Abrading – Abrading process – Glass or stone abrading
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-12
2001-05-29
Ostragen, Allen M. (Department: 3725)
Abrading
Abrading process
Glass or stone abrading
C451S287000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06238274
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a fixture for polishing a fixture mounted device. More particularly, the invention relates to a polishing fixture and method for use in precision preparation of a side polished optical fiber device where the fixture and device are placed on a polishing surface in a polishing slurry.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Some polishing fixtures exist in the prior art for polishing a fixture mounted device. Also, such fixtures may be used to side polish an optical fiber device where the fixture and device are placed on a polishing surface in a polishing slurry. In this regard, one must understand that it is critical to the operation of a polishing fixture that the fixture maintain the mounted device in a stable and accurate perpendicular relationship relative to the polishing surface. In this way, the mounted device outer-facing surface is polished flat and not rounded at its edges or across its face. Such rounding affects the performance of the device and means the difference between a functioning device versus a defective device. Also, excessive rounding, uneven polishing, or abrupt handling of the mounted device can result in a broken device because of its fragile nature, as well known in the art.
All the known fixtures have several disadvantages. For example, these fixtures may utilize support configuration that do not enable polishing of a fiber device and then ready inspecting, measuring and/or testing of the device as mounted in the fixture without the aid of another support instrument. Additionally, known fixtures may utilize a spring assembly to position the device adjacent the polishing surface. Such an assembly has been found to fatigue over time and thus does not provide a constant positioning force which can result in defective polishing and/or defective devices. Further, prior polishing fixtures require a rather complicated axial support shaft assembly. Moreover, such an assembly often does not adequately support the shaft and over time it becomes fatigued and is unable to maintain the shaft in a perpendicular relationship relative to the polishing surface.
Accordingly, a need exist to provide a polishing fixture that overcomes the disadvantages in the existing prior art fixtures. The present invention comprising a polishing fixture and method for polishing a device, preferably a side polished fiber optic device, overcomes these disadvantages and offers several other features for polishing fiber optic devices and other devices for use in a polishing fixture. As will be described in greater detail hereinafter, the features of the present invention differs from those previously proposed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention a polishing fixture is provided. The fixture includes a base. A shaft is joined with the base. A platform is joined with the shaft and located remote from the base. Then, a sample holder is joined with the shaft; wherein the platform moves relative to the base and the sample holder. Alternatively, the sample holder could be joined with the shaft and have an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the platform, wherein the base is fixed relative to the sample holder.
Other features of the invention relate to a method for polishing a device. Preferably the method comprises: affixing the device to a fixture, the fixture including a base, a shaft joined with the base, a platform joined with the shaft and a sample holder joined with the shaft; placing the fixture on a polishing surface in a polishing position wherein the device is automatically positioned adjacent the polishing surface; moving the device in a substantially perpendicular plane relative to the polishing surface; and, placing the fixture on a surface in an inspecting position wherein an outer-facing surface of the platform automatically recedes below an outer-facing surface of the device.
Still other features of the invention concern the structures and configuration where the shaft includes a motion dampening piston.
According to yet other features of the invention there are provided stop, limit and measuring members which enhance the precision and functionality of the invention.
According to still further features of the invention there are provided structures and configurations where constant forces and fixed and motion relationships enhance device polishing and inspecting.
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Logitech PP5 Precision Jigs, 2-sided brochure, dated PPMay 10, 1991, published at least as early as Jun. 30, 1998.
Logitech Equipmentt Manual for the Operation and Maintenance of the PP5 and PP6 Precision Polishing Jigs. Ref: BE-01-7-4, 19 numbered pages and a rear fold out labeled FIGURE 8, published at least as early as Jun. 30, 1998.
Heslin & Rothenberg, P.C.
Hong William
Molecular OptoElectronics Corporation
Ostragen Allen M.
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