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 rotary shaft rotatable about a horizontal axis, the broach comprising a contour formed along its outer periphery and a cut out section extending transverse to the outer periphery and parallel to the axis to form a cutting surface having a contour;
- and,
- a carrier positioned under the cutting tool and movable thereunder to guide a work piece along the cutting surface.
A method for machining a multi fiber optical ferrule comprising:
- providing a blank for a fiber optic ferrule,
- providing a broach having a rotary shaft rotatable about a horizontal axis, a broach comprising a contour formed along its outer periphery and a cut out section extending transverse to the outer periphery and parallel to the axis to form a cutting surface having the contour;
- providing a carrier positioned under the cutting tool and movable thereunder to guide the blank along the cutting surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.