Anthony C Christopher

US Patent:

6440256, Aug 27, 2002

Filed:

Jun 20, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/597455

Inventors:

Steven J. Gordon - Cambridge MA
Richard P. Sweeney - Winchester MA
Anthony J. Christopher - Cambridge MA
Brett Anderson - Cambridge MA
A. David Boccuti - Cambridge MA
Kevin Walsh - Cambridge MA
Hani Sallum - Cambridge MA
David Ramler - Maple Grove MN
Jim Wolf - Chanhassen MN
Mike Helmbrecht - Blaine MN

Assignee:

Keurig, Incorporated - Wakefield MA

International Classification:

B32B 3104

US Classification:

156293, 156201, 156204, 156217, 156227, 156267, 156270, 1563084

Abstract:

A method of forming and inserting filter elements into cup-shaped containers comprises the steps of: a) folding a continuous web of filter material into two adjacent plies which have separable upper edges and are joined one to the other along a bottom fold line; b) blanking the adjacent plies to form their upper edges into a scalloped pattern; c) inserting carrier mandrels between the adjacent plies; d) joining the adjacent plies along seams extending transversely with respect to the bottom fold line to form a series of collapsed frustoconical filter elements interconnected by scrap segments and supported internally by the carrier mandrels; e) separating the filter elements one from the other by blanking and removing the scrap segments; f) transferring the filter elements from the carrier mandrels into cup-shaped containers arranged therebeneath; and g) securing the thus inserted filter elements to interior surfaces of the cup-shaped containers.

US Patent:

6676763, Jan 13, 2004

Filed:

Jul 6, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/900534

Inventors:

Anthony J. Christopher - Andover MA
Andre Sharon - Newton Centre MA
Frank Pretzch - Boston MA
Mark S. Page - Merrimack NH

Assignee:

kSaira Corporation - Wilmington MA

International Classification:

B08B 704

US Classification:

134 1, 134 10, 134 18, 134 34, 134 42, 134 56 R, 134184

Abstract:

There is provided a method and apparatus for automatically cleaning a portion of an optical fiber. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a fluid tank assembly that holds cleaning fluid and comprises an aperture sized and arranged to receive the portion of the optical fiber, an ultrasonic generator, a clamping assembly, and a controller. The clamping assembly, in one position, holds the portion of the optical fiber in a position that is axially aligned with the aperture of the fluid tank assembly and disposed through the aperture of the fluid tank assembly. The clamping assembly further comprises a sealing assembly that forms a fluid seal about the portion of the optical fiber and a fluid seal of the aperture of the fluid tank assembly. The controller controls the ultrasonic generator to provide an ultrasonic signal to the fluid within the fluid tank assembly to clean the portion of the optical fiber.

US Patent:

6964288, Nov 15, 2005

Filed:

Jul 6, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/900532

Inventors:

Anthony J. Christopher - Andover MA, US
Dale A. Herman - Harvard MA, US
Andre Sharon - Newton Centre MA, US

Assignee:

kSARIA Corporation - Wilmington MA

International Classification:

C03B037/07
C03B037/16

US Classification:

156367, 156368, 65485, 65503, 65539, 29747, 29862

Abstract:

An automated fiber preparation system and method for automatically fabricating an optical fiber. One or more fabrication processes associated with fiber preparation may be performed on an optical fiber without requiring active user input. The fiber preparation system may be configured to automatically carry out each of the process steps for fabricating an optical fiber pigtail. The fiber preparation system may include a fiber preparation module that is configured to automatically prepare one or both ends of an optical fiber in anticipation of one or more subsequent manufacturing processes involving the fiber.

US Patent:

7809230, Oct 5, 2010

Filed:

Sep 25, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/904015

Inventors:

Anthony J. Christopher - Andover MA, US
John C. Briggs - Lexington MA, US
Michael Mucci - Upton MA, US

Assignee:

kSARIA Corporation - Lawrence MA

International Classification:

G02B 6/00

US Classification:

385134, 385135, 385136, 385137

Abstract:

An apparatus is provided for shaping an end of an optical fiber. The apparatus may include a frame and a clamp constructed to hold the optical fiber in a fixed location relative to the frame. The apparatus may further include a tip shaper supported by the frame and movable in a first direction toward and away from the clamp, and moveable in a second direction that lies in a plane transverse to the first direction to shape the end of the optical fiber when the tip shaper is placed in contact with the optical fiber. The apparatus may include an abrasive substrate which abrades the end of the fiber.

