Apparatus for cleaning an optical fiber ribbon
US6485193B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/567
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning an optical fiber ribbon without splitting the ribbon. The apparatus comprises a first element that has a channel formed therein, which preferably has a width that is substantially equal to the width of an optical fiber ribbon. A ribbon is cleaned by disposing it in the channel and by pulling it through the channel while applying a force to the top surface of the ribbon. The force may be applied, for example, by a user who applies a cleaning cloth to the top surface of the ribbon as it is pulled through the channel. The contact between the channel, the cleaning device and the exterior surface of the ribbon effectuates removal of foreign material from the exterior surface of the ribbon. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second element. The second element includes a bottom surface that is disposed over the channel when the first and second elements are placed in their operative positions. In order to clean a ribbon, the ribbon is pulled through the channel in a direction parallel to the length-wise direction of the ribbon. As the ribbon is pulled through the channel, the channel and t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.