Fixture for system for processing fiber optic connectors
AssigneeADC Telecommunications, Inc.
InventorsRobert J. Bianchi, Larry Sorenson, Todd Eichinger
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fixture for an automated connectorization system for processing fiber optic connectors. The fixture can include a first and second portions configured to hold the connectors. The first portion can include a plurality of clamps, each clamp being configured to clamp onto one of the connectors. The second portion can include a plurality of nests, each nest including an aperture configured to allow a ferrule of one of the connectors to extend therethrough. The second portion of the fixture is coupled to the first portion.
Claims17
A fixture for a system for processing fiber optic connectors, the fixture comprising:
- a first portion including a plurality of clamps, each clamp being configured to clamp onto one of a plurality of fiber optic connectors;
- and
- a second portion defining a plurality of nests, each nest defining an aperture configured to allow a ferrule of one of the plurality of fiber optic connectors to extend therethrough;
- wherein the second portion is coupled to the first portion;
- and
- wherein the second portion is detachably coupled to the first portion using at least one latch, the latch including a spring.
A fixture for an automated system for processing fiber optic connectors, the fixture comprising:
- an upper portion including a plurality of clamps, each clamp including first and second clamp members, at least one of the first and second clamp members being configured to move between open and closed positions, and a resilient member being coupled to each of the first and second clamp members to hold a respective boot of one of a plurality of fiber optic connectors, the first and second clamp members each defining a recessed portion, and each respective resilient member being positioned in each respective recessed portion;
- and
- a lower portion defining a plurality of nests, each nest being configured to receive a ferrule of one of the plurality of fiber optic connectors;
- wherein the lower portion is detachably coupled to the upper portion.
A method for processing fiber optic connectors, comprising:
- coupling a plurality of fiber optic connectors to a fixture, the fixture including a first portion and a second portion;
- processing the fiber optic connectors to a first processed state;
- removing the second portion of the fixture;
- and
- processing the fiber optic connectors to a second processed state.
A method for processing fiber optic connectors, comprising:
- providing a fixture including an upper portion and a lower portion;
- positioning each ferrule of a plurality of fiber optic connectors in one of a plurality of nests defined by the lower portion of the fixture;
- clamping the plurality of connectors to the upper portion of the fixture;
- polishing the ferrule of each of the plurality of fiber optic connectors;
- and
- stripping the lower portion from the upper portion of the fixture to provide access to a lower portion of each of the plurality of fiber optic connectors after the ferrules have been polished.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.