Method and apparatus for forming a convex end face in a ferrule
AssigneeCorning Research & Development Corporation
InventorsMarkus Bauer, Cameron John Tovey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of processing a ferrule end face using at least one grinding wheel rotatable about a central axis and having a working surface with an abrasive element is provided. The method includes holding the ferrule stationary, engaging the end face of the ferrule and the working surface of the at least one grinding wheel, rotating the at least one grinding wheel about the central axis, and moving the at least one grinding wheel relative to the ferrule along a curve perpendicular to the central axis. Processing the ferrule in this manner imparts a convex shape of the end face of the ferrule. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.
Claims19
A method of processing a ferrule that includes an end face using at least one grinding wheel that is rotatable about a central axis, the at least one grinding wheel having a working surface that includes an abrasive element, the method comprising:
- engaging the end face of the ferrule and the working surface of the at least one grinding wheel, wherein the working surface is on an outermost circumference of the at least one grinding wheel;
- rotating the at least one grinding wheel about the central axis;
- and
- moving the at least one grinding wheel relative to the ferrule along a curve within a plane at an angle relative to the central axis,
- wherein processing the ferrule with the at least one grinding wheel imparts a convex shape on the end face of the ferrule.
A method of processing a ferrule that includes an end face using a grinding wheel assembly having a plurality of different grinding wheels that are each rotatable about a central axis, wherein each of the different grinding wheels has a working surface that includes an abrasive element, the method comprising:
- processing the ferrule sequentially with the different grinding wheels by performing each of the following steps for each of the different grinding wheels:
- engaging the end face of the ferrule and the working surface of the grinding wheel, wherein the working surface is on an outermost circumference of the grinding wheel;
- rotating the grinding wheel about the central axis;
- and
- moving the grinding wheel relative to the ferrule along a curve within a plane at an angle relative to the central axis.
A method of processing a ferrule that includes an end face using at least one grinding wheel that is rotatable about a central axis, the at least one grinding wheel having a working surface that includes an abrasive element, the method comprising:
- a) engaging the end face of the ferrule and the working surface of the at least one grinding wheel while holding the ferrule stationary, wherein the working surface is on an outermost circumference of the at least one grinding wheel;
- b) rotating the at least one grinding wheel about the central axis;
- and
- c) moving the at least one grinding wheel relative to the ferrule along a curve within a plane at an angle relative to the central axis;
- wherein steps a), b), and c) are performed simultaneously, and wherein processing the ferrule using the at least one grinding wheel imparts a convex shape on the end face of the ferrule.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.