| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20100054681 | High-density patch-panel assemblies for optical fiber telecommunications - Patch panel assemblies ( | 03-04-2010 |
| 20110085776 | High-Density Patch-Panel Assemblies for Optical Fiber Telecommunications - Patch panel assemblies ( | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110198324 | METHODS FOR LASER PROCESSING ARRAYED OPTICAL FIBERS ALONG WITH SPLICING CONNECTORS - A method for laser processing arrays of optical fibers and high-fiber count splicing connectors and adapters are disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a structure having optical fibers arranged in a plurality of rows and placing a protection element adjacent to a first row of optical fibers and a second row of optical fibers. Thereafter, the first row of optical fibers can be processed using the laser. The protection element may also be used to move optical fibers. In one embodiment, the protection element has a first portion and a second portion that have relative movement therebetween. In other variations, an absorption element may be provided adjacent the first row of optical fibers for inhibiting incidental damage to the structure. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110229083 | FIBER OPTIC INTERFACE WITH TRANSLATABLE FERRULE DEVICE - Optical fiber ferrules ( | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110229088 | FIBER OPTIC INTERFACE DEVICE WITH POSITIONABLE CLEANING COVER - A fiber optic interface device ( | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110229089 | SMALL-FORM-FACTOR FIBER OPTIC INTERFACE ASSEMBLIES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Small-form-factor fiber optic interface assemblies ( | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110229090 | FIBER OPTIC INTERFACE DEVICES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Fiber optic interface devices ( | 09-22-2011 |
| 20120155803 | FERRULE ASSEMBLIES, CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES, AND OPTICAL COUPLINGS HAVING CODED MAGNETIC ARRAYS - Ferrule assemblies having at least one coded magnetic array are disclosed. In one embodiment, a ferrule assembly includes a ferrule body having a coupling surface and a coded magnetic array having a plurality of magnetic regions. The coded magnetic array may be located within the coupling surface. The ferrule assembly further includes a lens component located within the ferrule body. The lens component may have a facet at the coupling surface of the ferrule body at a predetermined angle. In another embodiment, a translating ferrule assembly includes an optical interface and a coded magnetic array, and is configured to translate within a connector housing of an optical connector when coupled to an electronics device. Optical couplings having a coded magnetic array and sockets for receiving a connector are also disclosed. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120163754 | OPTICAL COUPLINGS HAVING CODED MAGNETIC ARRAYS AND DEVICES INCORPORATING THE SAME - Optical couplings for making and optical connection between one or more devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical coupling includes a coupling face, an optical interface within the coupling face, an optical component positioned within the optical interface, and at least one coded magnetic array. The at least one coded magnetic array may include a plurality of magnetic regions configured aid in mating the optical component with a corresponding optical component of a complementary mated optical coupling to a predetermined tolerance for optical communication. Optical cable assemblies and electronics devices having optical couplings with optical interfaces using coded magnetic arrays are also disclosed. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120204379 | NOZZLE-BASED AEROSOL CLEANER FOR OPTICAL CONNECTORS - A system for cleaning internal optical components of a fiber optic connector includes a source of cleaning medium such as compressed air connected to a cleaning tip. The cleaning tip has a body and a tongue that is configured to be inserted into the end of the fiber optic connector. Nozzles are formed on the tongue. The tongue may have features to open shutters and/or other protective features in the connector that normally protect the internal optical components. When the tongue is inserted into the end of the connector, the nozzles are positioned adjacent optical components to be cleaned and compressed air is delivered through the nozzles to clean the components. Backwash can be exhausted around the tongue or through the tongue to eject contaminants from the fiber optic connector. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120216829 | MICRO FILAMENT CLEANING TOOL FOR EMERGING OPTICAL CONNECTORS - A cleaning tool for cleaning internal optical components of a fiber optic connector includes a cleaning strip that is advanced past one or more optical surfaces of the connector to wipe the connector free of contaminants. The cleaning tool includes a drive mechanism that is operated by rotating a drive, thereby advancing the cleaning strip along a cleaning strip path and into contact with the one or more optical surfaces. The cleaning tool comprises a cleaning tip that functions to place the cleaning strip in proper alignment within the connector in order to clean the optical surfaces that are not available for cleaning at the endface of the connector. Alignment features are provided in the cleaning tip to properly position the cleaning strip relative the optical surfaces. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120263423 | SPLICING CONNECTORS ALONG WITH ADAPTERS THEREFOR - Adapters for receiving high-fiber count splicing connector assemblies are disclosed. The adapter includes a splice guide insert having a first plurality of bores that extend from a first end of the splice guide and a second plurality of bores that extend from a second end of the splice guide. The splice guide aligns the optical fibers of respective splicing connector assemblies received on opposite ends of the adapter for making an optical connection. Additionally, methods are disclosed for laser processing multiple rows of fibers. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20130156377 | METHODS OF REDUCING AND/OR AVOIDING FIBER ORDERING IN A CONNECTORIZED MULTI-FIBER, FIBER OPTIC CABLE SYSTEM, AND RELATED FIBER OPTIC CABLES AND ASSEMBLIES - Methods of reducing and/or avoiding fiber ordering during preparations of a multi-fiber, fiber optic cable to provide a connectorized multi-fiber, fiber optic cable system, and related fiber optic cables and assemblies are also disclosed. The embodiments disclosed herein allow for a section of a multi-fiber, fiber optic cable to be prepared to form two or more connectorized fiber optic cables as part of a multi-fiber cable system without requiring specific fiber ordering in the fiber optic connectors. The natural ordering of the optical fibers in the fiber optic cable is fixed in place in at least one section of the fiber optic cable before the optical fibers are cut to form adjacent fiber optic connectors in the cable system. Thus, the fiber ordering between adjacent fiber optic connectors in the cable system will be the same even though the fiber ordering of the optical fibers was random during cable preparations. