OPTICAL FIBER POLISHING ARM POSITIONING ASSEMBLY

Abstract

An optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly for use with an optical fiber polisher, the optical fiber polisher including a first pivot connection interconnecting a base and a proximal end of an arm assembly, comprises a positioning member and an actuator. The positioning member is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to the arm assembly, and the actuator is configured and arranged to move the positioning member thereby moving the arm assembly about the first pivot connection to vary positions of the arm assembly relative to the base.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/430,452, filed Dec. 6, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

A fiber optic cable generally includes a protective or supporting material through which optical fibers extend. The cables or ribbons typically have connectors located on each end to connect them to other fiber optic cables or ribbons or to peripheral devices, and the connectors are high precision devices that position the optical fibers for optimal connection.

In order to pass light signals through optical fibers, the end face of the connector (from which a ferrule and optical fibers extend) must abut an adjacent connector in a specific manner. The high tolerances required of the parts to make these connections lead to precise shaping of the ends of the optical fibers via cleaving, cutting, and/or polishing. Apex offset, radius of curvature, fiber protrusion/recession, and angularity are all geometric parameters of the optical fiber end face that play into the quality of the signal passing through it. Final test measurements for back reflection and insertion loss are typically used as the final checks to determine the quality of the geometry (as well as the alignment, cleanliness, and surface finish of the finished cable). As such, the end face is usually cleaved, cut and/or polished to exacting standards so as to produce a finished product with minimal back reflection and loss. For example, it is often necessary to cleave, cut, and/or polish the end face of the connector to a precise length, i.e., so the end face projects a predetermined amount from a reference point such as a shoulder on the fiber optic connector within a predetermined tolerance. Fiber optic cables having multiple optical fibers can also be cleaved, cut, and/or polished to produce a particular performance specification.

Optical fiber polishers typically include a rotating platen and a polishing mechanism, such as a polishing arm mechanism (arm or overarm assembly), that positions and supports the connectors during the polishing process. Typically, the end face is lowered onto a film resting on the platen, and depending upon the film, the speed of the platen, the pressure applied, and its duration, acquires a product suitable for a particular application. Optical fiber polishers generally include a fixture coupled to the arm mechanism that is capable of holding and gripping one or more fiber optic connectors and advancing them under controlled conditions of speed and force to engage a plurality of fiber optic ends into engagement with a polishing member such as a rotatable platen having an abrasive surface (e.g., a platen with a pad having a film with an abrasive surface positioned thereon).

The manufacturing process for building a finished fiber optic connector typically involves polishing it at various speeds and pressures using various polishing films. Typically, the process will start with a more aggressive film of higher abrasive particle size at lower speeds and pressures and work toward smaller particle size films at faster speeds and higher pressures.

The arm assembly is movable or positionable in a variety of positions including at least an operating position (during polishing) and a replacement position (during polishing film replacement).

For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for an improved optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly.

SUMMARY

The above-mentioned problems associated with prior devices are addressed by embodiments of the disclosure and will be understood by reading and understanding the present specification. The following summary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is merely provided to aid in understanding some of the aspects of the invention.

In one embodiment, an optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly for use with an optical fiber polisher, the optical fiber polisher including a first pivot connection interconnecting a base and a proximal end of an arm assembly, comprises a positioning member and an actuator. The positioning member is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to the arm assembly, and the actuator is configured and arranged to move the positioning member thereby moving the arm assembly about the first pivot connection to vary positions of the arm assembly relative to the base.

In one embodiment, an optical fiber polisher comprises a first pivot connection, a positioning member, and an actuator. The first pivot connection interconnects a base and a proximal end of an arm assembly. The positioning member is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to the arm assembly. The actuator is configured and arranged to move the positioning member thereby moving the arm assembly about the first pivot connection to vary positions of the arm assembly relative to the base.

