The Whitaker Corporation

Amp LLC

Nancy Lebeis Miller

Randall Bobby Paul

Soren Grinderslev

Larry R Stauffer

Ronald A Hileman

Vinod J Franklin

Marinus Hendrikus Kreijveld

An optical fiber connector polishing fixture (20) for use with a polishing machine (22). The polishing machine polishes optical fiber connectors which are retained in such fixture by clamping a ferrule of the connector in a connector clamping assembly (32). The fixture (20) includes a plate portion (24) which has a perimeter edge. A plurality of arms (28) extend from the plate portion (24) for attachment to a polishing machine (22). A plurality of segments (30) of said plate portion are defined by areas between neighboring arms (28). A plurality of connector clamping assemblies (32) are positioned within each segment (30) of the plate portion (24). These connector clamping assemblies (32) are generally, radially oriented within the corresponding segment (30). Each clamping assembly (32) includes a nest (46) for retaining a connector, a primary slot (48) extending from the perimeter of the plate portion through the nest (46), and a secondary slot (50) spaced away from the primary slot (48) and extending from the perimeter of the plate portion to a position proximate to the nest (46). A moveable beam (52) is defined between the primary slot (48) and the secondary slot (50) and is displaceable relative to the plate portion by a clamping mechanism (44) attached thereto for clamping a connector within the nest.

Universal polishing fixture for polishing optical fiber connectors

Polishing machines, fixtures, and apparatus for setting up connectors of varying geometries on polishing fixtures. The setup plates have a plurality of axial holes disposed around the perimeter of the setup plate that will receive optical fibers. The setup plate further comprises a reference surface for providing interference with ferrules in the connectors so that the ferrules protrude uniformly through the polishing fixtures. Since the polishing machines described herein can polish connectors of varying geometries at one time, these machines operate efficiently and cost-effectively.

Universal polishing plate for polishing machine

A polishing fixture (20) for use with a polishing machine comprises a plurality of clamping assemblies (41) (22). The fixture (20) includes a connector holder plate (28) which has a perimeter edge (30). A plurality of slots (42) obliquely extend inwardly from the perimeter edge (30) through the plate (28). A force transmitting body (26) having an internal rim (32) is positioned around the perimeter edge (30) of the connector holder plate (28) so as to provide a camming action against convex cam surfaces (52). The camming action of the internal rim (32) of the force transmitting body (26) and the convex cam surface (52) on the perimeter (30) of the connector holder plate (28) deflect a corresponding beam (44) inwardly to clamp a connector (49) positioned in a corresponding one of the camping assemblies (41).

A connector 1 for an optical fiber 2 comprising; an alignment ferrule 9 for encircling an optical fiber 2, a precision alignment surface 23 of the ferrule constructed for nonreformation upon alignment in a cavity having a shape complementary to that of the precision alignment surface 23, the precision alignment surface 23 is constructed on a front end portion 10 of said ferrule, said first portion is constructed from assembly with a separate remainder of said ferrule in a manner to isolate said precision alignment surface 23 from distortion.

Fused connector for optical fiber

A connector 1 for an optical fiber 2 comprising; an alignment ferrule 9 for encircling an optical fiber 2, a precision algnment surface 23 of the ferrule constructed for nonreformation upon alignment in a cavity having a shape complementary to that of the precision alignment surface 23, the precision alignment surface 23 is constructed on a front end portion 10 of said ferrule, said first portion is constructed for assembly with a separate remainder of said ferrule in a manner to isolate said precision alignment surface 23 from distortion.

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Harrisburg, PA, United States of America

Nancy Lebeis Miller