Abstract: A cleaning apparatus uses an ultrasonically excited cleaning fluid to clean an object disposed in a cleaning chamber that is substantially isolated from a surrounding environment. The apparatus is particularly suited to cleaning a portion of an elongate member, especially (but not necessarily only) an intermediate (i.e., a portion excluding a distal end portion) portion thereof. In one example, the cleaning apparatus is usable to clean only an intermediate portion of an optical fiber stripped of its coating. The cleaning fluid may be, for example and without limitation, an alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol, or acetone. The cleaning fluid may be circulated in a closed circuit. The closed circuit may include one or more of a fluid pump, a vacuum device for further urging the fluid through the system, and a fluid filter for cleaning the used fluid of at least some contaminants before it is reused.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for automatically preparing optical fibers for splicing (or for attachment to a connector or an optical component) by automatically positioning a stripping station, a cleaning station, and a cleaving station to process one or more optical fibers substantially simultaneously. The optical fiber may be held at a fixed position during processing. A vacuum system may further be used to automatically collect scrap produced by the cleaving process.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for automatically preparing optical fibers for splicing by automatically positioning an optical fiber at a stripping station, a cleaning station, and a cleaving station. The processing of the optical fiber at the various stations is also preferably automated. The optical fiber may be held by an optical fiber holder and/or a carriage, which may translate and/or rotate the optical fiber amongst the various stations. Where the optical fiber is translated only along a single axis, the unit may be configured to be quite reliable, compact, and inexpensive to manufacture.