Abstract: An apparatus, integral to a polishing fixture, that enables a plurality of fiber optic connectors to be independently aligned to a polishing surface. Once inserted into the apparatus, a reference connector is positioned over an optical interferometer, whose focal plane is parallel with that of the polishing surface plane. The apparatus is then adjusted to the known interferometric geometry of the reference connector. This procedure is performed for each integral apparatus insuring that all consecutive connectors inserted into said apparatus are polished to the same interferometric geometry as that of the reference connector. The same apparatus also permits connector geometries to be measured by the interferometer while the connectors are mounted in the polishing fixture.

Abstract: An optical fiber and optical connector cleaning device which removes contaminants and particulants from fiber end face surfaces. The device consists of a surface treated with a high bonding adhesive. A template with a plurality of alignment holes is positioned upon the adhesive surface. A fiber connector with contaminants residing upon its fiber surface is guided by a template hole and makes contact with the adhesive surface. After connector disengagement, contaminants remain bonded to the adhesive surface resulting in a contaminant-free optical fiber and optical connector.

Abstract: An apparatus for polishing the end faces of bare optical fibers or connector terminated fibers so that their shape is either convex or angled. The base structure of the apparatus utilizes several rotating disks upon which deformable pads are mounted. Attached to each pad are polishing films with progressively finer grades of abrasive action. A connector ferrule containing a protruding fiber is mounted in an exchangeable work fixture. Depending upon the selected work fixture, the fiber face is pressed against the coarsest rotating polishing film at a predetermined angle. A carriage linearly traverses the work fixture across the radius of the polishing film resulting in the removal of fiber end face material. Once the circumference of the film is reached the work fixture is repositioned so that radial movement can commence across the adjacent finer grade polishing film.

Abstract: A method for capping or crimping an isolation cell or an isolation cap, for a safe disposal, to a sharp tip of a used or otherwise unsanitary needle of a medical device and an apparatus used therefor. By capping the tip of the used needle of the medical device, such as a disposable syringe, the isolation cell effectively eliminates the risk of infection or injury to anyone exposed to the tip of the used needle during or after its disposal. The apparatus includes a dispenser containing a plurality of the isolation cells where the dispenser positions one cell at a time into an anvil for prepositioning the isolation cell to receive a tip portion of the used needle within its interior. The used needle is then inserted through an orifice disposed on needle-alignment means, for safe and easy insertion.