US20050230052A1 - Apparatus for automated preparation of an optical fiber - Google Patents
Apparatus for automated preparation of an optical fiber Download PDFInfo
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- US20050230052A1 US20050230052A1 US11/154,041 US15404105A US2005230052A1 US 20050230052 A1 US20050230052 A1 US 20050230052A1 US 15404105 A US15404105 A US 15404105A US 2005230052 A1 US2005230052 A1 US 2005230052A1
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- optical fiber
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- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
- G02B6/3855—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture characterised by the method of anchoring or fixing the fibre within the ferrule
- G02B6/3861—Adhesive bonding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
- B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
- B08B3/10—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
- B08B3/12—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration by sonic or ultrasonic vibrations
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- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
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- G02B6/245—Removing protective coverings of light guides before coupling
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- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/25—Preparing the ends of light guides for coupling, e.g. cutting
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- G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
- G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/3833—Details of mounting fibres in ferrules; Assembly methods; Manufacture
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B2240/00—Type of materials or objects being cleaned
- B08B2240/02—Optical fibers or optical fiber connectors
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- G02B6/3616—Holders, macro size fixtures for mechanically holding or positioning fibres, e.g. on an optical bench
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- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
- G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
- G02B6/3812—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres having polarisation-maintaining light guides
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- G—PHYSICS
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- G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
- G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
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- G02B6/4226—Positioning means for moving the elements into alignment, e.g. alignment screws, deformation of the mount
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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- Y10T29/00—Metal working
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- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
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- Y10T29/49174—Assembling terminal to elongated conductor
- Y10T29/49181—Assembling terminal to elongated conductor by deforming
- Y10T29/49183—Assembling terminal to elongated conductor by deforming of ferrule about conductor and terminal
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
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- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
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- Y10T29/5313—Means to assemble electrical device
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Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
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.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/900,532, entitled “Apparatus and Method for Automated Preparation of an Optical Fiber,” filed on Jul. 6, 2001, pending.
- The present invention relates to optical fibers, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method for automating the preparation of optical fibers.
- Optical devices are becoming increasingly popular, particularly for use in networking applications. In an optical network or other circuit, optical devices are interconnected via optical fiber, which serves as the transmission medium for transmitting information between the devices. Similarly, an optical device is often made up of multiple optical components that are interconnected, internally within the device, via optical fibers.
- The conventional techniques for interconnecting multiple optical components within a device is through the use of a pigtail. A pigtail is essentially a length of optical fiber that includes a connector, referred to as a ferrule, attached to one or both ends of the fiber. The ferrule provides structural support to the optical fiber making it easier to handle and to connect directly with optical components or other optical fibers. A pigtail is typically pre-assembled and provided ready to be connected to an optical component. An optical device may utilize one or more pigtails to optically interconnect any number of optical components.
- Conventionally, a pigtail is formed by first cutting a desired length of optical fiber from a spool, and winding the fiber into a more compact configuration to facilitate its handling. The coiled fiber may be subject to various manufacturing steps, such as stripping the protective coating off at least one end of the fiber, cleaning the end of the fiber, cleaving the end of the fiber to obtain a high quality optical surface, and attaching a ferrule to the end of the fiber. During the fabrication process, the fiber is conventionally handled manually with one of more of the processes typically being performed by hand using manual or, in some instances, semi-automated tools.
- It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for automated fiber preparation of an optical fiber.
- In one illustrative embodiment, an automated fiber preparation apparatus is provided for an optical fiber. The apparatus comprises a transporter having an upstream end and a downstream end, the transporter being constructed and arranged to automatically index a tray, which is configured to hold the optical fiber, to a plurality of process stations in a direction from the upstream end toward the downstream end in response to a control signal. The apparatus also comprises a strip tool positioned at one of the plurality of process stations between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter, the strip tool being constructed and arranged to automatically strip coating from an end portion of the optical fiber in response to a control signal. The apparatus further comprises a cleave tool positioned at one of the plurality of process stations between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter, the cleave tool being constructed and arranged to automatically cleave the end portion of the optical fiber in response to a control signal.
- In another illustrative embodiment, an automated fiber preparation apparatus is provided for an optical fiber. The apparatus comprises a tray including a fiber receptacle disposed between opposing ends thereof, the fiber receptacle being constructed and arranged to contain the optical fiber therein with opposing end portions of the optical fiber extending toward the opposing ends of the tray. The apparatus also comprises a transporter having an upstream end and a downstream end, the transporter being constructed and arranged to automatically index the tray in a direction from the upstream end toward the downstream end in response to a control signal. The apparatus further comprises a fiber preparation module including at least one pair of automated fiber preparation tools positioned on opposite sides of the transporter between the upstream end and the downstream end thereof, the at least one pair of fiber preparation tools being constructed and arranged to automatically process the opposing end portions of the optical fiber in response to a control signal.
- In a further illustrative embodiment, an automated fiber preparation apparatus is provided for an optical fiber. The apparatus comprises a transporter having an upstream end and a downstream end, the transporter being constructed and arranged to automatically index a tray, which is configured to hold the optical fiber, in a direction from the upstream end toward the downstream end in response to a control signal. The apparatus also comprises a fiber preparation module including at least one automated fiber preparation tool positioned between the upstream end and the downstream end thereof, the at one fiber preparation tool being constructed and arranged to automatically process an end portion of the optical fiber in response to a control signal. The apparatus further comprises a load module and an unload module. The load module is positioned at the upstream end of the transporter, and is constructed and arranged to hold a stack of trays and to automatically load the tray from the stack of trays onto the transporter in response to a control signal. The unload module is positioned at the downstream end of the transporter, and is constructed and arranged to hold a stack of trays and to automatically unload the tray from the transporter into the stack of trays in response to a control signal.
- In still another illustrative embodiment, a method is provided of automatically preparing a length of optical fiber. The method comprises steps of: (a) providing the length of optical fiber; (b) automatically stripping an end portion of the optical fiber; (c) automatically cleaving the end portion of the optical fiber; and (d) automatically transporting the optical fiber from the strip tool to the cleave tool.
- In still a further illustrative embodiment, a method is provided of automatically preparing a length of optical fiber. The method comprises steps of: (a) providing the optical fiber on a tray; (b) automatically transporting the tray from an upstream end toward a downstream end of a transporter; (c) automatically processing an end portion of the optical fiber in the tray between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter; and (d) automatically unloading the tray with the optical fiber contained thereon from the downstream end of the transporter.
- In yet another illustrative embodiment, a method is provided of automatically preparing a length of optical fiber. The method comprises steps of: (a) providing the optical fiber on a tray, which has an outer perimeter, with at least one end portion of the optical fiber extending outwardly beyond the outer perimeter of the tray in a first orientation; (b) automatically transporting the tray from an upstream end toward a downstream end of an automated transporter; (c) automatically processing the end portion of the optical fiber in the tray between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter; and (d) automatically placing the end portion of the optical fiber within the tray in a second orientation that is different from the first orientation so that the end portion is contained within the outer perimeter of the tray, subsequent to step (c).
- In yet a further illustrative embodiment, a method is provided of automatically preparing a length of optical fiber. The method comprises steps of: (a) providing the optical fiber on a tray with opposing end portions of the optical fiber extending from opposite ends of the tray; (b) automatically transporting the tray from an upstream end toward a downstream end of an automated transporter; and (c) automatically processing the end portions of the optical fiber simultaneously in the tray between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an automated fiber preparation apparatus according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an automated fiber preparation apparatus according to another illustrative embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one illustrative embodiment of a system controller; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an automated fiber preparation apparatus according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a transporter of the automated fiber preparation apparatus ofFIG. 4 according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention; - FIGS. 6(a)-(d) are schematic diagrams of the transporter of
FIG. 5 ; -
FIGS. 7-9 are exploded perspective views of various aspects of the transporter ofFIG. 5 FIG. 10 is a conceptual illustration of a system for automatically generating a coiled section of optical fiber in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool; -
FIG. 11 is a side view of an illustrative machine for implementing the system ofFIG. 10 ; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the machine ofFIG. 11 ; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of certain components that form the winder of the machine ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of additional components relating to the winder of the machine ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of certain components of the stripper of the machine ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 16 is a side view of the winder and stripper of the machine ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 16 a is a bottom view of the mandrel used in the winder of the machine ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of components of the threading gripper in the machine ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of components of a payout spool assembly for the machine ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the dancer arm assembly of the machine ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the idler of the machine ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the far tray lifting sub-assembly of the machine ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 21 a is a perspective view of the near tray lifting sub-assembly of the machine ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the cutter of the machine ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 22 a is an enlarged perspective view of certain components of the cutter of the machine ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 23 is a block diagram of a control circuit for operating the system ofFIGS. 11-12 ; -
FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of one illustrative embodiment of a stripper tool; -
FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a stripper tool; -
FIG. 26 an exploded perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a stripper mechanism for the stripper tool ofFIG. 25 ; -
FIG. 27 an exploded perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a strip arm for the strip mechanism ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 28 an exploded perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a heater for the strip arm ofFIG. 27 ; -
FIGS. 29-30 are exploded perspective views of one illustrative embodiment of a blade adjustment mechanism for the stripper mechanism ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 31 is a plan view of one illustrative embodiment of a pair of centralizer blades for the stripper mechanism ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 32 is a plan view of one illustrative embodiment of a pair of strip blades for the stripper mechanism ofFIG. 26 ; -
FIG. 33 an exploded perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a drive mechanism for the stripper tool ofFIG. 25 ; -
FIG. 34 an exploded perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a cleaning device for the stripper tool ofFIG. 25 ; -
FIG. 35 illustrates a schematic diagram of one illustrative embodiment the cleaning device; -
FIG. 36 a illustrates a magnified view of an end of an optical fiber after it has been stripped of its outer coating and illustrating residual buffer material and debris that may contaminate the fiber; -
FIG. 36 b illustrates a magnified view of an optical fiber after it has been cleaned by the cleaning device; -
FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a cleaning device; -
FIG. 38 illustrates a view of one embodiment of a clamping assembly of the cleaning apparatus; -
FIG. 39 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a tank assembly of the cleaning apparatus; -
FIG. 40 a and 40 b illustrate various embodiments of sealing jaws that may be used in the clamping assembly of the cleaning apparatus; -
FIG. 41 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a servo assembly of the cleaning apparatus; -
FIG. 42 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a fluid reservoir assembly of the cleaning apparatus; -
FIG. 43 illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of a frame assembly of the cleaning apparatus. -
FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram of one illustrative embodiment of a cleave tool; -
FIG. 45 is an exploded perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a cleave tool; -
FIGS. 46-47 are exploded perspective views of a cleave mechanism for the cleave tool ofFIG. 45 ; -
FIG. 48 is a cross-sectional side view of a ferrule attached to a fiber; -
FIG. 49 is an axial view of a fiber ferrule with an offset opening; -
FIG. 50 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool; -
FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a ferrule attachment apparatus according to one illustrative embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool; -
FIG. 52 is an exploded perspective view of the ferrule attachment apparatus ofFIG. 51 ; -
FIG. 53 is a side elevation view of the ferrule attachment apparatus ofFIG. 51 ; -
FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a ferrule attachment apparatus according to one embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool; -
FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a ferrule supply according to one illustrative embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool; -
FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a ferrule delivery system according to one illustrative embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool; -
FIG. 57 is an exploded perspective view of a ferrule orienter according to one illustrative embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool; -
FIG. 58 is an exploded perspective view of a ferrule support according to one illustrative embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool;. -
FIG. 59 is an exploded perspective view of a ferrule support according to one illustrative embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool; -
FIG. 60 is an exploded perspective view of an adhesive dispenser according to one illustrative embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool; -
FIG. 61 is an exploded perspective view of a heater according to one illustrative embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool; -
FIG. 62 is an exploded perspective view of a fiber gripper according to one illustrative embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool; -
FIG. 63 is an exploded perspective view of a fiber gripper according to one illustrative embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool; -
FIG. 64 is a schematic view of a ferrule attachment station for mounting a connector to a polarization maintaining fiber according to one illustrative embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool; -
FIG. 65 is a schematic diagram of one illustrative embodiment of a load/unload module; - FIGS. 66(a)-(f) are schematic diagrams of one illustrative embodiment of a loading sequence for the load/unload module;
- FIGS. 67(a)-(f) are schematic diagrams of one illustrative embodiment of an unloading sequence for the load/unload module;
-
FIG. 68 is a side elevation view of one illustrative embodiment of a load/unload module; -
FIG. 69 is a top plan view of one illustrative embodiment of a gripping mechanism for the load/unload module ofFIG. 68 ; -
FIG. 70 is a side elevation view of the gripping mechanism ofFIG. 69 ; -
FIG. 71 is a perspective view of a centralizing clamp according to one illustrative embodiment, shown in the open position; -
FIG. 72 is a perspective view of the centralizing clamp ofFIG. 71 illustrated in the closed position; -
FIG. 73 is a perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a clamp jaw for the centralizing clamp ofFIG. 71 ; -
FIGS. 74-75 are schematic views of the clamp jaws of the centralizing clamp ofFIG. 71 in the open and closed positions; -
FIGS. 76-77 are enlarged schematic views of the clamp jaws illustrating a fiber receptacle closing about and positioning a fiber; -
FIG. 78 is an exploded perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a centralizing clamp. -
FIG. 79 is a perspective view of a centralizing clamp including a sealing fixture; -
FIG. 80 is an exploded perspective view of the centralizing clamp ofFIG. 79 ; -
FIG. 81 is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a clamp jaw for the centralizing clamps ofFIGS. 1 and 9 ; and -
FIG. 82 is a schematic view illustrating one embodiment of the mounting arrangement for the clamp jaws of the centralizing clamp ofFIG. 79 . -
FIG. 83 is a top perspective view of a transport tray for a coiled fiber according to one illustrative embodiment; -
FIG. 84 is a top view of the tray ofFIG. 83 ; -
FIG. 85 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 85-85 inFIG. 84 illustrating one embodiment of a locking mechanism in the closed position; -
FIG. 86 is the cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism ofFIG. 85 in the open position; -
FIG. 87 is a partial, bottom perspective view of the locking mechanism; -
FIG. 88 is a side elevation view of the tray ofFIG. 83 illustrating one embodiment of a fiber retainer; -
FIG. 89 is a schematic view of another illustrative embodiment of a fiber retainer. - The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for automated fiber preparation of an optical fiber. It should be appreciated that automated fiber preparation may be done in any of numerous ways, and that the present invention is not limited to the particular apparatus and techniques described below.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of one illustrative embodiment of the present invention for an automated fiber preparation system and method for automatically fabricating an optical fiber, such as a pigtail. In this regard, one or more fabrication processes associated with fiber preparation, such as pigtail fabrication, may be performed on an optical fiber without requiring active user input. In one illustrative embodiment, the fiber preparation system is particularly configured to automatically carry out each of the process steps for fabricating an optical fiber pigtail. It is to be appreciated, however, that the automated system of the present invention is not limited to pigtail fabrication, and other suitable applications are contemplated for one or more aspects of the system. - The
fiber preparation system 200 includes a fiber preparation module 202 (also referred to as the fiber-prep 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. The fiber-prep 202 module may include one or more process stations that are configured to carry out any desired fabrication process on the fiber. As illustrated, the fiber-prep module 202 includes a plurality ofprocess stations 204 that may be configured to accept one or more of various automated process tools so that the system may be arranged to carry out any one or various combinations of desired fiber preparation processes on a fiber end. - The
fiber prep module 202 may be constructed with a modular configuration that allows any of theprocess stations 204 to accept various process tools. In any particular module configuration, one or more of theprocess stations 204 may include an automated process tool while one or more of the stations are left unoccupied to provide expansion and/or reconfiguration capabilities for the system. In this regard, each process station may include a common tool interface that provides the desired mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, control and like connections for operating the various process tools. - In one illustrative embodiment, the
fiber preparation module 202 includes any one or any combinations of astrip tool 206 for stripping the protective coating to expose the end of the optical fiber, acleaning tool 208 for cleaning the exposed end of the fiber and acleave tool 210 for cleaving the exposed end to form a fiber end of high optical quality. Each of the process tools is automated to perform the desired fabrication process on the fiber end automatically in response to a control signal from asystem controller 212. Illustrative embodiments for each of these process tools are described in more detail below. It is to be understood, however, that the fiber-prep module is not limited to any particular tool configuration, but may employ any suitable process tool configured to automatically perform one or more of the strip, clean and cleave processes. - To facilitate the automated fabrication process, the
optical fiber 214 is placed on atransporter 216 that automatically transports it from anupstream end 218 of the system toward adownstream end 220 of the system in response to a transport signal from thesystem controller 212. Thetransporter 216 precisely locates thefiber 214 at one or more of theprocess stations 204 where any desired fabrication process may be automatically carried out on the fiber. Thetransporter 216 may be configured to operate on an intermittent basis to transport the fiber to each process station at the conclusion of each fabrication process. In this regard, actuation of the transporter may be based on the maximum process time required at any one of the process tools. - In one illustrative embodiment discussed in more detail below, the
transporter 216 employs a walking beam configuration that precisely locates the fiber at each process station. It is to be appreciated, however, that any suitable transport configuration may be implemented with the system as would be apparent to one of skill. For example, the transporter may employ a conveyor-type transporter, a lift-type transporter, such as a pick-and-place transporter, and other like transporter configurations. - The
optical fiber 214 may be provided on a transport medium, such as atray 222 or other pallet-type device, that is configured to present the end portion of the fiber to the process tool. In this regard, thetray 222 may include one or more registration features that are configured to cooperate with the transporter to accurately locate the tray at each process station. Thetray 222 may also include one or more fiber management features that are configured to present and maintain the fiber end within a predetermined region relative to each process tool. The various features, which are described in more detail below, allow the process tool to automatically capture and perform a desired process on the fiber. - In one illustrative embodiment, the
fiber end 224 is retained by thetray 222 so that it extends beyond the outer perimeter of the tray for presentation to the various process tools. Additionally, the tray retains the fiber end against axial movement relative to the tray and process tools. In this regard, the tray manages the optical fiber in a manner that may reduce the overall complexity of the system and tools by ensuring that theend portions 224 of the fiber are repeatedly presented to the process tools within a well defined region relative to each tool. This allows the process tools to be configured to carry out the desired manufacturing process with minimal, if any, manipulation of the fiber end. This results in a reliable and efficient automated system for fiber preparation. It is to be understood that, while it may be beneficial, the system of the present invention is not limited to a fiber management arrangement that requires a length of fiber to extend beyond the perimeter of the tray. - In one illustrative embodiment, the
optical fiber 214 is placed on the tray so that its opposingend portions 224 extend from opposite ends of the tray. This configuration allows one or both ends of the fiber to be processed by the system. For example, it may be desirable to simultaneously process each end of the fiber with the same or different process tools at any one or more of the process stations. It should be understood, however, that thefiber end 224 may be positioned at the same end or any other sides of the tray suitable for any particular system arrangement. - While the
tray 222 may be pre-loaded with a desired length of optical fiber, it may be desirable to configure the system with an automated process tool that places a desired length of fiber on the tray. In one illustrative embodiment, the fiber-prep module 202 includes a fiber payout and spooling tool 226 (referred to as the spooling tool) that is configured to automatically cut a desired length ofoptical fiber 214 from a spool of optical fiber, configure the fiber into a manageable form and place the fiber on thetray 222. The spooling tool, if employed, is positioned toward theupstream end 218 of the transporter to receive empty trays from the transporter and load the trays with the fiber for subsequent delivery to the downstream fiber-prep process tools. While illustrated as a component of the fiber-prep module, it is to be appreciated that the spooling tool may be a separate stand alone module that is configured to be coupled to an end of the fiber-prep module. - In one illustrative embodiment described in more detail below, the
spooling tool 226 draws a desired length of optical fiber from a supply of optical fiber, spools the fiber into a coiled configuration and deposits the coiledfiber 214 on thetray 222 with the fiber ends extending from opposite ends of the tray. In this regard, the spooling tool may be configured with one or more registration features configured to mate with corresponding features on the tray. Although not required, the mating registration features facilitate the transfer to and accurate placement of the coiledfiber 214 on thetray 222. Thespooling tool 226 is configured to automatically form and deliver the coiled fiber in response to a spooling signal from the system controller. It is to be understood that the system is not limited to the illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, and may employ any suitable tool configuration to automatically perform one or more of the payout, spooling and fiber transfer processes. - After one or both ends 224 of the fiber have been processed with the fiber-prep module, the
fiber 214 may be delivered to any one or more downstream processes, either as a continuation of the automated fiber preparation system or to a separate fabrication process, either automated or manual, that utilizes prepared optical fibers. For example, the prepared fiber may be presented to a ferrule attachment module, a polishing module, a fusion splicing module, an inspection module, and a pigtailing machine, or any combinations thereof, that may be employed in conjunction with the fiber-prep module. - In one illustrative embodiment, the
automated system 200 includes aferrule attachment tool 228 that is configured to automatically attach a ferrule to one or both ends 224 of theoptical fiber 214 in response to a ferrule attach signal from the system controller. Theferrule attachment tool 228 may be provided as part of the fiber-prep module or as a separate module that is used in conjunction with the fiber-prep module. Such an arrangement may be beneficial to providing a readily configurable system for automated fiber preparation. - The
ferrule attachment tool 228 is positioned downstream from the fiber-prep module 202 so as to receive atray 222 loaded with apre-processed fiber 214 that is ready for receiving a ferrule on one or both ends of the fiber. In one illustrative embodiment described in more detail below, theferrule attachment tool 228 automatically deploys a ferrule from a supply of ferrules, positions the ferrule in a predetermined location for mounting to the fiber, and mounts the ferrule onto the prepared fiber end. The ferrule attachment tool may also deposit an adhesive into the ferrule (if the ferrule has not been preloaded with an adhesive), and heat the adhesive to at least set the attachment of the ferrule and the fiber end. If necessary, the tool may also reorient the ferrule so that its appropriate end is presented to the fiber. - While it may become apparent that the
ferrule attachment tool 228, as described below, possesses certain beneficial attributes for an automated system, it is to be understood that the fiber preparation system is not limited to any particular ferrule attachment tool configuration. Rather, the automated system may employ, if even desired, any suitable process tool configured to automatically attach a ferrule to one or both ends of an optical fiber. - Once the ends of the fiber have been fully processed by the system, it may be desirable to manipulate one or both fiber ends 224 so that they no longer extend beyond the perimeter of the
tray 222. In this regard, likelihood of damage to the fiber end, including the ferrule, if attached, or interference with subsequent processing steps may be reduced. - In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 , thesystem 200 includes afiber placement tool 230 that automatically repositions one or both fiber ends 232 inboard the perimeter of the tray. As shown, the fiber placement tool may be located toward thedownstream end 220 of thetransporter 216 so that it repositions the fiber ends at the conclusion of the fiber preparation process within the system. It is to be appreciated, however, that the fiber placement tool may be located, if even desired, anywhere along the fabrication process. - In one embodiment, the
ferrule attachment tool 228 includes afiber placement tool 230 configured to grasp and reposition the ferrule and fiber end in the tray at the ferrule attachment process station. As explained below in connection with an illustrative embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool, this may be beneficial to increasing the efficiency of the system by allowing the fiber to be moved with a set, rather than fully cured, adhesive. - In another embodiment, a
fiber placement tool 230 may be provided in the system separate from the ferrule attachment tool so that one or both ends of the fiber may be repositioned on the tray apart from the ferrule attachment process. As illustrated inFIG. 1 , in which the system is configured to process only one of the fiber ends, afiber placement tool 230 may be provided opposite the ferrule attachment tool so that the non-processed end of the fiber may also be repositioned inboard the tray perimeter to avoid potential fiber damage and/or interference with downstream processes. Of course, the fiber placement tool for the non-processed fiber end may be located at any suitable process station considering that no fabrication processes are to be carried out on that end of the fiber. - The
automated system 200 may employ a load module 234 a and/or an unloadmodule 234 b configured to load and/or unload trays, respectively, onto and from the transporter. The use of load/unload modules contributes to the convenience and efficiency of the automated system by allowing trays to be loaded and unloaded with minimal user intervention. In this regard, the load and unload modules are configured to handle a plurality of trays before user intervention is required to add and remove trays from the modules. - In the illustrative embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 , the system includes a load module 234 a at the upstream end of the transporter and an unloadmodule 234 b at the downstream end of the transporter. As explained below in conjunction with illustrative embodiments of the modules, the load module is configured to intermittently load trays onto the transporter from a tray cassette that is configured to hold a stack of trays therein. Similarly, the unload module is configured to intermittently remove the trays from the transporter and stack the trays in a tray cassette. - The stacked tray configuration of the system may be advantageous in allowing compact stacks of trays to be conveniently added to the system or transferred to other process systems. For example, trays containing prepared fibers may be conveniently provided to optical component manufacturers for assembly, either automatically or manually, to optical components or devices. It is to be appreciated, however, that the load and unload modules are not limited to the illustrative embodiments and any load/unload configuration, if even desired, may be implemented with the automated fiber preparation system.
- One illustrative embodiment of a method of automatically preparing a length of optical fiber will now be described in conjunction with the system described above. More particularly, the illustrative method is directed to the preparation of an optical fiber pigtail.
- The automated fabrication process begins with an
empty tray 222 being automatically loaded onto theupstream end 218 of the system transporter by the load module 234 a. The tray is indexed downstream by thetransporter 216 to thespooling tool 226. In response to a signal from the system controller, thespooling tool 226 automatically draws and cuts a predetermined length of fiber from a supply of optical fiber, spools the fiber into a coiled configuration and places the coiledfiber 214 on thetray 222 with the opposing ends 224 of the coiled fiber extending from opposite ends of the tray. - The loaded tray is then indexed to the
strip tool 206. Once the tray is located, one or both ends 224 of the fiber, as desired, are stripped of the protective coating to expose a predetermined length of glass core. The ends are stripped in response to a strip signal from the system controller. - The
tray 222 is next delivered to thecleaning tool 208 where the stripped ends 224 of the fiber are cleaned of debris, such as may be associated with cutting and stripping the fiber. After being moved to thecleave tool 210, the stripped and cleaned fiber ends are cleaved to produce a fiber end having optical properties of high quality. The cleaving process may also remove potential glass defects present at the ends of the fiber. The clean and cleave processes are performed in response to appropriate signals from the system controller. - The coiled fiber, now having fully prepared fiber ends, is indexed to the
ferrule attachment tool 228. Once positioned at the tool, a ferrule is attached to one or both ends 224, as desired, of the fiber in response to a control signal from the system controller. The fiber ends 232 are then repositioned inboard the perimeter of the tray in an orientation that is different from the initial outwardly extending direction of the fiber ends. - With the fiber now fully assembled as a pigtail, the
tray 222 is removed from the downstream end of the transporter by the unloadmodule 234 b and stacked in a tray cassette to eventually be offloaded by a user or other system for subsequent processes involving use of a pigtail. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of another illustrative embodiment of an automated fiber preparation system according to the present invention. Thesystem 240 is configured to prepare both ends of the fiber. In this regard, pairs of strip, clean, cleave and ferrule attachment tools may be positioned on opposite sides of the transporter. Of course, any suitable combination of process tools along one or both sides of the transporter may be implemented to create a desired fiber preparation system. It is also contemplated that any combination of modules, including a plurality of similar modules, may be linearly arranged to provide a desired system. For example, it may be desirable to employ two or more fiber-prep modules arranged in series with or without other modules therebetween. - The above-enumerated modules, process tools and system configurations are merely representative of the types of modules, tools and systems that may be employed for automated fiber preparation. Neither the foregoing sequences, or any other sequence of these or other tools, nor the presence of any or all of such modules and process tools, or additional modules or process tools not identified above, should be considered a limitation of the automated fiber preparation apparatus of the present invention. It is contemplated that any one or more of the process modules and process tools may be a stand alone item that may be employed separately or in conjunction with other modules and tools for various applications related to the preparation of optical fiber and fiber-like devices.
