US5080460A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Crimp and cleave assembly of an optical connector and method of making same
Assignee: TE Connectivity Corp
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Filing: 1991-02-25
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Granted: 1992-01-14
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Expires: 2011-02-25
Abstract
Abstract An optical connector comprising, an alignment ferrule 11 receiving a plunger 38 and receiving an insert 35 between the plunger 38 and a constriction 32, the plunger 38 being constructed to receive an optical fiber 3 and a buffer 4 covering the optical fiber 3, the plunger 38 and the insert 35 being constructed for movement forwardly to compact the insert 35 in the constriction 32 and to apply compression concentrically on the optical fiber 3, and projecting barbs comprising a frictional surface 44 on the plunger 38 being force fit with corresponding ribs 47 along the alignment ferrule 11.
Inventors
- 👤 David D. Erdman
- 👤 Kevin T. Monroe
- 👤 Alan E. Plotts
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 11:32
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/24; G02B6/36; G02B6/38; G02B6/3807; G02B6/3833; G02B6/3855; G02B6/3887; G02B6/3888
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
An optical connector comprising: an alignment ferrule having a passage receiving a plunger and receiving an insert between the plunger and a constriction of the passage, the plunger being constructed to receive an optical fiber and a buffer covering the optical fiber, and the plunger and the insert being constructed for movement forwardly of the passage to compact the insert in the constriction and to apply compression concentrically on the optical fiber, a clearance between the passage and a circumference of the plunger, barbs projecting outward from the circumference into the clearance, and ribs along the passage projecting into the clearance toward the barbs, and the barbs being force fit against the ribs and restraining the plunger from movement rearward of the passage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
An optical connector comprising: an alignment ferrule having a passage receiving a plunger and receiving an insert between the plunger and a constriction of the passage, the plunger being constructed to receive an optical fiber and a buffer covering the optical fiber, and the plunger and the insert being constructed for movement forwardly of the passage to compact the insert in the constriction and to apply compression concentrically on the optical fiber, a clearance between the passage and a circumference of the plunger, barbs projecting outward from the circumference into the clearance, and ribs along the passage projecting into the clearance toward the barbs, and the barbs being force fit against the ribs and restraining the plunger from movement rearward of the passage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
An optical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the ribs extend parallel to the axis of the passage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
An optical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the plunger is held in the alignment ferrule with the plunger projecting from a rear end of the alignment ferrule prior to receiving the optical fiber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
An optical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the insert is unitary with a fiber receiving bore.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
An optical connector as recited in claim 1, comprising: a strain relief boot interlocking with the alignment ferrule.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
An optical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the circumference of the plunger extends forwardly of said barbs and is received slidably along said ribs in said passage.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
An optical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the alignment ferrule has transverse openings communicating with the passage, the openings being covered by the plunger in the passage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
An optical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the plunger is in tandem with the insert.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
An optical connector as recited in claim 1, wherein the insert is retained between the plunger and the constriction substantially without axial compression prior to the plunger receiving the buffer covered optical fiber.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of assembling an optical connector with a buffer covered optical fiber, comprising the steps of: assembling a deformable insert and a plunger in a passage of an alignment ferrule of an optical connector together with a buffer covered optical fiber in the plunger, retaining barbs on the plunger with a force fit against projecting ribs along the passage, moving the plunger and the buffer covered optical fiber forwardly with respect to the alignment ferrule, compressing the insert in a constriction of the alignment ferrule and compressing the insert concentrically on the optical fiber, and restraining the plunger from further movement.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
102 words
A method of assembling an optical connector with a buffer covered optical fiber, comprising the steps of: assembling a deformable insert and a plunger in a passage of an alignment ferrule of an optical connector together with a buffer covered optical fiber in the plunger, retaining barbs on the plunger with a force fit against projecting ribs along the passage, moving the plunger and the buffer covered optical fiber forwardly with respect to the alignment ferrule, compressing the insert in a constriction of the alignment ferrule and compressing the insert concentrically on the optical fiber, and restraining the plunger from further movement.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as recited in claim 10, and further comprising the steps of: securing strength members surrounding the buffer covered optical fiber to the alignment ferrule.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method as recited in claim 10, and further including the step of: radially collapsing the rear ends of the alignment ferrule and the plunger toward the buffer covered optical fiber.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-01-13 | 1995-07-15 | 1996-01-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-01-13 | 1999-07-15 | 2000-01-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-01-13 | 2003-07-15 | 2004-01-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |