With Splice (permanent Connection) Patents (Class 385/95)
  • Publication number: 20110103753
    Abstract: A quick terminating fiber optic assembly and method of making same is provided. A pre-terminated fiber optic assembly having an optical fiber already terminated therein includes an exposed optical fiber. The exposed fiber is aligned and contacted with a second exposed optical fiber of another optical cable, and the two fibers are spliced. A sleeve is provided to cover and protect the splice and any exposed fibers. The sleeve secures the pre-terminated fiber optic termini to second optical fiber. This process terminates the second optical fiber at the termini in less time and with the same or similar tools as a conventional method of terminating optical fibers at a termini.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Vincent A. Wouters
  • Patent number: 7934874
    Abstract: A holder capable of protecting an optical connector ferrule from an external shock, or the like and executing a fusion-splice of a short optical fiber not to take out the optical connector ferrule from the holder is obtained. A holder for holding a connector plug equipped with an optical connector ferrule to which a short optical fiber is fitted and a plug frame for covering an outer periphery of the optical connector ferrule therein, wherein, when the short optical fiber together with the holder is fitted to a fusion splicing apparatus that fusion-splices the short optical fiber and other coated optical fiber, the short optical fiber extended from the plug frame is positioned in a fusion position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Honma, Tsutomu Watanabe, Yukihiro Yokomachi, Yoshikyo Tamekuni
  • Publication number: 20110097046
    Abstract: A stretcher fiber has a core region, inner trench region, ring region, outer trench region, and outer cladding region. The fiber regions are structured to provide the stretcher fiber with a relationship between dispersion and wavelength, such that the second and third derivatives of the stretcher fiber's propagation constant with respect to angular frequency have a shape and wavelength range matching those of a selected compressor module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: OFC Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: Lars Gruner-Nielsen, Dan Peter Jakobsen, Kim Geissmann Jespersen
  • Publication number: 20110097045
    Abstract: An optical assembly includes a gas cell and an optical fibre portion in which the gas cell is contiguously attached to the optical fibre portion. The gas cell can be made, for example from hollow-core photonic crystal fibre (HC-PCF).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2006
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: University of Bath
    Inventor: Abdel Fetah Benabid
  • Patent number: 7933479
    Abstract: A multimode fiber coupler has a structure in which a plurality of tapered pump fibers are coupled laterally to a multi-clad fiber, such as a double clad fiber (DCF). Such coupler is produced by first forming a plurality of tapered pump fibers and positioning them around the multi-clad fiber, thus forming a fiber bundle. Then, the fiber bundle is twisted and fused so that the input pump fibers converge towards a waist and then diverge from it. The diverging portions of the pump fibers may be removed from the structure. Also, at the waist, the structure may be cleaved and the portion with the converging pump fibers is then spliced with a multi-clad fiber which is similar or identical to the one in the middle of the bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: ITF Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: François Gonthier, Marc Garneau, Nelson Vachon
  • Patent number: 7929819
    Abstract: A field termination kit includes an optical fiber preparation device for preparing an end of an optical fiber, an optical inspection device for inspecting the end of the optical fiber, and a termination assembly for terminating the end of the optical fiber. A method of using a field termination kit includes rotating an end of a first optical fiber about a center of an abrasive portion of an optical fiber preparation tool. The end is pressed against an adhesive portion of the optical fiber preparation tool to clean contaminants from the end. The end is inserted into an inner passage of an optical fiber inspection device for viewing. The end is inserted into a termination assembly. The end is terminated to an end of a second optical fiber in a termination region of the termination assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 7922400
    Abstract: A multi-electrode system comprises a fiber support configured to hold at least one optical fiber and a set of electrodes disposed about the at least one optical fiber and configured to generate arcs between adjacent electrodes to generate a substantially uniform heated field to a circumferential outer surface of the at least one optical fiber. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Clark, Robert G. Wiley, Jared C. Meitzler, Clyde J. Troutman
  • Patent number: 7918612
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically splicing a pair of optic fibers or optic cables, the mechanical splice comprising: a ferrule having an axial capillary bore, the capillary bore configured to enclose the optic fibers at both ends of the ferrule; and cured epoxy disposed to secure together the ends of the optic fibers and to secure the optic fibers to an inside surface of the capillary bore, the ferrule optionally enclosed in a metal tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Agiltron, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Zhao, Yongjun Wu, Yuanxin Shou, Qingdong Guo