- According to one embodiment as schematically shown in
FIG. 3 , operation of the system is controlled by a distributed control system. The distributedcontrol system 212 includes amain controller 242, such as a personal computer (PC), and a number oflocal control nodes 244 located at each individual tool or module within the system. Each tool or module is directly controlled by its own local control node which communicates status information and receives command signals from the main controller. - Such a distributed control system has advantages in that each tool or module is a self-contained unit requiring only a single communication link to the main controller. This allows for easy maintenance, repair and expansion of the system. The
main controller 242 may handle all data generated by the system, for example, maintenance data and process variable data, such as temperature, pressure or tension data that may be provided by certain tools, and may provide a main operator interface to the system. Themain controller 242 may be adapted to receive information from a user via the operator interface and to provide the information to appropriate local control nodes. The operator interface may also present system data and information to the user. The main controller may also communicate with asupervisory control system 246 to facilitate, for example, factory-wide quality control. - Each
local node 244 may control the associated tool to perform certain functions in response to signals received from the main controller, and may signal themain controller 242 when the functions performed by the tool are complete. According to one example, each local control node comprises a communications module to communicate with the main controller, an I/O interface module that sends and receives signals from the associated tool or module, and a servo control module that may control any motors or servos associated with a particular tool. It is to be appreciated that these functions may be provided by a number of discrete, interconnected modules forming the local control node, or may be provided by a single integrated control node. Furthermore, each local control node may be specifically adapted to control processes unique to the specific associated tool or module. - Illustrative embodiments of various aspects of the automated fiber preparation apparatus will be discussed in more detail. It is to be understood that the descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the present invention.
-
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an automated fiber preparation apparatus according to one illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus has a system configuration suitable for pigtail fabrication, as described above in connection withFIG. 1 . This embodiment, however, is merely exemplary as to one of numerous configurations that may be attained with the modular capability of the present invention. - The
apparatus 200 includes a fiber-prep module 202 configured with astrip tool 206, acleaning tool 208 and acleave tool 210 disposed along one side of atransporter 216. As illustrated, the fiber-prep module includes a plurality of spare process stations that may be populated with one or more tools on either or both sides of the transporter, as desired. The fiber-prep module also includes a spooling tool at the upstream end of the transporter to prepare and insert a coiled fiber into atray 222. - A load module 234 a is provided at the upstream end of the fiber-prep module to feed trays to the system. A
ferrule attachment tool 228 is attached to the downstream end of the fiber-prep module for attaching ferrules to the prepared fiber ends. An unloadmodule 234 b is provided at the downstream end of the system to unload trays loaded with optical fiber pigtails. - As indicated above, this embodiment is one of numerous system configurations that may be employed with the present invention. In this regard, the illustrative embodiment is not intended as a limitation of the invention.
- Transporter
- As indicated above, the automated fiber preparation apparatus employs a
transporter 216 for carrying an optical fiber to the various process stations. The transporter may be configured to operate intermittently such that the optical fiber remains at any particular tool for a predetermined period of time before being transported to the next process tool. While located at any particular process station, one or both ends of the fiber may be processed as desired. - The transporter is configured to precisely locate the optical fiber in a repeatable manner to facilitate the manufacturing processes at each station. In this regard, as described above, the transporter cooperates with a transport medium, such as a work tray or other pallet-like device, configured to retain the ends of a coiled fiber in a predetermined location relative to the tool.
- Although any suitably configured transporter may be implemented with the system, one illustrative embodiment of the system utilizes a walking beam transporter that carries and precisely positions the tray at each station along the beam. As illustrated in
FIG. 5 , thetransporter 216 may be mounted to the deck of thefiber preparation module 202 between opposing rows ofprocess stations 204. - In one illustrative embodiment, the
transporter 216 includes atransporter frame 1002 that includes a pair ofouter support rails 1004 that extend along the length of the frame. Theouter support rails 1004 include a plurality ofupstanding pins 1006 that are configured to mate with corresponding features on thetray 222 to precisely locate and maintain the tray in a fixed position relative to each process station. Awalking beam 1008 is movably supported within thetransporter frame 1002 to lift and move the tray to succeeding positions along the transporter frame. Thewalking beam 1008 includes a pair ofinner support rails 1010 that engage the ends of the tray inward of theouter support rails 1004 to lift the tray from and move it along the outer support rails. Theinner support rails 1010 also include a plurality ofupstanding pins 1012 that are aligned with the pins on the outer support rails and cooperate with corresponding features on the tray to facilitate transportation of the tray along the transporter. - FIGS. 6(a)-(d) are a schematic representation of one illustrative embodiment of the transporter and its operational sequence. It is to be understood that the transporter is not limited to this illustrative embodiment as other configurations are contemplated.
-
FIG. 6 (a) illustrates atray 222 supported by theouter support rails 1004 in any one of a plurality of locations along the transporter with thewalking beam 1008 in its home position. Thewalking beam 1008 is located below theouter support rails 1004 in a lowered position so that the beam can be moved linearly along the length of the frame without disturbing the tray from its desired location. - As illustrated, the
walking beam 1008 may be coupled to alift drive 1014, which is configured to raise and lower the walking beam relative to the outer frame, and alinear drive 1016 which is configured to the walking beam in a linear direction along the length of the frame. Thelift drive 1014 may include acarriage 1018 that is configured to move in a linear direction relative to the transporter frame. Thecarriage 1018 is coupled to the walking beam with a pair oflinks 1020 which are pivotally connected to the carriage and walking beam. Alift actuator 1022 is coupled between the carriage and at least onelink 1020. Thelinear drive 1016 includes adrive mechanism 1024 that is coupled to the walking beam with avertical slide 1026 to allow the walking beam to be raised and lowered in a fixed linear position. - In response to a lift signal, as shown in
FIG. 6 (b), thelift actuator 1022 drives thelinks 1020 to rotate about their connections to the carriage. Since the walking beam is restrained against linear motion due to its coupling to the linear drive, thecarriage 1018 moves below thewalking beam 1008 to counter the force of the lift actuator, thereby extending thelinks 1020 and lifting the walking beam in a vertical direction to raise the tray above the outer support rails. - With the walking beam in its raised position, the
linear drive 1016 is actuated to move thewalking beam 1008 in a linear direction as shown inFIG. 6 (c). In this regard, the linear drive, via thevertical slide 1026, moves thewalking beam 1008 and the carriage 1018 a predetermined distance to position thetray 222 at the next process station. As illustrated, thevertical coupling 1026 may be moved using a ball/screw arrangement that is capable of precisely locating the tray at its desirable position. - Once the tray is properly positioned, the
lift drive 1014 is actuated to lower thewalking beam 1008 below theouter support rails 1004 so that thetray 222 is set in position on the outer rails. As illustrated, retracting thelift actuator 1022 causes thecarriage 1018 to move relative to the walking beam due to the restraint of thevertical slide 1026 resulting in lowering of the walking beam. Once lowered, thelinear drive 1016 is actuated to reposition the walking beam in its home position as shown inFIG. 6 (a) in preparation for the next transport cycle. - Various aspects and features of the transporter will now be described in more detail below. It is to be appreciated, however, that the transporter is not limited to the illustrative embodiment, as numerous other configurations are possible.
- The transporter includes a drive mechanism configured to move the walking beam in both a vertical direction to raise and lower a tray relative to the outer support rails, and a linear direction to move the tray linearly adjacent stations. In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIGS. 7-9 , the drive mechanism includes alift drive 1014 that is used in conjunction with alinear drive 1016 to provide the desired motion for the walking beam. In this regard, the lift drive is configured to raise and lower the walking beam while the linear drive is configured to drive the walking beam in a linear motion along the transporter frame between stations. - As illustrated, the lift drive includes a
carriage 1018 that is moveably supported on the fiber-prep deck with a rail and block arrangement including alinear rail 1030 that slidably carries a pair ofcarriage blocks 1032 to support opposing ends of the carriage. A pair oflinks 1020 couple thecarriage 1018 to thewalking beam 1008. As illustrated, the lower ends of thelinks 1020 are rotatably mounted to the opposing ends of thecarriage 1018 while the upper ends of the links are rotatably mounted to thewalking beam 1008. - The
walking beam 1008 may be raised and lowered by driving at least one of thelinks 1020 relative to thecarriage 1018. In the illustrative embodiment, anactuator 1022, such as a pneumatic air cylinder, is coupled between thecarriage 1018 and one of thelinks 1020. As shown, the lower end of theactuator 1022 is mounted to thecarriage 1018 while its opposite end is rotatably attached to thelink 1020 using alink coupling 1034 disposed between the upper and lower ends of the link. In this manner, extending and retracting theactuator 1022 causes thelink 1020 to rotate about its lower coupling relative to thecarriage 1018, thereby raising and lowering the upper end of the link relative to the carriage. - As indicated above, linear motion of the walking beam is achieved using a linear drive coupled to the walking beam. In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIGS. 7-8 , the linear drive includes a ball/screw assembly 1036 that drives arail mount 1038 in a linear direction along the length of the screw. Arail block 1040, which is configured to receive avertical rail 1026 mounted on the walking beam, is attached to the rail mount. Movement of therail mount 1038 along the ball/screw assembly, via the rail block, drives the walking beam, via the vertical rail, in a linear direction. A pair ofsupport bearings 1042 are disposed at opposite ends of the ball/screw assembly to mount the drive assembly to astationary base plate 1044 which is fixed to the module deck. Aservomotor 1046 is coupled to the ball/screw assembly with ashaft coupling 1048. Amotor mount 1050 supports the servomotor on the base plate. As shown, thebase plate 1044 is disposed within aslot 1052 along thecarriage 1018 so that the carriage may oscillate back and forth in a linear motion. - The
servomotor 1046 may include an encoder that allows the control system to accurately locate the walking beam in a desired position. Sensors may also be employed to control both the lift drive and the linear drive. In one illustrative embodiment, a plurality ofsensors 1054 are provided on the ball/screw baseplate to monitor the position of the rail block. In this regard, a home sensor may be provided to signal the control system when the rail block is located at its home position. Additionally, a pair of under-travel and over-travel sensors may be provided to limit the amount of linear travel of the rail block. In one embodiment, the sensors include optical sensors that cooperate with a flag mounted to the rail mount block. Similarly, the lift drive may be provided with one or more sensors to indicate a raised or lowered position for the walking beam. In one embodiment, a pair of magnetic sensors are supported on the actuator to monitor the position of the actuator piston being extended and retracted. It is to be understood that any suitable sensor configuration may be implemented with the walking beam to control its motion relative to the transporter frame. - In one illustrative embodiment, the transporter is configured to intermittently transport trays in linear increments of approximately 6.0 inches. As should be appreciated, the transporter may be configured to have any desirable pitch suitable for a particular system configuration.
- Having described one embodiment of a transporter for use in the fiber preparation system, it should be understood that the description is by way of example only and that other suitable transporter configurations may be implemented with the system as would be apparent to one of skill.
- Payout and Spooling Tool
- As indicated above, the system may also include a spooling tool for winding a coiled fiber, such as an optical fiber, that may be placed on a tray for fiber preparation. An example of one spooling tool suitable for use with any of the embodiments of the present invention is described in co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “Method and Apparatus for Automatically Forming a Coiled Segment of Optical Fiber”, filed on even date herewith, and incorporated herein by reference (hereafter the “Spooling Tool Application”). However, it should be appreciated that the various embodiments of the present invention directed to automated preparation of optical fiber is not limited to use with any particular spooling tool. Various illustrative embodiments of a spooling tool, as provided in the Spooling Tool Application, are presented below.
