Abrading – Machine – Rotary tool
Reexamination Certificate
2003-11-26
2004-10-26
Hail, III, Joseph J. (Department: 3723)
Abrading
Machine
Rotary tool
C451S364000, C451S365000, C451S379000, C451S398000, C451S909000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06808444
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to the art of fiber optic connectors and, particularly, to a polishing fixture for polishing the optic ends of a fiber optic cable terminated in a fiber optic connector.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fiber optic connectors of a wide variety of designs have been employed to terminate optical fiber cables and to facilitate connection of the cables to other cables or other optical fiber transmission devices. A typical optic fiber connector includes a ferrule that mounts and centers an optical fiber or fibers within the connector. The ferrule may be fabricated of such material as ceramic. A ferrule holder or other housing component of the connector embraces the ferrule and may be fabricated of such material as molded plastic. A spring may be disposed within the housing or ferrule holder such that the ferrule is yieldably biased forwardly for engaging another fiber-mounting ferrule of a mating connecting device.
Before a fiber optic cable can be joined to the end of a like cable to create a continuous fiber optic cable assembly, it is necessary to polish the ends of the tiny optical fibers at a mating face of the ferrule. It is often necessary to polish these optic ends to a precise length which they project from the mating face of the ferrule.
Polishing machines are known for performing such polishing functions, and the machines typically include a polishing fixture for receiving and holding one or more ferrules having the fiber optic cables terminated thereto. The ferrule must be clamped rigidly in the fixture. Typically, the ferrules are clamped in at least two directions, such as mutually perpendicular “X” and “Y” directions. This requires multiple clamping assemblies on the fixture. For instance, one clamping assembly is used to clamp the ferrule in the “X” direction, and a second clamping assembly is used for clamping the ferrule in the “Y” direction. Each assembly includes a plurality of components, and the dual assemblies double the number of components required. In essence, such fixtures and clamping assemblies are complicated, expensive and not very cost efficient. The present invention is directed to providing a polishing fixture that uses a single clamping assembly for clamping a ferrule in two different directions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object, therefore, of the invention is to provide a new and improved polishing fixture of the character described.
In the exemplary embodiment of the invention, a polishing fixture is provided for polishing the optic ends of a fiber optic cable terminated in a fiber optic connector. Note that discussions herein regarding fiber optic connectors also apply to multi-fiber optic connectors as well. The fixture includes a holding plate having a receptacle for receiving the fiber optic connector, with at least a portion of each of a first side and a second side of the connector exposed. A clamping arm is disposed for generally linear movement relative to the holding plate and the received connector, as well as for pivotal movement relative to the holding plate and the received connector. The clamping arm has first and second clamping portions for engaging the first and second sides, respectively, of the connector. An actuator mechanism is operatively associated with the clamping arm for moving the clamping arm generally linearly to bring the first clamping portion of the arm into clamping engagement with the first side of the connector and then pivoting the clamping arm to bring the second clamping portion of the arm into clamping engagement with the second side of the connector.
According to one aspect of the invention, the holding plate is circular, with a circular peripheral edge. A plurality of the receptacles are arranged in an array angularly about at least a portion of the circular peripheral edge of the plate, in conjunction with a corresponding plurality of the clamping arms and actuator mechanisms. Each receptacle is open at a top surface of the holding plate to expose the first side of the connector, and at least a portion of the receptacle is open at a side thereof to expose the second side of the connector.
As disclosed herein, the first and second sides of the fiber optic connector are disposed generally perpendicular to each other, as in a typical ferrule of a fiber optic connector assembly.
According to another aspect of the invention, the first and second clamping portions of the clamping arm comprise first and second surfaces generally perpendicular to each other. The clamping arm is generally L-shaped to define first and second, mutually perpendicular legs that form the first and second clamping portions of the clamping arm. The clamping arm is pivotally movable about a pivot point generally at a juncture of the perpendicular legs of the L-shaped clamping arm.
According to a further aspect of the invention, the actuator mechanism includes an actuating lever pivotally mounted at one end thereof to a fixed pivot on the holding plate. An opposite end of the actuating lever is pivotally connected to the clamping arm. A set screw is freely rotatable in a through hole in the actuating lever and is threadably engaged in a screw hole in the holding plate to move the actuating lever and effectively move the clamping arm. The set screw has an enlarged, manually graspable knob to facilitate manually rotating the screw. The receptacle in the holding plate defines an insertion axis of the connector, and an axis of the screw hole is at an acute angle to the insertion axis. The holding plate has a first clamping surface against which the connector is clamped by the first clamping portion of the clamping arm, and the holding plate has a second clamping surface at an angle to the first clamping surface and against which the actuating lever is clamped by the set screw.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5107627 (1992-04-01), Mock et al.
patent: 5321917 (1994-06-01), Franklin et al.
patent: 6718111 (2004-04-01), Suek et al.
Grois Igor
Kuprin Igor
Bose Romi N.
Hail III Joseph J.
McDonald Shantese
Molax Incorporated
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