US 12,353,018 B2
Laser process for processing ferrules used in non- contact optical connectors
Yu Lu, Eden Prairie, MN (US)
Assigned to COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC, Hickory, NC (US)
Appl. No. 17/909,186
Filed by COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC, Hickory, NC (US)
PCT Filed Mar. 2, 2021, PCT No. PCT/US2021/020515
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Sep. 2, 2022,
PCT Pub. No. WO2021/178433, PCT Pub. Date Sep. 10, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/984,399, filed on Mar. 3, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2023/0092201 A1, Mar. 23, 2023
Int. Cl. G02B 6/36 (2006.01); G02B 6/38 (2006.01)
CPC G02B 6/3688 (2013.01) [G02B 6/3847 (2013.01); G02B 6/3885 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for processing a ferrule supporting at least two optical fibers, the ferrule including a ferrule body having a distal end and a proximal end, the ferrule body also defining at least two fiber openings that extend through the ferrule body from the proximal end to the distal end, the at least two optical fibers being secured within the at least two fiber openings, the method comprising:
laser processing the distal end of the ferrule to cause distal expansion of at least a laser processed portion of the distal end such that the at least two optical fibers are recessed with respect to the laser processed portion, wherein the laser processed portion extends between the at least two fiber openings.