Patent ID: 7255486

Claim:
A load adapter for terminating an optical fiber in a small form factor connector having a ferrule portion and a barrel portion that include a pre-loaded thermoplastic adhesive material, and a housing, comprising: a thermally conductive body having a base section and a connector mounting section extending axially therefrom; wherein the base section is adapted to be mountable in an oven port of a portable heat source; and wherein the connector mounting section has a substantially cylindrical shape adapted to surround a substantial portion of the small form factor connector housing and including at least one slot, wherein the connector mounting section includes a mount adapted to receive the small form factor connector, the mount including a stem having a substantially cylindrical structure adapted to slidably receive the ferrule portion of the small form factor connector, and wherein an end of a received ferrule portion of the small form factor connector extends beyond an edge of an inner wall of the stem.