Tool and method for forming a multifiber ferrule
AssigneeCinch Connectors, Inc.
InventorDimitry G. Grabbe
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides a multi fiber optical ferrule, a tool for forming the ferrule, and a method of making the ferrule. The multi fiber optical ferrule is formed of two ferrule halves which are either molded or cast as imprecise blanks which are machined using a broach in order to precisely cut inner surfaces thereof for receiving an array of fibers. The inner surfaces of a pair of ferrule halves are cut simultaneously in order to assure accuracy in the fiber receiving and pin receiving channels. The halves are joined together with a fiber array placed therebetween to form the ferrule.
Claims18
An apparatus for forming a multi fiber optical ferrule comprising:
- a broach having a shaft the broach comprising a contour formed along its outer periphery and a cut out section extending transverse to the outer periphery to form a cutting surface having the contour;
- and,
- a carrier positioned under the cutting tool and movable thereunder to guide a work piece along the cutting surface.
A multi fiber ferrule for use in an optical connector comprising:
- a first ferrule half having a contour formed on an inner surface thereof;
- a second ferrule half having a complimentary contour formed on an inner surface thereof;
- a first window formed in the first ferrule half extending from the inner surface to an outer surface;
- a second window formed in a second ferrule half extending from the inner surface thereof to an outer surface thereof, and,
- joining means for securing the first and second ferrule halves together over a multi fiber cable.
A method of making an optical termination comprising the steps of:
- providing a stripped multi fiber cable having a plurality of fibers exposed for termination;
- machining along an inner surface of a blank to form a first fiber ferrule half;
- machining along an inner surface of a blank to form a second fiber ferrule half;
- placing the ribbon cable between the fiber ferrule halves;
- and,
- securing the fiber ferrule halves together around the cable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.