In one embodiment, an optical fiber polisher includes a first pivot connection interconnecting a base and a proximal end of an arm assembly, and an optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly includes a positioning member configured and arranged to be operatively connected to the arm assembly and an actuator configured and arranged to move the positioning member thereby moving the arm assembly about the first pivot connection to vary positions of the arm assembly relative to the base. A method of positioning the optical fiber polishing arm assembly for use with an optical fiber polisher comprises activating an actuator, which moves a positioning member configured and arranged to move the arm assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description serve to explain principles of embodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages of embodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understood by reference to the following detailed description. In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the present disclosure. Reference characters denote like elements throughout the Figures and the text.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to an optical fiber polisher including a lifting module and a fixture constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 1 with the lifting module and the fixture removed;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 2 with a cover of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly removed;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 4 with a cover of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly removed;

FIG. 6A is a top view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 2 in an operating position;

FIG. 6B is a cross section view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher taken along the lines 6B-6B in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 2 in a replacement position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 7 with a cover of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly removed;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 9 with a cover of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly removed;

FIG. 11A is a is a top view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 2 in a replacement position;

FIG. 11B is a cross section view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher taken along the lines 11B-11B in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12 is a partially exploded perspective view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 2 with the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly exploded from the optical fiber polisher;

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to the optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 12 with a cover exploded from the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a connecting plate of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the connecting plate shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the connecting plate shown in FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a pivot connector of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 19A is a rear view of the pivot connector shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 19B is a cross section view of the pivot connector taken along the lines 19B-19B in FIG. 19A;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a positioning member operatively connected to an actuator of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 21 is a front view of the positioning member and the actuator shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a rear view of the positioning member and the actuator shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a first bracket of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 24 is a rear view of the first bracket shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a second bracket of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the second bracket shown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a schematic side view of another embodiment optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to an optical fiber polisher constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a schematic side view of another embodiment optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to an optical fiber polisher constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a schematic top view of another embodiment optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to an optical fiber polisher constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a schematic top view of another embodiment optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to an optical fiber polisher constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a schematic top view of another embodiment optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to an optical fiber polisher constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a schematic side view of another embodiment optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to an optical fiber polisher constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a schematic side view of another embodiment optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to an optical fiber polisher constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a block diagram illustrating a method of positioning an optical fiber polishing arm operatively connected to an optical fiber polisher;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of another embodiment optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to an optical fiber polisher in an operating position constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to an optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 35 with a cover removed and in the operating position; and

FIG. 37 is a side view of the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly operatively connected to an optical fiber polisher shown in FIG. 35 with the cover removed and in a replacement position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Embodiments of the disclosure generally provide an optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly configured and arranged to be used with an optical fiber polisher including a base and an arm assembly that are pivotally connected. An actuator is configured and arranged to move a positioning member, which moves the arm assembly relative to the base. The arm assembly can be positioned in a variety of positions relative to the base. The positioning member can be an elongate member or a gear assembly. Possible elongate members that can be used include a rod, a cable, a pulley, a belt, or a shaft. The positioning member can also be pivotally connected to the arm assembly. Possible actuators can be a motor, a linear actuator, or an air cylinder.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate perspective views of an optical fiber polisher 100 according to one example. Optical fiber polisher 100 may be an Optical Fiber Polishing Machine APM Model HDC-5400 by Domaille Engineering, LLC of Rochester, Minnesota. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the optical fiber polisher 100 may include a fixture positioning module 302 and a fixture 304. The fixture positioning module 302 operatively interconnects an overarm 160 and the fixture 304 and provides precision positioning of the fixture 304 relative to the polisher's base 105. An example fixture positioning module is MICRO-G fixture positioning module and an example fixture is ABRASAVE fixture, both by Domaille Engineering, LLC of Rochester, Minnesota. Another example fixture positioning module is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/029,638, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Although optical fiber polisher 100 is generally shown and described, it is recognized that other suitable types of polishers could be used with the present disclosure.

