AFL Receives Four Patents for Inventions

13/07/2015

Spartanburg, SC – AFL, a leading fiber optic cable and accessory manufacturer, received four patents which enhance AFL’s optical connectivity, fusion splicing and fiber optic cable product lines.

The first patent is for a “Bare Glass Fiber Holder” which enables cleaving, splicing or other glass processing operations with uncoated bare glass fibers. Soft clamping surfaces within the fiber holder allow the cleaving and splicing operations to be performed without significant damage to the bare glass surface. This fiber holder design can be optimized for any fiber diameter. Doug Duke and Yoshiharu Kanda are the inventors.

The second patent is for a “Stackable Fiber Management Spool with Resealable Fiber Retention Arms.” This spool is used to hold and retain copper and fiber optic cables. The integral retaining arms pivot on a hinge allowing easy access of cable wrapped around the spool central hub. Ted Lichoulas and Eddie Kimbrell are the inventors.

The third patent is for an “Optical Connector Organizer,” a process that makes the multiple conductors packaging process more efficient and secure. The invention allows an installer to quickly open the conductor packaging to inspect and test the cable trunk and reseal the package prior to installation. Ted Lichoulas, Chris Donaldson and Eddie Kimbrell are the inventors.

The fourth patent is for “Method to assemble and polish a connector with an optical fiber that has air-gaps or voids in its cladding,” usually for the purpose of optimizing bend performance. Kheng Hwa Seng is the inventor.

For additional information about AFL, its products and services, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

About AFL
AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, enterprise and OEM markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, renewables and transportation. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL’s service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.

Founded in 1984, AFL is proud to offer engineering expertise, exceptional products and reliable service that help our customers improve their critical and electrical infrastructure. AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia and the Australia. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, SC and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com. 
 
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Corie Culp
PR Manager
AFL
864.433.5409
Corie.Culp@AFLglobal.com