Method and apparatus for cleaning an optical fiber

US6676763B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• kSaira Corporation · US

Inventors

• Arthur W. Johnson, III · Longview, US
• Harold G. Watts, Jr. · Holden, US
• Anthony J. Christopher · Andover, US
• Andre Sharon · Newton, US
• Frank Pretzch · Boston, US
• Mark S. Page · Merrimack, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 6, 2001
• Grant date: Jan 13, 2004
• Expiry date: Mar 3, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B08B2240/02
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

There is provided a method and apparatus for automatically cleaning a portion of an optical fiber. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a fluid tank assembly that holds cleaning fluid and comprises an aperture sized and arranged to receive the portion of the optical fiber, an ultrasonic generator, a clamping assembly, and a controller. The clamping assembly, in one position, holds the portion of the optical fiber in a position that is axially aligned with the aperture of the fluid tank assembly and disposed through the aperture of the fluid tank assembly. The clamping assembly further comprises a sealing assembly that forms a fluid seal about the portion of the optical fiber and a fluid seal of the aperture of the fluid tank assembly. The controller controls the ultrasonic generator to provide an ultrasonic signal to the fluid within the fluid tank assembly to clean the portion of the optical fiber.