Patent Description:
A simplex fiber cable consists of a single strand of glass or plastic fiber. Simplex fiber is most often used where only a single transmit and/or receive line is required between devices or when a multiplex data signal is used (bi-directional communication over a single fiber). Simplex fiber connectors have traditionally been angle polished with a lateral orientation. That is, the angle of the ferrule end face slopes from right to left, or vice versa, across a vertical plane bisecting the principal keying feature of the connector. Because of the construction style of standard adapters, the noted angling conventions enable angle polished connectors (APCs) to be executed with only one type of angled connector. This convention is used in connectors such as LC, SC, MU, ST and FC connector types.

Vertical orientation conventions, such as are utilized with multi-fiber MPO connector types, have the disadvantage of requiring either (a) an inversion of the mating connector, or (b) employment of two different angled connector types. Both of these options add cost and complexity in determining and constructing proper polarity solutions, which is one reason that vertical orientation conventions for APC polish are not commonly used with simplex fiber connectors.

With the more recent advent of purpose-built twin-fiber connectors such as the SEN type, which have a tandem (side-by-side) ferrule arrangement, a significant challenge exists in implementing lateral angle polishing so as to provide APCs in a reliable and cost effective manner. With simplex connectors, gang polishing is quite simple as each connector is placed into its own fixture position. However, with two or more fibers arranged together in a row, in order to gang-polish the whole row with consistent end-face geometry, it is necessary to have all fiber end faces positioned in a substantially coplanar orientation during the polishing process.

<CIT> D1 discloses a fiber optic connector with ferrule holders that allow for rotation of the ferrules relative to the holders.

<CIT> discloses an optical connector plug with connector assemblies that are capable of being rotated around their respective axis to angularly reposition the ferrules.

In the SEN connector arrangement, which uses a tandem ferrule arrangement, simply inserting the standard connector at the requisite angle (typically <NUM>°) is insufficient, as the ferrule end faces will not be coplanar. One ferrule will stand roughly <NUM> lower than the other. Either the connector itself, or the polishing fixture which is used to polish the connector, must eliminate this non-coplanar condition during polishing, and then restoring it once the termination and assembly processes are complete. With increasing industry standardization to SEN type connectors, the need to find APC solutions becomes clear, e.g., for passive optical LAN systems and other low-reflection applications. Indeed, this requirement is true of any multi-fiber connector with a tandem ferrule arrangement, not just the SEN type.

One solution to this problem would be to polish the ferrules individually prior to assembly into the connector. However, this solution is inefficient in a production environment, as it forces the connector assembly process to be divided between extensive thereafter, i.e., when arranged in the mating position. The various embodiments of the current invention all operate based upon this design principle.

Systems and methods are disclosed herein to address needs associated with angle polishing of tandem connectors, e.g., SEN type connectors.

The present invention refers to a system and method for angle polishing of the end faces of a plurality of optical connectors as claimed in claim <NUM> and claim <NUM>. In particular, systems are provided that include a connector defining a longitudinal axis, and at least two ferrules mounted with respect to the connector and arranged in a side-by-side orientation. The end faces of the connectors are movable relative to the connector and such movement facilitates lateral orientation of the angle polished end faces of the ferrules relative to the connector when in the mating position. Various mechanisms and methods for facilitating movement of the ferrules relative to the connector are disclosed to achieve the desired lateral polish orientation of the ferrule end faces in the mating position.

The disclosed system may be implemented by providing the connector body with a split that separates an upper connector body portion and a lower connector body portion. In such exemplary implementation, the upper connector body portion is movable relative to the lower connector body portion. More particularly, the upper connector body portion and the lower connector body portion may be movable between (i) the polishing position wherein the split defines a gap between the upper connector body portion and the lower connector body portion, and (ii) the mating position wherein the upper connector body portion is in abutting relation with the lower connector body portion.

The at least two ferrules may define a first ferrule and a second ferrule, wherein each of the first and second ferrules define an end face. In the polishing position referenced above, the end face of the first ferrule and the end face of the second ferrule are coplanar in a plane that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector. More particularly, the end faces of the first and second ferrules may be coplanar in a plane that is angled at an angle of <NUM>° relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector.

