed in a generally central portion of the collar body. The housing portion includes an opening to receive a gripping device to grip an optical fiber. The ferrule is axially moveable independent of the axial movement of the optical fiber and gripping device. The optical connector can be thermally balanced over a temperature range of at least 100° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Ronald P. Pepin, James R. Bylander, Paul M. Wendell
  • Patent number: 7409135
    Abstract: A ferrule connectable to a fiber optic cable having an exposed portion of a length of optical fiber extending from a protective buffer. The ferrule includes a cylindrical body including an optical fiber bore coaxial with the body which extends longitudinally from a proximal end of the body through a distal end portion thereof sized to slidably receive the optical fiber therethrough. The distal end portion is mechanically deformable to frictionally engage the optical fiber within the bore, the distal end being either conically shaped or including an outwardly extending ring resulting in the distal end being a substantially planar surface, whereby a projecting length of the optical fiber extending beyond the distal end may be cleaved in very close proximity to the distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Wojciech Beldycki
  • Publication number: 20080175545
    Abstract: An illustrative optical connector is disclosed having a first component having a first channel therein and a first screw thread; a second component having a second channel therein and a second screw thread complementary to and engaged with the first screw thread, wherein the first component is at least partially disposed within the second channel; and an optical fiber partially disposed within the first and second channels. Also disclosed is an illustrative kit having connector components and an illustrative method for combining connector components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: TENVERA, INC.
    Inventors: Wenxin Zheng, Neal Zumovitch, Brent Ware
  • Publication number: 20080152283
    Abstract: An optical feedthrough assembly is provided that is configured to be disposed through the canister of an implantable medical device. The optical feedthrough assembly comprises a ferrule having an aperture therethrough and an inner surface therethrough. An optical fiber passes through the aperture, and a compression seal stack is disposed within the aperture and around the optical fiber. The compression seal stack sealingly engages the optical fiber and the inner surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Christian S. Nielsen, Timothy T. Bomstad
  • Publication number: 20080124030
    Abstract: A hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly which permits repair of damaged fibers or copper conductors carried by a hybrid fiber/copper cable without requiring replacement of the entire connector assembly or the cable is disclosed. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly disclosed also allows individual hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly to be converted from one gender to a different gender. The hybrid fiber/copper connector assembly disclosed also allows the individual hybrid fiber/copper connectors of the assembly to be converted from being hybrid fiber/copper connectors to being only fiber connectors or only copper connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Jarrod Scadden, M'Hamed Anis Khemakhem, Jeffrey Louis Peters, Kenneth Allen Skluzacek, Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 7377699
    Abstract: To extend the service life of a latch of a plug housing and facilitate assembly and aligning operations of an optical connector. The optical connector includes a latch provided in a cantilever form on an external surface of the optical connector and deformable for attachment/detachment with respect to an adaptor, and an excessive deformation preventing unit that prevents excessive deformation of the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuhiro Terakura
  • Publication number: 20080118206
    Abstract: An activation tool used to terminate a pre-polished, no-crimp fiber optic connector. The tool holds and positions a suitable fiber optic connector, such as an ST-type Opti-Cam connector. A lever on the tool activates a connector cam mechanism to effectuate termination of the fiber. The tool includes a base that supports and locks axial and rotational movement of ferrule holder and backbone components of the connector while a rotatable cam activation tool handle engages with a cam of the connector to rotate the cam between a de-activated position and an activated or terminated position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventors: Matthew M. Wagner, Roger D. Segroves
  • Patent number: 7357580
    Abstract: A receptacle assembly that receives an optical connector. The receptacle assembly includes a first piece having a central bore with a stepped diameter. The receptacle assembly also includes an annular second piece designed to receive the optical connector and that has an outside surface designed to establish an interference fit with the inside surface of the first piece central bore. Further, the assembly includes an annular third piece that has a constant inner diameter and a stepped outer diameter. The outside surface of the third piece is designed to establish an interference fit with the inside surface of the annular second piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Finisar Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Morgenstern, Stefan M. Pfnuer
  • Publication number: 20080075406
    Abstract: There is provided a light emitting device using an optical component capable of emitting light having a wavelength different from that of light exit from an optical fiber and obtaining light of high output, and capable of being easily attached to an end of the optical fiber. The optical component includes an optical fiber holding member for holding an optical fiber, a light conversion member, and a cap having an inner hole allowing the light conversion member and the optical fiber holding member to be inserted into and an engagement part with an opening for engaging inserted members at one end of the inner hole. The light conversion member inserted into the inner hole of the cap is fitted into the inner hole with the optical fiber holding member pressed against the engagement part. The opening of the engagement part is smaller than a maximum diameter of the light conversion member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Masaaki Kadomi, Yoshio Umayahara, Tadahito Furuyama, Masaru Iwao, Atsutomo Hama, Takafumi Sugiyama, Yukihiro Hayashi, Naoto Morizumi
  • Patent number: 7331719
    Abstract: A clamping assembly having a top and bottom and front and back orientation, at least one optical axis, and a pre-actuated state in which a fiber is not secured to the clamping assembly and a post-actuated state in which a fiber is secured to the clamping assembly, the clamping assembly comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a platform disposed in the housing and being fixed therein both radially and axially, the platform defining a fiber-receiving channel along the optical axis to receive at least one fiber, at least a portion of the fiber-receiving channel being accessible from the top; (c) a first cam member disposed in the housing above and adjacent to the fiber-receiving channel, the first cam member being radially actuateable within the housing, the first cam member having a first cam surface; (d) a second cam member disposed in the housing and axially slidable therein, the second cam member having a second cam surface adjacent the first cam surface and configured such that, upon forward motion of the second cam
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Marshall Manning, Lewis Edward Sauerwein, Takehio Hayashi, David D. Erdman
  • Patent number: 7330546
    Abstract: A multimedia patching box including a generally rectangular housing. The housing includes a first wall positioned opposite from a second wall. The housing also includes opposing third and fourth walls that extend between the first and second walls. A panel is mounted adjacent the front of the housing. The panel is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The pivot axis is located adjacent to the third wall of the housing and extends generally along the third wall of the housing. A plurality of multimedia connectors are mounted on the panel. The housing defines at least one cable access opening defined through at least one of the first and second walls at a location adjacent the third wall. A cable management structure is connected to the back side of the panel. The cable management structure defines a cable guiding channel that extends generally along the pivot axis of the panel and generally aligns with the at least one cable access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Scott Kessler, Jeffrey Scott Hartzler, Cory Lee Grabinger
  • Patent number: 7325978
    Abstract: Optical fiber connection apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for coupling a plurality of optical fibers includes a first and second registration blocks, each registration block including a body having a coupling surface formed at an end thereof, and a plurality of guides formed on an outer surface of the body, each guide adapted to receive an optical fiber with a terminal portion of the optical fiber positioned proximate the coupling surface. First and seconds retention members are disposed over the first and second registration blocks, respectively, the first and second retention members being coupleable to one another such that the coupling surfaces of the first and second registration blocks are engaged together and the plurality of guides of the first registration block are approximately aligned with the plurality of guides of the second registration block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Peter Macaraeg
  • Patent number: 7314317
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector is used to optically connect a pair of optical fibers with their tips opposing each other. The optical fiber connector is formed of a material having a higher thermal deformation temperature than the coverings of the optical fibers. The connector has a guide hole for inserting therein the optical fibers with their tips opposing each other. The connector has fiber-fixing groove portions circumferentially formed in the wall of the guide hole. When the coverings of the optical fibers are thermally deformed, parts of the coverings bite the groove portions, whereby the optical fibers are fixed in the guide hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hamasaki, Hideto Furuyama
  • Patent number: 7296938
    Abstract: An optical to RF interface connector has a cellular housing that has a back most portion configured for press fitting into a hole of the housing of an electro-optical apparatus, with the hole and back most portion of the shell being key to one another to insure proper orientation of the connector. The press fitting is further configured for providing both an RF seal, and moisture seal. The frontmost portion of the connector shell is configured for securely coupling to an optical interface male connector that is attached to an end of a fiber optic cable. The innermost portion of a connector shell is further configured for receiving and retaining therein either a auto detector or light detecting device for converting optical signals received from the fiber optic cable into electrical signals for processing, or is light transmitting device for converting electrical signals into optical signals for transmission over the associated fiber optic cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Extreme Broadband Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Jay F. Shapson, Robert L. Romerein
