Polishing fixture

In combination:

• a plurality of ferrules each comprised of a tubular body supporting an optical fiber and a collar member mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the tubular body;
• a body having first and second opposite and generally parallel main surfaces and a plurality of peripheral side surfaces for supporting the respective ferrules so that end surfaces of the ferrules confront a polishing member during a polishing operation while a longitudinal axis of each of the ferrules is disposed at an angle of inclination relative to the polishing member;
• and
• a plurality of guide members mounted on the first main surface of the body for maintaining the body generally parallel to the polishing member during a polishing operation.

In combination:

• a support member having a main surface and mounted for undergoing rotational movement;
• a tubular member mounted on the support member for rotation therewith;
• a polishing member mounted on the support member for rotation therewith during a polishing operation;
• a plurality of ferrules each having a tubular body supporting an optical fiber and a collar member mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the tubular body;
• a polishing fixture comprised of a body having first and second opposite and generally parallel main surfaces and a plurality of peripheral side surfaces for supporting respective ferrules so that end surfaces of the ferrules confront the polishing member during a polishing operation while a longitudinal axis of each of the ferrules is disposed at an angle of inclination relative to the polishing member;
• and
• a plurality of guide members mounted on the first main surface of the body of the polishing fixture for contacting the tubular member during a polishing operation to maintain the body of the polishing fixture generally parallel to the support member.