Patent ID: 6669377
Filing Date: 2003-12-30
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A multifiber ferrule comprising:a shank extending lengthwise between opposed first and second ends, said shank comprising a front face proximate the first end, said shank defining a plurality of lengthwise extending bores opening through the front face for receiving end portions of respective optical fibers, said shank also defining a plurality of lengthwise extending holes opening through the front face for receiving respective guide pins; a first shoulder portion proximate the second end of said shank, said first shoulder portion being larger in lateral cross-section than said shank; and a second shoulder portion proximate said first shoulder portion and disposed opposite said shank relative to said first shoulder portion, said second shoulder portion being smaller in lateral cross-section than said first shoulder portion for receiving a pin retainer such that said second shoulder portion and the pin retainer define a lateral cross-section tat is no larger than the lateral cross-section of said first shoulder portion, wherein both said first and second shoulder portions define respective openings in communication with the plurality of bores for receiving end portions of the optical fibers.