Fiber optic connector and method of manufacture
US4444461A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 3, 1981 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 3, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/3898
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An interconnect for ferruled optical fibers which assures that the ferrule tips will not touch when inserted into an interconnect housing provides for a small, repeatable, yet non-zero spacing between the ends of opposed ferrules through a manufacturing technique in which the interconnect housing is provided with inserts pressfit into the housing utilizing a tool that establishes a precise spacing for the distal ends of the inserts regardless of the lengths of the inserts, thereby to provide precisely spaced-apart recessed seats for the flanges of the ferrules. The use of inserts also permits the formation of a central cavity in which an alignment sleeve may be either loosely or tightly captured. In one embodiment, a carrier is provided for the alignment sleeve to insure retention of the alignment sleeve during manufacture or use. In other embodiments, recessed seat spacing is provided by a precise length part or parts. These embodiments include a single insert, two abutting inserts, or two inserts with a spacing member sandwiched therebetween, in which the spacing member may be the aforementioned alignment sleeve carrier.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.