  • Publication number: 20110075968
    Abstract: Fiber optic terminals and methods for establishing optical connections are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic terminal is provided that includes a base defining an interior chamber. The fiber optic terminal includes a terminal cover configured to close onto the base. A plurality of fiber routing guides are disposed in the base defining an optical fiber perimeter in the interior chamber. At least one fiber optic connection panel is disposed in the fiber optic terminal for establishing optical connections. The fiber optic connection panel is disposed on the internal surface of the terminal cover such that when the terminal cover is closed, the fiber optic connection panel is disposed within the optical fiber perimeter. In this manner, routing of optical fibers around the optical fiber perimeter provides space for disposing the fiber optic connection panel in the fiber optic terminal when the terminal cover is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Songhua Cao, Guy J. Castonguay, Bin Dai
  • Patent number: 7901147
    Abstract: An installation tool for installing and assembling a splice protector to a spliced region between a fiber optic connector and an optical fiber cable and a method of use are disclosed. Generally, the installation tool comprises a connector bay, a splice protector assembly area, and a cable management mechanism. The connector bay, and the splice protector assembly area, and the cable management mechanism are arranged substantially consecutively and substantially linearly on the workspace. The tool further comprises a cable component retaining feature positioned along and adjacent the workspace so that the retaining feature is proximate adjacent ends of the splice protector assembly area and the cable management mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Michael de Jong, Paul X. Devereaux, Daniel Leyva, Jr., Ahsan Mazumdar, Charles A. Yow, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7874742
    Abstract: A splicing device for optical fibers comprises a programmable splicing apparatus which can be controlled by means of at least one program parameter, for connecting optical fibers, and a speech recognition unit. Spoken text is detected via the speech recognition unit, and a spoken command is determined from the detected spoken text. The at least one program parameter of the splicing apparatus is adjusted and/or the splicing apparatus is controlled as a function of the determined spoken command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: Rainer M. Kossat
  • Patent number: 7862245
    Abstract: An optical fiber connector for forming a mechanical splice between first and second optical fibers comprises a connector body arranged to clamp the optical fibers therein, wherein the connector body is configured to be at least partially opened to release, or to allow insertion of, at least one of the optical fibers by a squeezing action applied to the connector body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Raychem NV
    Inventors: Jan Watte, Jacob Arie Elenbaas, Peter Eyckmans, Luiz Neves Mendes
  • Publication number: 20100316339
    Abstract: A mechanical splice apparatus including a mechanical splice with a groove and an aligning component with a wedge. When the wedge is engaged in the groove of the mechanical splice an opening is formed in the mechanical splice and when the wedge is disengaged from the groove, the opening closes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: AFL Telecommunications LLC
    Inventor: Patrick E. Dobbins
  • Publication number: 20100303426
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a splice between optical fibers disposed in a borehole penetrating the earth, the apparatus including: a housing configured to be disposed in the borehole and having a first port and a second port, each port being configured to seal the housing to an associated fiber optic cable containing an optical fiber to be spliced; wherein the housing includes a sealed interior volume sufficient to contain a splice of the optical fibers for protection and to enable a functional bend of at least ninety degrees for at least one spliced optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Brad W. Davis
  • Publication number: 20100303427
    Abstract: A method for imaging a structure disposed in a borehole penetrating the earth, the method including: selecting a splice housing having a first port configured to seal the housing to a first fiber optic cable and a second port configured to seal the housing to a fiber optic sensor configured to image the structure, wherein the housing includes a sealed interior volume sufficient to contain a splice of optical fibers for protection and to enable a functional bend of at least ninety degrees for at least one spliced optical fiber; disposing a splice between an optical fiber of the first fiber optic cable and an optical fiber of the fiber optic sensor in the splice housing; disposing the splice housing containing the splice in the borehole; attaching the fiber optic sensor to the structure; and disposing the structure in the borehole after the splice housing is disposed in the borehole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Frederick Henry Kreisler Rambow, Brad W. Davis, Brooks Childers, Travis Hall, Phillip E. Abshire
