Method and assembly for polishing optical cables

Abstract

A polishing assembly and method for polishing optical cables, the polishing assembly having a platform configured to receive a polishing film and configured to rotate according to a dual orbital motion; a force gauge functionally coupled to the platform and configured to measure downward force applied against the platform; a mounting fixture configured to mount a plurality of optical cables; and a movable arm configured to move the mounting fixture downwards to press mounted cables against the polishing film, upwards to pull the mounted cables away from the polishing film, and to rotate circularly along a continuous circular path. The optical cables are pressed against the rotating polishing film while simultaneously monitoring the downward force applied against the platform so that downward force can be maintained within a prescribed tolerance throughout the polishing process.

1 . A method of polishing optical cables, the method comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a polishing assembly loaded with a polishing film, the polishing assembly comprising a platform to which the polishing film is loaded, the platform configured to rotate according to a dual orbital motion and coupled to a force gauge that measures downward force applied against the platform, a mounting fixture configured to mount a plurality of optical cables, the mounting fixture attached to a movable arm that moves the mounting fixture towards and away from the platform;   b) mounting a plurality of optical cables to the mounting fixture;   c) pressing the optical cables against the rotating polishing film while simultaneously monitoring the downward force applied against the platform; and   d) adjusting the downward force to remain within a prescribed tolerance.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fixture comprises a plurality of clamps that clamp the plurality of optical cables in place, wherein the plurality of clamps each comprise a moveable tab that locks closed using magnetic force. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fixture and the platform are adjustably aligned parallel to one another, preferably by way of adjustment dials that adjust the fixture and platform, the adjustment dials optionally being 4-way adjustment dials. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein rotation of the polishing film increases gradually. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein no one cable repeats its same position on the polishing film during polishing. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the arm presses the cables against the rotating polishing film gradually to polish the cables at a lower pressure followed by polishing the cables at a higher pressure. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the higher pressure is about 0.5-1 lb. of pressure per cable. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the force gauge is in physical-force communication with the platform, thereby measuring pressure directly applied to the platform. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the downward force is adjusted by a feedback mechanism that functionally couples the force gauge to the arm. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising washing the polished optical cables in an ultrasonic bath, the bath optionally comprising deionized water and/or isopropyl alcohol. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising optically inspecting a polished surface of the cables, and optionally repeating steps (c) and (d) until the polished surface meets a final acceptable standard, optionally using a series of different polishing films. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the optical inspection includes inspection by camera that the camera relays inspection footage to a computer, optionally loaded with software that compares the polish to an intermediate or final standard. 
     
     
         14 - 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A polishing assembly comprising:
 a) a platform configured to receive a polishing film and configured to rotate according to a dual orbital motion;   b) a force gauge functionally coupled to the platform and configured to measure downward force applied against the platform;   c) a mounting fixture configured to mount a plurality of optical cables; and   d) a movable arm configured to move the mounting fixture downwards to press mounted cables against the polishing film, upwards to pull the mounted cables away from the polishing film, and to rotate circularly along a continuous circular path.   
     
     
         17 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the fixture comprises a plurality of clamps that clamp the plurality of optical cables in place, wherein the plurality of clamps each comprise a moveable tab that locks closed using magnetic force. 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . The assembly of  claim 16 , wherein the fixture and the platform are adjustably aligned parallel to one another, preferably by way of adjustment dials that adjust the fixture and platform, the adjustment dials optionally being 4-way adjustment dials. 
     
     
         20 . The assembly of  claim 17 , wherein the force gauge is in physical-force communication with the platform, thereby measuring pressure directly applied to the platform. 
     
     
         21 . The assembly of  claim 20 , wherein the force gauge communicates with the arm or with a computer that communicates with the arm. 
     
     
         22 . The assembly of  claim 16 , further comprising an ultrasonic bath, the bath optionally comprising deionized water and/or isopropyl alcohol. 
     
     
         23 . The assembly of  claim 16 , further comprising an optical inspection station comprising a camera that relays inspection footage to a computer, optionally loaded with software that compares the polish to an intermediate or final standard. 
     
     
         24 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A mounting fixture configured to mount a plurality of optical cables, the fixture comprising a planar surface comprising a plurality of apertures for receiving a plurality of optical cables; a plurality of arms that rock open and closed to release and lock the cables in place; a plurality of magnets that magnetically lock the arms closed; and a means for coupling the mounting fixture to a polishing assembly.