Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method for attaching a fiber optic terminus of a fiber optic connector to a fiber optic cable. The method may include determining a type of epoxy to be mixed from a first material in a first barrel of the dual-barrel cartridge and a second material in a second barrel of the dual-barrel cartridge. The method may include determining a first rate at which to advance a first plunger against the first barrel based at least in part on the type of epoxy to be mixed. The method may include determining a second rate at which to advance a second plunger against the second barrel based at least in part on the type of epoxy to be mixed. The first rate and the second rate may be associated with a proportion between an amount of the first material and an amount of the second material to mix for the epoxy.

Abstract: An apparatus includes: a cleaver configured to automatically cleave a bare fiber extending from an end face of a terminus or connector of a fiber optic cable, the cleaver including a bending element configured to bend the bare fiber and a defect-formation device configured to create a surface defect in surface of the bare fiber under tension when the bare fiber is bent by the bending element; and an abrader configured to automatically finish the end face of the terminus or connector after the bare fiber is cleaved.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems and methods for efficient installation of optical and electrical cable in watercraft. A manufacturer may terminate one end of a cable in a location removed from the watercraft, allowing use of automated cable termination machines for efficiency and consistency of terminations. The single-terminated cable may then be brought to the watercraft and installed by pulling or routing the unterminated end through ductwork and pipes, watertight bulkhead throughways, and cable trays and ladders as necessary, prior to termination. Accordingly, more difficult and expensive on-site labor is reduced, and reliability is greatly increased. Furthermore, many cable tests that require termination but cannot be executed post-installation can be performed prior to installation, to ensure that at least the first termination, performed off-site, is error-free, reducing later troubleshooting and further increasing installation efficiency.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems and methods for efficient installation of optical and electrical cable in watercraft. A manufacturer may terminate one end of a cable in a location removed from the watercraft, allowing use of automated cable termination machines for efficiency and consistency of terminations. The single-terminated cable may then be brought to the watercraft and installed by pulling or routing the unterminated end through ductwork and pipes, watertight bulkhead throughways, and cable trays and ladders as necessary, prior to termination. Accordingly, more difficult and expensive on-site labor is reduced, and reliability is greatly increased. Furthermore, many cable tests that require termination but cannot be executed post-installation can be performed prior to installation, to ensure that at least the first termination, performed off-site, is error-free, reducing later troubleshooting and further increasing installation efficiency.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method. The method may include determining, by a processor of a controller, a setting on a control, the setting corresponding to a type of connector. The method may include retrieving, by the processor, an algorithm for curing epoxy disposed within the type of connector. The method may include generating, by the processor, at least one control signal based at least in part on the algorithm. The method may include sending, by the controller, the at least one control signal to a heating dock.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method. The method may include determining a type of epoxy to be mixed from a first material in a first barrel of the dual-barrel cartridge and a second material in a second barrel of the dual-barrel cartridge. The method may include determining a first rate at which to advance a first plunger against the first barrel based at least in part on the type of epoxy to be mixed. The method may include determining a second rate at which to advance a second plunger against the second barrel based at least in part on the type of epoxy to be mixed. The first rate and the second rate may be associated with a proportion between an amount of the first material and an amount of the second material to mix for the epoxy.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for shaping an end of an optical fiber. The apparatus may include a frame and a clamp constructed to hold the optical fiber in a fixed location relative to the frame. The apparatus may further include a tip shaper supported by the frame and movable in a first direction toward and away from the clamp, and moveable in a second direction that lies in a plane transverse to the first direction to shape the end of the optical fiber when the tip shaper is placed in contact with the optical fiber. The apparatus may include an abrasive substrate which abrades the end of the fiber.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems and methods for efficient installation of optical and electrical cable in watercraft. A manufacturer may terminate one end of a cable in a location removed from the watercraft, allowing use of automated cable termination machines for efficiency and consistency of terminations. The single-terminated cable may then be brought to the watercraft and installed by pulling or routing the unterminated end through ductwork and pipes, watertight bulkhead throughways, and cable trays and ladders as necessary, prior to termination. Accordingly, more difficult and expensive on-site labor is reduced, and reliability is greatly increased. Furthermore, many cable tests that require termination but cannot be executed post-installation can be performed prior to installation, to ensure that at least the first termination, performed off-site, is error-free, reducing later troubleshooting and further increasing installation efficiency.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems and methods for efficient installation of optical and electrical cable in watercraft. A manufacturer may terminate one end of a cable in a location removed from the watercraft, allowing use of automated cable termination machines for efficiency and consistency of terminations. The single-terminated cable may then be brought to the watercraft and installed by pulling or routing the unterminated end through ductwork and pipes, watertight bulkhead throughways, and cable trays and ladders as necessary, prior to termination. Accordingly, more difficult and expensive on-site labor is reduced, and reliability is greatly increased. Furthermore, many cable tests that require termination but cannot be executed post-installation can be performed prior to installation, to ensure that at least the first termination, performed off-site, is error-free, reducing later troubleshooting and further increasing installation efficiency.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards systems and methods for efficient installation of optical and electrical cable in watercraft. A manufacturer may terminate one end of a cable in a location removed from the watercraft, allowing use of automated cable termination machines for efficiency and consistency of terminations. The single-terminated cable may then be brought to the watercraft and installed by pulling or routing the unterminated end through ductwork and pipes, watertight bulkhead throughways, and cable trays and ladders as necessary, prior to termination. Accordingly, more difficult and expensive on-site labor is reduced, and reliability is greatly increased. Furthermore, many cable tests that require termination but cannot be executed post-installation can be performed prior to installation, to ensure that at least the first termination, performed off-site, is error-free, reducing later troubleshooting and further increasing installation efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for shaping an end of an optical fiber. The apparatus may include a frame and a clamp constructed to hold the optical fiber in a fixed location relative to the frame. The apparatus may further include a tip shaper supported by the frame and movable in a first direction toward and away from the clamp, and moveable in a second direction that lies in a plane transverse to the first direction to shape the end of the optical fiber when the tip shaper is placed in contact with the optical fiber. The apparatus may include an abrasive substrate which abrades the end of the fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for shaping an end of an optical fiber. The apparatus may include a frame and a clamp constructed to hold the optical fiber in a fixed location relative to the frame. The apparatus may further include a tip shaper supported by the frame and movable in a first direction toward and away from the clamp, and moveable in a second direction that lies in a plane transverse to the first direction to shape the end of the optical fiber when the tip shaper is placed in contact with the optical fiber. The apparatus may include an abrasive substrate which abrades the end of the fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for shaping an end of an optical fiber. The apparatus may include a frame and a clamp constructed to hold the optical fiber in a fixed location relative to the frame. The apparatus may further include a tip shaper supported by the frame and movable in a first direction toward and away from the clamp, and moveable in a second direction that lies in a plane transverse to the first direction to shape the end of the optical fiber when the tip shaper is placed in contact with the optical fiber. The apparatus may include an abrasive substrate which abrades the end of the fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning an optical fiber supported by a fiber optic connector. The cleaning apparatus may include a housing, a cleaning tip supported by the housing and a cleaning wipe advanceable along at least a portion of the cleaning tip to clean an optical fiber when the cleaning wipe engages the optical fiber. The apparatus may include one or more automated features which may enhance the effectiveness of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a fluid dispenser to wet at least a portion of the cleaning wipe with a cleaning fluid. The apparatus may be configured to automatically control the force exerted by the cleaning tip against the optical fiber and/or to automatically control tension in the cleaning wipe. Aspects of the invention are directed to a method of cleaning an end face of an optical fiber by advancing a wet portion of a cleaning wipe across the end face, and thereafter advancing a dry portion of the cleaning wipe across the end face.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for shaping an end of an optical fiber. The apparatus may include a frame and a clamp constructed to hold the optical fiber in a fixed location relative to the frame. The apparatus may further include a tip shaper supported by the frame and movable in a first direction toward and away from the clamp, and moveable in a second direction that lies in a plane transverse to the first direction to shape the end of the optical fiber when the tip shaper is placed in contact with the optical fiber. The apparatus may include an abrasive substrate which abrades the end of the fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for shaping an end of an optical fiber. The apparatus may include a frame and a clamp constructed to hold the optical fiber in a fixed location relative to the frame. The apparatus may further include a tip shaper supported by the frame and movable in a first direction toward and away from the clamp, and moveable in a second direction that lies in a plane transverse to the first direction to shape the end of the optical fiber when the tip shaper is placed in contact with the optical fiber. The apparatus may include an abrasive substrate which abrades the end of the fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning an optical fiber supported by a fiber optic connector. The cleaning apparatus may include a housing, a cleaning tip supported by the housing and a cleaning wipe advanceable along at least a portion of the cleaning tip to clean an optical fiber when the cleaning wipe engages the optical fiber. The apparatus may include one or more automated features which may enhance the effectiveness of the apparatus. The apparatus may include a fluid dispenser to wet at least a portion of the cleaning wipe with a cleaning fluid. The apparatus may be configured to automatically control the force exerted by the cleaning tip against the optical fiber and/or to automatically control tension in the cleaning wipe. Aspects of the invention are directed to a method of cleaning an end face of an optical fiber by advancing a wet portion of a cleaning wipe across the end face, and thereafter advancing a dry portion of the cleaning wipe across the end face.

