INDEPENDENT OPTICAL FERRULE AND OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR WHICH USES THE FERRULE AND REPLACEABLE OPTICAL PLUG USING THE FERRULE

摘要

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREDisclosed herein is an independent opticalferrule, an optical connector employing the independentferrule, and replaceable plug unit employing theindependent ferrule. Also disclosed is a method of usingthe replaceable plug unit employing the independentferule. The independent ferrule includes a stem portionhaving both ends each contronting ones of optical elementssuch as an end ferrule. The independent ferrule furtherincludes at least one optical fiber held in a fixedposition in the stem and having the both ends flush withthe end faces of the stem. The independent ferrule alsoincludes a collar adapted to serve as positioning memberupon assembly of said independent ferrule into the opticalconnector or the replaceable plug unit.