Shirley E Ball

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Shirley E. Ball

Introduction

Shirley E. Ball is a notable inventor based in Cedar Park, TX (US), recognized for her significant contributions to the field of telecommunications. With a total of 4 patents to her name, she has made remarkable advancements in optical connectors and telecommunication cable enclosures.

Latest Patents

One of her latest patents is an optical connector for jacketed cables. This invention features a housing designed to mate with a receptacle, along with a collar body that secures a ferrule at one end. The collar body includes a gripping mechanism and a buffer clamp that effectively clamps the buffer cladding of the optical fiber upon actuation. Additionally, the optical connector incorporates a backbone to retain the collar body within the housing, which includes a mounting structure with a pocket region for the cable jacket. Another significant patent is for a telecommunications cable enclosure, which provides a housing for retaining spliced telecommunication lines. This enclosure allows simultaneous access to multiple connection devices and features an integrally formed adaptor for easy extraction of connection devices from the housing.

Career Highlights

Shirley E. Ball is currently associated with 3M Innovative Properties Company, where she continues to innovate and develop new technologies. Her work has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of telecommunication systems.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Shirley has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including Sidney J. Berglund and William George Allen, contributing to a dynamic and innovative work environment.

Conclusion

Shirley E. Ball's contributions to the field of telecommunications through her patents and collaborative efforts highlight her role as a leading inventor. Her work continues to influence the industry and pave the way for future innovations.