  • Patent number: 7281859
    Abstract: A method for assembling an optical fiber connector comprising providing a one piece housing comprising a tailpiece and a body defining a forward first end, a rearward second end and a passage extending longitudinally therebetween, inserting a spring element into the passage through the forward first end, inserting a subassembly comprising a ferrule, a ferrule holder and a lead-in tube into the passage through the forward first end, maintaining the spring within the passage between a shoulder defined by the one piece housing and a flange of the ferrule holder, and inserting a subassembly retainer into the passage through the forward first end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Ronald L. Mudd, Derek N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7274845
    Abstract: A low-cost molded sleeve for a fiber optic cable connector receptacle is disclosed. The inner surface of the sleeve, into which a fiber optic connector can be inserted, is defined by three surfaces. A first planar surface and a second planar surface at right angles to each other form a V-shaped groove for holding the a fiber optic connector. Clamping action is applied to a third surface to hold the a fiber optic connector in place in the V-shaped groove such that optical coupling is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Albert Wooi Quan Khor
  • Patent number: 7270487
    Abstract: A field installable optical fiber connector is provided, the connector including an inner housing defining an interior passageway extending longitudinally between a forward end and a rearward end, a first connector subassembly inserted through the rearward end of the inner housing into the interior passageway thereof. In one embodiment, the first connector subassembly includes a ferrule holder having a ferrule disposed within the ferrule holder, and an optical fiber stub disposed within the ferrule. In another embodiment, the first connector subassembly also includes a flange disposed at a first end of the ferrule holder, a spring element and a spring element retainer slidably mounted on the ferrule holder, and a collar mounted on a second end of the ferrule holder so as to capture the spring and the spring element retainer between the flange and the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Bradley S. Billman, Scott E. Semmler
  • Patent number: 7264403
    Abstract: An optical ferrule is provided with a ferrule body having a front face and at least one covering applied to the front face to protect the front face of the ferrule from a laser beam used during a trimming process. The optical ferrule may also have a second covering disposed between the front face of the ferrule and the first covering to assist in adhering the first covering to the optical ferrule. A method is also provided for applying the first covering or the first covering and the second covering to the front face of the ferrule. A method is also provided for trimming, and in particular, ablating portions of one or more optical fibers that protrude beyond the front face of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Danley, Paul A. Sachenlk, Robert S. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7241056
    Abstract: A re-terminable, no-crimp ST-type optical connector assembly includes a spring-loaded ferrule holder assembly and a reusable activation system for termination of the assembly. The optical connector can be terminated by a suitable cam activation tool. The connector includes a housing, such as a bayonet, matable to a mating adapter, a backbone retained within a rear of the housing, a ferrule holder provided within the backbone, and a cam provided between the ferrule holder and the backbone. The ferrule holder includes an alignment key exposed to mate with a cam activation tool to lock rotation of the ferrule holder relative to other connector components. The cam includes a cam activation cutout at a front face thereof that mates with a cam activation tool interface to enable rotation of the cam between de-activated and activated positions, the cam activation cutout also receiving the alignment key of the ferrule holder therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Kuffel, Samuel M. Marrs, Shaun P. Brouwer, Robert T. Fitzpatrick, Phillip J. Irwin, Matthew M. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7232260
    Abstract: A ferrule holder and a coil spring are provided in a main body formed in an approximately tube shape. A cable adaptor including a front opening part at a large diameter part is inserted from a back opening part into the main body having slits and. A first small diameter part of the main body fits with the large diameter part of the cable adaptor and prevents the cable adaptor from translating in the z-axis direction. And the second small diameter part of the main body controls transfer of the ferrule holder in the z-axis direction. At the forward part of the large diameter, a taper part which helps to insert the cable adaptor is formed around the circuit of the optical axis. Each slit formed at the back opening part also helps to insert the cable adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Canare Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuo Takahashi, Manabu Komatsubara