-
FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool for automating the process of taking a section of optical fiber from aspool 2001 of optical fiber, cutting it to size and forming a coil with the section of optical fiber. Thesystem 226 shown inFIG. 10 includes afeeder 2005 that is adapted to take theoptical fiber 2007 off of thespool 2001 and feed it to the remainder of the system. A goal of thefeeder 2005 is to not only take theoptical fiber 2007 off of thespool 2001, but to maintain constant tension in the optical fiber as it is taken off the spool, to facilitate handling. This can be done in any of numerous ways, including using techniques that have been employed in the past in the handling of other types of spooled cables, wires, threads, etc., as the spooling tool is not limited to using any particular feeding mechanism. - In the illustrative embodiment shown in
FIG. 10 , thefeeder 2005 includes three main components, including a tension dance arm assembly 2009, anidler 2011 and athreading gripper 2013. To set up thesystem 226 for operation with anew spool 2001 ofoptical fiber 2007, the free end of the spool of fiber initially is thread through thefeeder 2005 and then held in place by thethreading gripper 2013. Thethreading gripper 2013 holds the free end of the spool ofoptical fiber 2007 not only when a new spool is added to the system, but also after a section of optical fiber is cut by the system in the manner described below. Thethreading gripper 2013 also serves to pass thefree end 2007 f of the fiber to awinder 2017 as discussed further below. - The
idler 2011 serves as a guide for theoptical fiber 2007 so that the fiber is aligned with thethreading gripper 2013. The idler can be implemented in any of numerous ways. In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, the idler 2011 includes a base 2011 b and apulley 2011p that is rotatably mounted thereto to reduce the friction caused by theoptical fiber 2007 passing over theidler 2011. Of course, the idler 2011 can be implemented in numerous other ways, and is not limited to employing a pulley system. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 10 , the tension dance arm assembly 2009 includes a base 2009 b, apulley 2009 p and anarm 2009 a that mounts thepulley 2009 p to thebase 2009 b. The tension dance arm assembly is the primary component within thefeeder 2005 that acts to maintain constant tension on theoptical fiber 2007 as it is fed through thesystem 226. Thearm 2009 a is pivotally mounted to thebase 2009 b so that the relative distance between thepulley 2009 p and thespool 2001 can be altered by the tension dance arm assembly 2009. In this respect, the tension dance arm assembly 2009 is arranged so that thepulley 2009 p is urged under the effect of gravity to tend to drop down and thereby reduce the angle c between thearm 2009 a and thebase 2009 b. Thepulley 2009 p is prevented from dropping down by theoptical fiber 2007, which is attached at one end to thespool 2001 and at thefree end 2007 f to other components of the system 2003 (e.g., thethreading gripper 2013 and/or a component of thewinder 2017 as discussed below). The tension dance arm assembly 2009 can be arranged so that a desired angle c between thearm 2009 a and thebase 2009 b (e.g., an angle of 90° indicating that thearm 2009 a is horizontal inFIG. 10 ) can be set to denote the optimal length ofoptical fiber 2007 to be extending between thespool 2001 and theidler 2011. Thus, if thespool 2001 is paying out theoptical fiber 2007 at a rate above the optimal payout rate, additional slack in theoptical fiber 2007 will result, thereby enabling thepulley 2009 p to drop down under the effect of gravity so that thearm 2009 a is below the optimum angle. The tension dance arm assembly 2009 can include a sensor to detect the angle c of thearm 2009 a, and can then send a control signal to thespool 2001 to control the rate at which theoptical fiber 2007 is being payed out. This can be done in any of numerous ways, including through a computer control system as discussed below. Thus, by monitoring the angle of thearm 2009 a, the tension dance arm assembly 2009 can control the rate at which theoptical fiber 2007 is payed out from thespool 2001, to maintain constant tension in theoptical fiber 2007. In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, the spool control can be used to speed up or slow down rotation of thespool 2001, and can be used to reverse the spool rotation to retract some of theoptical fiber 2007 back onto thespool 2001. - It should be appreciated that the description provided above of the
feeder 2005 is provided merely for illustrative purposes, as numerous other techniques can alternatively be used for feeding theoptical fiber 2007 from thespool 2001 to the remainder of thesystem 226. - As mentioned above, in the embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 10 , thethreading gripper 2013 is movably mounted to draw thefree end 2007 f of theoptical fiber 2007 off of thespool 2001, and to pass it to another component of the system. Specifically, in the embodiment of the invention shown inFIG. 10 , thethreading gripper 2013 is mounted for sliding movement along an axis that is essentially in-line with theoptical fiber 2007 after it has passed over the idler 2011, for moving in the direction of arrow A shown inFIG. 10 . For example, after anew spool 2001 has been manually fed through the system so that itsfree end 2007 f is grasped by thethreading gripper 2013 and operation of thesystem 226 commences, the threading gripper moves to the right inFIG. 10 in the direction of arrow A, and draws the free end of theoptical fiber 2007 with it. The threading gripper 2013 then passes thefree end 2007 f of the optical fiber to a winding gripper 2015 of thewinder 2017, which performs a function that will be described further below. After thethreading gripper 2013 passes thefree end 2007 f to thewinder gripper 2015, thethreading gripper 2013 releases theoptical fiber 2007 and moves back to its initial position shown inFIG. 10 . After thewinder 2017 performs its winding function, thethreading gripper 2013 then regrips theoptical fiber 2007 in advance of acutter 2021, which cuts the optical fiber to create a section thereof that has been removed from thespool 2001, with the result that thethreading gripper 2013 then grips a new free end of theoptical fiber 2007 that is still attached to thespool 2001. It should be appreciated that thecutter 2021 can be implemented in any of numerous ways and that the timing of the cutting operation can be varied. For example, thecutter 2021 can cut theoptical fiber 2007 after the completion of the winding operation and before transfer of the coiled section of the optical fiber to atray 2023, or after transfer of the wound coil to thetray 2023. - It should be appreciated that the above-described technique for passing the
optical fiber 2007 to thewinder 2017 is provided merely for illustrative purposes, as numerous other techniques are possible. For example, although thethreading gripper 2013 is movable in the embodiment ofFIG. 10 to draw theoptical fiber 2007 to thewinder 2017, numerous other alternatives are possible, including employing a fixedthreading gripper 2013 and awinder 2017 that moves to meet thethreading gripper 2013. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 10 , thewinder 2017 includes the windinggripper 2015 and amandrel 2019 that is mounted for rotation about an axis B. In one embodiment of the spooling tool, the windinggripper 2015 and themandrel 2019 maintain a fixed rotational orientation, such that each rotates simultaneously about the axis B. In one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, thethreading gripper 2013 moves across themandrel 2019 to pass off thefree end 2007 f of the optical fiber to the windinggrouper 2015, such that theoptical fiber 2007 essentially rests against themandrel 2019 before the windinggripper 2015 begins the winding operation. It should be appreciated that this is advantageous, as it assists in maintaining theoptical fiber 2007 in alignment with thefeeder 2005. Specifically, if thethreading gripper 2013 were to hand thefree end 2007 f of the optical fiber to the windinggripper 2015 on the other side of themandrel 2019, then when the winding operation began, the windinggripper 2015 would draw thefree end 2007 f (out of the page inFIG. 10 ) outwardly away from themandrel 2019 so that theoptical fiber 2007 would not maintain a constant alignment with thefeeder 2005. It should be appreciated that thewinder 2017 can rotate through any desired range of rotation (including one or more 360° rotations) to wind theoptical fiber 2007 about themandrel 2019. After this winding is complete, thecutter 2021 cuts (either before or after transfer to the tray 2023) the optical fiber, thereby creating a coiled section of optical fiber that is separated from thespool 2001. - In accordance with one embodiment of the spooling tool, the winding
gripper 2015 is movably mounted to abase 2017 b of thewinder 2017, to enable the winding gripper to be moved in an up and down direction. For example, in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, afiber guide 2014 is positioned between the idler 2011 and thethreading gripper 2013 to assist in guiding theoptical fiber 2007 to thewinder 2017. Thefiber guide 2014 can take any of numerous forms, but in one embodiment of the spooling tool, it is a small circular guide that fixes the position of theoptical fiber 2007 passing therethrough to the relatively small surface area provided by theguide 2014. Thewinder gripper 2015 can initially be put in a position where it is in-line vertically with thefiber guide 2014 when it grasps thefree end 2007 f of the optical fiber. However, before the winding operation begins, the windinggripper 2015 can be actuated to a vertical position either higher or lower than the position of thefiber guide 2014. In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, the windinggripper 2015 is actuated to a vertical position higher than theoptical guide 2014, which causes a downward bias on the top surface of theoptical fiber 2007 that abuts against a lower surface of acomponent 2029 provided on astripper 2027 that is described in more detail below. Thus, as thewinder 2017 winds theoptical fiber 2007 about themandrel 2019, the downward bias causes the optical fiber to form a helical coil. Furthermore, the relative position of the windinggripper 2015 higher than theoptical guide 2014, and thus higher than the portion of thefiber 2007 leading from theoptical guide 2014 to themandrel 2019, allows the windinggripper 2015 to rotate freely around themandrel 2019 without coming into contact with thefiber 2007. Although providing an actuated winding gripper is advantageous for these reasons, it should be appreciated that the spooling tool is not limited in this respect, and that a windinggripper 2015 can be employed that does not move up and down relative to thebase 2017 b of the winder. - In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, the coil of optical fiber formed using the methods and apparatus disclosed herein is intended to have both of its ends available for additional processing, for example to undergo other automated steps for preparing an optical fiber as may be performed with the fiber preparation apparatus. Thus, unlike conventional processes where a cable or fiber is formed into a coil but only one end of the cable or fiber need be accessible, in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, it is desired to form a coiled section of optical fiber wherein both ends are accessible. Thus, the embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 10 includes awinder 2017 that produces a coiled section of optical fiber with both ends accessible. - In the illustrative embodiment of
FIG. 10 , an aspect of thewinder 2017 that results in both ends of the coiled section ofoptical fiber 2007 being accessible is that the windinggripper 2015 is spaced from anouter surface 2019 s of themandrel 2019 about which theoptical fiber 2007 is wound. In this respect, many conventional winding systems wind a cable or fiber about a mandrel with one of the ends of the cable or fiber attached directly to the surface of the mandrel about which the cable or fiber is wound, thereby making that end of the cable or fiber inaccessible. In the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 10 , the winding gripper 2015 spaces thefree end 2007 f of the optical fiber a distance d from theouter surface 2019 s of the mandrel. Thus, after thewinder 2017 has completed its winding of theoptical fiber 2007 about themandrel 2019, thefree end 2007 f of the optical fiber will be accessible (i.e., it will not be trapped under other sections of the coil). In addition, after the winding operation is completed, thecutter 2021 will cut theoptical fiber 2007 in the manner discussed above, which will result in another free end of the optical fiber being freely accessible on the opposite side of the mandrel. In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, the position of thecutter 2021 is selected to ensure that the two free ends of the coiled section of optical fiber will be of approximately equal length, which provides advantages when used in accordance with other automated equipment for processing the coil of optical fiber. It should be appreciated that there are numerous other ways of producing a coil of fiber with both ends accessible, such that this aspect of the spooling tool is not limited to the particular implementation shown inFIG. 10 . - Although the embodiment described above in connection with
FIG. 10 employs athreading gripper 2013 and a separate windinggripper 2015, it should be appreciated that the spooling tool is not limited in this respect, as a single gripper alternatively can be employed to perform both the threading and winding functions discussed above. - In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
FIG. 10 , the coiled section of optical fiber formed by thewinder 2017 is automatically transferred to a transport medium in the form of atray 2023. An example of one tray suitable for use with the embodiment of the spooling tool shown inFIG. 10 is described below. However, it should be appreciated that the embodiment of the spooling tool directed to automatically forming a coiled section of optical fiber is not limited to use with any particular transport medium. - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 10 , the system 2003 is adapted for use in an assembly line system that includes a conveyor mechanism (not fully shown) for providing atray 2023 to thesystem 226 for receiving a coiled section of optical fiber, and that then moves thetray 2023 away from thesystem 226 after a coiled section of optical fiber has been loaded onto thetray 2023. An example of a suitable conveyor mechanism is the transporter described above. However, it should be appreciated that the spooling tool is not limited to using this or any other type of conveyor system. In addition, although the use of a conveyor system provides a number of advantages in allowing thesystem 226 to be included in a larger overall system that automates other steps in the handling of the fiber coil, it should be appreciated that the embodiments of the spooling tool disclosed herein are not limited to use with such an automated conveyor system, as the steps of providing thetray 2023 to and removing thetray 2023 from thesystem 226 can be performed manually in other embodiments of the spooling tool. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 10 , thesystem 226 includes atray lifting assembly 2025 that lifts thetray 2023 from the conveyor mechanism to interact with theinserter 2031 to receive a fiber coil. Alternatively, themandrel 2019 andinserter 2031 could be made movable relative to thetray 2023 to facilitate transfer of the fiber coil to thetray 2023. - In the embodiment of the spooling tool shown in
FIG. 10 , thewinder 2017 includes astripper 2027 that is constructed and arranged to automatically strip a wound coiled section of optical fiber from themandrel 2019. As used herein, the term strip is meant to refer to removal of the coiled section of optical fiber from the mandrel without completely unwinding the coiled section of optical fiber. In this respect, one of the advantages to coiling a section of optical fiber is to ensure that the section of optical fiber can be confined in a relatively small work space when contrasted to the section of optical fiber being completely unwound. Therefore, it is desirable to remove the coiled section of optical fiber from themandrel 2019 without completely unwinding it. - It should be appreciated that there are numerous techniques that can be employed for implementing the stripper to remove the coiled section. In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 10 , thestripper 2027 includes acomponent 2029 that is disposed adjacent thesurface 2019 s of the mandrel about which the optical fiber is wound. Thestripper 2027 is mounted for movement relative to themandrel 2019, for example in a direction along the axis B about which the mandrel rotates. As thestripper 2027 is moved downwardly inFIG. 10 , thecomponent 2029 pushes down on the wound section of optical fiber to strip it from themandrel 2019. Thecomponent 2029 can take any of numerous forms, as the spooling tool is not limited to any particular configuration. In one embodiment of the spooling tool, thecomponent 2029 is a cylindrical sleeve that matches a cylindrical shape of themandrel 2019. Thecomponent 2029 need not extend all the way around the mandrel, as it can include spaced sections disposed at one, two or more locations about the mandrel to achieve the same function. However, in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, the stripper is arranged to have a contour that matches the winding surface (e.g., themandrel surface 2019 s) about the entire circumference of the winding surface. As used herein, the reference to the circumference of the surface is intended to relate to any curved surface, and is not intended to be limited to a circle. By using a stripper that has a contour that matches the entire circumference of the winding surface, it is possible to have the stripper apply an essentially equal stripping force to the coil about the entire circumference, which is advantageous in smoothly stripping the coil off of the winding surface, without damaging it. Although this provides the advantages discussed above, it should be appreciated that this is not a limitation of all embodiments of the spooling tool, as other configurations are possible. - While the
