US Patent 7204016 Ferrule assembly and methods therefor

A ferrule assembly for terminating at least one fiber of a ribbon cable in a ferrule, where the ferrule assembly is disposable in a housing of an optical connector, is provided. The ferrule assembly includes the ferrule having a mating face, at least one groove for receiving the fiber and at least one through-hole. The ferrule assembly also includes an alignment member holder having at least one alignment member and providing a first channel for the ribbon cable, the alignment member being insertable in the through-hole of the ferrule and having a first length such that an end of the alignment member extends beyond the mating face of the ferrule when the ferrule assembly is assembled. The ferrule assembly further includes a carrier body attachable to the alignment member holder, the carrier body having at least two biasing member capture portions, each of the biasing member capture portions providing an opening for capturing a biasing member therein when the alignment member holder and the carrier body are attached. The carrier body further provides a second channel for the ribbon cable, the second channel being disposed between the biasing member capture portions of the carrier body and being contiguous with the first channel when the alignment member holder and the carrier body are attached.