Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090148171 | DQPSK/DPSK OPTICAL RECEIVER WITH TUNABLE OPTICAL FIBERS - An optical receiver includes a first interferometer having a plurality of arms. The optical receiver further includes first tunable optical filters connected in series with the arms of the first interferometer, where each first tunable optical filter is tuned to filter a region of overlap in the optical frequency spectrum between adjacent optical channels. | 06-11-2009 |
20100142941 | System and method for obtaining optical signal information - A system is provided for identifying signal propagation information. The system includes at least one component configured to receive an optical input signal and to emit an optical output signal. The emitted optical output signal is representative of the optical input signal, and is associated with characteristic information indicative of the component. A processor is also included, the processor being configured to sense the optical output signal and correlate the characteristic information with said component. | 06-10-2010 |
20100272431 | IN-SERVICE OPTICAL NETWORK TESTING - A system may include a first measurement device configured to be coupled to a first node in an optical path being measured. The first measurement device may be configured to generate a signal at an initiating device; identify an unused channel in an optical path, wherein the optical path includes at least two spans; and transmit the signal on the unused channel. A second test device may be configured to be coupled to a last node in the optical path being measured. The second measurement device may be configured to: receive the signal at a destination device; compensate the signal for chromatic dispersion (CD) and/or polarization mode dispersion (PMD) effects; and determine CD and/or PMD measurements associated with the optical path being measured based on the compensation. | 10-28-2010 |
20100329693 | MULTI DIMENSION HIGH SECURITY COMMUNICATION OVER MULTI MODE FIBER WAVEGUIDE - A system may comprise a single wavelength laser; a modulator optically coupled to said laser; a length of multi-mode fiber optically coupled to said modulator; and a phase mask optically coupled to said fiber. The phase mask may be configured to filter out modes other than a selected mode. | 12-30-2010 |
20110075129 | MULTI-PATH INTERFERENCE PERFORMANCE TESTING - A system comprises a laser configured to produce a laser beam and to be optically coupled to a first end of an optical fiber of a device under test, a phase mask configured to selectively pass one of a plurality of modes and to be optically coupled to a second end of the optical fiber of the device under test, and a detector optically coupled to the phase mask and configured to determine an intensity of the beam received over the optical connection from the phase mask. The system may further comprise a data analyzer connected to the detector and in selective communication with the phase mask, wherein the data analyzer is configured to set the phase mask to selectively pass a fundamental mode, set the phase mask to selectively pass a higher order mode, receive intensity data from the detector, and determine a performance in the form of at least one performance factor for said device under test according to said intensity data. | 03-31-2011 |
20110139480 | MEDIA DISTRIBUTION HUB AND PROTECTION CASE - A media distribution hub including a housing including a first housing member and a second housing member configured for releasable sealing engagement with one another. A sleeve is disposed about the housing, and is configured to lock the first housing member and the second housing member together and to provide a seal about the first and second housing members. A media retaining mat is disposed within the housing. A plurality of fasteners are also included, at least one of the fasteners configured for engagement with the first housing member, and at least one of the fasteners configured for engagement with the second housing member. | 06-16-2011 |
20110142439 | HIGH SPEED IN-SERVICE OPTICAL NETWORK TESTING - A method may include generating a signal at an initiating device. A channel in an optical path may be identified, with the optical path including at least two spans. Simulated polarization mode dispersion (PMD) is injected into the signal to generate a test signal. The test signal is transmitted on the channel and received at a destination device. PMD effects in the test signal are compensated, and a measurement of PMD for the test signal is determined based on the compensation, the PMD for the test signal including PMD for the channel and the injected PMD. A measurement of the PMD for the channel is determined based on the PMD for the test signal and the injected PMD. | 06-16-2011 |
20110146423 | MEDIA CROSS-SECTIONAL AND AXIAL BEND UNIFORMITY TESTER - A media tester including a test body having an axial bore configured to receive media having a minimum bend radius, an adjustment member connected to the test body, the adjustment member configured for rotation about the axial bore of the test body, and a media engaging member connected to the adjustment member, the media engaging member configured to receive the media. | 06-23-2011 |
20110163115 | EPOXY INJECTION CONTROLLER - An epoxy injection controller including a housing having a housing body and a handle, the housing body having a front wall, opposing side walls, a bottom wall, and a rear wall, and the handle having a front wall. A cartridge holder configured to receive a cartridge of material is disposed within the housing. A trigger having a first end and a second end is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A rotatable link member having a first end and a second end is disposed within the housing, and is in engagement with the trigger. An actuator for dispensing material from the cartridge is selectively engaged with the link member. The actuator dispenses material from the cartridge when the trigger is unlocked, and the actuator is retracted from the cartridge and prevented from dispensing material from the cartridge when the trigger is locked. | 07-07-2011 |
