Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Other

Edward John Forrest, Jr

K Scott Kammerer

Paul M Blair

James J Holley

Kristine Y Webb

A fiber optic connection inspection apparatus and method includes an adapter housing fitted to a video microscope camera configured to observe and records images of a Direct Contact and Expanded Beam fiber optic connector assemblies. The adapter housing is configured to rotatably connect the camera for 360 degree rotation about a longitudinal axis of the adapter housing, assuring inspection of a larger field of view. The field of view represents the three-dimensional nature of the various sectors of a fiber optic connector. The rotation of the camera permits the instrument to visualize the complete connector, enabling the technician to make an informed decision which surfaces to clean to improve signal transmission. The adapter housing may be constructed of soft material that enables camera manipulation to provide a comprehensive view of the optical connector surfaces. The rotating adapter housing may be 3D printed which enables flexibility of design and production.

Fiber optic connection inspection apparatus and method

A fiber optic component cleaning device includes a body, a motor mounted in the body and a power supply mounted in the body and operably connected to the motor. The device has a resilient platen mounted to the body and a cleaning material configured to reside on the platen. An oscillating device is operably mounted to the motor to induce an oscillation in the body and the platen to oscillate the platen with the cleaning material thereon. The tool is configured to clean surfaces of the fiber optic component by oscillating movement of the platen and the cleaning material on the platen.

Oscillating fiber optic cleaning tool

A fiber optic connector inspection device includes a boroscope tool, a wand operably connected to the boroscope tool, a light source and a lens. The light source and the lens are mounted at about an end of the wand. The lens is movable relative to the connector to be inspected. The system provides for observing images on a screen operably connected to the boroscope tool. A method for inspecting the radial face and axial face of a fiber optic ferrule is also disclosed.

Fiber optic video inspection system and method

A fiber optic component cleaning device includes a folder having a base, a cover and a separator. The cover and the separator are opposite one another relative to the base. The folder has a width. The base and cover have a fold therebetween such that the cover folds onto the base and the base and separator have a fold therebetween such that the separator folds onto the base. The base and cover have about an equal length and the separator has a length less than the length of the base and cover. A plurality of cleaner sheets are disposed in the folder. The cleaner sheets have a width that is about equal to or less than the width of the folder and have a length that is about equal to or less than the length of the base and cover. A top-most fresh cleaner sheet is separated from the plurality of cleaner sheets and is positioned on the separator sheet for cleaning the connector. When soiled, the soiled cleaner sheet is removed and discarded. A method for cleaning a fiber optic connector is also disclosed.

Compact fiber optic component cleaning device and method

A cleaning device for cleaning multiple types of fiber optic connectors includes a container having an opening in a face formed in a side of the container and a plurality of discrete soft, work surfaces on a face of the container. The surfaces are configured as a pair of outwardly disposed surfaces having a width and a pair of inwardly disposed surfaces having a width that is less than the width of the outwardly disposed surfaces. The surface are parallel to each other. Gaps are disposed between each of the adjacent work surfaces. Each of the gaps has a width. A plurality of cleaning wipes are located inside the container. The wipes are fed from the inside of the container through the opening and placed on the work surface for cleaning the fiber optic connector. The wipes provide indication that they have been used.

Fiber optic component cleaning device with grooved platen

A cleaning device is configured for cleaning a male portion of an aligning-type fiber optic connector. The device includes a container having an opening in a face formed in a side of the container. A plurality of discrete soft, large work surfaces are disposed on a face formed in a side of the container. The surfaces are disposed in side-by-side relation to one another having open regions between the surfaces. The open regions are at an elevation lower than an elevation of the plurality of work surfaces. A plurality of cleaning wipes are located inside the container. The wipes are fed from the inside of the container through the opening and placed on the work surface for cleaning the connector.

Raised platen for fiber optic component cleaning device

A fiber optic component cleaning tool includes a container defining a body having an outer wall, a sealed bottom wall and an open end, the open end defines a periphery. A compliant, large work surface is disposed on at least a portion of the outer wall. A plurality of cleaning wipes are disposed inside the container. The wipes are pre-moistened with a solvent. A seal extends over the container opening and is sealed to the container at the periphery. The seal has a frangible portion therein to define an opening. A lid is fitted to the container over the open end. The lid has an opening for cooperating with the frangible portion of the seal. Cleaning wipes are fed from the inside of the container through the opening in the seal and the opening in the lid, and are placed on the work surface for cleaning the fiber optic component. The wipes are formed from a non-woven material such as a blend of a natural and a synthetic material.

Pre-moistened fiber optic component cleaning tool with integrated platen

A fiber optic component cleaning tool includes a container defining a body having an outer wall, a sealed bottom wall and an open end, the open end defines a periphery. A compliant, large work surface is disposed on at least a portion of the outer wall. A plurality of cleaning wipes are disposed inside the container. The wipes are pre-moistened with a solvent. A seal extends over the container opening and is sealed to the container at the periphery. The seal has a frangible portion therein to define an opening. A lid is fitted to the container over the open end. The lid has an opening for cooperating with the frangible portion of the seal. Cleaning wipes are fed from the inside of the container through the opening in the seal and the opening in the lid, and are placed on the work surface for cleaning the fiber optic component.

Pre-moistened fiber optic component cleaning tool with integrated cleaning platen

A method of removing matrix from a fiber optic cable includes the steps of providing a foil layer, placing a sheet of wiping material atop the foil layer, positioning a portion of fiber optic cable coated with a matrix on the sheet of wiping material, folding the foil layer and sheet of wiping material together, spraying solvent into the folded wiping material, and confining the fiber optic cable inside the folded sheet of wiping material within the folded foil layer until the matrix dissolves. A durable folder may be used with the method to provide a portable work station and secure both the sheets of wiping material and the foil layer. A portable containing materials necessary for practicing the method of the present invention also is disclosed.

Method of removing matrix from fiber optic cable

A swab for cleaning electronic and electro-mechanical components includes a handle and a pull-truded fiber cleaning head. The handle is elongated and has a cleaning head end and a grasping end. The cleaning head end defines a securing region for securing the cleaning head to the handle. The cleaning head is formed from a plurality of fibers that are pulled through a die to compress the fibers into a substantially rigid, elongated cleaning head. The swab includes a tether to secure the swab and prevent inadvertent misplacement.

Swab with pull-truded tip

A swab for cleaning electrical and particularly fiber optic connectors includes an elongated handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a cleaning head end and a grasping end. The swab includes a wrapped foam cleaning end. The wrapped foam cleaning end is formed from an elongated strip of microporous foam that is spiral wound about the cleaning end of the handle and is formed having a substantially flat cleaning end. A method for making the swab is also disclosed.

Growing community of inventors

Marietta, GA, United States of America

Edward John Forrest, Jr