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130322824 | OPTICAL CONNECTORS AND OPTICAL COUPLING SYSTEMS HAVING A TRANSLATING ELEMENT - Optical connectors, optical coupling systems, and methods of optical coupling are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical connector includes a plug housing, at least one optical fiber, an internal coupling surface, and a translating element. The translating element has a first coupling surface, a second coupling surface, and at least one optical component within the translating element. The translating element is biased such that when the optical connector is in a disengaged state, the translating element is positioned toward an optical connector opening and the second coupling surface of the translating element is displaced from the internal coupling surface. When the optical connector is in an engaged state, the translating element is positioned such that the second coupling surface of the translating element is positioned at the internal coupling surface and the optical fiber is optically coupled to the optical component. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130322835 | ANGULAR ALIGNMENT OF OPTICAL FIBERS FOR FIBER OPTIC RIBBON CABLES, AND RELATED METHODS - Angular alignment of optical fibers for fiber optic ribbon cables and related methods are disclosed. Employing optical fibers disposed in a ribbon matrix can increase bandwidth between two interconnection points. In one embodiment, optical fibers are angularly aligned during the process of forming a fiber optic ribbon cable. To angularly align the optical fibers, each of the optical fibers include an angular alignment feature to facilitate uniform or substantially uniform angular orientation along a cable when the optical fibers are prepared to be disposed in the ribbon matrix to form a fiber optic ribbon cable. By purposefully aligning the optical fibers during formation of the fiber optic ribbon cable, end portions of the optical fibers are aligned in the ribbon matrix. Thus, end portions of the ribbon matrix are not required to be removed to expose and align the end portions of optical fibers when the ribbon cable is connectorized. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20140003767 | OPTICAL FIBER SEGMENT HOLDERS INCLUDING SHIELDED OPTICAL FIBER SEGMENTS, CONNECTORS, AND METHODS | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140029899 | FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS EMPLOYING MOVEABLE OPTICAL INTERFACES WITH FIBER PROTECTION FEATURES AND RELATED COMPONENTS AND METHODS - Embodiments disclosed herein include fiber optic connectors employing a movable optical interface connected by optical fibers to a fiber optic cable, components and methods. In one embodiment, the movable optical interface moves between an extended position for cleaning by the user of the movable optical interface and a retracted position to optically connect the fiber optic connector to an optical device in a mechanically-secure manner. Because the fiber optic cable employs the movable optical interfaces, embodiments described herein involve one or more fiber protection features to prevent optical fiber attenuation and/or damage to the end portions of the optical fibers. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140041790 | BINDING MATERIAL PROCESSING OF GRADIENT INDEX (GRIN) RODS INTO GRIN LENSES ATTACHABLE TO OPTICAL DEVICES, COMPONENTS, AND METHODS - Embodiments for binding material processing of gradient index (GRIN) rods into GRIN lenses attachable to optical devices, components, and methods are disclosed. A cylindrical GRIN rod comprises an optical axis and a longitudinal axis at a center axis, where an index of refraction may be greatest at the optical axis. The GRIN rod includes GRIN lenses along the longitudinal axis. The GRIN lenses include a first optical surface and a second optical surface opposite the first optical surface. Separation processes and devices may separate the GRIN lenses from the GRIN rods and these processes may be automated. Other processes may polish the first and the second optical surfaces. A gripper may insert the GRIN lens into an optical device. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140064667 | CABLE ASSEMBLIES, OPTICAL CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES, AND OPTICAL CONNECTOR SUBASSEMBLIES EMPLOYING A UNITARY ALIGNMENT PIN AND TRANSLATING ELEMENT - Cable assemblies, optical connector assemblies, and optical connector subassemblies employing a translating element and a unitary alignment pin are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical connector assembly includes a connector housing defining a connector enclosure and a connector housing opening, a unitary alignment pin including a first pin portion and a second pin portion, and a translating element including a first bore, a second bore, and an optical interface. The unitary alignment pin is secured within the connector enclosure. The first pin portion is disposed within the first bore and the second pin portion is disposed within the second bore such that the translating element translates along the first pin portion and the second pin portion within the connector enclosure. | 03-06-2014 |
| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20110091165 | Fiber Optic Connectors and Structures for Large Core Optical Fibers and Methods for Making the Same - Fiber optic connectors and other structures that can be easily and quickly prepared by the craft for termination and/or connectorization in the field are disclosed. More specifically, the fiber optic connectors and other structures disclosed are intended for use with glass optical fibers having a large core. In one embodiment, the fiber optic connector includes a ferrule having a bore sized to receive an optical fiber and a buffer layer at a front end face of the ferrule. Methods of making the fiber optic connectors and other structures are also disclosed. The methods disclosed allow “rough cutting” of the optical fibers with a buffer layer thereon by the craft. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110091166 | Fiber Optic Connectors and Structures for Large Core Optical Fibers and Methods for Making the Same - Fiber optic connectors and other structures that can be easily and quickly prepared by the craft for termination and/or connectorization in the field are disclosed. More specifically, the fiber optic connectors and other structures disclosed are intended for use with glass optical fibers having a large core. In one embodiment, the fiber optic connector includes a a body having a portion with a retaining structure for securing an optical fiber and a front portion having a passageway sized to receive an optical fiber and a buffer layer through a front end. Methods of making the fiber optic connectors and other structures are also disclosed. The methods disclosed allow “rough cutting” of the optical fibers with a buffer layer thereon by the craft. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110194821 | Fiber Optic Connectors and Structures for Optical Fibers and Methods for Using the Same - In one embodiment, a device comprises at least one ferrule having a bore, the bore extending from a rear of the ferrule toward a front of the ferrule, wherein the bore is sized to receive an optical fiber with a buffer at a rear end face of the ferrule, wherein the front end of the ferrule includes an optical component. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110229077 | SMALL-FORM-FACTOR FIBER OPTIC INTERFACE DEVICES WITH AN INTERNAL LENS - Small-form-factor fiber optic interface devices with an internal lens are disclosed. The fiber optic interface devices have a ferrule with a bore that supports an optical waveguide. The lens is on or adjacent the ferrule front end and is aligned with the bore. A first planar surface is provided on or adjacent the lens. The first planar surface interfaces with a second planar surface of a second fiber optic interface device to form a fiber optic interface assembly having a liquid-displacing interface when the first and second fiber optic interface devices are engaged. