Abstract: A measurement device including a fastener for use in attaching a first member to a second member, in which the fastener has an aperture extending through a length of the fastener, and a first optical fiber located within the aperture, in which the first optical fiber includes at least one fiber Bragg grating sensor. At least a portion of the first optical fiber can be secured within the aperture. A first end of the first optical fiber can be connected to an associated first optical connector and a second end of the first optical fiber can be connected to an associated second optical connector.

Abstract: A measurement device including a fastener for use in attaching a first member to a second member, in which the fastener has an aperture extending through a length of the fastener, and a first optical fiber located within the aperture, in which the first optical fiber includes at least one fiber Bragg grating sensor. At least a portion of the first optical fiber can be secured within the aperture. A first end of the first optical fiber can be connected to an associated first optical connector and a second end of the first optical fiber can be connected to an associated second optical connector.

Abstract: An optical module inspection circuit on an optical platform includes an optical module carrier for precisely aligning optical devices with optical interfaces of inspection equipment located at fixed positions in the optical module inspection circuit. The module-includes an apparatus for conveyance along a top surface of the optical platform. The module may be conveyed automatically to predetermined positions on the optical platform to automate alignment and positioning of optical devices with respect to optical inspection stations in the optical test circuit.

Abstract: A controller sets polishing parameters and automatically supplies materials needed for polishing to a polishing unit in accordance with a type of connector to be polished. The controller may also control the duration and pressure applied during polishing. Washing and any repeating of polishing may also be automated. Once polishing is complete, the connector may be inspected to determine if it has been satisfactorily polished. If not, the polishing parameters may be altered and the connector is repolished and reinspected.

Abstract: An optical fiber alignment apparatus for leveling respective distal ends of a plurality of optical fibers prior to commencing a polishing process. The apparatus includes an aligning device having a plurality of receptacles for securing the corresponding plurality of optical fibers such that distal ends of the optical fibers extend below the base of the aligning device. A sensor array contacts the distal ends of the optical fibers and generates sensor alignment signals indicating the position of the fiber distal ends extending below the aligning device relative to a horizontal reference plane. A monitor receives and displays digital signals corresponding to the sensor alignments signals. Those optical fibers that are not aligned are then adjusted to until all the fibers are aligned and leveled with respect to the horizontal reference plane as viewed on the monitor.

Abstract: An optical assembly workstation includes a principal work surface and a movable work surface arranged above the principal work surface, with the elevated work surface being movable back and forth in at least one axial direction relative to the principal work surface. A frame assembly provides both support and a mechanism for moving the elevated work surface relative to the principal work surface. The movable work surface is either configured to receive an optical work piece, or is itself the optical work piece. The arrangement of a movable work surface over the principal work surface provides flexibility in optical test and optical assembly equipment placement, frees the principal work surface area of clutter, and reduces the probability of inadvertent damage to the optical fibers and optical assemblies being manufactured or tested at the optical assembly workstation.

Abstract: An apparatus for integrating steps of a process for interconnecting optical fibers. The apparatus contains a planar surface having a plurality of openings. A plurality of optical fiber processing modules are suspended within the plurality of openings, with each of the modules configured to execute a different step of the optical fiber interconnection process. A material transfer mechanism, such as a robot arm, is arranged above the planar surface and is connected to a controller. The apparatus can incorporate an optical fiber precision handling tool, which holds, transports and aligns the fibers to be processed. The robot arm is operative to pick-up and move the optical fiber precision handling tool between the plurality of modules. This allows the optical fibers to be transferred through a series of process steps without having to re-secure or re-orient the fibers between the steps.

Abstract: An optical module inspection circuit on an optical platform includes an optical module carrier for precisely aligning optical devices with optical interfaces of inspection equipment located at fixed positions in the optical module inspection circuit. The module includes an apparatus for conveyance along a top surface of the optical platform. The module may be conveyed automatically to predetermined positions on the optical platform to automate alignment and positioning of optical devices with respect to optical inspection stations in the optical test circuit.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus for polishing optical fibers includes a polishing pad and a polishing arm arranged above the polishing pad and which is selectively brought into contact with the polishing pad. A leveling device is magnetically attached to a lower end of the polishing arm. The leveling device has a plurality of optical fiber ends extending downwardly from a lower surface thereof to contact the polishing pad. The polishing arm also contains a pressure transducer for measuring a pressure applied by the polishing arm when the polishing arm contacts the polishing pad. The magnetic attachment between the polishing arm and leveling device may be carried out using a permanent magnet or electromagnet.

Abstract: A metrology frame for holding, transporting and aligning optical fibers while interconnecting optical fibers. The metrology frame includes an elongated rail and a pair of brackets slidably attached to the rail. The brackets are interconnected to a drive mechanism for moving the brackets along the rail. Attached to the brackets are aligning devices that orient and secure the optical fibers that are led from a fiber cassette. The metrology frame allows the optical fibers to be transferred through a series of optical fiber interconnection steps without having to re-secure or re-orient the fibers between the steps.

Abstract: A linear stripper for removing a coating on a fiber optic cable, includes a guide rail and a cutting assembly slidably connected to the guide rail. The cutting assembly has a passage configured to accommodate a fiber optic cable threaded therethrough. A blade assembly has a pair of blades disposed within the cutting assembly, with each of the pair of blades being horizontally positioned on an opposing side of the passage. A cutting tip of each of the blades simultaneously scores an outer coating of a fiber optic cable placed in the passage, as the cutting assembly slides along the guide rail. The outer coating is then peeled away from the fiber optic cable along the scored incisions.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus and method for a polishing machine includes a ferrule surrounding a polishing pad and a plurality of sensors attached to the ferrule. Each of the sensors is directed at a location where optical fibers extending downwardly from a leveling device contact the polishing pad. The sensors are infrared sensors that detect a heat signature generated by friction at the contact point between the optical fibers and the polishing pad as the polishing pad spins and revolves relative to the leveling device. The heat signature that is generated corresponds to the pressure existing between the optical fibers and the polishing pad.