Patent ID: 6503422
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: G02B,Y10T

Abstract:
The method of fabricating a device having a pair of hollow, cylindrical sleeves of predetermined inside diameter for frictionally engaging external surface portions of a corresponding pair of cylindrical ferrules of fiber optic connectors for the purpose of holding said ferrules in mutual axial alignment, said method comprising:a) selecting a pair of ferrules having external diameters and through passageways having dimensions and concentricity within predetermined tolerances; b) positioning a pair of said sleeves having inside diameter substantially equal to said external diameters in surrounding relation to at least portions of said ferrules; c) positioning an elongated gauge wire to extend into and at least partially through said passageways of each of said ferrules, thereby placing said pair of ferrules and said pair of sleeves in substantially exact axial alignment; d) surrounding said sleeves with structure within which the relative positions of said sleeves are permanently fixed; and e) removing said gauge from said ferrules and said ferrules from said sleeves, leaving said sleeves permanently fixed with said structure in substantially exact coaxial alignment.