  • Patent number: 7226215
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fiber connector comprising a ferrule disposed in a connector body and receiving the optical fiber in a longitudinal bore, said ferrule being subjected to a compression spring disposed on a part extending the ferrule, referred to as a “counter-ferrule”, and pressed by a closure part secured to said connector body. According to the invention, the ferrule and the counter-ferrule are constituted by two separate parts, and an optical fiber holder element is inserted between these two separate parts, said holder element being capable of being caused to hold the optical fiber from outside the connector, and said holder element is also capable of being released from outside the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Baudouin Bareel, Peter D'hondt
  • Patent number: 7204644
    Abstract: A field installable fiber optic connector includes a housing and a ferrule holder inserted from the rearward end of the housing. A spring element inserted into the front of the housing and a spring element retainer attached to the ferrule holder bias the ferrule holder forward. An optical fiber stub is disposed between opposed splice members and a field fiber is inserted between the splice members and guided by a groove into abutment with the end of the optical fiber stub. A cam disposed about the ferrule holder is movable to facilitate insertion of the field fiber and to clamp the field fiber and the optical fiber stub between the splice members. In one embodiment, a trigger is coupled to the housing. The trigger is disposed about and slides relative to the ferrule holder, thereby biasing the housing forward relative to the ferrule holder to aid in latching the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Brad S. Billman, David W. Meek, Scott E. Semmler, Jason F. Forsberg
  • Patent number: 7189008
    Abstract: A high-performance connector for optical fibers includes a cylindrical ceramic or metallic ferrule installed in a structure. This structure is positioned in a non-plastic (metallic system) base member to form a fiber holder. This overall generally cylindrical structure includes a small passageway along its central axis for holding an optical fiber. This entire structure is mounted within the non-plastic housing that includes an opening at one end thereof from which the ceramic ferrule protrudes. A cylindrical spring that is integral to the ferrule support structure and interacts with an interior surface of the surrounding structure via a secondary piece of the cylindrical structure urges the ceramic ferrule outward from the opening in the housing. The housing includes a metallic leaf-spring latch which is located on a single surface thereof, which is manually operable and used to lock the connector to an associated receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventor: David E. Dye
  • Patent number: 7178988
    Abstract: An optical connector plug adapted to be freely and readily attached to or detached from either an SC or an FC connector adapter comprising a housing that couples to the adapter and attaches the plug to the adapter, a plug frame disposed within the housing, which plug frame supports a ferrule secured to one end of an optical fiber and a flange secured around the outside of the ferrule such that the ferrule and the flange can rotate around the axial center of the ferrule, and a plug holder, disposed inside the housing, for positioning the ferrule in relation to the housing by non-incrementally rotating the ferrule to any determinable angle in relation thereto, the plug holder having a coupling part that couples to a groove formed in the flange and is capable of rotating in relation to the plug frame around the center axis of the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Seikoh Giken Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuhiro Terakura
  • Patent number: 7165311
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for attaching filamentary members to a substrate are disclosed. The substrate includes a plastic layer and the apparatus includes an anvil, a needle and a swaging tool movable relatively to the anvil. The method includes the steps of penetrating the substrate with the needle to create an opening, positioning the filamentary member in the opening, and compressing the substrate between the swaging tool and the anvil so as to deform the plastic layer and swage the filamentary member to the substrate. The needle is heated to melt the plastic layer so that it fuses with the filamentary member upon swaging. Motion of the needle and swaging tool is controlled by cams under the command of a microprocessor control unit. A substrate to which filamentary members are swaged is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: SKH Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Ronald C. Schwar
  • Patent number: 7121736
    Abstract: A connection socket for detachably connecting distal ends of different, thin and thick, endoscopes light guides to a single light source device includes a socket block with a cylindrical aperture accepting a distal end of a light guide in an axial direction and retainer plates pivotally mounted within the socket block around the aperture for holding and retaining a distal end of an inserted light guide, each retainer plate having a peripheral edge facing the aperture that includes first and second retaining edge sections. With a thin light guide, the retainer plates retain the distal end with the first retaining edge sections. When a thick light guide is inserted within the aperture, the retainer plates are pushed and turned by a distal edge of the thick light guide, bringing the second retaining edge sections into close contact with the distal end, retaining the distal end of the thick light guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Ayame
