Polisher

Abstract

The subject polisher includes a polishing unit, a processor, a porting device for a portable memory device, and multiple input devices. The polishing unit is comprised of a pneumatic arm assembly and a platen assembly. The processor communicates with the polishing unit, regulating and monitoring its operation. The processor also communicates with a porting device for a portable memory device, allowing the processor to upload or download information from an external source. The processor also communicates bilaterally with an interactive display system in which a color touch-sensitive screen is used as a projection surface.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A polisher comprising: 
 a polishing mechanism;    a processor in communication with the polishing mechanism; and    a port device for a portable memory device, the port device in communication with the processor.    
     
     
         2 . The polisher of  claim 1 , wherein the port device is a PCMCIA interface.  
     
     
         3 . The polisher of  claim 1 , and further comprising a portable memory device received by the port device.  
     
     
         4 . The polisher of  claim 3 , wherein the portable memory device is a PCMCIA card.  
     
     
         5 . The polisher of  claim 1 , wherein the polishing mechanism includes a pneumatic system coupled to a polishing arm, and wherein the processor interfaces with the pneumatic system to control polishing process.  
     
     
         6 . The polisher of  claim 1 , wherein the processor includes memory wherein polishing parameters are stored.  
     
     
         7 . The polisher of  claim 1 , wherein the processor downloads polishing parameters through the port device.  
     
     
         8 . The polisher of  claim 1 , and further comprising a keyboard in communication with the processor.  
     
     
         9 . An optical fiber polisher comprising 
 a pneumatic polishing arm;    a load cell coupled to the pneumatic arm;    a processor in communication with the load cell.    
     
     
         10 . The politics of  claim 9 , and further comprising an air source in pneumatic communication with the polishing arm, and wherein the air source is controlled by the processor.  
     
     
         11 . The polisher of  claim 10 , wherein the processor receives a pressure signal from the load cell, and outputs a control signal to the air source.  
     
     
         12 . The polisher of  claim 10 , wherein the air source includes a pneumatic regulator for controlling air flow to the pneumatic arm.  
     
     
         13 . The polisher of  claim 10  wherein the pneumatic polishing arm includes an elongated arm hingedly mounted on one end and an air cylinder coupled to the arm, the air cylinder in pneumatic communication with the pneumatic regulator.  
     
     
         14 . A polisher comprising: 
 a pneumatic polishing arm; and    a fixture coupled to the polishing arm;    wherein the fixture includes an adjustable pressure regulator.    
     
     
         15 . The polisher of  claim 14 , wherein the adjustable pressure regulator includes a spring plate, a pressure plate, and an adjustable plate.  
     
     
         16 . The polisher of  claim 15 , wherein the terminal includes a flange, and wherein the spring plate includes a plurality spring leaf which extend from the spring plate and engage the flange.  
     
     
         17 . The polisher of  claim 15 , wherein rotation of the adjustable plate drives the pressure plate to move coaxially thereto.  
     
     
         18 . The polisher of  claim 15 , wherein the fixture includes a plurality of circumferentially positioned seats, and wherein the terminals are disposed within the seat so as to allow for a sliding coaxial movement relative to the seat.  
     
     
         19 . A fixture for a polisher comprising: 
 a base plate;    a plurality of terminals with each disposed on the base plate; and    an adjustable pressure mechanism coupled to the terminal.    
     
     
         20 . The fixture of  claim 19 , wherein the adjustable pressure mechanism includes a spring plate, a pressure plate, and an adjustable plate.  
     
     
         21 . The fixture of  claim 20 , wherein the terminal includes a flange, and wherein the spring plate includes a plurality spring leaf which extend from the spring plate and engage the flange.  
     
     
         22 . The fixture of  claim 20 , wherein rotation of the adjustable plate drives the pressure plate to move coaxially thereto.  
     
     
         23 . The fixture of  claim 22 , wherein the pressure plate and the adjustable plate each include a ramped annular surface on confronting surfaces.  
     
     
         24 . The fixture of  claim 19 , wherein the base plate includes a plurality of circumferentially positioned seats, and wherein the terminals are disposed within the seat so as to allow for a sliding coaxial movement relative to the seat.  
     
     
         25 . A polisher comprising: 
 a housing;    a touch screen display device supported at an angle by the housing; and    a rigid retractable cover enclosing the touch screen display device within the housing.    
     
     
         26 . The polisher of  claim 25 , and further comprising a stop button extending from the housing.  
     
     
         27 . The polisher of  claim 25 , and further comprising a drip pan rotatively coupled to the housing.  
     
     
         28 . The polisher of  claim 25 , and wherein the housing includes retractable utility loops.  
     
     
         29 . The polisher of  claim 25 , and further comprising an access opening for a porting device for a portable memory device.  
     
     
         30 . The polisher of  claim 25 , and further comprising a hinged pneumatic arm.  
     
     
         31 . A polisher comprising: 
 a pneumatic polishing arm;    a platen; and    a feedback system for continous adjustment of the pneumatic pressure applied by the polishing arm.    
     
     
         32 . The polisher of  claim 31 , wherein the feedback mechanism includes a pneumatic regulator for controlling air flow to the pneumatic arm and a processor in communication with the pneumatic regulator.  
     
     
         33 . The polisher of  claim 31 , wherein the feedback mechanism includes a load cell in cooperation with the pneumatic polishing arm and a processor in communication with the controller.