Abstract: A system enables inspection of an optical connector. The system includes a positioning subassembly, an electronic sensor (e.g., a scanner, a camera, etc.), and a controller coupled to the positioning subassembly and the electronic sensor. The controller is configured to position the electronic sensor over the optical connector, activate the electronic sensor to obtain a set of electronic signals which defines a set of current images of the optical connector, and electronically generate a result based on the set of electronic signals. The result indicates an attribute of the optical connector. Accordingly, the system is capable of inspecting the optical connector in a repeatable and non-subjective manner.

Abstract: A system cleans a set of optical connectors. The system includes a fluid source, a vacuum source, a support member which defines a cleaning device edge, and a set of cleaning devices. Each cleaning device includes (i) a fluid intake member which connects to the fluid source, (ii) a fluid output member which connects to the vacuum source, and (iii) a cleaning head which connects to the fluid intake member and the fluid output member. Each cleaning device is disposed along the cleaning device edge of the support member. The set of cleaning devices is configured to (a) align over a set of optical interfaces of the set of optical connectors, (b) direct fluid (e.g., gas, gaseous snow, etc.) from the fluid source toward the set of optical interfaces, and (c) draw the directed fluid away from the set of optical interfaces and toward the vacuum source.

Abstract: A system enables inspection of an optical connector. The system includes a positioning subassembly, an electronic sensor (e.g., a scanner, a camera, etc.), and a controller coupled to the positioning subassembly and the electronic sensor. The controller is configured to position the electronic sensor over the optical connector, activate the electronic sensor to obtain a set of electronic signals which defines a set of current images of the optical connector, and electronically generate a result based on the set of electronic signals. The result indicates an attribute of the optical connector. Accordingly, the system is capable of inspecting the optical connector in a repeatable and non-subjective manner.

Abstract: A system cleans a set of optical connectors. The system includes a fluid source, a vacuum source, a support member which defines a cleaning device edge, and a set of cleaning devices. Each cleaning device includes (i) a fluid intake member which connects to the fluid source, (ii) a fluid output member which connects to the vacuum source, and (iii) a cleaning head which connects to the fluid intake member and the fluid output member. Each cleaning device is disposed along the cleaning device edge of the support member. The set of cleaning devices is configured to (a) align over a set of optical interfaces of the set of optical connectors, (b) direct fluid (e.g., gas, gaseous snow, etc.) from the fluid source toward the set of optical interfaces, and (c) draw the directed fluid away from the set of optical interfaces and toward the vacuum source.

Abstract: A polarizing fiber-optic layer for use within a liquid crystal multilayer structure, particularly for use in a computer system having a liquid crystal display screen. The invention relates to a specially designed thin polarizing fiber-optic layer which functions both as a polarizer of light in a specific direction and as a fiber-optic material for optically resolving an image to its surface from a position optically below the fiber-optic material layer. Using this double functioning material the problems of off axis viewing, contrast (and color) distortion and parallax can be solved in flat panel displays. This inventive layer replaces several complex layers of a conventional liquid crystal display thereby greatly simplifying display manufacture and improving performance.