In the mating position referenced above, the end face of the first ferrule and the end face of the second ferrule are in a mating position with the polished end faces in a lateral orientation. Of note, the first and second end faces are generally polished in the polishing position, and then moved to the mating position.

In an alternative implementation of the disclosed system, the connector body may include compression springs that apply a distal bias on the at least two ferrules, and the connector body defines slot(s), e.g., a slot for each of the ferrules associated with the connector. A shim is provided that is configured to be removably received by the slot(s) defined by the connector body. A compression spring is restrained by introduction of the shim into a slot, and the compression spring is unrestrained when the shim is removed.

In the disclosed system, the at least two ferrules may define a first ferrule and a second ferrule, and each of the first and second ferrules define an end face. The first ferrule is movable between (i) the polishing position in which the end face of the first ferrule and the end face of the second ferrule are coplanar in a plane that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector, and (ii) the mating position in which the end faces of the first ferrule and the end face of the second ferrule are angle polished and in a lateral orientation. The first and second ferrules are in the polishing position when the compression spring is restrained by the shim, and the first and second ferrules are in the second/mating position when the compression spring is unrestrained by the shim.

In a further exemplary implementation according to the present disclosure, the at least two ferrules may define a first ferrule and a second ferrule, and each of the ferrules includes a fitting that defines a guide hole. The connector body defines first and second slots that align with the guide holes of the first and second ferrules. A slide cam is provided that defines a pin-like extension that is configured and dimensioned to (i) extend through one of the first and second slots, and (ii) engage a guide hole associated with one of the first and second ferrules.

Each of the first and second ferrules define an end face, and movement of the slide cam relative to the connector body when in engagement with the guide hole of a ferrule, e.g., the first ferrule, moves the first ferrule between (i) the polishing position in which the end face of the first ferrule and the end face of the second ferrule are coplanar in a plane that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector, and (ii) the mating position, in which the end face of the first ferrule and the end face of the second ferrule are angle polished and in a lateral orientation. In exemplary embodiments, the slide cam is associated with a polishing fixture.

In a further exemplary implementation according to the present disclosure, a sleeving element is provided that defines an internal offset feature and is configured/dimensioned to engage the connector body. The at least two ferrules may define a first ferrule and a second ferrule, wherein each of the first and second ferrules define an end face. Movement of the sleeving element relative to the connector body when in engagement with the connector body moves the first ferrule between (i) the polishing position in which the end face of the first ferrule and the end face of the second ferrule are coplanar in a plane that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector, and (ii) the mating position, in which the end face of the first ferrule and the end face of the second ferrule are angle polished and in a lateral orientation.

In a still further exemplary implementation according to the present disclosure, the at least two ferrules may define a first ferrule and a second ferrule, wherein each of the first and second ferrules define an end face. The first and second ferrules are rotatably mounted within the connector body. A tool may be provided that includes an elongated cylindrical extension defining a hollow central channel and distally extending teeth. The first and second ferrules may include notched fittings that are adapted to engage the distally extending teeth of the tool. When the tool is engaged with the notched fitting of one of the ferrules, that ferrule may be manually rotated relative to the connector body. In exemplary embodiments, the tool is effective to manually rotate the ferrule(s) by <NUM>° relative to the connector body. In this way, after angle polishing of the end faces of the ferrules, the ferrules may be rotated such that, in the mating position, the angle polished end faces are in a lateral orientation.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the connector body includes (i) an initial channel, (ii) a transfer channel, and (iii) a main channel. The two ferrules may define a first ferrule and a second ferrule, and each of the ferrules define an end face and a cam extension. Proximal movement of a ferrule relative to the connector body causes the ferrule to rotate relative to the connector body based on camming engagement between the cam extension associated with the ferrule and the transfer channel. Through the noted camming engagement, the ferrule generally rotates by <NUM>° relative to the connector body. In this way, after angle polishing of the end faces of the ferrules, the ferrules may be rotated such that, in the mating position, the angle polished end faces are in a lateral orientation.

The present disclosure also provides advantageous methods for providing a connector acording to claim <NUM>.

Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed systems and methods will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the appended figures.

To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the systems and methods of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein:.