  • Publication number: 20100278501
    Abstract: The present method and kit provide for effective and efficient patching of fiber optic cables. The kit comprises mechanical fiber optic splicers, a fiber optic patch, a splice housing, and a protective housing. The mechanical fiber optic splicers can be used to splice the fiber optic cable and the fiber optic patch. The mechanical fiber optic splicers, the fiber optic patch, and a portion of the fiber optic cable can be enclosed within the splice housing. The splice housing can then be enclosed within a protective housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Glen Edward GOULD, Andrew Matulica, Dennis Joseph Byrne
  • Patent number: 7815377
    Abstract: A fiber optic mechanical splice connector including a single connector element operable for providing optical fiber alignment and strain relief includes opposed splice components that define first and second grooves for receiving the bare glass portions of mating optical fibers, as well as the coated or buffered portion of at least one of the optical fibers when the splice components are biased together by an actuator. The mating optical fibers are aligned while the coated or buffered portion of one of the optical fibers is retained within the same connector element, thus eliminating positioning problems that occur when separate connector elements are utilized for fiber alignment and strain relief. The splice components may be unbiased to allow removal of at least one of the mating optical fibers without destroying the connector assembly or potentially damaging the optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Donald G. Doss, Daniel Leyva, Jr., Brandon Andrew Barnes
  • Publication number: 20100209055
    Abstract: An apparatus for splicing of optical waveguides including a control signal generating device for producing a control signal, a control device for providing a nominal level for the control signal, and a heating device for producing heat for heating the optical waveguides. The heating device being controlled by a level of the control signal which is dependent on the nominal level for the control signal and the heating device being designed such that a heating power of the heat is produced as a function of the level of the control signal. The control device detects any discrepancy between the nominal level for the control signal and the level of the control signal, and the control device changes the nominal level for the control signal as a function of the discrepancy found, thereby adapting the control signal as the electrodes are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Christian Heidler
  • Patent number: 7769267
    Abstract: The present method and kit provide for effective and efficient patching of fiber optic cables. The kit comprises mechanical fiber optic splicers, a fiber optic patch, a splice housing, and a protective housing. The mechanical fiber optic splicers can be used to splice the fiber optic cable and the fiber optic patch. The mechanical fiber optic splicers, the fiber optic patch, and a portion of the fiber optic cable can be enclosed within the splice housing. The splice housing can then be enclosed within a protective housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Glen Edward Gould, Andrew Matulica, Dennis Joseph Byrne
  • Patent number: 7753597
    Abstract: An apparatus for splicing of optical waveguide sections is in the form of a handheld splicer. The splicer comprises a preprocessing unit, which may comprise a plurality of processing devices for carrying out removal, cleaning and cutting steps. The optical waveguide sections are clamped in a holding apparatus and are prepared in the preprocessing unit. The holding apparatuses are inserted with the prepared optical waveguide sections into a splicing unit, where they are spliced. The spliced optical waveguide sections can be fed by means of a transfer station to a shrinking oven for shrinking a shrink sleeve on. The preprocessing unit, the splicing unit and the shrinking oven can be controlled by means of one hand of an operator, while the splicer is held with the other hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Rainer Matthias Kossat, Bert Zamzow
  • Patent number: 7748913
    Abstract: The present invention is a splicing structure of optical fibers for fusing a double clad fiber and a single clad fiber, the splicing structure is provided with a block covering a fusion splicing point of the double clad fiber and the single clad fiber, and which is made of a highly thermal conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Oba
  • Patent number: 7747124
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically inserting optical-fiber (fiber-optics) cable jumpers into a patch panel to connect optical signal source equipment to optical signal destination equipment, and for automatically removing those jumpers from that patch panel to disconnect that equipment. This is accomplished robotically under computer control. Large scale fiber-optical splicings can be made, on the order often thousand (10,000) separate optical splices or more. Previous embodiments required hand insertion of these jumpers. Embodiments of the present invention permit any un-occupied port to be connected to any other un-occupied port, regardless of their input or output port status, where previous embodiments required only unoccupied input ports to be connected to unoccupied output ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Tiejun J. Xia, Glenn A. Wellbrock
