Fiber-optic endface cleaning apparatus and method
US7566176B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 18, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB08B2240/02
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A cleaning apparatus (1100) for cleaning an endface (1104) of an optical fiber (1106), wherein a portion of the optical fiber is contained within an interface device (1103) is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a housing (1114) having an interface portion (1124) adapted to be received by the interface device. The cleaning apparatus further includes a fluid dispensing assembly (1116) at least partially disposed within the housing, wherein at least a portion (1112) of the fluid dispensing assembly engages the endface when the interface portion is received by the interface device. The fluid dispensing assembly is operable to deliver a fluid and a solvent upon the endface when the interface portion of the housing is received by the interface device to aid in the removal of contaminants on the endface. The cleaning apparatus may include a contact cleaning assembly (1304) and/or a microscope (1408).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.