Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Edward J Forrest

Paul M Blair

K Scott Kammerer

A cleaning swab has an elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a diameter. The handle has a cleaning head end. A cleaning head is formed from a sheet of non-linting material having a predetermined thickness so as to form a predetermined cleaning head diameter. The material forms a seal-less tip and a pair of longitudinal side seals extending along longitudinal sides of the cleaning head. Excess material forms a cleaning surface suitable for standard polish and angle physical connector polished end faces. A sleeve has a central opening for receiving the handle such that the cleaning head extends beyond an open end of the sleeve. Use of a first predetermined thickness of material forms a first swab having a cleaning head having a first diameter cleaning head and use of a second different predetermined thickness of material forms a second swab having a second different diameter. The sleeve is configured to interchangeably receive the first swab and the second swab.

Cleaning swab, integrated handle system and method of making same

A cleaning swab is for wet or dry use. The swab includes a handle defining a longitudinal axis. The handle is elongated and has a cleaning head end having a tip, and a grasping end. A cleaning head is mounted to the handle. The cleaning head is formed from a strip of material having an inner surface and an outer surface. The material is affixed to the handle at the inner surface, and extends along the handle, over the tip and along an opposite side of the handle. The head defines a loop at the handle tip spaced from the tip. The strip of material extends along the handle to define major cleaning surfaces and the loop defines an inner annular cleaning surface.

Three sided swab

A device for cleaning fiber optic components includes a container having an opening with a soft, large work surface formed in a side thereof. The device includes a plurality of cleaning wipes located within the container, allowing the wipes to be fed from the inside of the container through the opening and placed on the work surface for cleaning. A method for cleaning fiber optic components is also disclosed.

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Marietta, GA, United States of America

Edward J Forrest