  • Patent number: 7733561
    Abstract: A fiber amplifier suitable for high power, narrow linewidth applications exhibits suppression of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) by segmenting the fiber amplifier into separate portions that exhibit different Brillouin center frequencies. By changing the center frequencies in adjoining segments of the fiber amplifier, the backward-propagating Stokes signal is essentially blocked, and SBS is suppressed. In a preferred embodiment the segmentation is added to the terminating portion of the fiber amplifier. Various techniques, including temperature modifications, can be used to impart the desired center frequency shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: OFS Fitel. LLC
    Inventors: Marc Mermelstein, Andrew D. Yablon
  • Patent number: 7731429
    Abstract: An optical connector has a simple structure and a method of attaching an optical fiber cord to the connector is easy. The connector 1 includes: a plug part 2 which has a capillary 5 provided at the front and containing a built-in optical fiber 6 and which includes a mechanical splicing portion 7 capable of allowing an optical fiber 51 to be inserted from the rear so as to be fixed therein; a caulking stand 35 capable of holding a sheath by radially contracting in a state in which the optical fiber cord 50 is inserted therein; a caulking ring 45 provided outside the cylindrical portion 36 of the stand 35 so as to hold the tension member 52 between the ring 45 and the stand 35; and a coupling body 20 provided behind the plug part 2 and accommodating the stand 35 and the ring 45.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Ohtsuka, Daizo Nishioka, Yukihiro Yokomachi, Kenichi Suzuki, Takayasu Yamauchi, Katsuyuki Aihara, Keisuke Okada
  • Patent number: 7715673
    Abstract: An imaging system including a multi-mode fiber and a gradient index (GRIN) lens. The invention also relates to a system including a multi-mode fiber, such as a double-clad photonic crystal fiber, for transmitting an excitation signal to a sample for the purpose of imaging, and a scanning mechanism, which preferably includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror, for reflecting the excitation signal in varying directions in order to scan the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Swinburne University of Technology
    Inventors: Ling Fu, Min Gu, Xiaosong Gan
  • Patent number: 7712981
    Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, provided is an extremely compact, simple, and cost-effective approach for aligning optical fibers in an optical fiber fusion splicer. The basis of this alignment method is an “S”-Curve Piezo Bending Actuator. The device comprises a thin strip of elastically flexible material (such as spring steel, beryllium copper, or fiber reinforced polymer) that is coated in four areas with a piezoelectric material (such as barium titanate or other known compounds).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Wiley, Brett G. Clark, Jared Meitzler
  • Patent number: 7712974
    Abstract: An optical connector and a method of assembling an optical connector that is capable of avoiding generation of unnecessary tension in the optical fiber cable in which plain fiber portions are optically connected to each other using a splice assembly. The optical connector comprises a connector housing having splice means configured to abut a stripped and cleaved end surface of a plain fiber of an optical fiber cable (2) onto an end of a fiber stub predisposed in the splice means to form an optical connection; and a cable fixing assembly (26, 40), that includes a cable fixing member (26) and a cable holder (40), for fixing an outer covering (2c) of the optical fiber cable (2) introduced into said connector housing (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Akihiko Yazaki, Tomoyasu Oike, Takaya Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20100110535
    Abstract: A laser amplifier includes a pump source and an optically active fiber having an input portion configured to receive a signal source and an output portion. The pump source is optically coupled to the optically active fiber. The laser amplifier also includes an output fiber optically coupled to the output portion of the optically active fiber. The output fiber includes a rare-earth element. The laser amplifier further includes a beam expansion section joined to the output fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: PyroPhotonics Lasers Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Murison, Tullio Panarello
  • Patent number: 7699540
    Abstract: An optical fiber reinforcement processing apparatus and reinforcement processing method are provided where it is not necessary to dispose a temperature detecting device such as a thermistor, and a heating control in which the detected temperature is not varied, the power consumption is low, and which is accurate is enabled. An optical fiber reinforcement processing apparatus in which a fusion-spliced portion of an optical fiber is covered by a heat-shrinkable reinforcing sleeve to perform reinforcement has: heating controlling means for performing a heating control on a heater which heats the reinforcing sleeve; and temperature detecting means for detecting a heating temperature of the heater on the basis of a change of the resistance of the heater. The heating control and the temperature detection are performed by controlling time periods of turning on/off a power supply to the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Miyamori, Kazunari Hattori