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110229078 | FIBER OPTIC INTERFACE DEVICES FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Small-form fiber optic interface devices ( | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110229087 | Fiber Optic Interface Device With Bent Optical Path - A fiber optic interface device with a bent optical path has a ferrule with a body having front and rear ends and an internal cavity adjacent the front end and defined by a rear wall and a bottom wall. The bottom wall defines at least one lens. The device includes at least one optical waveguide that defines the bent optical path. The ferrule supports at least one optical waveguide so that the bent optical path resides within the cavity, with the fiber end being operably aligned with the at least one lens. A fiber optic interface assembly is formed by mating the device with a second fiber optic interface device. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110229094 | Optical Receptacles and Systems and Devices Including Optical Receptacles - According to one embodiment, an optical receptacle for receiving a corresponding optical connector may include a receptacle housing, a receptacle optical path and a positionable shutter assembly. The receptacle housing includes a connector port disposed at an end of the receptacle housing and a receptacle pathway. The connector port may receive the corresponding optical connector. The receptacle optical path may terminate within the receptacle housing and includes an optical waveguide. The positionable shutter assembly includes a cleaning member positioned on a support surface of the positionable shutter assembly. The positionable shutter assembly may be biased to the closed position such that the cleaning member contacts or is proximate to the optical waveguide and the positionable shutter assembly is disposed in the receptacle pathway. The positionable shutter assembly may be biased to the open position such that the cleaning member is not positioned over the receptacle optical path. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20120033917 | SMALL-FORM-FACTOR FIBER OPTIC INTERFACE DEVICES WITH AN INTERNAL LENS - Small-form-factor fiber optic interface devices with an internal lens are disclosed. The fiber optic interface devices have a ferrule with a bore that supports an optical waveguide. The lens is on or adjacent the ferrule front end and is aligned with the bore. A first planar surface is provided on or adjacent the lens. The first planar surface interfaces with a second planar surface of a second fiber optic interface device to form a fiber optic interface assembly having a liquid-displacing interface when the first and second fiber optic interface devices are engaged. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120114289 | RECEPTACLE FERRULES WITH MONOLITHIC LENS SYSTEM AND FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS USING SAME - Receptacle ferrules with at least one monolithic lens system and fiber optic connectors using same are disclosed. Ferrule assemblies formed by mating plug and receptacle ferrules are also disclosed, as are connector assemblies formed by mating plug and receptacle connectors. The fiber optic connectors and connector assemblies are suitable for use with commercial electronic devices and provide either an optical connection, or both electrical and optical connections. The monolithic optical system defines a receptacle optical pathway having a focus at the receptacle ferrule front end. When a plug ferrule having a plug optical pathway is mated with the receptacle ferrule, the plug and receptacle optical pathways are optically coupled at a solid-solid optical pathway interface where light passing therethrough is either divergent or convergent, and where unwanted liquid is substantially expelled. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120301073 | INTEGRATED SILICON PHOTONIC ACTIVE OPTICAL CABLE COMPONENTS, SUB-ASSEMBLIES AND ASSEMBLIES - Integrated silicon photonic active optical cable assemblies (ACOAs), as well as sub-assemblies and components for AOCAs, are disclosed. One component is a multifiber ferrule configured to support multiple optical fibers in a planar array. The multifiber ferrule is combined with a flat top to form a ferrule sub-assembly. Embodiments of a unitary fiber guide member that combines the features of the multifiber ferrule and the flat top is also disclosed. The ferrule sub-assembly or the fiber guide member is combined with a photonic light circuit (PLC) silicon substrate with transmitter and receiver units to form a PLC assembly. The PLC assembly is combined with a printed circuit board and an electrical connector to form an ACOA. An extendable cable assembly that utilizes at least one ACOA is also described. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20130136398 | FERRULES WITH COMPLIMENTARY MATING GEOMETRY AND RELATED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS - Optical fiber ferrules with complementary mating geometry that are suitable for making optical connections are disclosed along with fiber optic connectors and cable assemblies using the same. In one embodiment, the fiber optic ferrule includes a body having a plurality of optical pathways and a mating geometry that has at least one guide pin that is monolithically formed in the body of the fiber optic ferrule and at least one spring retention feature disposed on a rear portion of the ferrule. The ferrule reduces the number of parts required for a fiber optic connector and allows quick and easy assembly. The disclosure is also directed to fiber optic connectors and cable assemblies using the ferrule. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130142489 | FERRULES WITH COMPLIMENTARY MATING GEOMETRY AND RELATED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS - Optical fiber ferrules with complementary mating geometry that are suitable for making optical connections are disclosed along with fiber optic connectors and cable assemblies using the same. In one embodiment, the fiber optic ferrule includes a body having a plurality of optical pathways and a mating geometry that includes at least one slot monolithically formed in the body of the fiber optic ferrule. The slot of the ferrule permits a relatively high number of mating/unmating cycles without generating excessive wear and debris, thereby making it suitable for consumer electronic devices or the like. The disclosure is also directed to fiber optic connectors and cable assemblies using the ferrule. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130251309 | FERRULES HAVING OPTICAL PATHWAYS AND FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS USING SAME - Plug and receptacle ferrules, and fiber optic plug and receptacle connectors that use the plug and receptacle ferrules are disclosed. Connector assemblies formed by mating the plug and receptacle connectors are also disclosed. The fiber optic connectors and connector assemblies are suitable for use with commercial electronic devices and provide either an optical connection, or both electrical and optical connections. The plug ferrule includes an open section over which light converges are diverges. The receptacle ferrule includes a receptacle optical pathway having a substantially right angle bend formed by a mirror. The plug ferrule has a plug optical pathway that interfaces with the receptacle optical pathway at a solid-solid interface that serves to substantially expel any liquid from the interface. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130251315 | SIMPLIFIED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS HAVING LENSES AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - Disclosed are optical connectors having lenses along with methods for making the same. In one embodiment, the optical connector includes a fiber body having a front portion with a plurality of fiber guides, and a connector body having a plurality of connector body fiber guides that lead to a plurality of lenses at a front portion of the connector body. The fiber body attaches to the connector body and may align a plurality of optical fibers to the lenses at the front portion of the connector body. One embodiment has the fiber body configured as a crimp body with a barrel at a rear portion for attaching a fiber optic cable. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130259428 | FIELD-INSTALLABLE FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS AND RELATED CABLE ASSEMBLIES - Field-installable mechanical splice connectors for making optical and/or electrical connections in the field are disclosed. One embodiment is a hybrid mechanical splice connector having an electrical portion and an optical portion that includes at least one electrical contact, a shell, and at least one body for receiving at least one field optical fiber and securing the electrical contact. The connector includes a mechanical retention component for securing at least one optical field fiber to the at least one body. Another embodiment is directed to a mechanical splice connector having at least one body for receiving at least one field optical fiber, a mechanical retention component for securing at least one optical field fiber to the at least one body, and at least one lens attached to the at least one body. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130287342 | LEAD-IN FORMATIONS IN OPTICAL FIBER SEGMENTS AND METHODS OF FORMING LEAD-IN FORMATIONS - An optical fiber segment includes a glass body with a first end face at a first end of the glass body and a second end face at a second end of the glass body. At least one of the first and second end faces includes a lead-in formation having a sidewall extending inwardly from an entrance at the at least one first and second end faces to an end, the entrance sized to at least partially receive a tip of an optical fiber. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130308908 | DENSE FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES AND RELATED CONNECTORS AND CABLES SUITABLE FOR ESTABLISHING OPTICAL CONNECTIONS FOR OPTICAL BACKPLANES IN EQUIPMENT RACKS - Dense fiber optic connector assemblies and related connectors and cables suitable for establishing optical connections for optical backplanes in equipment racks are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic connector is provided. The fiber optic connector is configured to be directly optically connected in an optical backplane. The fiber optic connector is comprised of at least one fiber optic connector body, at least one fiber optic ferrule in the at least one fiber optic connector body. The fiber optic ferrule is configured to support a fiber count and to optically align fiber openings with lenses disposed on the fiber optic connector body. The dense fiber optic connectors may be optical backplane fiber optic connectors or blade fiber optic connectors. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20140003771 | INDEXABLE OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTORS AND OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR ARRAYS | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140029907 | OPTICAL BACKPLANE EXTENSION MODULES, AND RELATED ASSEMBLIES SUITABLE FOR ESTABLISHING OPTICAL CONNECTIONS TO INFORMATION PROCESSING MODULES DISPOSED IN EQUIPMENT RACKS - Optical backplane extension modules and related assemblies suitable for establishing optical connections to information processing modules disposed in equipment racks are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical backplane extension module is provided. The optical backplane extension module comprises an extension module housing comprising an interior space defined by a base, a left side disposed on a left end of the base, a right side disposed on a right end of the base opposite the left end, and a rear side disposed on a rear end of the base. A plurality of backplane fiber optic connectors are disposed through the rear side of the extension module housing and accessible through an exterior side of the rear side. The plurality of backplane fiber optic connectors configured to be directly optically connected to a plurality of blade fiber optic connectors disposed in a plurality of information processing modules disposed in a rack module housing. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140037251 | DENSE SHUTTERED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS AND ASSEMBLIES SUITABLE FOR ESTABLISHING OPTICAL CONNECTIONS FOR OPTICAL BACKPLANES IN EQUIPMENT RACKS - Dense shuttered fiber optic connectors and assemblies suitable for establishing optical connections for optical backplanes in equipment racks are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic connector assembly is provided. The fiber optic connector assembly comprises a fiber optic connector. The fiber optic connector assembly also comprises a slideable shutter disposed in the fiber optic connector. The slideable shutter has an opening(s) configured to be aligned with a plurality of lenses disposed in the fiber optic connector in an open position, and configured to block access to the plurality of lenses disposed in the fiber optic connector in a closed position. The fiber optic connector assembly also comprises an actuation member coupled to the slideable shutter configured to move the slideable shutter from the closed position to the open position. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140072261 | DOCKING STATIONS, ELECTRONIC DEVICES, AND FIBER OPTIC CABLE ASSEMBLIES HAVING A MAGNETIC OPTICAL CONNECTION - Docking stations, electronic devices, fiber optic cable assemblies, and display devices incorporating optical connections including a magnetic coupling portion are disclosed. One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a docking station for an electronic device having a major surface. The docking station includes a mating surface operable to contact a major surface of an electronic device, and an optical connection disposed in the mating surface. The optical connection includes an optical interface portion and a magnetic coupling portion positioned adjacent to the optical interface portion. Another embodiment of the disclosure relates to an electronic device including a major surface having a cavity, and an optical connection disposed in the cavity. The optical connection includes an optical interface portion and a magnetic coupling portion positioned adjacent to the optical interface portion. The optical interface portion is offset from the major surface. Display devices are also disclosed. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140099061 | RECONFIGURABLE FIBER OPTIC CABLE ASSEMBLIES AND OPTICAL CONNECTORS - Reconfigurable fiber optic cable assemblies and optical connectors are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a fiber optic cable assembly includes an optical cable having a connector end and a plurality of optical fibers, a connector housing wherein the plurality of optical fibers are disposed within the connector housing, and an optical interface to which the plurality of optical fibers is optically coupled. The optical interface is rotatable with respect to the connector end of the optical cable | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140112623 | OPTICAL CONNECTION HAVING MAGNETIC COUPLING WITH A PISTON - Disclosed are optical connections having a coupling portion that includes a piston and a magnet along with complimentary optical connections. In one embodiment, the optical connection includes an optical interface portion having at least one optical channel and a coupling portion. The coupling portion includes a piston that is movable between a first position and a second position, a resilient member for biasing the piston to the first position and a magnet for retaining the piston at the second position. In one embodiment, the piston may be disposed in a body of the optical connection. The piston may be formed from a ferrous material and since it is not magnetic it does not attract metal trash; however, it still allows coupling (e.g., mating) of optical connections using magnetic retention. Additionally, the piston may optionally include a cover portion if desired. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140112627 | LENS BLOCK FOR OPTICAL CONNECTION - Disclosed are lens blocks and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, the lens block includes at least one optical channel having an optical interface portion on a first side, and one or more magnetic materials attached to the lens block. In one embodiment, the lens block may include one or more opening for receiving the one or more magnetic materials. The one or more openings may be located on any suitable side of the lens block as desired. The magnetic materials provide attachment with a complimentary device having an optical interface. Consequently, the lens block allows for quick and easy assembly along with a robust structure for a large number of mating/unmating cycles. In other embodiments, the lens blocks disclosed may further include one or more electrical contacts for making a hybrid connection. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140153875 | OPTICAL DATA CENTER CONNECTOR SYSTEMS, FIBER OPTIC PLUG ASSEMBLIES, AND FIBER OPTIC RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLIES - Optical data center connector systems including a fiber optic plug assembly and a fiber optic receptacle assembly. In one embodiment, a fiber optic plug assembly includes a plug body having an insertion surface and a plug body opening at the insertion surface, wherein the plug body defines a ferrule enclosure coupled in free space to the plug body opening, and a ferrule element disposed within the ferrule enclosure of the plug body. The ferrule element includes a mechanical coupling face, an optical interface surface, and a plurality of lens elements at the optical interface surface. The ferrule element is disposed within the ferrule enclosure such that the optical interface surface is recessed with respect to the insertion surface of the plug body. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140153877 | FIBER OPTIC PLUG ASSEMBLY AND OPTICAL CONNECTOR SYSTEM - A fiber optic plug assembly for a fiber optic cable includes a plug body and cable attachment element. The plug body has a main portion with a front end and back end and at least one latching arm extending from the main portion. The cable attachment element has a front portion received in the back end of the main portion of the plug body, a rear portion located outside of the plug body, and a passage configured to allow at least one optical fiber to extend through the cable attachment element and into the main portion of the plug body. The rear portion of the cable attachment element receives at least a portion of the at least one latching arm. An optical connector system with a fiber optic plug assembly is also provided. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140169741 | OPTICAL PORT HAVING A COVER WITH A MOLDED-IN LENS - Disclosed are optical ports and devices having a cover with at least one molded-in lens and a mounting body having a recess for mounting the cover to the mounting body along with a mounting surface for securing an optical port. The molded-in optical lenses of the cover may be aligned with one or more active components for receiving or transmitting the optical signal. The active components may be mounted on a circuit board that may include an electrical tether. In one embodiment, the optical port includes a pocket having an alignment feature such as a piston that is translatable during mating. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140169742 | OPTICAL PORT HAVING ONE OR MORE ALIGNMENT FEATURES - Disclosed are optical ports and devices using the optical ports. The optical port includes a mounting body having a first pocket and at least one mounting surface for securing the optical port, one or more optical elements, and a first alignment feature disposed in the pocket, wherein the alignment feature includes a piston that is translatable during mating. The one or more optical elements may be an integral portion of the mounting body or a discrete lens. In other embodiments, the mounting body may include a plurality of pockets and one of the pockets may include a magnet for securing a plug to the optical port. The optical port may optionally have a minimalist optical port footprint so that the complimentary mating optical plug engages a portion of the frame during mating. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140169745 | OPTICAL PORT HAVING MINIMALIST FOOTPRINT - Disclosed are optical ports and devices having a minimalist footprint. Specifically, the optical ports and devices have a footprint where the optical elements are exposed at a frame of the device. Additionally, a frame of the device provides a portion of the mating surface for engaging a complimentary optical plug during mating with the optical port on the device. This minimalist footprint advantageously allows for a smaller portion of the optical port to be exposed to the environment and subject to damage and/or wear. Further, the optical port provides a clean and sleek optical port on the device with a relatively small surface that may be cleaned or wiped by the user as necessary. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140178010 | GRADIENT INDEX LENS ASSEMBLIES, FIBER OPTIC CONNECTORS, AND FIBER OPTIC CABLE ASSEMBLIES EMPLOYING LENS ALIGNMENT CHANNELS - Gradient index (GRIN) lens assemblies employing lens alignment channels, as well as fiber optic connectors and fiber optic cable assemblies employing such GRIN lens assemblies, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a GRIN lens assembly includes a lens holder body having a mating face, a surface extending from the mating face, and a lens alignment channel. The lens alignment channel is defined by a narrow portion extending from the surface to a first depth and at least partially along a length of the surface, and a wide portion extending from the narrow portion to a second depth. A lens opening defined by the wide portion of the lens alignment channel at the mating face is disposed in the mating face. The wide portion of the lens alignment channel is configured to support a GRIN lens disposed in the lens alignment channel. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140185986 | GRADIENT INDEX (GRIN) LENS HOLDERS EMPLOYING A RECESSED COVER, AND OPTICAL CONNECTORS AND METHODS INCORPORATING THE SAME - Gradient index (GRIN) lens holders employing groove alignment feature(s) and a recessed cover, as well as optical connectors and methods employing such GRIN lens holders, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the GRIN lens holder contains one or more internal groove alignment features configured to secure one or more GRIN lenses in the GRIN lens holder. The groove alignment features are also configured to accurately align the end faces of the GRIN lenses. The GRIN lens holder also contains a recessed cover having a front face that is negatively offset with respect to a mating surface of the GRIN lens holder. The GRIN lens holders disclosed herein can be provided as part of an optical fiber ferrule and/or a fiber optic component or connector for making optical connections. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140185991 | TRANSLATING LENS HOLDER ASSEMBLIES EMPLOYING BORE RELIEF ZONES, AND OPTICAL CONNECTORS INCORPORATING THE SAME - Translating lens holder assemblies employing bore relief zones, as well as optical connectors employing such lens holder assemblies, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a lens holder assembly includes a lens holder body having a mating face, a first forward slide portion and a first rear slide portion disposed on a first side of the lens holder body, and a second forward slide portion and a second rear slide portion disposed on a second side of the lens holder body. The first forward slide portion is separated from the first rear slide portion by a first bore relief zone, and the second forward slide portion is separated from the second rear slide portion by a second bore relief zone. In one embodiment, the lens holder assembly further includes at least one groove alignment feature disposed in the lens holder body that is configured to support at least one GRIN lens. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140193119 | FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES HAVING WINDOWED OPTICAL FIBERS AND METHODS THEREOF - Fiber optic connector assemblies and method for assembling the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic connector assembly includes an optical fiber having an inner glass region, a polymer layer surrounding the inner glass region, and a windowed portion, wherein the inner glass region is exposed at the windowed portion. The fiber optic connector assembly further includes a connector body having a demarcation region at a first end, wherein the optical fiber is disposed within the connector body such that at least a portion of the windowed portion is positioned in the demarcation region, and the optical fiber is adhered to the connector body at the windowed portion. In another embodiment, the demarcation region includes an opening in the outer jacket that exposes the at least a portion of the windowed portion of the plurality of optical fibers and the optical fibers are adhered to a portion of the cable. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140205235 | OPTICAL CONNECTIONS HAVING MAGNETIC COUPLING - Optical connections for optical communication having in-line optical paths and magnetic coupling portions are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical connection includes a lens block having an optical interface portion that defines an in-line optical path without an optical turn for optical signals propagating through the lens block, and a magnetic coupling portion disposed about at least a portion of the lens block. In another embodiment, a method of making an optical connection that includes providing a circuit board having one or more active components and placing a lens block on the circuit board. The lens block includes an optical interface portion defining an in-line optical path. The method further includes placing at least one magnetic coupling portion about the lens block. The at least one magnetic coupling portion is configured as a bulk magnetic material. Electronic devices and fiber optic cable assemblies are also disclosed. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140212095 | FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES HAVING A REVERSE OPTICAL FIBER LOOP - Fiber optic connector assemblies are disclosed that utilize a reverse optical fiber loop within the fiber optic connector to isolate the optical fiber from stresses. In one embodiment, a fiber optic connector assembly includes an optical fiber having a fiber end, and a connector housing, wherein the optical fiber enters the connector housing from a first direction and is secured within the connector housing in a second direction, thereby forming a reverse optical fiber loop that is free to expand or contract within the connector housing. In another embodiment, a fiber optic connector assembly includes an optical fiber having a fiber end, a connector housing, and a substrate within the connector housing. The optical fiber enters the connector housing over a first surface of the substrate then passes by (i.e., crosses) the first surface, and is secured within the connector housing at a second surface of the substrate. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140219612 | INTERPOSER STRUCTURE HAVING OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTION AND RELATED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR FOR THE SAME - Disclosed are interposer structures having an optical fiber connection and a related fiber optic ferrule that can form a portion of an optical assembly. The interposer structure is useful for transmitting optical signals to/from an integrated circuit that may be attached to the interposer. Specifically, the interposer structure and the related ferrule of the optical connector provide a passively aligned structure having a matched thermal response to maintain a suitable optical connection between the devices over a range of temperatures. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140241672 | LIQUID DISPLACING OPTICAL COUPLING ASSEMBLIES - According to various embodiments, an optical assembly may include a ferrule element having a fiber guiding portion separated from an in-wall locating feature by an access region, and a lens element positioned opposite access region and aligned with the in-wall locating feature. The optical assembly also includes an optical component coupled to and extending through the fiber guiding portion and the access region such that a proximal end of the optical component is positioned within the in-wall locating feature. The optical component includes a coated portion that is coated with an insulator in positions proximate to the fiber guiding portion and an uncoated portion substantially free of the insulator in positions proximal to the in-wall locating feature. The optical assembly also includes a lens cover coupled to the ferrule element and positioned proximate to the lens element. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140241674 | CABLE ASSEMBLY WITH CABLE ATTACH STRUCTURE HAVING OFF-AXIS FIBER ROUTING - A cable attach structure for attaching a fiber-optic cable to a rear end and a connector to a front end is disclosed. In one embodiment, the cable attach structure is a portion of a fiber optic cable assembly having a fiber optic cable with at least one optical fiber and a connector attached to the optical fiber. The fiber optic cable is attached to the cable attach structure at a rear end and circuit board is attached to the cable attach structure at the front end. The cable attach structure also routes the at least one optical fiber away from the centerline of the connector for off-axis fiber routing. In other embodiments, the optical fiber can enter the connector from a first direction and attach to the connector in a second direction if desired. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140241675 | OPTICAL COUPLINGS HAVING A CODED MAGNETIC ARRAY, AND CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES HAVING THE SAME - Optical couplings for optically coupling one or more devices are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an optical coupling includes an optical coupling body, an optical interface, and a coded magnetic array located at the optical coupling body. The coded magnetic array has a plurality of magnetic regions configured for mating the optical interface. The optical coupling further includes a reflective surface within the optical coupling body and positioned along an optical path of the optical coupling body. The reflective surface is operable to redirect an optical signal propagating within the optical coupling body such that it propagates through the optical interface. The optical coupling may be configured as a plug, such as a plug of a connector assembly, or as a receptacle, such as a receptacle on an electronic device. Connector assemblies of optical cables, optical coupling receptacles, and translating shutter assemblies are also disclosed. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140241688 | FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR ADAPTER MODULE MODULES AND METHODS - Fiber optic connector adapter module assemblies employing an engagement technique to install a fiber optic connector adapter module in an enclosure without tools are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic connector adapter module assembly includes a fiber optic connector adapter module having a plurality of first ports, and an adapter mount having an adapter opening. The adapter opening includes an insertion region and an installation region, wherein the insertion region and the installation region are shaped such that the insertion region is larger than the installation region. The fiber optic connector adapter module assembly may further include at least one retention mechanism coupled to the adapter mount. The installation region of the adapter mount and the retention mechanism cooperate to releasably lock the fiber optic connector adapter module in the insertion region upon rotation of the fiber optic connector adapter module into the installation region of the adapter opening. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140241689 | GANGED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR ADAPTER MODULES AND ASSEMBLIES HAVING REINFORCEMENT MEMBERS AND STAGGERED FIBER OPTIC CONNECTOR ADAPTER PORTS - Fiber optic connector adapter modules for use in optic communications networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic connector adapter module includes an adapter plate having a first surface and a second surface, an array of fiber optic connector adapters with a first port extending from the first surface of the adapter plate, wherein the first port of each fiber optic connector adapters of the array is configured to receive a first fiber optic connector, and at least one reinforcement member connecting the first port of adjacent fiber optic connector adapters of the array. In other embodiments, the first port of the fiber optic connector adapters are offset with respect to one another to provide better access to the first ports. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140270626 | CIRCUIT BOARD(S) EMPLOYING OPTICAL INTERFACES OPTICALLY CONNECTED TO SURFACE-ACCESSIBLE, PLANAR-SHAPED, INTER-BOARD OPTICAL FIBER TRACES, AND RELATED CONNECTORS, ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS - Circuit boards employing optical interfaces optically connected to surface-accessible, planar-shaped inter-board optical fiber traces, and related connectors, assemblies, and methods are disclosed. The circuit boards include inter-board optical fiber traces optically connected to optical components interfacing optical signals to electronic signal components in the circuit board. Providing inter-board optical fiber traces protects the optical fiber traces from the environment. To optically interface to the inter-board optical fiber traces, planar-shaped end portions of the inter-board optical fiber traces are provided surface accessible on the circuit board. In this manner, optical interfaces can be optically connected to planar-shaped, end portions of the inter-board optical fibers traces to establish optical connections. As an example, by the end portions of inter-board optical fiber traces being planar-shaped, the end portions of the inter-board optical fiber traces can be liquid displacing during assembly to avoid or reduce optical attenuation from liquid contamination. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140270664 | METHODS FOR CREATING A DEMARCATION LOCATION IN A STRUCTURE AND ASSOCIATED ASSEMBLIES - Disclosed are methods for creating a demarcation of at least one optical fiber in a structure along with a fiber optic cable. The method may include the steps of providing at least one optical fiber having a covering, heating a portion of the covering, and deforming the covering about the at least one optical fiber at a first location to inhibit movement of the at least one optical fiber with respect to the covering. The method may be applied to one or more optical fibers within a covering such as bare loose fibers, ribbonized fibers, buffered fibers or the like. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140308002 | OPTICAL COUPLINGS HAVING CODED MAGNETIC ARRAYS AND DEVICES INCORPORATING THE SAME - Optical couplings for making and optical connection between one or more devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical coupling includes a coupling face, an optical interface within the coupling face, an optical component positioned within the optical interface, and at least one coded magnetic array. The at least one coded magnetic array may include a plurality of magnetic regions configured aid in mating the optical component with a corresponding optical component of a complementary mated optical coupling to a predetermined tolerance for optical communication. Optical cable assemblies and electronics devices having optical couplings with optical interfaces using coded magnetic arrays are also disclosed. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140308003 | FERRULE ASSEMBLIES, CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES, AND OPTICAL COUPLINGS HAVING CODED MAGNETIC ARRAYS - Ferrule assemblies having at least one coded magnetic array are disclosed. In one embodiment, a ferrule assembly includes a ferrule body having a coupling surface and a coded magnetic array having a plurality of magnetic regions. The coded magnetic array may be located within the coupling surface. The ferrule assembly further includes a lens component located within the ferrule body. The lens component may have a facet at the coupling surface of the ferrule body at a predetermined angle. In another embodiment, a translating ferrule assembly includes an optical interface and a coded magnetic array, and is configured to translate within a connector housing of an optical connector when coupled to an electronics device. Optical couplings having a coded magnetic array and sockets for receiving a connector are also disclosed. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140348478 | CARRIER MODULES FOR OPTICAL SUBASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR ASSEMBLING OPTICAL PACKAGES - An optical subassembly includes an optical device assembly including an active device and an optical fiber cable operably connected to the active device that sends optical signals to the active device and receives optical signals from the active device. A carrier module has a cable receiving space that receives the optical fiber cable therein. The carrier module includes a device support structure that supports the active device for placement on a mating surface during controlled manufacturing. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140355943 | DATACENTER CONNECTOR SYSTEMS UTILIZING FEED-THROUGH OPTICAL CABLE ASSEMBLIES - Datacenter connection systems for use in datacenter enclosures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a datacenter connection system includes a first module and a feed-through optical cable assembly. The first module includes a first faceplate having at least one first feed-through opening, a first surface, and at least one first module connector disposed on the first surface. The feed-through optical cable assembly includes an optical cable having at least one optical fiber, a first feed-through attach member coupled to the optical cable, and a first optical connector coupled to a first end portion of the at least one optical fiber. The at least one optical fiber passes through the first feed-through attach member, and the first feed-through attach member is disposed within the at least one first feed-through opening. The first optical connector is coupled to the at least one first module connector. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20150023671 | PLUG AND PLAY OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER MODULE FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Disclosed are optical transceiver modules for use with electronic devices. In one embodiment, an optical transceiver module has a circuit board assembly for receiving and transmitting optical signals with a connector shell that is attached to the circuit board so that the circuit board is disposed outside the shell. The optical transceiver module also includes a faceplate that may have one or more attachment features for securing the faceplate and/or optical transceiver module to a device. By arranging the circuit board outside the shell of the optical transceiver module the footprint of the module is greatly reduced, thereby providing an advantageous arrangement for fitting into electronic devices having a relatively thin profile. Further, the optical transceiver module may optionally include one or more electrical contacts. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150030292 | SMALLL-FORM-FACTOR FIBER OPTIC INTERFACE DEVICES WITH AN INTERNAL LENS - Small-form-factor fiber optic interface devices with an internal lens are disclosed. The fiber optic interface devices have a ferrule with a bore that supports an optical waveguide. The lens is on or adjacent the ferrule front end and is aligned with the bore. A first planar surface is provided on or adjacent the lens. The first planar surface interfaces with a second planar surface of a second fiber optic interface device to form a fiber optic interface assembly having a liquid-displacing interface when the first and second fiber optic interface devices are engaged. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150055948 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ALIGNING AN OPTICAL INTERFACE ASSEMBLY WITH AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT - Systems and methods of aligning an optical interface assembly with an integrated circuit (IC) are disclosed. The method includes emitting light from an optical transmitter, passing the emitted light through the optical interface assembly in a first direction, and reflecting the emitted light from a reflective surface disposed immediately adjacent a front end of the optical interface assembly to define reflected light that travels back through the optical interface assembly in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction. The reflected light is received by an optical receiver that generates in response a receiver signal. The relative position of the optical interface assembly and the IC is adjusted to achieve an aligned position based on the receiver signal. The disclosure is also directed to a test plug for aligning an optical interface assembly to the IC. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150063764 | LENS ASSEMBLIES AND OPTICAL CONNECTORS INCORPORATING THE SAME - Lens assemblies including a substrate and a plurality of mechanically isolated lenses coupled to the substrate are disclosed. The substrate may have a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Optical connectors including the lens assemblies described herein, as well as methods of fabricating a lens assembly, are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a lens assembly includes a substrate having a first surface, and a lens layer including a plurality of lenses. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate is different from a coefficient of thermal expansion of the plurality of lenses. The lens layer is coupled to the first surface of the substrate, and each lens of the plurality of lenses is mechanically isolated from adjacent lenses of the plurality of lenses by gap regions within the lens layer. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150078709 | METHODS OF REDUCING AND/OR AVOIDING FIBER ORDERING IN A CONNECTORIZED MULTI-FIBER, FIBER OPTIC CABLE SYSTEM, AND RELATED FIBER OPTIC CABLES AND ASSEMBLIES - Methods of reducing and/or avoiding fiber ordering during preparations of a multi-fiber, fiber optic cable to provide a connectorized multi-fiber, fiber optic cable system, and related fiber optic cables and assemblies are also disclosed. The embodiments disclosed herein allow for a section of a multi-fiber, fiber optic cable to be prepared to form two or more connectorized fiber optic cables as part of a multi-fiber cable system without requiring specific fiber ordering in the fiber optic connectors. The natural ordering of the optical fibers in the fiber optic cable is fixed in place in at least one section of the fiber optic cable before the optical fibers are cut to form adjacent fiber optic connectors in the cable system. Thus, the fiber ordering between adjacent fiber optic connectors in the cable system will be the same even though the fiber ordering of the optical fibers was random during cable preparations. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150078714 | OPTICAL PLUG CONNECTOR HAVING AN OPTICAL BODY WITH A LENS ON A REFLECTIVE SURFACE - Disclosed are optical plug connectors and methods for making the same. The disclosure is directed to optical connectors. In one embodiment, the optical connector includes an optical body having at least one optical channel with an optical interface at a first side. The at least one optical channel having a total internal reflection (TIR) surface with a lens at the second side for turning the optical signal, and at least one fiber lead-in aligned to the TIR surface. The TIR surface may be angled in one or more directions from a longitudinal axis to allow a small form-factor for the optical body. In one embodiment, the optical body has a plurality of optical channels each having a discrete TIR surface. The optical connections disclosed herein may optionally also include an electrical connection if desired. | 03-19-2015 |