stripper 2027 is movably mounted to themandrel 2019 in accordance with one embodiment of the spooling tool, it should be appreciated that in an alternate embodiment of the invention, thestripper 2027 can be stationary, and themandrel 2019 can be mounted for movement relative thereto, for example, to enable movement of the mandrel upward inFIG. 10 . - The
system 226 illustrated inFIG. 10 further includes aninserter 2031 that handles the two ends of the coiled optical fiber created after the section of optical fiber has been wound about themandrel 2019. In the embodiment shown, theinserter 2031 includes a pair ofarms 2031 a and a pair ofhandlers 2031 h mounted thereto. Thearms 2031 a space thehandlers 2031 h from the surface of themandrel 2019 s, and position thehandlers 2031 h adjacent to the ends of the fiber coil. As opposed to thestripper component 2029 that may simply be a flat surface to push the wound fiber off of the mandrel, thestripper 2031 includeshandlers 2031 h because the ends of the fiber can benefit from more support when removing the fiber coil from the mandrel and inserting it into thetray 2023. In this respect, in accordance with one embodiment of the spooling tool, thetray 2023 includes particular features that are adapted to restrain the free ends of the coiled optical fiber. Therefore, by employinghandlers 2031 h to handle the ends upon insertion, the apparatus of the spooling tool shown inFIG. 10 can ensure that the ends of the fiber coil are precisely aligned with the appropriate features on thetray 2023. - In the illustrative embodiment shown in the FIGS., the
surface 2019 s of themandrel 2019 about which the optical fiber is wound is a continuously curved surface (e.g., a cylinder). This is advantageous in that it minimizes the bending stresses on the optical fiber during the winding operation. However, it should be appreciated that this is not a limitation of all embodiments of the spooling tool, as other configurations are possible. For example, in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, the winding surface is sized and shaped to insure that a minimum bending radius of the optical fiber is not violated during the formation of the fiber coil. - It should be appreciated that in the embodiment of the spooling tool described above, the acts of stripping the fiber coil from the
mandrel 2019 and inserting the fiber coil into thetray 2023 are performed without gripping the optical fiber. In this respect, thecomponent 2029 of thestripper 2027 simply pushes the coil off of themandrel 2019, without gripping the coil. Similarly, in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, thehandlers 2031 h of theinserter 2031 also only exert downward force on the fiber but do not grip it. By performing the stripping and insertion functions without gripping the fiber, potential damage to the fiber from the gripping operation is avoided. Although this is advantageous, it should be appreciated that all embodiments of the spooling tool are not limited in this respect, and that it is possible to perform the stripping and/or inserting operations using gripping devices. - It should be appreciated that the structure of the
inserter 2031 shown inFIG. 10 is provided merely for illustrative purposes, as numerous other configurations are possible. For example, although thehandlers 2031 h provide the advantages discussed above, it should be appreciated that they are not required in all embodiments of the spooling tool. - The sequence of operation of the components of the
system 226 described above can be varied in numerous ways. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the spooling tool, thehandlers 2031 h are V-shaped fiber guides that position the ends of the fiber in features oftray 2023, andcutter 2021 cuts the optical fiber once thehandlers 2031 h have asserted downward force on the optical fiber (so that tension will be maintained on the optical fiber) and inserted the fiber ends into the tray, but prior to the wound section of optical fiber being inserted into thetray 2023. However, in an alternate embodiment of the spooling tool, thecutter 2021 does not cut theoptical fiber 2007 until after the fiber coil has been stripped from themandrel 2019 and inserted into thetray 2023, in which case the handlers need not assert force on the ends of the fiber to maintain tension thereon. - It should be appreciated that there are a number of moving parts in the system of
FIG. 10 . In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, a control system (illustrated schematically inFIG. 23 ) is provided to coordinate control of each of these movable components of the system. In the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 23 , acontroller 2301 receives an input from asensor 2303 associated with the tension dance arm assembly 2009, and uses that information to control aspool motor 2304 as discussed above. Thecontroller 2301 also controls actuation ofcutter controls 2305 that control actuation of the cutter 2021 (FIG. 10 ), threadinggripper controls 2307 that control actuation of the grippers on thethreading gripper 2013, as well as movement of thethreading gripper 2013 to advance theoptical fiber 2007 toward thewinder 2017. In addition, thecontroller 2301 controls actuation ofwinder controls 2309 to control rotation of thewinder 2017 and actuation of thewinder grippers 2015, stripper controls 2311 that control actuation of thestripper 2027 andinserter 2031, and tray lifting assembly controls 2313. It should be appreciated that by controlling actuation of each of these components via acentral controller 2301, coordination of the system can be achieved, to ensure that each component performs the appropriate action at the appropriate time. - The
controller 2301 can be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the spooling tool is not limited to any particular technique. In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, thecontroller 2301 is a processor that is programmed (via software) to perform the above-recited control functions, and to coordinate interaction amongst the various system components. Of course, it should be appreciated that other implementations are possible, including the use of a hardware controller, and/or multiple controllers that replace the singlecentral controller 2301. - It should be appreciated that the
system 226 schematically illustrated inFIG. 10 can be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the spooling tool is not limited to any particular implementation technique. A detailed explanation is provided below of an illustrative machine that implements thesystem 226 ofFIG. 10 . Of course, this implementation is provided merely for illustrative purposes, as numerous other implementations are possible. -
FIGS. 11-12 illustrate different views of acomplete machine 2100 for implementing thesystem 226 ofFIG. 10 , withFIG. 11 being a side view of themachine 2100 having anoptical fiber 2107 threaded therethrough, and withFIG. 12 being a perspective view of themachine 2100 without an optical fiber being threaded therethrough. - The
machine 2100 includes aspool 2101 ofoptical fiber 2107, as well as afeeder 2105 to feed theoptical fiber 2107 to the other components of themachine 2100. Thefeeder 2105 includes a tensiondance arm assembly 2109 and anidler 2111, which perform the functions discussed above in connection with the tension dance arm assembly 2009 and idler 2011 ofFIG. 10 . In this respect, while the more detailed components illustrated inFIGS. 11-12 perform essentially the same functions as discussed above with the schematic representation inFIG. 10 , different reference numerals are used in the more detailedFIGS. 11-12 , to denote that the components are not identical to the schematic representations shown inFIG. 10 . Stated differently, it should be appreciated that the more detailed components illustrated inFIGS. 11-12 are merely examples of ways in which the schematic components discussed above in connection withFIG. 10 can be implemented. - The
machine 2100 includes a threading gripper 2113 (seeFIGS. 11-12 ) that performs the function of thethreading gripper 2013 ofFIG. 12 , as well as a winder 2117 that includes amandrel 2119 and winding gripper 2115 that perform the functions of the components of thewinder 2017 discussed in connection withFIG. 10 . In addition, themachine 2100 includes a stripper that includes acylindrical sleeve 2129 and aninserter 2131 that includeshandlers 2131 h that perform the functions of the stripper and inserter components discussed above in connection with the schematic illustration ofFIG. 10 . Furthermore, the machine includes atray lifting apparatus 2125 to present atray 2123 to thestripper 2131 to receive a coiled section ofoptical fiber 2107, in much the same manner as the schematic components discussed above in connection withFIG. 10 . Themachine 2100 includes a base orframe 2150 that supports each of the other components. - A more detailed exploded perspective view of the
mandrel 2119 is provided inFIG. 13 . In the embodiment shown, themandrel 2119 has a cylindrical shape. However, it should be appreciated that the spooling tool is not limited in this respect, and that themandrel 2119 can take any suitable shape that enables the optical fiber to be wound about it. In the embodiment shown, the optical fiber is wound, by the windinggripper 2115, about themandrel 2119 in a helical coiled pattern. Themachine 2100 can be adapted for use with fibers of various diameters. For example, themachine 2100 can be used to process optical fibers having diameters between 180 μm and 900 μm, although themachine 2100 can obviously be adapted to work with fibers of other sizes. In accordance with one embodiment of the spooling tool, themandrel 2119 has a diameter of approximately 75 millimeters, and the windinggripper 2115 is spaced from themandrel 2119 so that each 360° rotation of themandrel 2119 winds approximately one-quarter meter of optical fiber about theouter surface 2119 s of the mandrel. With a single rotation of themandrel 2119, a 0.75 meter segment of coiled optical fiber can be formed with each successive 360° rotation of themandrel 2119 adding 0.25 meters to the optical fiber coil. It should be appreciated that the diameter of themandrel 2119 can be selected to any desired diameter, and will impact the diameter of the fiber coil formed by themachine 2100. In addition, the diameter of the mandrel will, along with the number of rotations of the mandrel used in forming a coil, impact the length of fiber included in a fiber coil formed by the machine 100. In one embodiment of the spooling tool, the mandrel diameter is also selected to prevent a coiled fiber from reaching a minimum bend radius when it is wound about the mandrel, which would cause damage to the optical fiber. For many optical fibers used in the applications discussed above, the minimum bend radius is 35 millimeters. - It should be appreciated that the
mandrel 2119 can be rotated in any of numerous ways. In the illustrative embodiment shown in the FIGS., themandrel 2119 is driven by a mandrel winding shaft 2151 (seeFIGS. 14-15 ). Themandrel winding shaft 2151 is in turn driven by a spindle assembly 2153 (seeFIGS. 11-12 and 14). Thespindle assembly 2153 includes aservo motor 2155 that drives adrive pulley 2157, which is coupled, via atiming belt 2159, to ashaft pulley 2161, which is in turn coupled to themandrel winding shaft 2151 to cause rotation thereof. Again, thespindle assembly 2153 illustrated inFIG. 14 is merely one example of a technique for driving rotation of themandrel 2119, as numerous other techniques are possible, such that the spooling tool is not limited to thespindle assembly 2153 illustrated inFIG. 14 , or any other type of drive mechanism. - A more detailed view of one illustrative technique for implementing the winding gripper 2115 (see
FIGS. 11-12 ) is provided inFIGS. 15-16 . The winding gripper 2115 is mounted to themandrel 2119, via a mountingbrace plate 2163, in such a way that rotation of themandrel 2119 about its rotational axis causes corresponding and equal rotation of the windinggripper 2115 about the mandrel axis. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 15 , the windinggripper 2115 includes a pair ofgripping fingers optical fiber 2107 and hold it in place. The pinching force for thegripping fingers pneumatic pressure unit 2167 or any other technique suitable for exerting sufficient pressure to cause the gripping fingers to hold the fiber in place without damaging it. It should be appreciated that the windinggripper 2115 alternatively can be implemented using arrangements other than a dual gripping finger configuration. For example, theoptical fiber 2107 can be held in place by a gripping assembly having a cylindrical opening into which the fiber is placed, with a centripetal force applied to the fiber holding it in place during winding, or using any other suitable configuration. - In the embodiment shown in the FIGS., it is the
mandrel 2119 that is rotatable relative to the frame 2150 (FIG. 11 ), with the windinggripper 2115 being mounted for rotation in a fixed orientation relative to the mandrel. However, it should be appreciated that other techniques are possible, including using a fixedmandrel 2119 and a windinggripper 2115 that is rotatably mounted relative to the fixedmandrel 2119. - An illustrative implementation of the
threading gripper 2113 is shown inFIG. 17 . Thethreading gripper 2113 includes a pair ofgripping fingers 2169 a, 1269 b that work in much the same manner as the grippingfingers gripper 2115. As discussed above, when anew spool 2101 ofoptical fiber 2107 is installed onto themachine 2100, theoptical fiber 2107 can be manually fed through the grippingfingers threading gripper 2113 further includes atrack 2171 that receives a slidingmount 2173 to which the grippingfingers track 2171 is supported by theframe 2150 so that the grippingfingers gripper 2115. As should be appreciated from the discussion of the schematic illustration inFIG. 10 , the grippingfingers optical fiber 2107, then slide over thetrack 2171 to a position adjacent the windinggripper 2115, enabling the windinggripper 2115 to grasp the free end of theoptical fiber 2107. At that point, the grippingfingers mount 2173 returns, via thetrack 2171, to its original position, with the fiber continuing to pass between thegripping fingers fingers optical fiber 2107 in preparation for thecutter 2121 cutting the optical fiber in the manner discussed above. - Actuation of the
gripping fingers mount 2173 across thetrack 2171 can be controlled in any of numerous ways, as the spooling tool is not limited to any particular control technique. In accordance with one embodiment of the spooling tool, these components are pneumatically controlled, in much the same manner as the grippingfingers gripper 2115 described above. Movement of these and the other movable components of themachine 2100 can be controlled and coordinated by a centralized controller as described below, or in any other suitable manner. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 17 , thethreading gripper 2113 includes aflexible sleeve 2172 that is coupled between the slidingmount 2173 and a fixedmount 2174 that can be mounted to the frame 2150 (FIG. 11 ). The flexible sleeve can be used to house control wires or cables to couple the slidingmount 2173 and thegripping fingers - It should be appreciated that the
threading gripper 2113 need not employ a pair ofgripping fingers gripping fingers gripper 2115 can be employed, as linear movement is not required. In addition, these components need not be controlled pneumatically, as other types of control can be employed, including hydraulic, electrical or other actuation control techniques. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that themachine 2100 need not include athreading gripper 2113 that is distinct from the windinggripper 2115, as both gripping functions can alternatively be formed by a single gripping component. - An illustrative implementation of the
feeder 2105 is shown inFIGS. 18-20 . Thefeeder 2105 includes aspool shaft 2181 to support aspool 2101 including theoptical fiber 2107.Conical bushings spool shaft 2181 and are adapted to securely seat and hold thefiber spool 2101 on the shaft. These components can be dimensioned to accommodatespools 2101 of any size. For example, in one embodiment of the spooling tool, thespool shaft 2181 and thebushings spools 2101 with an outside diameter of up to twelve inches, a width of up to five inches, a core diameter of up to two inches, and spool weight of five pounds. Of course, it should be appreciated that the spooling tool is not limited in this respect, and that the machine components can be adapted to accommodatespools 2101 of different sizes and dimensions. - Once the
spool 2101 is empty, it can be removed from theshaft 2181 by removing the exteriorconical bushing 2185 along with an associatedspool tightening dial 2187, and then slidably removing the spool 101 from theshaft 2181. Thespool shaft 2181 is connected to a stock driver andbelt assembly 2189 to rotate thespool shaft 2181, and thereby dispense theoptical fiber 2107 to the other components of themachine 2100. Amotor 2191 is used to actuate the stock drive andbelt assembly 2189 and control the rate of dispensing theoptical fiber 2107. Themotor 2191 is responsive to controls received from the tensiondance arm assembly 2109 to control the rate at which theoptical fiber 2107 is dispensed, in the manner discussed above. - It should be appreciated that the spooling tool is not limited to the particular spool mounting and drive mechanism shown in
FIG. 18 , as numerous other implementations are possible. - An illustrative implementation of the tension
dance arm assembly 2109 is shown inFIG. 19 . The tension dance arm assembly and idler can be adapted, along with the spool mounting and drive mechanism ofFIG. 18 , to maintain a predefined tension in the optical fiber. In accordance with one embodiment of the spooling tool, the tension in the optical fiber is maintained below grams, although the machine can be adapted to maintain thefiber 2107 at a different tension. - In the embodiment of the invention shown in