  • Patent number: 7690850
    Abstract: An apparatus for splicing optical waveguides has a memory circuit in which data items which identify a state of the apparatus for splicing the optical waveguides are stored. The memory circuit is used to store data items which identify a state of the optical waveguides to be spliced. Stored data items indicate conditions of the environment in which a splice process has been carried out. The apparatus can be used to record a plurality of data items which can be evaluated for analysis of a splice process, in particular for an analysis of a fault which has occurred during the splice process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: CCS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer Matthias Kossat, Christian Heidler
  • Patent number: 7693385
    Abstract: A portable workstation for splicing fiber optics has slots that slip over a side of a bucket of an aerial bucket truck. The slots provide for a secure attachment of the workstation to the bucket. The workstation has hand slots so that the workstation is easily manipulated for attaching or removing the workstation to/from the bucket. Within the workstation is a pocket having a cavity for securely holding a fusion splicer. The workstation has a work area, adjacent to the splicer, for holding splicing tools and other materials used for making a fiber optic splice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: TNR Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Billy Shane Trotman, Tony Nelson Newsome, James Hugh Bennett Roberts
  • Patent number: 7686523
    Abstract: With this invention, at least one of a video file containing video information, a still picture file containing still picture information, and an audio file containing audio information and a management file having management information on a control method of reproducing the information in the file are recorded on an information storage medium. This realizes a data structure that causes the recording and deleting places on the information storage medium to correspond spuriously to places on a single tape, such as a VTR tape. Use of the data structure provides users with an easy-to-use interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hideo Ando, Hiroaki Unno
  • Publication number: 20100074582
    Abstract: A splicing device for optical fibers comprises a programmable splicing apparatus which can be controlled by means of at least one program parameter, for connecting optical fibers, and a speech recognition unit. Spoken text is detected via the speech recognition unit, and a spoken command is determined from the detected spoken text. The at least one program parameter of the splicing apparatus is adjusted and/or the splicing apparatus is controlled as a function of the determined spoken command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Rainer M. Kossat
  • Patent number: 7680389
    Abstract: A light transceiver module is designed for electronic devices. It forms an electric connection with the electric connector of the electronic device. The light transceiver module contains a base, a light-emitting device for providing optical signals, a light-receiving device for receiving optical signals, and a main circuit board. The base supports the light-emitting device, the light-receiving device, and the main circuit board. The main circuit board has a pluggable electric connector for connections with the electric connector of the electronic device. The light transceiver module can be used to simplify and optimize the devices using it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Cheng-Da Shaw, Shun-Tien Lee, Chiung-Hung Wang, Min Sheng Kao, Cheng Hung Tsai, Kun-Yi Shen, Chia Hung Chiu
  • Patent number: 7670065
    Abstract: A multi-electrode system comprises a fiber support configured to hold at least one optical fiber and a set of electrodes disposed about the at least one optical fiber and configured to generate arcs between adjacent electrodes to generate a substantially uniform heated field to a circumferential outer surface of the at least one optical fiber. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: 3SAE Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brett Clark, Robert Wiley, Jared C. Meitzler, Clyde J. Troutman
  • Publication number: 20100046892
    Abstract: A connector assembly for reversibly terminating a fiber optic cable comprising an optical fiber stub and an actuator illustratively configured for sliding along a path between a first position and a second position which illustratively serves to move one or more anvils thereby mechanically clamping the fiber optic cable proximate to the optical fiber stub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: LUC MILETTE, Moise Levy, Yannick Demers
  • Patent number: 7668432
    Abstract: Multi-drop closure systems for fiber optic cabling include an enclosure and a ganged drop plug. The enclosure defines a splice chamber therein and has a main cable access opening and a drop cable access opening into the splice chamber. The drop cable access opening is displaced from the main cable access opening. The ganged drop plug is configured to be sealingly inserted into the drop cable access opening. The ganged drop plug has a plurality of drop cables extending therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Julian Mullaney
