AFL was awarded two new patents over the past quarter for technology and developments in optical connectivity and apparatus (OCA) products.
The first patent is for "Communications Module Housing." The commercialized product - the CGM Plus - is a rack-mount panel that accepts different size and form factor xWDM modules (CGM and LGX). The invention includes a fiber management guide region that pivots downward to allow access to the module storage slots, allowing for flexibility in the field to combine various modules for xWDM applications.
The second patent is for "Methods, systems and apparatus for manufacturing a cable assembly with breakout and molded cable assembly." The patent recognizes a process for creating a cable assembly furcation kit for protection of fibers under extreme environmental conditions. It also provides for scaling across a range of fibers. The new system has enabled AFL to improve manufacturing efficiencies via an automated machine that creates a uniform profile of the furcation tubes to ease the insertion of fiber into the right slots and provide the proper dimension to securely fit into the module. AFL has standardized on this format, calling it the SST furcation system.