Abstract: A cleaning module adapted to clean a socket style ferrule or a pin style ferrule of a connector includes a tip assembly extending from a housing comprising a tip adapted to receive a cleaning media. A retractable alignment sleeve sized to surround the pin style ferrule has a larger outer diameter than an inner diameter of a socket opening and moves along the tip assembly when the first end presses against a surface of the connector. A sleeve spring engages with a portion of the tip assembly and a first end of the retractable alignment sleeve. The tip assembly includes a block movably secured within a portion of the housing. A main spring may be engaged with the housing and engaged with an end portion of the block, wherein the sleeve spring has both a spring constant and total compressive force that are lower than that of the main spring.

Abstract: A cleaning module adapted to clean a socket or a pin of a ferrule includes a tip assembly comprising a tip, the tip adapted to receive a cleaning media, a retractable alignment sleeve spring-mounted on a retractable alignment sleeve spring, wherein the sleeve retracts when a flange of an opening of the tip assembly presses against a surface of the ferrule, and wherein the retractable alignment sleeve is sized to surround the pin, and a main spring that extends the tip assembly, wherein the retractable alignment sleeve spring has both a spring constant and total compressive force that are lower than that of the main spring.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a cleaning and inspection system for fiber optics that is rapid, reliable and useful for various types of fiber optics. In an embodiment, the system includes a wide field of view (FOV) camera to image the ferrule and rapidly locate the fiber ends and a narrow FOV camera to provide detailed inspection of individual fiber ends. A cleaning module with a cleaning tip and a cleaning medium that is drawn through the tip is used to clean the fiber ends. Images captured by the dual cameras are automatically enhanced and analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the cleaning process and to identify the types and quantity of defects present. In another embodiment, a single higher resolution camera is provided with a lens that can image an entire fiber array and yet enable defects to be detected by analysis of sub-images of each fiber in the fiber array.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a cleaning and inspection system for fiber optics that is rapid, reliable and useful for various types of fiber optics. In an embodiment, the system includes a wide field of view (FOV) camera to image the ferrule and rapidly locate the fiber ends and a narrow FOV camera to provide detailed inspection of fiber ends. A cleaning module with a cleaning tip and a cleaning media that is drawn through the tip is used to clean the fiber ends. Images captured by the dual cameras are automatically enhanced and analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the cleaning process and to identify the types and quantity of defects present. In another embodiment, a single higher resolution camera is provided with a lens that can image an entire fiber array and yet enable defects to be detected by analysis of sub-images of each fiber in the fiber array.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a cleaning and inspection system for fiber optics that is rapid, reliable and useful for various types of fiber optics. In an embodiment, the system includes a wide field of view (FOV) camera to image the ferrule and rapidly locate the fiber ends and a narrow FOV camera to provide detailed inspection of fiber ends. A cleaning module with a cleaning tip and a cleaning media that is drawn through the tip is used to clean the fiber ends. Images captured by the dual cameras are automatically enhanced and analyzed to determine the effectiveness of the cleaning process and to identify the types and quantity of defects present. In another embodiment, a single higher resolution camera is provided with a lens that can image an entire fiber array and yet enable defects to be detected by analysis of sub-images of each fiber in the fiber array.