Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for providing a workpiece with a convex tip

US5727989A · kind A · utility

34Cited by
9References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 22, 1996
Grant dateMar 17, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 22, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB24B21/004
  • WIPO fieldMachine tools
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for providing an optical fiber connector or similar workpiece formed of, e.g., glass, ceramic or plastic with a mirror-finished convex tip efficiently is disclosed. While a film-like abrasive tool is conveyed in contact with the wall of a groove formed in a stage, the workpiece is caused to rotate about its axis (and to move in a reciprocating motion). By the resulting grinding operation, the sectional shape (arcuate) of the abrasive tool contacting the wall of the groove is transferred to the end of the workpiece. As a result, the end of the workpiece is provided with a convex tip. The abrasive tool is replaced with an abrasive tool for finishing, as needed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.