The present disclosure provides advantageous systems and methods for APC polishing multi-ferrule optical connectors with tandem, or side-by-side, ferrule arrangements. Although the disclosed systems and methods are described herein with reference to exemplary embodiments/implementations thereof, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by or to such exemplary embodiments/implementations. Rather, the disclosed systems and methods are subject to revisions, modifications and/or enhancements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the examples provided herein are modeled upon an SEN connector type, but it is to be understood that the systems/methods disclosed herein would apply equally well to any multi-ferrule connector type where the ferrules are arranged in a tandem row.

According to the disclosed systems and methods, side-by-side, i.e., tandem, ferrule end-faces are positioned in a substantially coplanar orientation for polishing operations. In order to position the ferrule end faces substantially co-planar for APC polishing, the systems and methods of the present disclosure either (a) adjust the vertical offset of the ferrules for polishing operations such that, when returned to the mating position, the polished end faces are in a lateral orientation, or (b) all ferrules in the tandem row are angle-polished and then rotated <NUM>° post-polishing to place the angle polished end faces in a lateral orientation when in the mating position.

In a first exemplary system/method according to the present disclosure, and as schematically depicted in <FIG>, connector <NUM> includes a connector body <NUM> that supports side-by-side ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> that are exposed at a distal end thereof. Although connector <NUM> is shown with two side-by-side ferrules <NUM>, <NUM>, the present disclosure may be extended to implementations wherein a greater number of ferrules are positioned in the noted side-by-side arrangement, and suitable adjustments are made to accommodate the additional ferrule(s) based on the disclosure which follows.

As shown in <FIG>, the connector body <NUM> defines a transverse split or space <NUM> that impacts on the distal positioning of ferrule <NUM> relative to ferrule <NUM>. Thus, above the split <NUM> is upper connector body portion <NUM> and below split <NUM> is lower connector body portion <NUM>. Lower connector body portion <NUM> is movable relative to upper connector body portion <NUM> along the longitudinal axis of connector body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, with the lower connector body portion <NUM> spaced away from upper connector body portion <NUM> based on split/space <NUM>, ferrule <NUM> is distally extended relative to ferrule <NUM> and, as a result, the end face <NUM> of ferrule <NUM> is positioned in front of the end face <NUM> of ferrule <NUM>.

Based on the relative positioning of the end faces <NUM>, <NUM> enabled by split/space <NUM>, when the connector <NUM> is tilted laterally from vertical (e.g., <NUM>°), both end faces <NUM>, <NUM> of ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> may make simultaneous contact with a planar, horizontal polishing surface. As will be apparent to persons skilled in the art, the dimension of the split/space <NUM> to cause coplanar orientation of end faces <NUM>, <NUM> is readily determined based on the geometry of connector <NUM> as disclosed herein. Specifically, the magnitude of the split/space <NUM> is substantially equal to the distance between the two ferrule axes multiplied by the tangent of the angle of polish (in this case, <NUM>°). If additional tandem ferrules form part of connector <NUM>, then the split/space for each laterally positioned ferrule is calculated in like manner so as to position the end face(s) of each additional ferrule in a coplanar orientation relative to end faces <NUM>, <NUM> when the connector <NUM> is laterally tilted, e.g., at <NUM>°. The split/space <NUM> in the connector body <NUM> advantageously functions to correct the vertical offset which would otherwise be present in a normal, unmodified connector of the same type when laterally tilted, e.g., at an angle of <NUM>° relative to the longitudinal axis of connector <NUM>.

As schematically depicted in <FIG>, once the end faces <NUM>, <NUM> of ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> have been polished in the laterally tilted orientation shown in <FIG>, the upper connector body portion <NUM> and lower connector body portion <NUM> can be moved relative to each other to eliminate the space <NUM>, e.g., by bringing lower connector body portion <NUM> into abutting relation with upper connector body portion <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments, the noted relative movement of upper connector body portion <NUM> and lower connector body portion <NUM> may be snapped together to permanently fix the two ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> at the same height. Relative motion of the connector body portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be manually effectuated, e.g., by overcoming a detent mechanism and sliding the lower connector body portion <NUM> relative to the upper connector body portion <NUM>. Alternatively, the lower connector body portion <NUM> may be biased toward the upper connector body portion <NUM> by way of an internal spring mechanism (not pictured) that, when released (e.g., by a pull tab or the like), axial force is applied to the lower connector body portion <NUM> to bring it into juxtaposition with upper connector body portion <NUM>.