20110235023 | RETURN LOSS MEASUREMENT SYSTEM - A method may include injecting a test signal having a first optical launch power into a device under test via an optical splitter. The optical splitter includes at least two upstream ports and a downstream port and the test signal is injected in a first upstream port of the optical splitter. The device under test is coupled to the downstream port. Return loss associated with the device under test is measured at a second upstream input of the optical splitter. The RL measurement in stored a database. The injecting, measuring, and storing are repeated for a number of different optical launch powers. | 09-29-2011 |
20110243513 | COMMUNICATION MEDIA CONNECTOR - A communication media having a first media portion defining a first end, a second media portion having first and second ends, the first end of the second communication media fused to the first end of the first media portion at a media joint, the second media portion configured to transmit data received from the first media portion; and a support sleeve disposed about the media joint. The support sleeve defines an end face, the second end of the second communication media terminating at an end surface parallel with the end face, the end face configured to be selectively connected to a media component. | 10-06-2011 |
20110286740 | DQPSK/DPSK OPTICAL RECEIVER WITH TUNABLE OPTICAL FILTERS - An optical receiver includes a first interferometer having a plurality of arms. The optical receiver further includes first tunable optical filters connected in series with the arms of the first interferometer, where each first tunable optical filter is tuned to filter a region of overlap in the optical frequency spectrum between adjacent optical channels. | 11-24-2011 |
20110313683 | COATED OPTICAL-FIBER BEND-FATIGUE AND RELIABILITY TESTER - Apparatus and methodology for testing coated optical-fiber bend fatigue and operational reliability by subjecting a coated optical-fiber carrying an optical signal to bending motion. The motion can be either: (1) in the same angular direction for multiple revolutions or (2) alternating clockwise and counterclockwise directions for repetitive single revolutions. The motions are achieved by using either a single conical-cylindrical form or two conically-shaped forms separated from each other by a constant gap width with the coated optical-fiber under test strung in the gap between the forms. With the two cones, the fiber is wrapped over each form in an alternating manner by a rotating arm that makes only single revolutions in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. With either embodiment, varied circumferences are controllably presented to the optical fiber resulting in varying bend radii. Fiber tension, signal strength and optical wavelength are parameters that can also be varied under computer control, the computer providing spreadsheet data for clear analysis. | 12-22-2011 |
20110317151 | MEDIA STRESS ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method and system for determining stress associated with a communication device, e.g., an optical fiber, and associated structures are disclosed. An exemplary method includes transmitting an initiated signal through a communication device, and comparing a reflected signal reflected by the communication device with the initiated signal. The method may further include determining a stress associated with the device from at least the comparison of the initiated signal and the reflected signal. | 12-29-2011 |
20120102059 | OPTICAL FIBER OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM - A computing-device implemented method may include performing one or more measurements for a number of optical fiber components. The one or more measurements may be stored. A performance matrix may be generated by at least one processor, based on the one or more measurements, wherein the performance matrix includes measured and estimated performance metrics for combinations of the number of optical fiber components. Suitability of a planned fiber optic installation that includes a number of components may be determined based on the performance matrix. One or more recommended fiber optic components may be determined based on the performance matrix. | 04-26-2012 |
20120155812 | ALIGNMENT-IMPROVED OPTICAL-FIBER MECHANICAL SPLICER - Apparatus and methodology for mechanically splicing two optical fibers of equal or different diameters. Instead of flat V-groove structure for holding the optical fibers to be spliced, embodiments of the present invention use a concave-walled channel to better align two optical fibers if they have different diameters. The cover holding the fibers in place in the concave channel is similarly curved. The improved alignment results in more area overlap between end surfaces of the two optical fibers to be spliced. This reduces insertion loss by 0.1 dB or better, at the splice junction and, therefore, improves light signal transmission. The radius of curvature of the concave structure can be approximately two to three times the radius of the optical fibers being spliced. | 06-21-2012 |
20120170945 | DYNAMIC COMMUNICATION SPLITTER - Methods and systems for splitting an initiated signal are disclosed. An exemplary system may include a transmitter configured to selectively transmit an initiated signal, and a signal splitter in communication with the transmitter. The signal splitter may be configured to selectively split the initiated signal into a plurality of recipient signals for a plurality of recipient lines in communication with the transmitter. The signal splitter may be configured to selectively modify a number of recipient signals, e.g., by adjusting a spot size of the initiated signal on the signal splitter. | 07-05-2012 |