  • Patent number: 7104702
    Abstract: A field installable fiber optic connector includes a housing, a spring element seat and a ferrule holder that is inserted from the rearward end of the housing. A spring element inserted into the front of the housing abuts the spring element seat. A spring element retainer attached to the ferrule holder abuts the forward portion of the spring element to compress the spring element and bias the ferrule holder forward. An optical fiber stub disposed between opposed splice members in an aligning groove terminates intermediate the ends of the splice members. An optical fiber is inserted between the splice members and guided by the groove into abutment with the end of the optical fiber stub. A cam disposed about the ferrule holder is movable to facilitate insertion of the optical fiber and to clamp the optical fiber and the optical fiber stub between the splice members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brandon A. Barnes, Scott E. Semmler, Derek N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7091492
    Abstract: A fiber optic plate assembly is provided for transferring optical signals to a detector or other optical element within an imaging device or imaging system. The fiber optic plate assembly comprises first and second fiber optic plates coupled via an optical coupling gel configured to permit separation of the two plates from each other to permit repair or replacement of one of the plates. Alternatively, the imaging device may comprise a single fiber optic plate coupled directly to an optical detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Ropintassco Holdings, L.P.
    Inventor: Daniel Moonen
  • Patent number: 7036997
    Abstract: An optical module comprises an first filter, an optical fiber for guiding light wave to a first end face of the filter, a second optical fiber for guiding a light wave transmitted through the filter from a second end face of the filter, a third optical fiber for guiding light wave to said second end face of the filter, a fourth optical fiber for guiding the light wave reflected by the filter and the light wave transmitted through the filter from said first end face of the filter, a plug connector for positioning said first and fourth optical fibers, and a socket connector for positioning said second and third optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: J.S.T. Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Katsuyama, Makoto Shiraishi, Kentaro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 6988834
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector module includes a ferrule terminated to at least one optical fiber. The ferrule has a rearwardly facing abutment surface. The ferrule is mounted within a housing which includes a forwardly facing abutment surface for engaging the rearwardly facing abutment surface on the ferrule. The forwardly facing abutment surface on the housing is convexly rounded so that the ferrule can tilt relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventors: Wenzong Chen, Thomas R. Marrapode, Hua Liu, Igor Grois
  • Patent number: 6979133
    Abstract: A connector for releasable engagement of a fiberoptic cable with a port on a piece of compatible equipment includes a body of generally cylindrical form which includes a cavity. After a prepared cable end of the fiberoptic cable is inserted through a driving structure and registered against a seal, and the combination placed in a pre-form mold, an epoxy material is flowed into the mold to surround portions of the prepared cable end, thereby creating an assembly consisting of the prepared cable end, the seal, and the hardened epoxy material. The assembly is then disposed inside the cavity of the body after which the assembly is secured to the body using a nut or compression fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: John Mezzalingua Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Noah Montena
  • Patent number: 6964529
    Abstract: An optical transceiver module including a sleeve, a base, and an adjustable toggle. The sleeve extends from the base and is inserted by an optical fiber. The base is formed with a receiving hole. The toggle is coaxially arranged within the receiving hole. The toggle has a penetrating hole for combining with an optical transceiver element. The toggle is installed with an annular flange for adjusting the orientation of the optical transceiver element. A spring is installed in the receiving hole so that the orientation of optical transceiver module is adjustable to any direction. Thereby a light from a laser diode is precisely focused to a core of an optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Inventor: Hui-Chueh Chien
  • Patent number: 6960028
    Abstract: A ferrule for use in optical fiber connections has an optical fiber containing a bore extending therethrough. Within the bore is a member of shaped memory alloy (SMA) which clamps and affixes the fiber firmly in place within the ferrule without the necessity of cementing the fiber in place. The shaped memory alloy has two states: the initial or primary state and the secondary or deformed state. In the embodiments of the invention, the member is deformed from the initial state to the secondary state and the fiber is inserted in the ferrule. The member is then returned to the primary state in which it firmly clamps the fiber within the ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Fitel USA Corp.