In sum, the connector <NUM> of <FIG> features a split/space <NUM> that allows upper/lower connector body portions <NUM>, <NUM> to move between first and second positions, the first position being characterized by a first ferrule <NUM> distally extended relative to the second ferrule <NUM>, and the second position, i.e., the mating position, being characterized by the end faces of the first ferrule <NUM> and the second ferrule <NUM> angle polished and in a lateral orientation. In the first position, the end faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the ferrules are co-planar when the connector is laterally tilted for polishing, e.g., at an angle of <NUM>° (as shown in <FIG>). After polishing, the connector <NUM> is moved to the second position, i.e., the mating position (as shown in <FIG>) by eliminating (or substantially eliminating) the split/space <NUM> such that the upper/lower connector body portions <NUM>, <NUM> are in abutting relation.

An advantageous method for polishing a connector <NUM> according to the embodiment of <FIG> entails positioning the connector <NUM> in the first position and laterally tilting the connector (e.g., to an angle of <NUM>°) to polish the end faces <NUM>, <NUM>, then moving the connector to the mating position with the angle polished end faces <NUM>, <NUM> in a lateral orientation by moving the lower connector body portion <NUM> into abutment with the upper connector body portion <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, an alternative connector <NUM> is schematically depicted that includes a connector body <NUM> that supports side-by-side ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> that are exposed at a distal end thereof. As with connector <NUM>, connector <NUM> is shown with two side-by-side ferrules <NUM>, <NUM>. However, the present disclosure may be extended to implementations wherein a greater number of ferrules are positioned in the noted side-by-side arrangement, and suitable adjustments are made to accommodate the additional ferrule(s) based on the disclosure which follows.

First and second compression springs <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned within connector body <NUM>, with compression spring <NUM> biasing ferrule <NUM> distally and compression spring <NUM> biasing ferrule <NUM> distally. A shim <NUM> extends through a slot <NUM> formed in connector body <NUM>, thereby restraining compression spring <NUM> from advancing ferrule <NUM> to its fully extended distal position. Thus, as shown in <FIG>, the end face <NUM> of ferrule <NUM> is set back proximally relative to the end face <NUM> of ferrule <NUM>. The distance by which end face <NUM> is proximally positioned relative to end face <NUM> is established such that end faces <NUM>, <NUM> are in a coplanar orientation relative to a polishing surface when connector <NUM> is laterally tilted, e.g., by <NUM>° (as schematically depicted for connector <NUM> in <FIG>). Thus, the linear distance by which the compression spring <NUM> is restrained is calculated so as to achieve the desired coplanar arrangement of end faces <NUM>, <NUM> for angled polishing operations, e.g., at an angle of <NUM>° relative to the longitudinal axis of connector <NUM>.

After the polishing operation is complete, the shim <NUM> is removed from slot <NUM>, thereby freeing compression spring <NUM> to advance ferrule <NUM> to a distally advanced position (as compared to the position shown in <FIG>) such that end face <NUM> is in a mating position with the angled polished end faces in a lateral orientation. In this way, once the end faces <NUM>, <NUM> of ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> have been polished in the laterally tilted orientation shown in <FIG>, removal of shim <NUM> permits compression spring <NUM> to advance ferrule <NUM> to a position such that end faces <NUM>, <NUM> are in a mating position that is analogous to the lateral orientation of end faces <NUM>, <NUM> of connector <NUM> in <FIG>.

In exemplary embodiments, the noted relative movement of ferrule <NUM> in response to the force imparted by compression spring <NUM> after removal of shim <NUM> may bring ferrule <NUM> into a fixed/locked position based on a locking mechanism internal to connector body <NUM>, i.e., the two ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> may be fixed at the same height. Although the embodiment of <FIG> is described with reference to compression spring <NUM> operating to advance ferrule <NUM> when shim <NUM> is removed, the reverse operation may be utilized by implementing a spring mechanism that moves ferrule <NUM> proximally in response to removal of a shim, as will be apparent to persons skilled in the art based on the description provided herein.