Generally, the example polisher 100 includes a housing 102 containing a processor (not shown) and an input device 114. The top of the housing 102 includes a base 105 supporting a polishing unit 104 and an overarm mounting receiver 110. The polishing unit 104 comprises a platen assembly 106 including a platen 107 rotatably supported by the base 105. The platen 107 is configured and arranged to support a polishing film 108, which can be one of various types of polishing films. The overarm mounting receiver 110 supports an overarm mounting plate 118 to which first and second side supports 130a and 130b are operatively connected. An overarm assembly 116, which is preferably a pneumatic overarm assembly, is operatively pivotally connected to the overarm mounting receiver 110 between the first and second side supports 130a and 130b at a first pivot connection 162. The overarm assembly 116 includes an overarm 160 with a proximal end 161 operatively connected to the first pivot connection 162. Preferably, the overarm 160 includes the proximal end 161 through which a pivot bore extends. A pivot shaft is configured and arranged to extend through the first side support's pivot aperture, through the overarm's pivot bore, and through the second side support's pivot aperture. The pivot shaft includes a first end configured and arranged to extend through a bore of a proximal end of a first pneumatic cylinder and a second end configured and arranged to extend through a bore of a proximal end of a second pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinders are part of an optional arm locking assembly. A distal end 167 of the overarm 160 is positioned proximate the platen assembly 106 and includes a mandrel/fixture connector 168 and a positioning handle 169. A mandrel or fixture connector 168 extends downward from a bottom surface proximate the distal end 167 of the overarm 160 and is configured and arranged, as is well known in the art, to connect to a mounting tube of a fixture. A positioning handle 169 is operatively connected proximate a front surface of the distal end 167. A load cell assembly 174 is operatively connected to a top surface proximate the distal end 167. An activation button 176 is operatively connected to the load cell housing and preferably includes an indicator 177, which is a light about the button's perimeter that provides a visual indication of the operation status. Wires are operatively connected to the load cell assembly 174 and extend along the top surface of the overarm 160 and outward from the proximal end 161.

Generally, the polisher 100 maintains rigid control of each polishing process through feedback mechanisms that control the operation of both the platen assembly 106 and the overarm assembly 116. The feedback mechanisms communicate with the processor to continuously monitor the performance of the platen assembly 106 and the overarm assembly 116 to ensure that both are functioning at their set levels. In some examples, the processor communicates with a porting device, the input device 114, and a USB port for a keyboard to enable rapid programming of the polisher 100. The input device 114 also serves as a visual indicator of actual operating parameters. The load cell detects pressure and is preferably connected to an air cylinder for pneumatically controlled consistent polishing pressure. According to one example, the processor causes the platen 107 to move, and causes overarm 160 to apply a downward force on a fixture holding one or more fiber optic connectors, which causes the end faces of the fiber optic connectors to be pressed into a polishing film resting on the platen 107. Optionally, the overarm assembly 116 includes a sensor, which allows for operation to start when the overarm 160 is in the proper position.

A positioning assembly 180 is operatively connected to the overarm 160 to move the overarm 160 into desired positions, example positions including an operating position 320 (FIG. 6B), a cleaning position (not shown), and a replacement position 324 (FIG. 11B). In this example, the positioning assembly 180 is shown in FIG. 14 as an exploded view of the components. As shown in FIGS. 15-17, a connecting plate 182, which is very generally rectangular shaped, and preferably hourglass shaped, is configured and arranged to interconnect the overarm 160 and a pivot connector 208 of the positioning assembly 180. A distal end 183 of the connecting plate 182 includes a first bore 184a and a second bore 184b proximate the corners and a third bore 184c proximate a middle portion. A first bore 185a is positioned proximate an opposing end of the distal end 183 from the first bore 184a, and a second bore 185b is positioned proximate the third bore 184c. The first and second bores 185a and 185b are configured and arranged to receive fasteners 200a and 200b, which extend through the bores 185a and 185b and into corresponding bores in the overarm 160. A proximal end 188 includes a longitudinally extending channel 189 separating the proximal end 188 into a first side 190 and a second side 194. The first side 190 includes a bore 191 extending from top to bottom, and the second side 194 includes a bore 195 extending from top to bottom. The bores 191 and 195 are configured and arranged to receive fasteners 191a and 195a, which extend through the bores 191 and 195 and into corresponding bores in the overarm 160. The first and second sides 190 and 195 include aligning bores 192 and 196 configured and arranged to receive a shaft 199, and the second side 194 includes a notch 197 to accommodate a head of the shaft 199. The bottom of the connecting plate 182 includes a longitudinal channel 198 extending along its length that is configured and arranged to receive wires (not shown). The wires provide power to the load cell assembly 174 and are routed through the channel 198 along the overarm 160.

As shown in FIG. 14, an optional inclination sensor 202 is very generally square shaped and includes bores 205a, 205b, and 205c corresponding with bores 184a, 184b, and 184c in the connecting plate 182. Fasteners 206a, 206b, and 206c extend through the bores 205a, 205b, and 205c into bores 184a, 184b, and 184c to connect the inclination sensor 202 to the connecting plate 182. A cable 204 extends from its distal end 203 to power the sensor and signal to the processor when the overarm 160 is in the varying positions.