    Inventor: Norman R. Lampert
  • Patent number: 6896418
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a workpiece during a polishing operation are described. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a support fixture for securing a workpiece. The support fixture includes a gripping member that is configured to grip a workpiece and configured to release the workpiece. The support fixture also includes a ferrule that is configured to tighten the gripping member around the workpiece and configured to release the gripping member from the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Realm Communications Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jackie Ray Bradford, John Bryan Russell
  • Patent number: 6860645
    Abstract: A connector system for terminating an optical fiber cable having a protective outer jacket. The system includes a connector plug and a crimp insert having an axial bore. A distal end of the insert is formed to be joined to a proximal end of the connector plug. A first portion of the insert bore has a diameter corresponding to an outside diameter of the cable jacket. A second portion of the insert bore has a diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of an unjacketed end of the cable. The insert deforms when crimped at axially spaced positions on its periphery, correspondonding to the first and the second portions of the insert bore. Thus, both the outer jacket and the unjacketed end of the cable are restrained from axial movement with respect to the insert and connector plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Miller, Edward Warych
  • Patent number: 6848838
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector plug for an optical fiber connection comprises a connecting portion including a rear entry at a first end and a first fiber stub exit opening to a first fiber stub channel. The first fiber stub exit is parallel to a second fiber stub exit opening to a second fiber stub channel. The first and second fiber stub exits are formed opposite the first end. The rear entry divides at a junction into a first fiber groove and a second, diverging fiber groove. The connecting portion includes crimp elements each having an open-ended bore. Each crimp element contains an optical fiber stub. A molded top attached to the connecting portion includes a substantially rectangular opening. The opening contains a compression element that moves to form splices by capturing a stripped optical fiber and an optical fiber stub in each of the crimp elements. A bend relief boot encloses the connecting portion at one end, while a shroud releasably engages it at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Donald G. Doss, David S. Hardcastle
  • Publication number: 20040264880
    Abstract: A connector system for terminating an optical fiber cable having a protective outer jacket. The system includes a connector plug and a crimp insert having an axial bore. A distal end of the insert is formed to be joined to a proximal end of the connector plug. A first portion of the insert bore has a diameter corresponding to an outside diameter of the cable jacket. A second portion of the insert bore has a diameter corresponding to an outer diameter of an unjacketed end of the cable. The insert deforms when crimped at axially spaced positions on its periphery, corresponding to the first and the second portions of the insert bore. Thus, both the outer jacket and the unjacketed end of the cable are restrained from axial movement with respect to the joined insert and connector plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Fitel USA Corp.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Miller, Edward Warych
  • Publication number: 20040264879
    Abstract: A connection cable includes an optical cable and an integrated electrical connector. The integrated electrical connector is permanently fixed to the optical cable. The integrated electrical connector is for plug-in connection to a matching electrical connector on a target device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Laurence Ray McColloch, Brenton Arthur Baugh
  • Publication number: 20040228582
    Abstract: An optical module has a lever for bending a spring plate possessed by a cage for accommodating a case of the optical module in a direction in which a retaining hole formed through the spring plate comes off a latch formed on the case. The lever has a shaft pivotably supported on the case, a tongue disposed on one side of the shaft, and an actuator disposed on the opposite side of the shaft with respect to the tongue. The lever pivotally moves about the shaft in response to a movement of the tongue toward the case, causing the actuator to press the spring plate to bend in the foregoing direction. According to this optical module, the user can readily release retention of the latch by the retaining hole only by moving the tongue of the lever toward the case. Further, the user can withdraw the optical module from the cage through a simple manipulation of pulling the case out while the user is holding the case and the tongue of the lever together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasushi Yamada, Masayuki Nakano
  • Patent number: 6811322
    Abstract: A fiber optic connector module includes a ferrule terminated to at least one optical fiber. The ferrule has a rearwardly facing abutment surface. The ferrule is mounted within a housing which includes a forwardly facing abutment surface for engaging the rearwardly facing abutment surface on the ferrule. The forwardly facing abutment surface on the housing is convexly rounded so that the ferrule can tilt relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Wenzong Chen, Thomas R. Marrapode, Hua Liu, Igor Grois
  • Patent number: 6808313
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a first elongated portion with a first conical head and a first through hole. A second elongated portion has a second through hole defined to correspond to and communicate with the first through hole of the first elongated portion after the first distal end of the second elongated portion is received in the first elongated portion and a second conical head. Two hollow retaining elements respectively have a tapered through hole to correspond to the first and second conical head so that after the first conical head and the second conical head are respectively in a corresponding one of the two retaining elements, a diameter of the first through hole and a diameter of the second through hole are reduced so that a filament of an optical fiber is able to be securely retained inside the first and second through holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Chen-Hung Hung
  • Patent number: 6796722
    Abstract: A two-piece ferrule assembly for terminating and mounting the end of an optical fiber in a threaded female socket. The assembly has an inner ferrule member with a channel for receiving and mounting the end of an optical fiber from which the jacket has been removed, and an outer ferrule member mounted to rotate on a rear portion of the inner ferrule member and having an external thread mating with the female socket. The outer ferrule member extends over the fiber jacket, and includes a rear clamping portion adapted to engage at least one of the fiber jacket and the inner ferrule member to orthogonally clamp the fiber jacket behind its connection with the inner ferrule member as the outer ferrule member is threaded into the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Yazaki North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamie A. Mleczko
  • Patent number: 6793404
    Abstract: The invention relates to an optical connector housing (100) for connecting an optical fiber to an optical element, such as a diode or a further optical fiber. The housing (100) comprises a substantially tubular receptacle (102) for one or more optical fibers and a retention member (104), which is received with interlocking fit in the housing (100) and is displaceable vertically to the optical fiber. In order to provide a housing (100) which fixes the optical fiber easily and inexpensively, yet securely, according to the invention the retention member (104) is manufactured from the same material and integrally with the housing (100). In the pre-assembly position, the retention member (104) is supported by webs (106) on the housing (100). During assembly, the retention member (104) is displaced in such a way that it engages the optical fiber and secures it against axial displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics AMP GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Kraus, Marnix Lannoije, Stefan Loeffelholz
  • Patent number: 6776535
    Abstract: A plug frame for an optical connector component comprising a ferrule for receiving an end portion of a core optical fiber of a fiber optic cable and a plug frame for floatingly supporting the ferrule. The plug frame is configured as a one-piece component. This allows reduction of the number of component parts and assembling steps, simplification of the assembling operations and reduction of the manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignees: Hirose Electric Co., Ltd., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Honda Tsushin Kogyo Co., Ltd., Sanwa Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinori Miyake, Takumi Yoshida, Shin Sumida, Shuichi Yanagi, Yasuaki Ohkubo, Toshiaki Nakano, Yuji Shinagawa, Tatsuhito Shinozaki