In sum, the connector <NUM> of <FIG> features a shim <NUM> that interacts with an internally positioned compression spring <NUM>. When the shim <NUM> is removed, the compression spring <NUM> is unrestrained and it functions to advance ferrule <NUM>/end face <NUM> to an extended position that aligns with ferrule <NUM>/end face <NUM> in the mating position of the connector. As such, the design of connector <NUM> allows ferrule <NUM> to move between first and second positions, the first position being characterized by end face <NUM> of first ferrule <NUM> being proximally positioned relative to the end face <NUM> of a second ferrule <NUM>, and the second position, i.e., the mating position, being characterized by the end face <NUM> of first ferrule <NUM> and the end face <NUM> of second ferrule <NUM> being in a lateral orientation. In the first position, the end faces <NUM>, <NUM> of the ferrules are co-planar when the connector <NUM> is laterally tilted for polishing, e.g., at an angle of <NUM>° (as shown in <FIG>). After polishing, the connector <NUM> is moved to the second/mating position by removing the shim <NUM> so as to allow compression spring <NUM> to advance ferrule <NUM> distally as described herein.

An advantageous method for polishing a connector <NUM> according to the embodiment of <FIG> entails positioning the connector <NUM> in the first position and laterally tilting the connector (e.g., to an angle of <NUM>°) to polish the end faces <NUM>, <NUM>, then moving the connector to the second/mating position with the end faces <NUM>, <NUM> in a lateral orientation by removing the shim <NUM> and allowing the compression spring <NUM> to exert a distally directed force on ferrule <NUM>.

Of note with reference to the embodiments of <FIG> and <FIG>, in any example where the vertical offset of the ferrules is corrected, the spring load backing one or both ferrules may be affected. In the first example of <FIG>, where the connector body <NUM> is split, the spring force backing the right hand ferrule <NUM> is reduced, while in the second example of <FIG>, the spring force backing the left hand ferrule <NUM> is increased due to the fact that this spring is further compressed. This may have a material impact on the overall polishing results, so in order to obtain an even polish between the right and left ferrule positions, some vertical bias, on the order of a few thousandths of a centimeter, may be desirable, rather than making the ferrules perfectly co-planar. This adjustment may be more easily accomplished in the polishing fixture than in the connector itself, as shown in the following two examples.

In a third example according to the present disclosure, the connector <NUM> is designed so as to allow a polishing fixture to reorient side-by-side ferrules relative to each other during a polishing operation. As with connectors <NUM> and <NUM>, connector <NUM> is shown with two side-by-side ferrules <NUM>, <NUM>. However, the present disclosure may be extended to implementations wherein a greater number of ferrules are positioned in the noted side-by-side arrangement, and suitable adjustments are made to accommodate the additional ferrule(s) based on the disclosure which follows.

Thus, with reference to <FIG>, a connector <NUM> is provided with slots <NUM>, <NUM> formed in connector body <NUM>. The slots <NUM>, <NUM> align with a guide hole <NUM> formed in a fitting <NUM> associated with ferrule <NUM> (see <FIG>). Thus, as can be seen in the top view of <FIG>, the holes <NUM>, 110a associated with ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> are longitudinally staggered in the position depicted in <FIG>, which corresponds to the distally advanced position of ferrule <NUM> relative to ferrule <NUM>. In such position, the end faces <NUM>, <NUM> of ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> are coplanar at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of connector <NUM>, e.g., <NUM>°.

The angular orientation of end faces <NUM>, <NUM> as depicted in <FIG> is established according to the exemplary embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG> by interaction of a pin-like element associated with the polishing fixture which, in this instance, has operated on ferrule <NUM> by engaging hole 110a through slot <NUM> and drawing ferrule <NUM> proximally by the distance permitted by slot <NUM>. In this way, the desired coplanar arrangement of end faces <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., at an <NUM>° angle relative to the longitudinal axis of connector <NUM>) is established for polishing purposes but, at the conclusion of the polishing operation, ferrule <NUM> may be advanced relative to the connector body <NUM>, e.g., by operation of the pin-like structure associated with the polishing fixture interacting with hole 110a through slot <NUM> to advance ferrule <NUM> to a desired distal/mating position. Thus, after polishing, the end faces <NUM>, <NUM> may assume a mating position with the angle polished end faces in a lateral orientation.