US Patent:

7837801, Nov 23, 2010

Filed:

Jun 6, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/447823

Inventors:

Anthony J. Christopher - Andover MA, US
Mark S. Aude - North Andover MA, US

Assignee:

kSARIA Corporation - Lawrence MA

International Classification:

B08B 7/00

US Classification:

134 6, 134 9, 134 15, 134 42, 15 971, 1510494, 152101, 152441, 385 70, 385 85, 385 92

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for cleaning an optical fiber supported by a fiber optic connector. The cleaning apparatus may include a housing, a cleaning tip supported by the housing and a cleaning wipe advanceable along at least a portion of the cleaning tip to clean an optical fiber when the cleaning wipe engages the optical fiber. The apparatus may include one or more automated features which may enhance the effectiveness of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a fluid dispenser to wet at least a portion of the cleaning wipe with a cleaning fluid. The apparatus may be configured to automatically control the force exerted by the cleaning tip against the optical fiber and/or to automatically control tension in the cleaning wipe. Aspects of the invention are directed to a method of cleaning an end face of an optical fiber by advancing a wet portion of a cleaning wipe across the end face, and thereafter advancing a dry portion of the cleaning wipe across the end face. A cleaning wipe may also be provided with at least one fluid barrier to prevent fluid flow between two adjacent portions of the cleaning wipe.

US Patent:

7978950, Jul 12, 2011

Filed:

Sep 16, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/883952

Inventors:

Anthony J. Christopher - Andover MA, US
John C. Briggs - Lexington MA, US
Michael Mucci - Upton MA, US

Assignee:

kSARIA Corporation - Lawrence MA

International Classification:

G02B 6/00

US Classification:

385134, 385135, 385136, 385137

Abstract:

An apparatus is provided for shaping an end of an optical fiber. The apparatus may include a frame and a clamp constructed to hold the optical fiber in a fixed location relative to the frame. The apparatus may further include a tip shaper supported by the frame and movable in a first direction toward and away from the clamp, and moveable in a second direction that lies in a plane transverse to the first direction to shape the end of the optical fiber when the tip shaper is placed in contact with the optical fiber. The apparatus may include an abrasive substrate which abrades the end of the fiber.

US Patent:

8254738, Aug 28, 2012

Filed:

Aug 27, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/869916

Inventors:

Sebastian J. Sicari - Boxford MA, US
Anthony J. Christopher - Andover MA, US
Stavros Dariotis - Douglas MA, US
Bruce S. Belanger - Milford NH, US

Assignee:

kSARIA Corporation - Methuen MA

International Classification:

G02B 6/44
H05K 13/00
H02G 15/00
H01R 43/00

US Classification:

385100, 385101, 29825, 295921, 174 74 R

Abstract:

The present application is directed towards systems and methods for efficient installation of optical and electrical cable in watercraft. A manufacturer may terminate one end of a cable in a location removed from the watercraft, allowing use of automated cable termination machines for efficiency and consistency of terminations. The single-terminated cable may then be brought to the watercraft and installed by pulling or routing the unterminated end through ductwork and pipes, watertight bulkhead throughways, and cable trays and ladders as necessary, prior to termination. Accordingly, more difficult and expensive on-site labor is reduced, and reliability is greatly increased. Furthermore, many cable tests that require termination but cannot be executed post-installation can be performed prior to installation, to ensure that at least the first termination, performed off-site, is error-free, reducing later troubleshooting and further increasing installation efficiency.

US Patent:

8406598, Mar 26, 2013

Filed:

Oct 28, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/914420

Inventors:

Anthony J. Christopher - Andover MA, US
John C. Briggs - Lexington MA, US
Michael Mucci - Upton MA, US

Assignee:

kSARIA Corporation - Methuen MA

International Classification:

G02B 6/00

US Classification:

385137

Abstract:

An apparatus is provided for shaping an end of an optical fiber. The apparatus may include a frame and a clamp constructed to hold the optical fiber in a fixed location relative to the frame. The apparatus may further include a tip shaper supported by the frame and movable in a first direction toward and away from the clamp, and moveable in a second direction that lies in a plane transverse to the first direction to shape the end of the optical fiber when the tip shaper is placed in contact with the optical fiber. The apparatus may include an abrasive substrate which abrades the end of the fiber.