FIG. 19 , the tensiondance arm assembly 2109 includes adancer pulley 2193 that is rotatably mounted to adancer arm 2195, which is in turn pivotally mounted to amounting block 2197 that is mounted to the frame 2150 (FIG. 11 ). Thedancer arm 2195 can be mounted to theframe 2150 at any suitable location. As discussed above in connection withFIG. 10 , the gravitational pull on thedancer pulley 2193 anddancer arm 2195 creates tension in thefiber 2107 between thespool 2101 and thethreading gripper 2113 and the winder 2117. An encoder (not shown) or other sensor located at the point where thedancer arm 2195 is pivotally mounted to theblock 2197 senses the angle of elevation of thedancer arm 2195. Based on this sensor information, a controller sends control signals to the spool payout motor 2191 (FIG. 18 ) to control the rate of dispensing theoptical fiber 2107. As discussed above in connection withFIG. 10 , the rotation of the spool can be increased, decreased, stopped or even reversed, with the goal of the control system being to provide feedback to thefeeder 2105 to maintain a constant elevation of thedancer arm 2195, which results in maintenance of a constant tension in theoptical fiber 2107. - An illustrative implementation of the idler 2111 is shown in
FIG. 20 . Theidler 2111 includes anidler pulley 2201 that is rotatably mounted to apulley mount 2203. Thepulley mount 2203 is mounted to the frame 2150 (FIG. 11 ), and can be positioned in any suitable position between thedancer pulley 2193 and thethreading gripper 2113. In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, the idler 2111 is positioned so that a top surface of thepulley 2201 is aligned with thethreading gripper 2113, so that theoptical fiber 2107 forms an essentially straight horizontal line when extending between the idler 2111 and the winder 2117, although numerous other configurations are possible. - An illustrative implementation of the
stripper 2127 is shown inFIG. 13 . As discussed above in connection withFIG. 10 , one component of thestripper 2127 is adapted to fit closely to anouter surface 2119 s of themandrel 2119. In the embodiment ofFIG. 13 , this component is acylindrical sleeve 2205 having an inner diameter that is only slightly larger than the outer diameter of thecylindrical mandrel 2119, such that the tolerance between thesleeve 2205 and themandrel 2119 is less than one half the diameter of theoptical fiber 2107. This close tolerance ensures successful stripping of theoptical fiber 2107. Of course, as discussed above, numerous other configurations are possible. The cylindrical sleeve 205 is arranged so that when theoptical fiber 2107 is being wound about themandrel 2119 by the winder 2117, thesleeve 2205 is disposed above thesurface 2119 s of themandrel 2119 that receives the optical fiber. Within the interior of thecylindrical sleeve 2205 is an air cylinder (not shown) that is fastened to amount 2207. When the air cylinder is actuated (i.e., under computer control), themount 2207 and thecylindrical sleeve 2205 move downwardly (i.e., in the direction of the arrows shown schematically inFIG. 10 ) with thecylindrical sleeve 2205 sliding over and in close tolerance with themandrel 2119 to push the fiber coil off of the lower end of themandrel 2119 and into thework tray 2123. The air cylinder then causes thecylindrical sleeve 2205 to retract over themandrel surface 2119 s and return to its original position. - As mentioned above, it should be appreciated that numerous alternative configurations to perform the stripping function are possible, such that the spooling tool is not limited to the particular configuration shown in
FIG. 13 . An example of an alternative arrangement includes using mechanical stripping arms that pull the coiled fiber from themandrel 2119, as opposed to thecylindrical sleeve 2205 that pushes it from above. - An illustrative implementation of the
inserter 2131 is shown inFIGS. 13, 16 and 16 a. As shown inFIG. 16 a, themandrel 2119 has a plurality of tray locator pins 2209 fixed in position on its bottom surface. The tray locator pins 2209 are adapted to mate with receiving features on thework tray 2123 to mechanically align the work tray and allow the fiber coil being stripped from themandrel 2119 to be transferred to a precise position in thework tray 2123, and are specifically adapted to work with awork tray 2123 as described and explained below. In the embodiment shown, themandrel 2119 also includes extendabletray actuator pins 2211 that open the corresponding features on thework tray 2123 to enable the fiber coil to be inserted into and secured on thework tray 2123. The tray actuator pins can be actuated in any of numerous ways. For example, thetray actuator pins 2211 can be pneumatically activated to extend from their initial position in themandrel 2119 to interact with the corresponding features in thework tray 2123, or can be actuated in any other suitable way. After the fiber coil is inserted into thework tray 2123, thetray actuator pins 2211 can retract into themandrel 2119 to their initial position. The configuration, number and locations of the locator pins 2209 andtray actuator pins 2211 can obviously be varied from the illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 16 a, as the spooling tool is not limited to the particular configuration shown. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that numerous other features and techniques can be employed for aligning thework tray 2123 with the winding surface on themandrel 2119 to facilitate inserting the fiber coil into a precise location in thework tray 2123, as this aspect of the spooling tool is not limited to any particular implementation technique. - As discussed above in connection with
FIG. 10 , theinserter 2131 handles the free ends of the fiber coil and inserts the free ends into precise locations in thework tray 2123, so that when the work tray is used with other automated tools, the free ends of the fiber coil can be precisely located by the other tools. It should be appreciated that although the use of a pair of inserter components to separately handle the two free ends is advantageous, all embodiments of the spooling tool are not limited thereto. For example, a single inserter component can be adapted to interact with both ends of the fiber coil, only a single inserter component can be used if it is only desirable to precisely position one end of the fiber coil, or no inserter components need be used if it is not necessary to precisely locate either end of the fiber coil. - In the illustrative embodiment shown in
FIG. 13 , theinserter 2131 is implemented byarm assemblies cylindrical sleeve 2205 viacam assemblies 2221 a and 2221 b, respectively. As thecylindrical sleeve 2205 is lowered over the mandrel 119 to strip the fiber coil therefrom, thearm assemblies arm assemblies work tray 2123. The downward force of theinserter arm assemblies cam assemblies 2221 a, 2221 b, as the arm assemblies move in a downward direction with thecylindrical sleeve 2205. Additional downward force is generated via compression springs (not shown) located within theinserter arm assemblies work tray 2123, to ensure that the optical fiber is not damaged. It should be appreciated that the force applied by the compression spring can alternatively be provided by numerous other mechanisms, examples of which include a solenoid, an air cylinder and an elastomeric member. - Again, it should be appreciated that the
inserter 2131 alternatively can be implemented in numerous other ways, as the spooling tool is not limited to the particular implementation shown. - An illustrative embodiment of the
tray lifting assembly 2125 is shown inFIGS. 11, 21 and 21 a. Thetray lifting assembly 2125 includes a near subassembly 2251 a (FIG. 21 ) and afar subassembly 2251 b (FIG. 21 a). An illustrative implementation of the near subassembly 2251 a is shown inFIG. 21 , and an illustrative implementation of thefar subassembly 2251 b is shown inFIG. 21 a. Thetray lifting assembly 2125 is adapted to move thework tray 2123, which is positioned between the twosubassemblies 2251 a, 2251 b, into proximity with the verticallystationary mandrel 2119 to assist in the process of inserting a fiber coil (stripped from the mandrel 119) into thework tray 2123. Thetray lifting assembly 2125 includes lifting arms 2253 (FIG. 21 ) and 2255 (FIG. 21 a) that support opposite sides of thetray 2123 and are fastened to slidable tray lifting mount plates 2257 (FIG. 21 ) and 2259 (FIG. 21 a) respectively. The nearsubassembly lifting arms 2253 includegrooves 2265 cut transversely across the lifting arms to engage with tray features to hold thetray 2123 in place for the fiber insertion process. Themount plates supports 2262 a, 2262 b, which are mounted to the frame 2150 (FIG. 11 ) and have corresponding grooves 2261 (FIG. 21 ) and 2263 (FIG. 21 a) to receive themount plates tray lifting assembly 2125 can be actuated in any of numerous ways. In one embodiment of the spooling tool, thetray lifting assembly 2125 is pneumatically actuated (although other techniques are possible), and moves thework tray 2123 approximately two inches in the vertical direction (i.e., by having themount plates supports 2262 a, 2262 b) to place thework tray 2123 into close proximity with themandrel 2119. After a fiber coil is inserted into thework tray 2123, themount plates - An illustrative embodiment of the
cutter 2121 is shown inFIG. 22 , with an enlarged view of certain components of thecutter 2121 shown inFIG. 22 a. As discussed above, thecutter 2121 is adapted to cut a section of theoptical fiber 2107 extending between the threadinggripper 2113 and the winder 2117 and/or thework tray 2123. Thecutter 2121 comprises two main components: a stationarycutter mounting plate 2290 and a movable uppercutting blade support 2280. The uppercutting blade support 2280, in turn, comprises anupper cutting blade 2271, which will be described in further detail below. Thecutter 2121 is adapted to be mounted via thecutter mounting plate 2290, relative to the frame 2150 (FIG. 11 ), in the appropriate position. In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, thecutter 2121 comprises an internal dual rod pneumatic cylinder (not shown) to guide the movement of the uppercutting blade support 2280 relative to thecutter mounting plate 2290, in the up and down direction as illustrated conceptually inFIG. 10 . However, it should be appreciated that the movement of the uppercutting blade support 2280 can be guided in numerous other ways. The control of actuation of thecutter 2121 can be accomplished pneumatically, or in any other suitable way. - As previously described, the movable upper
cutting blade support 2280 comprises anupper cutting blade 2271. When thecutter 2121 is actuated, theupper cutting blade 2271 moves vertically down to a cutting position in close proximity to a stationarylower cutting blade 2272 located on a cutting block 2273 (FIGS. 21 and 22 a) within the near subassembly 2251 a of thetray lifting assembly 2125. The convergence of theupper cutting blade 2271 with thelower cutting blade 2272 shears the optical fiber 2107 (shown in relief inFIG. 22 a) between the two blades. The uppercutting blade support 2280 then moves back to the non-cutting position, leaving the cut end of the fiber coil as a free end. As discussed above, the cutting action can take place either before or after insertion of the fiber coil into thework tray 2123. In the embodiment shown in the FIGS., the cutting operation takes place after insertion of the fiber coil into the work tray. - In accordance with the illustrative embodiment shown that has a pair of
cutting blades optical fiber 2107, an aligning system can be employed to ensure that the converging cutting blades maintain the proper alignment to shear the optical fiber. The aligning system can be implemented in any of numerous ways, as this embodiment of the spooling tool is not limited to any particular aligning technique. In the embodiment shown, an aligningpin 2275 is located on the uppercutting blade support 2280, and is adapted to mate with an aligningpin receptacle 2276 located within thecutting block 2273. Thus, as the uppercutting blade support 2280 moves towards the cutting block 273, the aligning pin 275 and the aligningpin receptacle 2276 mate to guide thecutting blades - It should be appreciated that although the use of an aligning system provides the advantages discussed above, it is not a necessity, and can be eliminated in other embodiments of the spooling tool. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the specific implementation of the
cutter 2121 described above is provided merely for illustrative purposes, and that numerous other implementations are possible. For example, rather than employing a pair of cutting blades that shear the optical fiber, an alternative arrangement could include a single cutting blade that cuts the optical fiber on a cutting block surface. In accordance with that embodiment of the spooling tool, the alignment system can be eliminated. - In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the spooling tool, the following timing sequence is followed. As a preliminary step, a length of fiber sufficient to reach from the
spool 2001, through the tension dance arm assembly 2009 and idler 2011, to thethreading gripper 2013, is manually fed out from thespool 2001. The end of the fiber is held in thethreading gripper 2013 in such a way that a length of the fiber (e.g., less than one inch), protrudes from thethreading gripper 2013. Once thethreading gripper 2013 is actuated to secure the free end of the fiber, the operation of the machine to create a fiber coil and insert it into atray 2023 takes 26.65 seconds when coiling the maximum three meter coil length. Of course, the invention is not limited in this respect, as various modifications can be made to the machine that will impact this timing. - When an operation begins, the conveyor mechanism (not shown) actuates for two seconds to move an empty work tray to the location of the payout and spool tool to receive a coil of fiber. At this point, the threading sequence begins. The
threading gripper 2013 extends from its originating position to the position adjacent the winding gripper, over a three second period. Thewinder 2017 closes itsgripper 2015 in 0.75 seconds, and secures the end of the fiber that protrudes from thethreading gripper 2013. The threading gripper then opens in 0.75 seconds to release the fiber, and retracts linearly to its originating position in 1.5 seconds. The winding gripper 2015 then retracts, with the fiber secured in its grip, in the upward vertical direction for 1 second to position the end of the fiber for the winding sequence as discussed above. - In the embodiment of the spooling tool described above, each of the steps is performed sequentially, such that no two actuation or movement operations are done in parallel. However, it should be appreciated that the spooling tool is not limited in this respect, and that some of the operations described above can be performed in parallel. For example, the movement of a
tray 2023 to the location under themandrel 2019 can be performed while thethreading gripper 2013 is handing thefree end 2007 f of the optical fiber to the windinggripper 2015, and/or while thewinder 2017 is winding the optical fiber about themandrel 2019. Similarly, the operation of retracting the threading gripper back to its original position after the fiber has been grasped by the windinggripper 2015 can be performed in parallel with the winding gripper moving upwardly. - The winding sequence follows, and for approximately ten seconds, depending on the length of fiber to be wound for the specific application. In one embodiment, the maximum wound length of fiber is three meters, which requires eleven complete rotations of the
mandrel 2019 and windinggripper 2015. The mandrel and winding gripper rotate in multiples of complete 360 degree rotations. Once the winding of the fiber is complete, the windinggripper 2015 extends in the downward vertical direction for one second to the position from where it received the fiber from thethreading gripper 2013. At the same time as the windinggripper 2015 extends, the mandrel pins, located on the underside of the mandrel and used to open the fiber coil holding features of the work tray, extend in one second in preparation for the coil insertion sequence. - The coil insertion sequence begins with the
tray lift assembly 2025 lifting thetray 2023 in one and a half seconds from its originating position to close proximity with, and directly below, themandrel 2019. At this point, the inserter arms 203 la extend for one and a half seconds to place the free ends of the fiber coil into the receiving features on thetray 2023. At the same time that the inserter arm begins to move, thestripper 2029 extends for one second to strip the fiber coil off themandrel 2019 and into thetray 2023. After the fiber coil is placed into thetray 2023, thethreading gripper 2013 closes in 0.75 seconds and grips the trailing portion of theoptical fiber 2107. Thecutter 2021 then extends in one half second and cuts the fiber, separating the wound coil of fiber from thespool 2001, and leaving a trail portion of the fiber to protrude from the work tray. Once the fiber is cut, the mandrel pins retract in one half second to allow the fiber coil holding features of thework tray 2023 to close on, and secure, the fiber coil in the tray. Next, the windinggripper 2015 opens in one second, releasing a lead portion of the fiber coil, thus allowing this lead portion to protrude from the tray. Contemporaneous with the winding gripper opening, thestripper 2029,inserter arms 2031 a andcutter 2021 all retract in one second to their respective originating positions. Finally, the tray lift assembly retracts to its originating position, leaving thework tray 2023 on theconveyor mechanism 2025. This entire coil insertion sequence lasts 7.75 sec. The assembled work tray, containing the fiber coil, is then ready to be moved to subsequent tool modules. - Again, although a number of operations are described above as being performed sequentially, it should be appreciated that the spooling tool is not limited to operating in this manner, as any operations that are not required to be performed sequentially can be performed in parallel.