In exemplary embodiments of the connector <NUM>, one or both ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> may be spring biased in a distal direction, e.g., by compression springs positioned within connector body <NUM>, and the proximal movement of ferrule <NUM> based on sliding motion initiated by interaction with the pin-like structure associated with the polishing fixture through slot <NUM>, may be automatically reversed (after polishing) by releasing the pin-like structure from the hole 110a, and allowing the compression spring to exert a distal force to return ferrule to its distal-most position. In the distal-most position, end face <NUM> of ferrule <NUM> and end face <NUM> of ferrule <NUM> are in a lateral orientation.

An advantageous method for polishing a connector <NUM> according to the embodiment of <FIG> entails positioning the connector <NUM> in a first position (with the end faces of the first/second ferrules in a coplanar orientation at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector, e.g., <NUM>°) by sliding a first ferrule proximally relative to connector body <NUM> by engaging a guide element (e.g., a hole 110a) associated with the first ferrule through a slot <NUM> formed in the connector body <NUM> and laterally tilting the connector (e.g., to an angle of <NUM>°) to polish the end faces <NUM>, <NUM>, then moving the connector (or allowing the connector to move) to a second/mating position with the angle polished end faces <NUM>, <NUM> in a lateral orientation by sliding the first ferrule (or allowing the first ferrule to slide) distally to a distally extended/mating position.

Turning to <FIG>, an exemplary slide cam mechanism according to the present disclosure is schematically depicted. The slide cam mechanism is advantageously associated with a polishing fixture and interacts with a ferrule that is movably mounted relative to a connector body of the type described with reference to <FIG>. Thus, the disclosed slide cam mechanism is effective to move a ferrule proximally relative to a connector body as part of an angled polishing operation (e.g., at <NUM>°) and, post-polishing, to cause or permit the ferrule to return to a distal/mating position.

As shown in <FIG>, slide cam <NUM> includes a pin-like extension <NUM> that is configured and dimensioned to extend through a slot defined in connector body <NUM> of connector <NUM> and engage a hole/aperture defined by or in one of the ferrules. Main fixture mount <NUM> is schematically depicted and is adapted to support/control operation of slide cam <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, slide cam <NUM> is initially in spaced relation relative to connector <NUM>. Thereafter, as shown in <FIG>, slide cam <NUM> engages connector with pin-like extension <NUM> engaging a hole/aperture associated with one of the ferrules associated with connector <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, the pin-like extension <NUM> of slide cam <NUM> engages an aperture/hole <NUM> associated with ferrule <NUM> through a slot defined in connector body <NUM>. The connector/connector body/ferrule of <FIG> generally define structures that correspond to the structures described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. Compression spring <NUM> is positioned within connector body <NUM> and biases ferrule <NUM> distally relative to connector body <NUM>. The polishing fixture is adapted to permit or cause movement of slide cam <NUM> relative to connector <NUM>. Thus, based on proximal movement of slide cam <NUM> relative to connector body <NUM>, ferrule <NUM> is moved proximally against the bias of compression spring <NUM>. The extent of travel of slide cam <NUM> relative to connector body <NUM> may be controlled in various ways, including control software. However, in the exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, the extent of proximal travel is limited by the extent of the slot formed in the connector body, as described with reference to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, proximal movement of slide cam <NUM> is effective to proximally position ferrule <NUM> relative to connector body <NUM> such that the end faces associated with the two side-by-side ferrules are positioned in a plane that is angularly oriented relative to the longitudinal axis of connector <NUM> (e.g., at <NUM>°). In this orientation, the ferrules are simultaneously polished at the desired angle through polishing contact with polishing surface "PS". After polishing is complete, slide cam <NUM> may be disengaged from ferrule <NUM>, thereby allowing compression spring <NUM> to exert a distally directed force that returns ferrule <NUM> to its distal/mating position, i.e., a distal position in which the angle polished end faces are in a lateral orientation.

Turning to a fourth example according to the present disclosure, the disclosed connector itself is completely unmodified relative to conventional connectors, but a sleeving element is associated with the polishing fixture and functions to force one ferrule in a proximal direction relative to the connector. As with the embodiment described above with reference to <FIG> (and, by extension, <FIG>), the ferrules associated with this fourth example are substantially co-planar during angular polish operations, i.e., coplanar in a plane that is at an angle (e.g., <NUM>°) relative to the longitudinal axis of the connector, and automatically return to "even height", i.e., a mating position, once the connector is removed from the polishing fixture.

