Patent ID: 8469605

Claim:
A method for manufacturing a connector, said connector comprising a ferrule comprising a first material having a first diameter at a first temperature below a transition temperature and a second diameter at a second temperature above said transition temperature, and having an endface, and holding at least one fiber having a fiber end presented at said endface, said method comprising: heating a housing to at least said second temperature, said housing comprising a second material and defining a bore hole having a diameter greater than the diameter of said ferrule at any temperature within an operating temperature range, and an interface portion having a restricted bore hole having a third diameter at said first temperature, and a fourth diameter at said second temperature, said third diameter being less than said first diameter, and said fourth diameter being greater than said second diameter; inserting said ferrule into said housing when said housing is heated to at least said second temperature; allowing said housing to cool to below said transition temperature such that said interface portion contracts around said ferrule to form an interference fit; and disposing a resilient member in said housing such that said resilient member applies a forward force to said ferrule.