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
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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.
Claims36
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:
- 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,
- 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:
- holding the ferrule stationary;
- and
- 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;
- rotating the grinding wheel about the central axis;
- and
- moving the grinding wheel relative to the ferrule along a curve perpendicular 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;
- 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 perpendicular 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.
An apparatus for processing a ferrule with an abrasive element to impart a convex shape on an end face of the ferrule, the apparatus comprising:
- a first stationary mount to which the ferrule is configured to be secured;
- a second mount to which at least one grinding wheel is mounted, the at least one grinding wheel having a working surface that includes the abrasive element, and the a least one grinding wheel being rotatable about a central axis;
- and
- a controller operatively coupled to the second mount,
- wherein the second mount is configured so that the at least one grinding wheel is movable along a curve perpendicular to the central axis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.