Abstract: An automated fiber preparation system and method for automatically fabricating an optical fiber. One or more fabrication processes associated with fiber preparation may be performed on an optical fiber without requiring active user input. The fiber preparation system may be configured to automatically carry out each of the process steps for fabricating an optical fiber pigtail. The fiber preparation system may include a fiber preparation module that is configured to automatically prepare one or both ends of an optical fiber in anticipation of one or more subsequent manufacturing processes involving the fiber.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for automatically cleaning a portion of an optical fiber. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises a fluid tank assembly that holds cleaning fluid and comprises an aperture sized and arranged to receive the portion of the optical fiber, an ultrasonic generator, a clamping assembly, and a controller. The clamping assembly, in one position, holds the portion of the optical fiber in a position that is axially aligned with the aperture of the fluid tank assembly and disposed through the aperture of the fluid tank assembly. The clamping assembly further comprises a sealing assembly that forms a fluid seal about the portion of the optical fiber and a fluid seal of the aperture of the fluid tank assembly. The controller controls the ultrasonic generator to provide an ultrasonic signal to the fluid within the fluid tank assembly to clean the portion of the optical fiber.

Abstract: An automated workstation capable of continuous, non-stop processing of specimens includes an environmentally controlled storage area that holds multiple cassettes containing specimen plates. A robotic arm for processing the specimens, e.g., by grasping the plates, moving them from the cassettes to other apparatus contained within the workstation, and placing the plates back in the cassettes. An interlock mechanism prevents the operator and robotic arm from simultaneously accessing a cassette. Novel robotic arms, robotic arm positioning mechanisms, plate handling mechanisms, effector tip/plate washing mechanisms, thin-walled pipetters, back-flushing mechanisms and fluid level detection mechanisms, as well as methods for operating the same, facilitate continuous operation of the workstation along with compactness, high throughput and high accuracy of operation. Narrow, thin-walled capillary-like pipetters serve as both means for acquiring and processing small quantity specimens with high precision.