The shaft 199 of the positioning assembly 180 provides a pivot connection for a pivot connector 208 relative to the connecting plate 182. As shown in FIGS. 18-19A, the pivot connector 208 includes a distal end 209 with a laterally extending bore 210 proximate its top. An intermediate portion 212 extends downward from the bottom of the distal end 209 and includes a longitudinally extending bore 213 including a portion 213a with a smaller diameter configured and arranged to receive a biasing member 220. A proximal end 215 is very generally triangular shaped including an extension portion 216 with a laterally extending bore 217 proximate its tip. The extension portion 216 is configured and arranged to be received within the channel 189 of the connecting plate 182. The bores 192 and 196 align with the bore 217, and the shaft 199 extends through the bore 217.

A positioning member, which in this example is an elongate member that is a threaded rod 222, includes a distal end 223, an intermediate portion 224, and a proximal end 225. The threaded rod 222 is shown in FIGS. 14 and 20. The proximal end 225 is configured and arranged to be received within the bore 213 of the pivot connector 208, and a laterally extending bore 226 in the proximal end 225 aligns with the bore 210 of the pivot connector 208. A fastener 292 extends through the bore 210 and into the bore 226 to connect the threaded rod 222 to the pivot connector 208. The biasing member 220 exerts pressure on the threaded rod 222 to provide tension.

As shown in FIGS. 20-22, the threaded rod 222 is operatively connected to an actuator, which in this example is a motor assembly 244. The motor assembly 244 includes a connector plate 245, which is a very generally square shaped plate, with a bore at each corner (bore 246a, bore 246b, bore 246c, and bore 246d). A rotation member 238 is operatively connected to the connector plate 245 and the motor (not shown), which causes the rotation member 238 to rotate relative to the connector plate 245. The threaded rod 222 extends through the rotation member 238 and the motor assembly housing. The rotation member 238 includes an extension 239 with a threaded bore 240 that mates with the threads of the threaded rod 222. A back plate 248 includes a power receptacle 249 in its bottom and there is a bore at each corner (bore 250a, bore 250b, bore 250c, and bore 250d). Fasteners 252a, 252b, 252c, and 252d extend through bores 246a, bore 246b, bore 246c, and bore 246d into corresponding bores 235a, 235b, 235c, and 235d in a bracket 228.

The bracket 228 is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 and includes a base 229 that is very generally a square shaped plate with a bore 230 in its center and a bore proximate each corner of the back (bores 235a, 235b, 235c, and 235d). A first extension 231 extends outward from the front proximate one side of the bore 230, and a second extension 233 extends outward from the front proximate the opposite side of the bore 230. The first and second extensions 231 and 233 have aligned bores 232 and 234 and form a cavity 236 therebetween. The bracket 228 interconnects the motor assembly 244 and a bracket 256.

The bracket 256 is shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 and includes a base 257 that is very generally U-shaped with a first extension 258 and a second extension 260 forming a cavity 266 therebetween. The first and second extensions 258 and 260 include laterally extending, aligning bores 259 and 261. Proximate the bottom of the first extension 258 is a first side 262 with a longitudinally extending bore 263, and proximate the bottom of the second extension 260 is a second side 264 with a longitudinally extending bore 265. Fasteners 263a and 265a extend through the bores 263 and 265 to connect the bracket 256 to the first and second side supports 130a and 130b. A retaining member 268 extends through bore 232 of the bracket 228 and into bore 259, and a retaining member 269 extends through bore 234 of the bracket 228 and into bore 261. Preferably, the ends of the retaining members 268 and 269 are threaded to thread into the bores 259 and 261 and the heads of the retaining member 268 and 269 allow the bracket 228 to rotate about them.

A cover 272 can be used to protect the assembly. The cover 272 is very generally a rectangular tube with a top 273, a bottom 281, and sides 279 and 280. A distal end 274 includes an aperture 275 on its top and an aperture (not shown) on its bottom 281. A proximal end 276 includes an extension 277 with an aperture 278. A back plate 284, which is very generally a square shaped plate, includes a bore 285 proximate the middle configured and arranged to receive the threaded rod 222. A bore 287 in its top 286 corresponds with the aperture 271 in the top 273 of the cover 272 and a bore (not shown) in its bottom 288 corresponds with the aperture (not shown) in the bottom 281 of the cover 272. A fastener 292 extends through the aperture 278 in the extension 277 and into the bore 210 of the pivot connector 208, and fasteners 293 and 294 extend through the apertures in the distal end 274 of the cover 272 and into the bores in the back plate 284.