- As mentioned above, in one embodiment of the spooling tool, the fiber coil is transferred to a transport medium, one example of which is a
tray 2023 as described in more detail below. It should be appreciated that the tray described below is merely one example of a transport medium that can be used with the embodiments of the spooling tool described above. - Having described various embodiments of a spooling tool for use in the fiber preparation system, it should be understood that the description is by way of example only and that other suitable spooling tool configurations may be implemented with the system as would be apparent to one of skill.
- Stripper Tool
- The
fiber preparation module 202 of thefabrication system 200 may include anautomated stripper tool 206 for automatically removing a selected amount of outer buffer material from an optical fiber to expose a desired length of glass in preparation for one or more subsequent processes. The stripper tool may be configurable to adjust the amount of buffer material that is to be removed. The stripper tool may also be configurable to strip fibers of varying diameters. In this regard, the stripper tool may be configured to strip the outer buffer of an optical fiber having an outer buffer material ranging from approximately 180 microns to approximately 900 microns with a core diameter of approximately 125 microns. The tool may also be configured to strip varying lengths of buffer material. In this regard, the stripper tool may be configured to remove a length of buffer material ranging from approximately 1 inch to approximately 1.75 inches. It is to be appreciated, however, that the stripper tool may be configured to strip any amount of buffer material from any size fiber as would be apparent to one of skill. - In one illustrative embodiment schematically shown in
FIG. 24 , thestripper tool 206 includes afiber centralizing clamp 3002 and astripper mechanism 3004 that is configured to remove a desired amount of buffer material from a fiber presented to the stripper tool. The centralizing clamp locates and maintains the fiber in a desired position relative to the stripper mechanism, which is configured to remove a predetermined amount of buffer material from the fiber. - The
stripper mechanism 3004 includes a pair ofcentralizer blades 3006 that are configured to grasp the end of thefiber 224 and precisely locate the fiber along astrip axis 3008. A pair ofstrip blades 3010 are provided to penetrate the fiber buffer without contacting the glass core to strip the buffer from the fiber end. The strip process is facilitated with aheater 3012 that is configured to soften the buffer material at the fiber end adjacent the strip blades. In this regard, heating the buffer material allows the buffer material to be readily stripped from the glass core without necessarily applying a large amount of tension on the fiber. - The
stripper mechanism 3004 is moveable relative to the centralizingclamp 3002 to position thestripper blades 3010 in a desired location relative to the tip of the fiber, depending upon the amount of buffer material to be removed, and to strip the buffer material from the fiber as the stripper mechanism is moved away from the centralizing clamp. Thestripper mechanism 3004 may be located in various positions relative to the centralizing clamp to vary the amount of buffer material to be stripped from the fiber. Adrive mechanism 3014 may be provided to move thegripper mechanism 3004 toward and away from the centralizing clamp as desired. It should be understood, however, that the stripper tool may be configured to move a fiber relative to a fixed stripper mechanism, or both of the fiber and stripper mechanism may be moveable relative to each other to vary the amount of buffer material to be stripped from a fiber. - The
stripper tool 206 may also include acleaning mechanism 3016 to remove stripped buffer material. As illustrated, abrush 3018 may be provided to sweep the stripped buffer material from theheater 3012 and into awaste container 3020. In this regard, theheater 3012 may be cleaned during each strip cycle or any number of desired cycles. Thewaste container 3020 may be removed from the stripper mechanism on some periodic basis, such as daily, to discard accumulated waste material. - The
stripper mechanism 3004 may be configured to strip fibers of varying sizes. In this regard, the stripper mechanism may be configured with strip and centralizer blades constructed with a plurality of stripping and centralizing features that are configured for particular sized fibers. The stripper mechanism may be configured to automatically position the blade such that the appropriate stripping and/or centralizing features are positioned along thestrip axis 3008 of the tool. It is to be understood, however, that this feature is not a limitation of the present invention and other suitable arrangements may be employed to accommodate the fibers of varying sizes. - Although the fiber preparation system is not intended to be limited to any particular stripper tool configuration, one illustrative embodiment of a
stripper tool 206 is shown inFIGS. 25-32 . It is to be understood that any automated stripper tool suitable for fiber preparation may be implemented with the system of the present invention. - As generally shown in
FIG. 25 , thestripper tool 206 includes a centralizingclamp 3002 supported by thestripper housing 3022 and astripper mechanism 3004 movably supported by the housing relative to the centralizing clamp. In this regard, the stripper mechanism is mounted to alinear stage 3024 that is supported by the housing. Acleaner mechanism 3016 is provided adjacent the stripper mechanism to clean the stripper of waste buffer material. The stripper tool also includes atool interface 3026 configured to couple the stripper tool to the system and provide all necessary electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and control connections to the tool. Acontroller 3028 andtool electronics 3030 may also be housed within the stripper tool. - As indicated above, the centralizing
clamp 3002 is configured to locate a fiber presented to the stripper tool and precisely position the fiber relative to the stripper mechanism. The centralizing clamp is described in greater detail below and, therefore, will not be described in connection with the stripper tool. - The
stripper mechanism 3004 is configured to be precisely located relative to a fiber end portion to heat and strip a predetermined amount of buffer material to expose a desired length of glass core. In one illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 26 , thestripper mechanism 3004 includes a pair ofstrip arms 3032 that support a pair ofheaters 3034 and cooperate with a pair ofstrip blades 3010 andcentralizer blades 3006 to heat and subsequently strip buffer material from a fiber. Thestrip arms 3032 are rotatably mounted to aback plate 3036 that also supports the strip and centralizer blades. As discussed further below, the blades are supported by anadjustable blade mechanism 3038 to accommodate fibers of various sizes. - As shown, the
strip arms 3032 are mounted to theback plate 3036 about a pair ofpivots 3040 that allow the arms to rotate between open and closed positions. In this regard, the lower ends of the strip arms are coupled to opposing ends of anactuator 3042 to be either driven apart to close the strip arms or pulled towards each other to open the strip arms. In one embodiment, theactuator 3042 may include a pneumatic air cylinder that extends and retracts apiston 3044 in response to signals from a stripper control system. One end of the actuator is pivotally connected to one strip arm while the actuator piston is pivotally connected to the other strip arm using apivot mount 3046 attached to the end of the piston. Anysuitable fastener 3048, such as a shoulder screw, may be employed to mount the actuator to the strip arms. - The
back plate 3036, which supports the strip arms and blades, is mounted to abase 3050 that is coupled to thelinear stage 3024. Thus, the strip arms and blades may be precisely located relative to the centralizing clamp for stripping a preprogrammed amount of buffer material. - To support the end portion of the fiber between the strip arms, a heat
resistant liner 3052 is supported within the heating zone between theheaters 3034. As illustrated, the liner may have a generally V-shaped configuration that opens and closes with the strip arms. The liner is configured to engage the fiber end portion and maintain it within a desired region about the stripping axis to facilitate the stripping process. Waste material retained by the liner may be subsequently swept into awaste container 3020 supported on the stripper base adjacent the strip arms. - In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIG. 27 , eachstrip arm 3032 includes alever arm 3054 with aheater 3034 supported at an upper end of the lever arm. To facilitate rotation of the strip arm in the stripper mechanism, an inner spacer and a pair of bearings may be employed to form a journal 3056 about which the lever arm rotates. - As illustrated, the
heater 3034 may be rotatably mounted to thelever arm 3054 to facilitate maintenance of the stripper mechanism, such as periodic cleaning of the strip tool. In this regard, the heater may be rotatably mounted to the lever arm about asuitable pivot 3058, such as a shoulder screw. Since rotation of the heater relative to the lever arm may not be desirable during normal stripping operations, the heater is normally locked against rotation relative to the lever arm using alocking pin 3060 disposed between the lever arm and heater. A biasingmember 3062, such as a compression spring, is disposed between theheater 3034 andpivot 3058 to urge the heater into engagement with the lever arm and the pin to prevent relative rotation therebetween. In the event that it becomes desirable to rotate the heater, it may be pulled rearwardly against the biasing force of thespring 3062 and out of engagement with thelocking pin 3060, whereupon the heater may freely rotate about the pivot. - A
drive pin 3064 extends from the forward face of thelever arm 3054 to couple the lever arm to the strip and centralizer blades, as discussed in more detail below. In this regard, thedrive pin 3064 acts as a cam to drive the blades linearly in response to rotation of the strip arms between the open and closed positions. - In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIG. 28 , eachheater 3034 includes aheater pad 3066 that is supported by aninsulated heater body 3068. Heat is generated by aheater element 3070, such as a cartridge heater, that is inserted into the heater pad. A thermocouple may be provided on theheater pad 3066 to monitor the pad temperature to ensure that it is at a desired temperature for the stripping operation. Aninsulated cover 3072 may be secured to an end of the heater body to cover the corresponding end of the heater pad. - To accommodate fibers of various diameters between the heaters, it may be desirable to resiliently mount the
heater body 3068 relative to a mountingbracket 3074 for the heater. In one illustrative embodiment, theheater body 3068 is coupled to the mountingbracket 3074 with aresilient member 3076, such as a leaf spring, that allows the heater body to flex relative to the mounting bracket. In this regard, thestrip arms 3032 may be configured to ensure that the heaters engage each other to ensure contact between the heaters and any fiber place therebetween. Depending upon the size of a particular fiber presented between the heaters, theleaf spring 3076 allows eachheater body 3068 to flex relative to itsmounting bracket 3074 to accommodate a fiber placed therebetween. It is to be appreciated that any biasing arrangement, if even desired, may be employed to accommodate fibers of varying diameters. - As indicated above, each
strip arm 3032 is coupled to the strip and centralizer blades in a manner that opens and closes the blades in response to the strip arms opening and closing the heaters about a fiber. In one illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 29 , ablade holder 3080 is supported on the stripper backplate 3036. The blade holder includes a pair of blade guides 3082 that are configured to slidably support the stripper and centralizer blades between the open and closed positions. A pair ofcovers 3084 are removably attached to the blade holder to overlie the guides to maintain the blades therein. Anaperture 3086 is provided within each of the blade guides to receive thedrive pin 3064 from each of the strip arms to drive the blades linearly along the guides in response to rotation of the strip arms. - As indicated above, the strip and centralizer blades may be configured to accommodate fibers having various diameters. In this regard, it may be desirable to automatically position the blades to position appropriately configured portions of the blades adjacent the strip access. In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIGS. 29-30 , theblade holder 3080 is supported within acavity 3088 on the stripper backplate 3036 and captured within the cavity by anouter cover 3090. Thecavity 3088 is configured to allow theblade holder 3080 to slide in a vertical direction to raise and lower the blades relative to the strip axis. In this manner, each blade may be configured with multiple notches along the blade edge that can be positioned adjacent the strip axis by raising and lowering the blade holder. - The
blade holder 3080 may be coupled to adrive actuator 3092 via avertical adjustment coupler 3094 extending through avertical slot 3096 in the gripper back plate. In one illustrative embodiment, the lower portion of the blade holder is attached to thecoupler 3094 such that movement of the coupler in the vertical direction along the slot similarly moves theblade holder 3080 in the vertical direction to either raise or lower the blades. A pair ofguide pins 3098 may be provided to cooperate with avertical guide slot 3100 in the blade holder to guide the blade holder in the vertical direction as it is raised and lowered by the drive mechanism. The coupler is attached to theactuator 3092 via apivot mount 3102 such that operation of the actuator raises and lowers the coupler and blade holder. - In one embodiment, the
actuator 3092 is a pneumatic air cylinder that extends and retracts apiston 3104 which is attached to the pivot mount. It is to be appreciated, however, that any suitable drive mechanism may be implemented with the stripper mechanism to adjust position of the strip and centralizer blades relative to the strip access. - One or more sensors may be provided to monitor and control the operation of the stripper mechanism. In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIG. 30 , a pair ofsensors 3120 may be provided to monitor the position of each strip arm as being either in the open or closed position. Similarly, a pair of sensors 3122 may be provided to monitor the position of the blade holder in the raised and lowered positions. In one embodiment, each sensor is an inductive proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of a flag or other feature indicative of the position of the particular component. In this regard, one of thearm sensors 3120 is positioned to underlie thelever arm 3054 in the open position while the other arm sensor is positioned to underlie the lever arm in the closed position so that the presence of the lever arm over either of these sensors generates a signal indicative of the lever arm position. Similarly, one of the blade position sensors 3122 a is positioned to underlie, in the raised position, asensor flag 3124 which is supported by the pivot mount, while the otherblade position sensor 3122 b is positioned to underlie the sensor flag in the lower position to generate signals indicative of the position of the blade holder. It is to appreciated that any suitable sensor arrangement may be implemented with the stripper mechanism for monitoring and controlling the various components. - In one illustrative embodiment in
FIG. 31 , thecentralizer blades 3006 include a mating pair of blades configured to hold and locate a fiber along a predetermined strip axis. As illustrated, the blades include a female blade 3006 a having a generally V-shaped end that is configured to mate with a correspondingly-shapedmale blade 3006 b. Each blade includes a pair ofnotches - As illustrated, each blade has a vertically elongated
