Method of simultaneously polishing a plurality of diverse fiber optic cable connectors
AssigneeCiena Corporation
InventorsThomas Boyer, Waqar Mahmood, Keith Chandler, Andrei Cspikes
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Abstract
A method that mass polishes a variety of fiber optic cable connectors simultaneously. The method includes a plurality of steps for mass polishing of fiber optic cable connectors with varying patterns and loci of motion to prevent overlap of patterns during polishing. Thus, fiber optic cable connectors having a variety of polished end faces may be provided with the apparatus. The method also eliminates the potential for contamination among polishing films, reduces polishing steps, and saves labor and maintenance costs.
Claims24
A method of simultaneously polishing a plurality of fiber optic cable connectors in a polishing apparatus having a base with a plurality of wedge-shaped areas each of which is aligned with a corresponding fiber optic cable connector, comprising:
- securing the plurality of fiber optic cable connectors in a fixture;
- imparting a relative motion between the fixture holding the plurality of fiber optic cable connectors and the base of the polishing apparatus;
- and
- controlling the relative motion so that each of the plurality of fiber optic cable connectors remains in a respective one of the wedge-shaped areas.
A method of simultaneously polishing a plurality of fiber optic cable connectors in a polishing apparatus having a base with a plurality of wedge-shaped areas each of which is aligned with a corresponding fiber optic cable connector, comprising:
- securing the plurality of fiber optic cable connectors in a fixture;
- applying alternating polishing media of different abrasivity to the wedge-shaped areas;
- imparting a relative motion between the fixture holding the plurality of fiber optic cable connectors and the wedge-shaped areas;
- and
- controlling the relative motion so that each of the plurality of fiber optic cable connectors remains in a respective one of the wedge-shaped areas.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.