In an embodiment with an arm locking assembly, either automatic or manual, when the overarm 160 is unlocked, the positioning assembly 180 can move the overarm 160 into a desired position relative to the base 105.

In operation, the positioning assembly 180 is signaled automatically (e.g., by a processor) or manually (e.g., by an on/off mechanism) to start, which activates the actuator. In this embodiment, the actuator is a motor 244. The motor 244 rotates the rotation member 238. As the rotation member 238 rotates in a first rotation direction, the threaded rod 222 moves in a first rod direction. As the rotation member 238 rotates in a second rotation direction, the threaded rod 222 moves in a second rod direction. For example, the first rod direction increases the distance between the pivot connector 208 and the motor assembly 244, for example as shown in FIG. 6B, thereby positioning the overarm 160 toward the operating position 320, while the second rod direction decreases the distance between the pivot connector 208 and the motor assembly 244, for example as shown in FIG. 11B, thereby positioning the overarm 160 toward the replacement position 324. As the distance between the pivot connector 208 and the motor assembly 244 decreases, more of the threaded rod 222 extends outward from the back plate 284. The threaded rod 222 is preferably at least pivotable proximate its proximal end via the pivot connector 208 and optionally also pivotable proximate its connection with the rotation member 238 via the bracket 228. It is recognized that the overarm can be positioned in other desired positions.

Preferably, the positioning assembly 180 works in conjunction with the fixture positioning module 302, which provides precision fixture positioning. To assist in preventing the fixture 304 from hitting the platen 107 as the overarm 160 is lowered (moved toward the platen 107) by the positioning assembly 180, the fixture positioning module 302 is used to lift the fixture 304 (move the fixture 304 closer to the overarm 160) before the positioning assembly 180 lowers the overarm 160.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 27, a distal end of an overarm 360 is operatively connected to a mandrel 368, and a proximal end of the overarm 360 is pivotally operatively connected to a side support 330. A distal end of an elongate member, such as cable 422, is operatively connected to the distal end of the overarm 360. An intermediate portion of the cable 422 is routed over a pulley 442, and a proximal end of the cable 422 is operatively connected to a linear actuator 444, which is configured and arranged to pull and release the cable 422. When the cable 422 is pulled, the overarm 360 pivots relative to the side support 330 and the distal end is moved upward, away from the polisher base. When the cable 422 is released, the overarm 360 pivots relative to the side support 330 and the distal end is moved downward, toward the polisher base. An optional pusher solenoid 438 can be used to assist in rotating the pulley 442 and push the arm out so it can overcome its static upright position and allow for gravity to start the movement of the arm back into the lower position.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 28, rather than a linear actuator, a motor with cable winder 544 is used to pull and release the cable 422.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 29, an overarm 460 is pivotally operatively connected to side supports 430a and 430b. A shaft 522 is operatively connected to or integral with a pivot shaft of the overarm 460, and a pulley 542 is operatively connected to the shaft 522. A belt 538 interconnects the pulley 542 and a motor 644. The motor 644 is configured and arranged to move the belt 538 in a first direction and a second direction. In the first direction, the belt 538 moves the pulley 542 in a direction toward the proximal end of the overarm 460, which moves the shaft 522 in the same direction, which moves the overarm 460 in the same direction thereby pivoting the overarm 460 relative to the side supports 430a and 430b and moving the distal end of the overarm 460 upward relative to the polisher base. In the second direction, the belt 538 moves the pulley 542 in a direction away from the proximal end of the overarm 460, which moves the shaft 522 in the same direction, which moves the overarm 460 in the same direction thereby pivoting the overarm 460 relative to the side supports 430a and 430b and moving the distal end of the overarm 460 downward relative to the polisher base.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 30, rather than a pulley and a belt, a motor 744 directly rotates the shaft 522. The motor can rotate the overarm up and down directly (FIG. 30) or via a belt driven pulley system with gearing (FIG. 29).