20120237172 | OPTICAL-FIBER MECHANICAL SPLICER USING HEAT-SHRINK FERRULE - Apparatus and methodology for providing a mechanical-only splice between two optical glass fibers. No fusion splicing is involved. A heat-shrinkable plastic ferrule containing an aperture extending from one end of the ferrule to the other accepts a different cleaved and cleaned optical fiber into each of its two ends, the fibers meeting at or near the middle of the ferrule in a parallel or coplanar manner forming a splice junction. Index matching gel is applied to at least one of the fiber ends before entering the aperture. Heat is applied to the ferrule to shrink it upon the portion of the two fibers within the ferrule (sealed fibers) and hold the splice junction in place. Epoxy can be applied to both ends of the ferrule to further seal the fiber splice junction, and to further enhance its integrity. If both fibers are sliced on an angle other than 90 degrees, when they touch inside the ferrule they are automatically coplanar without requiring intervening orientation. | 09-20-2012 |
20120288285 | VARIABLE DISPERSION COMPENSATOR - Exemplary methods and systems for applying a correction to an initiated signal are disclosed. In some examples the correction may be a compensation for dispersion present, e.g., in an optical signal. An exemplary method may include receiving an initiated signal, and forming a curved surface with a first array of discrete elements. The exemplary method may further include impinging the initiated signal upon the curved surface, thereby applying a correction to the initiated signal determined at least in part by the curved surface. | 11-15-2012 |
20120328294 | HIGH SPEED PASSIVE OPTICAL NETWORK ARCHITECTURE - A system may include one or more single-mode optical fibers that connect an optical line terminal at a central office to an input cable of an optical splitter in a fiber distribution hub, and one or more dispersion compensating optical fibers that connect an output cable of the optical splitter to an optical network terminal at customer premises. The one or more single-mode optical fibers, the optical splitter, and the one or more dispersion compensating optical fibers may form a communication path, for an optical signal, from the optical line terminal at the central office to the optical network terminal at the customer premises, When the optical signal travels from the optical line terminal at the central office to the optical splitter over the one or more single-mode optical fibers, the optical signal may gain positive dispersion. When the optical signal travels from the optical splitter to the optical network terminal at the customer premises, the optical signal may gain negative dispersion that partially or fully cancels the positive dispersion that the optical signal has gained over the one or more single-mode optical fibers. | 12-27-2012 |
20130004121 | COMMUNICATION MEDIA MULTI-SWITCH SYSTEM - Exemplary systems and methods for testing communication media and devices are disclosed herein. An exemplary system may include a transmitting media support and a receiving media support, each including a plurality of communication media. The system may further include a movement support configured to selectively translate the receiving media support relative to the transmitting media support between a transmission position and a free position. In the transmission position, a receiving media may be engaged with the transmitting media to receive an initiated signal from the transmitting media. In the free position, a first end face of the receiving media may be spaced apart from a second end face of the transmitting media, thereby preventing contact between the first and second end faces. The movement support may be further configured to align the at least one of the receiving media with the transmitting media. | 01-03-2013 |
20130044986 | SINGLE-MODE TO MULTI-MODE OPTICAL FIBER CORE MATCHING AND CONNECTORIZATION USING A TAPERED FIBER - An apparatus comprises a first fiber segment having a core that transitions from a first core diameter at a first end to a second core diameter at a second end. The first core diameter is smaller than the second core diameter, and the second end is attached to a connector. The apparatus may further include a second fiber segment having a core with the first diameter, wherein the first end of the first fiber segment is spliced onto the second fiber segment. In one embodiment, the small diameter ends of two tapered fiber segments are core-aligned and fusion spliced to the ends of a length of a single-mode fiber and the large diameter ends of the two tapered fiber segments are attached to a connector. | 02-21-2013 |
20130094015 | TESTING HARDENED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR HOUSING - A system includes a first assembly including a fiber optic connector. The system also includes a second assembly to which one end of a rigid arm is rotatingly affixed. Another end of the arm is affixed rigidly to a mass. The system further includes a mechanical device for applying a force to the mass. After the mechanical device applies the force to the mass, the mass swings from and about the second assembly and strikes the fiber optic connector. | 04-18-2013 |
20130138362 | PROCESSING IMAGES OF FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR ENDS - A system includes a scope for obtaining images of an end face of an optical fiber in a fiber optic connector. The system also includes a computing device. The computing device is configured to obtain images of the end face of the optical fiber via the scope, identify surface defects on the end face of the optical fiber based on the images, and determine insertion loss of the fiber optic connector due to the surface defects. | 05-30-2013 |