  • Patent number: 7660502
    Abstract: Methods and systems for optical interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Wavefront Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Stone
  • Patent number: 7658549
    Abstract: A pre-connectorized fiber optic distribution cable assembly includes a plurality of optical fibers and at least one mid-span access location along the length of the distribution cable. At least one of the optical fibers is accessed, terminated and then connectorized at the mid-span access location to an optical connector disposed within a receptacle. The mid-span access location, the accessed, terminated and connectorized optical fiber, the optical connector and at least a portion of the receptacle are encapsulated with a protective overmolded shell. A tether including at least one optical fiber connectorized at a first end of the tether is optically connected to the optical connector through the receptacle. A second end of the tether opposite the first end terminates in a network optical connection terminal, thereby compensating for a span length measurement difference between the actual location of the mid-span access and the desired location of the optical connection terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Elkins, II, Thomas Theuerkorn, Lars K. Nielsen, James P. Luther
  • Publication number: 20100021110
    Abstract: To prevent an optical fiber from readily detaching and to prevent the optical fiber from being damaged when a mechanical splice is used. A housing (2) has supply holes (58b, 59b) for supplying a bonding agent to both end parts of a metal sleeve (10). When the bonding agent is supplied through the supply holes (58b, 59b), the bonding agent enters the space between the outer circumferential surfaces of optical fiber strands and the inner circumferential surface of the metal sleeve (10), and the optical fibers can therefore be bonded to both end parts of the metal sleeve (10). Damage to the optical fiber strands can therefore be prevented even when the mechanical splice is used in an environment subject to frequent vibration. Water and debris can be prevented from entering through the apertures on the ends of the metal sleeve (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Kozo Yamanoi
  • Publication number: 20100021113
    Abstract: Provided is a method of constructing a normal joint structure for connecting superconducting cables having a cable core and an optical fiber arranged along the cable core. With the method, which includes the steps of: pulling out an optical fiber from the end of each of two superconducting cables to be connected together and splicing the optical fibers thus pulled out; returning the excess length of the pulled-out optical fiber to a superconducting cable side upon the completion of splicing; and connecting the cable cores, it is possible to reduce the quantity of optical fiber housed in a joint box, and accordingly to downsize the joint box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Yuuichi Ashibe
  • Patent number: 7653276
    Abstract: A composite structure for storing thermal energy. In one embodiment, an apparatus for storing thermal energy includes: a thermal storage material and a three-dimensional structure. The three-dimensional structure includes: a plurality of first truss elements defined by a plurality of first self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a first direction; a plurality of second truss elements defined by a plurality of second self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a second direction; and a plurality of third truss elements defined by a plurality of third self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a third direction. The first, second, and third truss elements interpenetrate each other at a plurality of nodes to form a continuous material. The first, second, and third truss elements define an open space. The thermal storage material occupies at least a portion of the open space, and the three-dimensional structure is self-supporting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Adam F. Gross, Ronald M. Finnila, Alan J. Jacobsen, Robert Cumberland, Sky L. Skeith
  • Publication number: 20100002997
    Abstract: A stretcher fiber includes a core region, inner trench region, ring region, outer trench region, and outer cladding region. The core region has a radius r1, a refractive index n1, and a positive effective refractive index ?n1 with respect to an outer cladding region having an outer radius r0 and a refractive index no, where ?n0 is equal to n1?n0. The inner trench region surrounds the core region and has an outer radius r2, a refractive index n2 less than n0, and a negative effective refractive index ?n2 equal to n2?n0. The ring region surrounds the trench region and has an outer radius r3, a refractive index n3 greater than n0, and a positive effective refractive index ?n3 equal to n3?n0. The outer trench region surrounds the ring region and has an outer radius r4, a refractive index n4 less than n0, and a negative effective refractive index ?n4 equal to n4?n0. The outer cladding region surrounds the outer trench region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Lars Gruner-Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20090324177
