Tool and method for forming a multi fiber ferrule
AssigneeCinch Connectors, Inc.
InventorDimitry G. Grabbe
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims40
A multi fiber ferrule for use in an optical connector comprising:
- a first ferrule half having a contour formed on an inner surface thereof, the contour including a plurality of rectangular shaped channels each for receiving a respective fiber, each rectangular shaped channel contacting the respective fiber at three locations;
- a second ferrule half having a complimentary contour formed on an inner surface thereof, the contour including a plurality of rectangular shaped channels each for receiving a respective fiber, each rectangular shaped channel contacting the respective fiber at three locations;
- a first window formed in the first ferrule half extending from the inner surface to an outer surface;
- a second window formed in the second ferrule half extending from the inner surface to an outer surface;
- an encapsulant disposed in a space between the respective fiber and a corner of the channel of each of the first and second ferrule halves;
- and
- a joining means for securing the first and second ferrule halves together over a multi fiber cable.
The A multi fiber ferrule for use in an optical connector comprising:
- a first ferrule half having a contour formed on an inner surface thereof, the contour including a plurality of rectangular channels each for receiving a guide pin;
- a second ferrule half having a complimentary contour formed on an inner surface thereof, the contour including a plurality of rectangular channels each for receiving a guide pin;
- a first window formed in the first ferrule half extending from the inner surface to an outer surface;
- a second window formed in the second ferrule half extending from the inner surface to an outer surface;
- and
- a joining means for securing the first and second ferrule halves together over a multi fiber cable.
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 the second ferrule half extending from the inner surface to an outer surface;
- a first plurality of fingers extending from side edges of the first ferrule half beyond the inner surface;and
- a second plurality of fingers extending from side edges of the second ferrule half extending beyond the inner 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 the second ferrule half extending from the inner surface to an outer surface;
- a joining means for securing the first and second ferrule halves together over a multi fiber cable wherein the joining means is an outer sleeve surrounding the first and second ferrule halves;
- and
- the first and second ferrule halves are hermaphroditic.
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;
- dipping the stripped multi fiber cable in epoxy;
- placing the stripped multi fiber cable between the fiber ferrule halves;
- and
- positioning the fiber ferrule halves together around the cable;
- and
- applying an outer sleeve around the fiber ferrule halves to secure them to each other.
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;
- positioning the fiber ferrule halves together around the cable;
- injecting epoxy into a window of each fiber ferrule half;
- and
- applying an outer sleeve around the fiber ferrule halves to secure them to each other.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.