Abstract: Thermal removal of optical fiber coatings by insertion through heated ferrules to form ferrule assemblies for fiber optic connectors, and related assemblies are disclosed. An optical fiber includes a glass fiber, having a cladding and core, surrounded by a protective coating. By removing the coating at an end portion of the optical fiber, the end portion may be precisely positioned and secured within a ferrule to enable reliable optical communications. The coating may be thermally removed, or substantially thermally removed, by inserting the optical fiber through a rear opening of the ferrule which has been heated above a temperature sufficient to change the coating to a non-solid state. In this manner, the coating may be efficiently removed from the end portion of the optical fiber while being inserted into the ferrule bore of the ferrule to enable efficient forming of a ferrule assembly for a fiber optic connector.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a ferrule configured to receive an optical fiber. The ferrule has a fiber bore and a storage location interior to the ferrule and adjacent to the fiber bore. The storage location comprises a funnel-shaped portion that is directed toward the fiber bore. An adhesive material is positioned in the storage location of the ferrule. The adhesive material is a dry and solid material.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector includes a ferrule configured to receive an optical fiber. The ferrule has a fiber bore and a storage location interior to the ferrule and adjacent to the fiber bore. The storage location comprises a funnel-shaped portion that is directed toward the fiber bore. An adhesive material is positioned in the storage location of the ferrule. The adhesive material is a dry and solid material.

Abstract: Thermal removal of optical fiber coatings by insertion through heated ferrules to form ferrule assemblies for fiber optic connectors, and related assemblies are disclosed. An optical fiber includes a glass fiber, having a cladding and core, surrounded by a protective coating. By removing the coating at an end portion of the optical fiber, the end portion may be precisely positioned and secured within a ferrule to enable reliable optical communications. The coating may be thermally removed, or substantially thermally removed, by inserting the optical fiber through a rear opening of the ferrule which has been heated above a temperature sufficient to change the coating to a non-solid state. In this manner, the coating may be efficiently removed from the end portion of the optical fiber while being inserted into the ferrule bore of the ferrule to enable efficient forming of a ferrule assembly for a fiber optic connector.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector preloaded with an adhesive is provided. The optical connector includes an optical fiber-receiving passage. The passage includes a first passage section extending inwardly from the first face, and the first passage section has a first width. The passage includes a second passage section extending inwardly from the second face, and the second passage section has a second width. The second width is less than the first width. The passage includes a transition passage section located between the first passage section and the second passage section. The transition passage has a variable width, and the variable width of the transition section decreases as the distance to the second face decreases. A meltable adhesive composition is located within the transition passage section and is configured to bind an optical fiber to an inner surface of the second passage following melting and solidification of the adhesive composition.