    Abstract: A new fiber optic cable splice for splicing optical fiber cables together and reconstructing fiber-optic cable that provide substantially enhanced reliability and broadened operating temperature range is disclosed. The disclosed cable splice offer reliable and user friendly solutions to applications in many harsh environments such as avionics, field vehicles, and defense related instrumentation. The cable splice consists of a preassembled one piece splice core and outer mechanical and thermal shielding layers. A simple splicing procedure and key fixtures are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Charles Qian, Katherine X. Liu
  • Patent number: 7637673
    Abstract: A straight type optical connector enables a splicing operation of an optical fiber cable accurately and stably without requiring skilled labor and having a superior on-site installation property. An optical connector is provided with a splicing section for securely supporting an incorporated optical fiber securely supported at a ferrule and an optical fiber of an outside optical fiber cable in an end-abutting condition. The body of the optical connector is provided with a cable holding member able to hold an optical fiber cable. The cable holding member can be set at a temporary position where it makes an optical fiber of the optical fiber cable abut against the incorporated optical fiber at the splicing section in the state holding the optical fiber cable and bends a covered optical fiber of the optical fiber cable between the splicing section and the cable holding member by a pressing force in the lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Tomayasu Oike, Takaya Yamauchi, Akihiko Yazaki, Tsunetaka Ema, Kenichi Nakazawa, Yasuhiko Hoshino
  • Patent number: 7634168
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming an optical fiber device comprising at least one optical fiber includes a mold having a forming surface, a heating source for heating the mold or the optical fiber, and an insert defining at least one optical fiber locator passage for guiding at least one optical fiber toward the forming surface. A method for forming an optical fiber device from at least one optical fiber includes the steps of heating the optical fiber or a forming surface of a mold to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the optical fiber; advancing the optical fiber into contact with the forming surface of the mold such that a portion of the optical fiber is formed into a shape inversely corresponding to a shape of the forming surface; and withdrawing the optical fiber from the forming surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Rogerio Ramos
  • Patent number: 7628548
    Abstract: A polymer based index-matching gel for use with nanostructure optical fibers is disclosed. The index-matching gel has a viscosity ? at 25° C. of 3 Pa-s???100 Pa-s, which prevents the index-matching gel from wicking into the voids and down the nanostructure optical fiber to a depth where the fiber performance and/or device performance is compromised. The gel is suitable for use when mechanically splicing optical fibers when at least one of the optical fibers is a nanostructure optical fiber. The gel is also suitable for use in fiber optic connectors wherein at least one of the optical fibers constituting the connection is a nanostructure optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Seldon David Benjamin, Dana Craig Bookbinder, Timothy Edward Myers, Michael Heath Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7618201
    Abstract: An optical-waveguide device mounted on a fixing member having a pair of opposing upright walls and a sub-mount unit including a metallic sub-mount of a rectangular solid shape inserted between the opposing upright walls and a nonmetallic sub-mount of a rectangular solid shape mounted on the metallic sub-mount, and fixed onto a base table. The fixing member and the sub-mount unit as well as the fixing member and the base table are spot-welded together using YAG welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sayoko Ibe, Noriyuki Yokouchi, Kengo Muranushi, Tatsuya Kimoto, Tatsuro Kurobe
  • Patent number: 7607840
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fibre optics and more particularly to flexible, durable, fibre optic splices, and methods of installing such splices. One embodiment of the invention comprises a fibre optic splice comprising: a flexible central tensile member; a flexible helical wrapping positioned about the flexible central tensile member; and an outer protective jacket positioned about the flexible helical wrapping. The flexible central tensile member and the flexible helical wrapping define a splice enclosure to accommodate optical fibres of the splice, at least a portion of the optical fibres being arranged in a generally helical orientation within the splice enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Eric Martin
  • Patent number: 7600927
    Abstract: An optical splicer 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention has a plurality of optical fibers 6, and an optical splice member 8 having a plurality of fiber holes 14 in each of which a portion including one end 6a of each fiber 6 is inserted, and a mode field diameter W1 in one end 6a of optical fiber 6 is enlarged relative to a mode field diameter W2 in the other portion of optical fiber 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhito Saito, Mitsuaki Tamura, Maki Ikeji, Hiroshi Kohda, Eiichiro Yamada