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 31, the overarm 460′ includes an arm gear 622 (e.g., a machined worm gear) configured and arranged to mate with a positioning gear 642, which is operatively connected to a motor 844. As the motor 844 rotates the positioning gear 642, the positioning gear 642 pivots the overarm 460′ relative to the side supports 430a and 430b to raise and lower the overarm 460′ as desired.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 32, a gear 742 is operatively connected to the side support 730, preferably its inner surface, and is therefore stationary relative to the polisher base. A geared cog 722 is operatively connected to the proximal end of the overarm 760 so that it is stationary relative to the overarm 760. A mandrel 768 is operatively connected to the distal end of the overarm 760. A worm gear 722a is positioned proximate the geared cog 722 and mates with the geared cog 722 so that as the worm gear 722a rotates, it causes the geared cog 722 and the overarm 760 to pivot relative to the side support 730 and “travel” along the gear 742. Rotation of the worm gear 722a in a first direction raises the overarm 760 while rotation in a second direction lowers the overarm 760. Generally, this is a rack and pinion style configuration with a toothed, arched gear along the side support driven by a worm gear.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 33, a proximal end of an overarm 860 is pivotally operatively connected to a side support 830. A mandrel 868 is operatively connected to the distal end of the overarm 860. A coupling rod 822 interconnects a distal end of the overarm 860, via a pivot coupler 820, and an air cylinder 844. The air cylinder 844 is mounted to a mounting shaft 842, which is mounted to the polisher base. The air cylinder 844 is configured and arranged to pull and push the coupling rod 822 through controlled motion that uses flow regulators. As the coupling rod 822 is pulled and pushed, the length of the coupling rod 822 changes between the pivoting coupler 820 and the mounting shaft 842. As the length decreases or shortens, the distal end of the overarm 860 is moved upward, with the proximal end pivoting relative to the side support 830. As the length increases or lengthens, the distal end of the overarm 860 is moved downward, with the proximal end pivoting relative to the side support 830. In this embodiment, the air cylinder replaces the motor as the actuator.

For automated operation, as illustrated in FIG. 34, a processor activates the actuator, which activates the positioning member. The automated operation could be used with any suitable embodiment.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 35-37, a positioning assembly 380 is similar to the positioning assembly 180 with some alternative modifications that could be used with an optical fiber polisher such as optical fiber polisher 100 or any other suitable optical fiber polisher.

For example, a connecting plate 382 and a pivot connector 408 could be configured and arranged to be more rigid to increase stability of the pivot connection, which reduces the stroke of the linear drive by freeing up horsepower.

For example, biasing members 436 and 437 could be added to the motor mount to improve the motor's linear drive. With the motor assembly 344 cantilevered off the back of the polisher, the biasing members 436 and 437 assist in keeping the motor assembly 344 balanced horizontally when decoupled from the overarm thereby decreasing strain and friction on the threaded rod 322. Also, during operation, the motor runs smoother and quieter. The biasing members 436 and 437, which in this example are torsion springs, place a biasing force on the motor assembly 344. Although two biasing members are shown in this example, it is recognized that one or more biasing members could be used. In this example, the first bracket 428 is mounted to the motor assembly 344 and includes bores (not shown) that are preferably aligned. In this example, one side of the first and second brackets 428 and 456 is configured and arranged as follows. The second bracket 456 includes a first extension 428a that passes through the bore of the first bracket 428, and the base of the torsion spring 436 is positioned about the first extension 428a. The first extension 428a replaces the retaining member 268 from the previous embodiment. A second extension 456a extends outward from the second bracket 456. Thus, in this example, both of the first and second extensions 428a and 456a, which can be shoulder bolts, are operatively connected to the second bracket 456. The first extension 428a passes through the bore of the first bracket 428 to allow the first bracket 428 and the motor assembly 344 to pivot as the polishing arm moves up/down. The first end 437a of the torsion spring is operatively connected to the motor assembly 344, and the second end 437b of the torsion spring contacts the second extension 456a of the second bracket 456. To accommodate the extensions 428a and 456a, the cover 472 could include protrusions on its sides, as shown on side 479 including protrusion 479a. Although only one side has been described, it is recognized that the other side is similarly configured and arranged.

It is recognized that any suitable combination of example elements of the various embodiments can be used with any suitable optical fiber polisher. Therefore, example elements are not limited to the embodiments for which they are described.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly for use with an optical fiber polisher, the optical fiber polisher including a first pivot connection interconnecting a base and a proximal end of an arm assembly, comprising:

a positioning member configured and arranged to be operatively connected to the arm assembly; and

an actuator configured and arranged to move the positioning member thereby moving the arm assembly about the first pivot connection to vary positions of the arm assembly relative to the base.