According to this further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, sleeving element <NUM> is schematically depicted in <FIG> and includes an internal offset feature <NUM> that is adapted to engage one of the ferrules associated with a connector. Thus, as shown in the sectional view of <FIG>, a conventional connector <NUM> is shown with side-by-side ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> and compression springs <NUM>, <NUM> mounted within connector body <NUM> that impart a distal bias thereto. As shown in <FIG>, the sleeving element <NUM> engages the connector <NUM> and the offset feature <NUM> engages ferrule <NUM> to move it proximally against the bias of compression spring <NUM>. Thus, the end faces <NUM>, <NUM> of ferrules <NUM>, <NUM> are in a coplanar orientation that defines a plane angled relative to the longitudinal axis of connector <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>°) and, in such orientation, engage the polishing surface "PS". The angle at which the end faces <NUM>, <NUM> are oriented is determined by the length of offset feature within sleeving element <NUM>. Once the angular polishing of end faces <NUM>, <NUM> is complete, sleeving element <NUM> may be removed from connector <NUM> and compression spring <NUM> imparts a distal force on ferrule <NUM> that returns it to a mating position wherein angle polished end faces <NUM>, <NUM> are in a lateral orientation.

In the examples disclosed herein where the polishing fixture is modified, further features may be added to introduce adjustability to the residual vertical offset height, which in turn would enable the technician to further refine the polishing setup so as to ensure as even a polishing condition as possible between ferrule positions.

Turning to a fifth example according to the present disclosure, ferrule(s) associated with the disclosed connector is/are modified to enable rotation of <NUM>° relative to the connector body after polishing. In an exemplary embodiment, and as schematically depicted in <FIG>, ferrule <NUM> is provided with a notched fitting <NUM> that is mounted/positioned therearound (<FIG>), and a cooperating tool <NUM> - that may advantageously also function as a dust cap - is provided that includes an elongated cylindrical extension <NUM> defining a hollow central channel <NUM> and distally extending teeth <NUM> that are configured/dimensioned to engage/cooperate with the notches formed on the notched fitting <NUM>. Thus, in use, tool <NUM> may be advanced relative to ferrule <NUM> by positioning the end face <NUM> within the central channel <NUM> and advancing the tool <NUM> toward the notched fitting <NUM>. Once contact is made between the tool <NUM> and the notched fitting <NUM>, the tool may be rotated in either direction until the teeth <NUM> of the tool engage the notches of the notched fitting <NUM>. Upon engagement, the tool <NUM> may be further rotated, e.g., by <NUM>°, to effectuate rotation of the ferrule <NUM> relative to the connector in which it is mounted. In this way, the angle polished end faces may be arranged in a lateral orientation when in the mating position.

Turning to <FIG>, a schematic side view of a connector <NUM> with distally extending ferrules <NUM> (only one visible) in a side-by-side orientation and in polishing contact with a polishing surface "PS". The connector <NUM> is at an angle relative to polishing surface "PS", e.g., <NUM>°, and the polishing operation yields angled surfaces on the end faces of the ferrules <NUM> that are ineffectual for the desired connector application.

As shown in <FIG>, two tools <NUM> of <FIG> may be positioned around side-by side ferrules <NUM>, such that the teeth of the tools engage the cooperating notched fitting of the ferrules. Thus, as shown in <FIG>, "Step <NUM>" of the rotation procedure involves installing the tool/dust cap onto a ferrule end of a plug connector.

With reference to <FIG>, the tool <NUM> that is being used to rotate a ferrule <NUM>, in this case the right-hand tool, is pushed inward against the bias of spring <NUM> to free up the ferrule for <NUM>° rotation within the connector body <NUM> of connector <NUM> pursuant to "Step <NUM>" of the rotation procedure. By "freeing up" is meant that the internal structure of connector body <NUM> includes a region that permits free rotation of notched fitting <NUM> therewithin and such region is proximal of the rest position of ferrule <NUM>. As a result, it is necessary to move the ferrule <NUM> proximally, against the bias of spring <NUM>, to permit free rotation of ferrule <NUM> as described herein.