20130145869 | Automated Animal Bite Simulator For Testing Cables - Methods, devices, and storage media provide for receiving a selection of parameters pertaining to an animal; receiving a selection of parameters pertaining to an animal interaction with a cable; simulating the animal interaction based on the selection of parameters pertaining to the animal and the animal interaction; collecting test data during the simulating; and storing the test data. | 06-13-2013 |
20130229648 | TESTING OF PASSIVE OPTICAL COMPONENTS - Methods and devices provide for transmitting a series of optical signals within a range of an O-band through a U-band into a device under test comprising one or more passive optical components; measuring powers of the optical signals that propagated through the device under test; calculating wavelength-dependent insertion loss values based on the measured power of the optical signals; measuring powers of reflected portions of the optical signals that propagated through the device under test; and calculating wavelength-dependent return loss values based on the measured powers of the reflected portion of the optical signal. | 09-05-2013 |
20130236139 | HARDENED MULTIPORT OPTICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY - A multiport optical connector assembly (MOCA) includes an insertion optical fiber assembly having an insertion assembly housing and a connector disk that includes a first connector element having a first ferrule and a first optical fiber. The MOCA further includes a coupling optical fiber assembly having a second connector element including a second ferrule and a second optical fiber. The MOCA further includes an adapter assembly that includes an adapter assembly housing a docking unit for docking the first connector element and the second connector element when the MOCA is assembled. When the first connector element and the second connector element are docked, a tip of the first optical fiber and a tip of the second optical fiber abut one another and the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber form an optical path. | 09-12-2013 |
20130269455 | MEDIA CROSS-SECTIONAL AND AXIAL BEND UNIFORMITY TESTER - A media tester including a test body having an axial bore configured to receive media having a minimum bend radius, an adjustment member connected to the test body, the adjustment member configured for rotation about the axial bore of the test body, and a media engaging member connected to the adjustment member, the media engaging member configured to receive the media. | 10-17-2013 |
20130327152 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING CABLE BENDING FORCE AND CABLE KINK FORCE - A test apparatus includes a first surface configured to apply a linear force in two directions and a first attachment assembly configured to secure a first end of a cable to the first surface. The first attachment assembly is further configured to permit two degrees of rotational freedom. The test apparatus also includes a second surface, opposite the first surface, and a second attachment assembly configured to secure a second end of the cable to the second surface. The apparatus facilitates testing of a bending force and a kink force associated with the cable. | 12-12-2013 |
20140093215 | WATER INCURSION RESISTANT CABLE USING SPACED PLUGS - A fiber optic cable comprises a jacket defining an outer peripheral surface and a radial thickness terminating at an inner periphery defining a surface, a multiplicity of optical fibers which are enclosed by and extend longitudinally through the jacket within the volume defined by the inner periphery of the jacket, and a plurality of plugs longitudinally spaced within the jacket, where each of the plugs envelops the optical fibers along a fixed longitudinal extent while being closely adjacent he surface defined by the inner periphery of the jacket. The system may further comprise the plugs being of a silicone-based material, and absorbent material disposed within the jacket between the plugs. | 04-03-2014 |
20140105540 | OPTICAL MULTI-PORT CONNECTORS - A connector comprising a base formed using a base material with an obverse face, a reverse face, and at least one wall member that defines the perimeter of the base; a multiplicity of inserts each having a first end and a second end, which extend through the base; wherein the inserts are of a different material than the base material, and the inserts are generally parallel to one another, wherein a single hole extends longitudinally through each of at least a subset of the inserts, and wherein each hole is configured to receive a single optical fiber; and a method of making the connector. | 04-17-2014 |
20140233019 | OPTICAL FIBER MECHANICAL BEND STRESS TEST SYSTEM WITH OPTICAL TIME-DOMAIN REFLECTOMETER - Methods and devices provide for storing historical data that includes interference values mapped to at least one of bend radii values, lifetime values, or failure rate values of optical fibers; transmitting an optical signal, via a test system, toward the optical fiber under test; setting a polarization state of the optical signal before the optical signal propagates through the optical fiber under test; setting a polarization state of a reflected optical signal that has propagated through the optical fiber under test in a manner that causes a minimum interference or a maximum interference; measuring instances of power of the reflected optical signal; and outputting a result that includes at least one of a bend radius value, a lifetime value, or a failure rate that applies to the optical fiber under test based on the measured instances of power and the historical data. | 08-21-2014 |