2. The optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly of claim 1, wherein the positioning member is selected from the group consisting of an elongate member or a gear assembly.

3. The optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly of claim 2, wherein the elongate member is selected from the group consisting of a rod, a screw, a cable, a pulley, a belt, or a shaft.

4. The optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly of claim 3, further comprising an inclination sensor coupled to the arm assembly and providing angular positioning information of the arm assembly to a processing system.

5. The optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second pivot connection interconnecting the positioning member and the arm assembly.

6. The optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly of claim 5, wherein the second pivot connection is proximate a distal end of the arm assembly.

7. The optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly of claim 6, wherein the positioning member is an elongate member having a variable length positioned between the second pivot connection and the actuator to vary positions of the arm assembly relative to the base.

8. The optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly of claim 1, further comprising a shaft operatively connected to the arm assembly proximate the first pivot connection, and wherein the positioning member is operatively connected to the shaft.

9. The optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly of claim 8, wherein the positioning member is a pulley or a belt.

10. The optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly of claim 1, wherein the positioning member is a shaft operatively connected to the arm assembly proximate the first pivot connection.

11. The optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the arm assembly includes an arm gear configured and arranged to engage the positioning member, the positioning member selected from the group consisting of a positioning gear, a cog, or a combination thereof.

12. The optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly of claim 1, wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of a motor, a linear actuator, or an air cylinder.

13. An optical fiber polisher, comprising:

a first pivot connection interconnecting a base and a proximal end of an arm assembly;

a positioning member configured and arranged to be operatively connected to the arm assembly; and

an actuator configured and arranged to move the positioning member thereby moving the arm assembly about the first pivot connection to vary positions of the arm assembly relative to the base.

14. The optical fiber polisher of claim 13, wherein the positioning member is selected from the group consisting of an elongate member or a gear assembly, the elongate member is selected from the group consisting of a rod, a screw, a cable, a pulley, a belt, or a shaft.

15. The optical fiber polisher of claim 13, further comprising a second pivot connection interconnecting the positioning member and the arm assembly, wherein the second pivot connection is proximate a distal end of the arm assembly, and wherein the positioning member is an elongate member having a variable length positioned between the second pivot connection and the actuator to vary positions of the arm assembly relative to the base.

16. The optical fiber polisher of claim 13, further comprising an inclination sensor coupled to the arm assembly and providing angular positioning information of the arm assembly to a processing system.

17. The optical fiber polisher of claim 13, further comprising a shaft operatively connected to the arm assembly proximate the first pivot connection, wherein the positioning member is operatively connected to the shaft, and wherein the positioning member is a pulley or a belt.

18. The optical fiber polisher of claim 13, wherein the positioning member is a shaft operatively connected to the arm assembly proximate the first pivot connection.

19. The optical fiber polisher of claim 13, wherein the proximal end of the arm assembly includes an arm gear configured and arranged to engage the positioning member, the positioning member selected from the group consisting of a positioning gear, a cog, or a combination thereof.

20. The optical fiber polisher of claim 13, wherein the actuator is selected from the group consisting of a motor, a linear actuator, or an air cylinder.

21. The optical fiber polisher of claim 13, further comprising a fixture positioning module operatively interconnecting the arm assembly and a fixture, the fixture positioning module providing precision positioning of the fixture, wherein the positioning member works in conjunction with the fixture positioning module to assist in preventing the fixture from hitting a platen as the arm assembly is moved toward the platen.

22. A method of positioning an optical fiber polishing arm assembly for use with an optical fiber polisher, the optical fiber polisher including a first pivot connection interconnecting a base and a proximal end of an arm assembly, the optical fiber polishing arm positioning assembly including a positioning member configured and arranged to be operatively connected to the arm assembly and an actuator configured and arranged to move the positioning member thereby moving the arm assembly about the first pivot connection to vary positions of the arm assembly relative to the base, comprising:

activating an actuator; and

the actuator moving a positioning member configured and arranged to move the arm assembly.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the actuator is activated using a processor.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the actuator has speed control capabilities to raise and lower the arm assembly at user desired speeds to various positions provided by a system inclination sensor.