Turning to <FIG>, the tool <NUM> is used to rotate the ferrule <NUM> by <NUM>° relative to connector body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, once the ferrule has been rotated <NUM>°, proximal pressure against tool <NUM> may be released and the spring <NUM> within connector body <NUM> exerts a distal force that returns the ferrule to its initial/mating position wherein the rotated, angle polished end face is in a lateral orientation. Once both ferrules are rotated by <NUM>°, the angle polished end faces of the ferrules are oriented in a desired manner relative to each other for purposes of end use, i.e., a vertical polish orientation is converted into a lateral polish orientation at a post-polishing stage.

With reference to <FIG>, a further exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure is schematically depicted. In this further example, a set of cam features are added to the interior of the connector housing, which contains two keyways for each ferrule, located <NUM>° apart. Thus, with particular reference to <FIG>, ferrule <NUM> includes a cam extension <NUM> that extends from a fitting <NUM> associated with the ferrule.

Turning to <FIG>, the interior of a connector body <NUM> associated with connector <NUM> is shown, partially in section. Connector body <NUM> defines an initial channel <NUM> that is relatively short, a transfer channel <NUM> that is angled, and a main channel <NUM> that is full length for purposes of the ferrule to be inserted therein. Each of the foregoing channel features is depicted in duplicate (side-by-side) to accommodate positioning of side-by-side ferrules therewithin.

In use, the connector <NUM> would be initially assembled with the ferrules <NUM> keyed into the initial channel <NUM>. The ferrules <NUM> would then be polished in the same manner as the prior example (see <FIG>) and as depicted in <FIG>. As described therein, both side-by-side ferrules <NUM> are polished in plane with vertical angle orientation, and <NUM>° rotation is needed to convert to lateral orientation relative to the connector body.

Once polished, each ferrule <NUM> is pushed in against the bias of the compression spring positioned within the connector body. As the ferrule <NUM> travels proximally, the cam extension <NUM> engages the transfer channel <NUM> defined within ferrule body <NUM> and is forced to rotate <NUM>° along the helical transfer channel <NUM> which merges to the main channel <NUM> at the bottom of each ferrule passage (see <FIG> and <FIG>). Once the cam extension <NUM> has reached the main channel <NUM>, the ferrule <NUM> will have completed the desired <NUM>° rotation, and the ferrule <NUM> may be released so that it can return to its initial mating position under the bias of the compression spring (see <FIG>). Thus, through the camming operation within connector body <NUM>, the initial vertical polish orientation is converted into a lateral polish orientation. By undertaking the noted operation with respect to both ferrules, the side-by-side end faces are in a lateral orientation when in the mating position.

Of note, the rotation mechanism described with reference to <FIG> does not require a special tool to effectuate the rotation (as required for the rotation mechanism of <FIG>). However, in the case of the rotation mechanism of <FIG>, the <NUM>° rotation would be essentially permanent and irreversible, whereas the rotation mechanism of <FIG> could be turned either way and at any time by means of the keyed tool.

Claim 1:
A system for angle polishing of side-by-side ferrules (<NUM>, <NUM>) to deliver polished surfaces (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a lateral orientation, wherein the system comprises:
a. a connector (<NUM>) including a connector body (<NUM>) and defining a longitudinal axis;
b. at least two ferrules (<NUM>, <NUM>) mounted with respect to the connector body (<NUM>) and arranged in a side-by-side orientation, wherein each of the at least two ferrules (<NUM>, <NUM>) defines an end face (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein the connector body (<NUM>) is configured to allow at least one of the at least two ferrules (<NUM>, <NUM>) to move relative to the connector body (<NUM>) between a first, polishing position wherein the end face (<NUM>) of a first ferrule (<NUM>) of the at least two ferrules (<NUM>, <NUM>) is extended distally relative to the end face (<NUM>) of a second ferrule (<NUM>) of the at least two ferrules (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the end faces (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the ferrules (<NUM>, <NUM>) are coplanar when the connector is laterally tilted for polishing, and a second, mating position wherein both of the end faces (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the at least two ferrules (<NUM>, <NUM>) are aligned at a same height; and
wherein movement of the at least one ferrule (<NUM>, <NUM>) relative to the connector body (<NUM>) facilitates lateral orientation of the angle polished end face (<NUM>, <NUM>) of all ferrules (<NUM>, <NUM>) relative to the connector body (<NUM>) when in the mating position.