slot 3130 at the ends opposite the mating surfaces. Theslots 3130 are configured to receive thedrive pin 3064 from the strip arms to move the blades between the open and closed positions relative to the strip axis. In this regard, the drive pin acts as a cam, and the slots act as cam followers so that radial movement of the blades is achieved by rotating the strip arms between the open and closed positions. Other drive arrangements for moving the blades are contemplated as would be apparent to one of skill. - In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIG. 32 , the pair of strip blades 3010 a, b include a pair of opposingnotches centralizer blades 3006 locate the fiber along the strip axis, thestrip blades 3010 pierce the buffer material of the fiber and strip the buffer from the fiber as the gripper assembly is retracted away from the centralizing clamp. - In one embodiment, each
notch 3132 is configured to strip a fiber having the same core diameter, regardless of the outer diameter of the buffer material. Preferably, the notches are configured to pierce the buffer material without contacting the fiber core to avoid potential damage to the core during the stripping process. In one embodiment, the pair ofstrip blades 3010 form a hole having a diameter of approximately 0.0067 inches for stripping a fiber having a core diameter of 125 microns. It is to be appreciated, however, that strip blades may be provided with any suitably configured notches capable of stripping any desired fibers as would be apparent to one of skill. - Similar to the centralizer blades described above, each of the strip blades includes a vertically elongated
slot 3136 configured to receive thedrive pin 3064 from the strip arms to move the strip blades between the open and closed positions in response to movement of the strip arms. - As indicated above, the
stripper mechanism 3004 is mounted to alinear stage 3024 that is configured to drive the stripper mechanism toward and away from the centralizing clamp during the stripping process. In one illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 33 , thelinear stage 3024 includes acarriage 3140 that is moveable along alinear bearing 3142. Adrive mechanism 3144, such as a ball screw drive, operates to move and precisely locate the carriage along the linear bearing. Aball screw pulley 3146 is coupled to one end of the ball screw drive and is rotatably coupled to a drivepulley 3148 via abelt 3150. Thedrive pulley 3148 is coupled to the shaft of amotor 3152, such as a servomotor, to drive thecarriage 3140 along the bearing in response to a signal to the motor. An encoder may be provided on the servomotor to ensure precise positioning of the carriage and the stripper assembly relative to the centralizing clamp. - A pair of
hard stops 3154 may be provided at opposite ends of the linear stage to prevent over-travel of the carriage. In this regard, sensors may also be provided to signal an over-travel condition of the carriage. In one embodiment, a pair ofoptical sensors 3156 may be provided at opposite ends of thelinear stage 3024 that cooperate with a pair of flags 3158 (FIG. 26 ) mounted to the stripper base. - While one embodiment of a
linear stage 3024 suitable for moving the gripper mechanism has been described, it is to be appreciated that any suitable drive mechanism may be implemented with the gripper tool as would be apparent to one of skill. - As indicated above, it may be desirable to provide a cleaner for removing waste buffer material stripped from the fibers. In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIG. 34 , the cleaner 3016 includes abrush 3018 that is moveably supported above the heaters between a cleaning position and a stored position. In the cleaning position, the brush is lowered between the opposingheaters 3012 to sweep debris from the heater liner into thewaste receptacle 3020 at the rear of the heaters as the stripper mechanism is moved toward the centralizing clamp to receive a fiber therein. In the stored position, the brush is raised to a stored position above the stripper mechanism so that it may be retracted away from the centralizing clamp. - As shown in
FIG. 34 , thebrush 3018 is supported at the end of arotatable brush arm 3160 mounted to a wall of thestripper housing 3022. The lower end of thearm 3160 is coupled to anactuator 3162, such as a pneumatic air cylinder, configured to rotate the brush about anarm pivot 3164. - In one embodiment, the
actuator 3162 includes a pneumatic air cylinder configured to extend and retract apiston 3166 that is coupled to the brush arm with apivot mount 3168. The opposite end of the cylinder is pivotally supported by amount 3170 that is connected to the housing wall. Extending and retracting the piston, in response to an actuation signal, rotates thebrush arm 3160 about the pivot, thereby raising and lowering the brush between the stored and cleaning positions. - A pair of
sensors 3172 may be provided to monitor the position of the brush arm. In one embodiment, the sensors are inductive proximity sensors. Of course, any suitable sensor arrangement may be employed with the cleaner mechanism. - While one embodiment of a cleaner mechanism has been described, the present invention is not limited in this regard. Rather, any suitable cleaner device, if even desired, may be employed with the stripper tool as may be apparent to one of skill.
- Having described various embodiments of a stripper tool for use in the fiber preparation system, it should be understood that the description is by way of example only and that other suitable stripper tool configurations may be implemented with the system as would be apparent to one of skill.
- Cleaning Tool
- As indicated above, the system may also include a cleaning tool for cleaning the end portion of a fiber, such as an optical fiber. An example of a cleaning tool suitable for use with any of the embodiments of the present invention is described in co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “Method and Apparatus for Cleaning an Optical Fiber”, filed on even date herewith, and incorporated herein by reference (hereafter the “Cleaning Tool Application”). However, it should be appreciated that the various embodiments of the present invention directed to automated preparation of optical fiber is not limited to use with any particular cleaning tool. Various illustrative embodiments of a cleaning tool, as provided in the Cleaning Tool Application, are presented below.
- In particular, the cleaning device may be an automated cleaning device that automatically captures an optical fiber and places an end of the optical fiber within a fluid tank assembly cleaning the end of the optical fiber. According to one aspect of the cleaning device, the clamping assembly and the cleaning device may be configured for use with optical fibers having any outer diameter from approximately 180 μm to approximately 900 μm. However, it is to be appreciated that the clamping assembly and the cleaning device may be used for cleaning the plurality of components including an optical fiber, an end of a stripped, solid or stranded wire, cable including, for example, a coaxial cable, a communications cable including a plurality of twisted pairs having an outer jacket and a protective coating on the twisted pairs stripped away, and the like.
- Referring to
FIG. 35 , there is illustrated a schematic diagram of one embodiment of acleaning device 208. This illustrative embodiment of the cleaning device can be used to clean and remove debris and residual buffer material from a stripped end of an optical fiber.FIG. 36 a illustrates a magnified view of such anoptical fiber 4012 after anouter coating 4014 has been removed from the end of the optical fiber. As illustrated inFIG. 36 a, the optical fiber can contain debris and residual material that remains on the optical fiber after the outer coating has been removed. It is desirable to remove this debris and residual material. The cleaning method and cleaning device herein described may be used to remove this debris and residual material. - Referring again to
FIG. 35 , the cleaning device comprises aclamping assembly 4020 that can hold theoptical fiber 4012 such that the optical fiber is aligned along ahorizontal clamping axis 4016, with one end of theoptical fiber 4018 protruding from the clamping assembly through anaperture 4032 in atank assembly 4030. As will be described in further detail infra, one aspect of the clamping assembly is that it can hold the fiber by gripping theouter coating 4014 of the fiber after a fiber to coating transition 4015 (SeeFIGS. 36 a-36 b). Another aspect of the clamping assembly is that it can be provided with a sealing mechanism that provides a fluid tight seal around an outer circumference of the optical fiber coating. - According to one illustrative embodiment of the
cleaning device 208, thetank assembly 4030 may be moved toward and away from the clampingassembly 4022 as illustrated bydouble arrow 4321. According to another aspect of thecleaning device 208, the clamping assembly may be moved as illustrated bydouble arrow 4041 to accommodate gripping the optical fiber at theouter coating 4014 after the fiber to coating transition 4015 (seeFIGS. 36 a and 36 b). - Once the fiber has been secured by the clamping
assembly 4020, thetank assembly 4030 can be moved in the axial direction along an axis of the fiber toward the clamping assembly so that theend 4018 of thefiber 4012 enters the tank assembly through theaperture 4032. - As will be discussed in greater detail infra, according to one aspect of the tank assembly, the aperture is provided with a sufficient diameter so that any tolerance in the end of the fiber from the clamping
axis 4016 of the clamping assembly is accommodated by the aperture, such that the end of the fiber threads the aperture into the tank assembly. A further aspect of the clamping assembly is that the clamping assembly can be provided with a sealing mechanism 4022 (seeFIG. 38 ) that is constructed and arranged to mate with theaperture 4032 of thetank assembly 4030 and to provide a fluid seal of the aperture of the tank assembly. For example, the sealing mechanism of the clamping assembly may be biased against and into the aperture of the tank assembly to seal the aperture, and also is constructed and arranged to provide a fluid seal around the optical fiber. - As will be further described infra, another aspect of the illustrative embodiment of the
tank assembly 4030 is that it can be provided with asensor 4036 to sense that the tank assembly is engaged against the clampingassembly 4020, that a seal exists around theoptical fiber 4012 and that a seal exists for theaperture 4032 in thetank assembly 4030. - Another aspect of the illustrative embodiment of the cleaning device is that it may include a
pump 4050 and afluid reservoir assembly 4060. According to one aspect of the cleaning device, once it is sensed that thetank assembly 4030 has been moved against the clampingassembly 4020, and that a seal exists around theoptical fiber 4012 and theaperture 4032 of the tank assembly, thepump 4050 can be activated to draw a cleaning fluid from thefluid reservoir assembly 4060 and to pump the cleaning fluid into atank 4034 of the tank assembly. - According to one aspect of the tank assembly, the tank assembly can be provided with at least one
sensor 4314 to sense that the tank is filled with the cleaning fluid to a desired level. It is to be appreciated, however, as will be discussed in detail infra, that the tank assembly can also be provided with a second sensor 4316 (not illustrated inFIG. 35 ) that senses whether the fluid in the tank assembly has been drained to a certain level or completely removed. Thus, the tank assembly can be provided with at least onesensor 4314 to sense that the tank is filled with a cleaning fluid to a desired level, and the pump can be activated to pump the cleaning fluid to thetank 4034 until the tank is filled. - As will be discussed in further detail infra, according to another aspect of the illustrative embodiment of the
cleaning device 208, the cleaning device comprises acontroller 4080 that controls, for example, any of the clampingassembly 4020, servo or actuator assemblies to move the clamping assembly and the tank assembly alongrespective axis pump 4050 and anultrasonic generator 4038. According to this illustrative embodiment of the cleaning assembly, once thefluid level sensor 4314 senses that the tank has been filled with the cleaning fluid to the desired level, thepump 4050 can be deactivated by the controller. In addition, theultrasonic generator 4038 can be activated to emit ultrasonic waves within the fluid of the tank assembly. As will be discussed in further detail infra, the ultrasonic generator can be activated for a selected period of time to clean the end of the fiber submerged within the cleaning fluid of thetank 4034. After such time, the ultrasonic generator can be deactivated by the controller. Further, the pump assembly can be activated by the controller to pump the fluid in thetank 4034 to thefluid reservoir assembly 4060. - According to the illustrative embodiment of the
cleaning device 208, the cleaning device can also be provided with at least onecheck valve pump 4050 and thefluid reservoir assembly 4060. The check valve can be used to prevent the pump from pumping the fluid in one direction. For example, acheck valve 4054 can be provided to ensure that the cleaning fluid flows in one direction from thefluid reservoir assembly 4060 to thetank assembly 4036 in onefluid line 4042. Anothercheck valve 4056 can be provided to ensure that the cleaning fluid flows in one direction from the tank assembly to the fluid reservoir in asecond fluid line 4044. In addition, the illustrated embodiment of the cleaning device can be provided with afilter 4058 between thepump 4050 and thefluid reservoir assembly 4060, that filters out any debris or residual buffer material that is in the fluid so that the fluid can be reused, and so that the cleaning device is a closed loop fluid device. - According to another aspect of the illustrative embodiment of the
cleaning device 208, thetank 4034 of thetank assembly 4030 may be moved alongaxis 4321 away from and out of engagement with the clampingassembly 4020, so that the clamping assembly no longer seals theaperture 4032 of the tank. According to the illustrative embodiment, once the fluid has been pumped by thepump 4050 from thetank assembly 4030 to thefluid reservoir assembly 4060, thetank assembly 4030 can be moved to a position no longer in engagement with the clampingassembly 4020. According to this embodiment, the clamping assembly can also be controlled to move to an open position so that the fiber can be removed from theclamp assembly 4020.FIG. 36 b illustrates a magnified view of an optical fiber after it has been cleaned by the illustrated embodiment of thecleaning device 208. - According to one aspect of the illustrative embodiment of the
cleaning device 208, the fiber may be allowed to dry for a period of time, such as, for a few seconds and may be subsequently processed, for example, by an automatic fiber manufacture system such as described in co-pending U.S. application, Apparatus and Method for preparation of an optical fiber, filed on even date herewith. For example, the fiber may subsequently be cleaved and a ferrule may be attached to the cleaned and cleaved end of the fiber to produce a fiber optical pigtail. -
FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of thecleaning device 208. The cleaning device comprises aclamping assembly 4020, atank assembly 4030, aservo assembly 4040, apump device 4050, and afluid reservoir assembly 4060, aframe assembly 4070, acontroller 4080, and anactuator 4322. The frame assembly may house various assemblies of thecleaning device 208. Thecontroller 4080 may contain any of software and/or hardware and may be coupled to and control the various assemblies and devices of the cleaning device and may also contain, for example, an interface to a central controller such as a personal computer. Accordingly, the controller assembly may have some local control and may also be interfaced to a network to allow for central control. - One embodiment of the clamping assembly, illustrated in
FIG. 38 , is described below and in co-pending U.S. entitled Centralizing Clamp for an Optical Fiber, filed on the same date herewith. The clamping assembly may be provided with asealing mechanism 4022 that seals around the diameter of the optical fiber and that mates with theaperture 4032 and a sealing gland 4304 (seeFIG. 39 ) of thetank 4034 of thetank assembly 4030. With this arrangement, thesealing mechanism 4022 will seal theaperture 4032 through which the fiber extends into thetank 4034 with thesealing mechanism 4022 of the clamping assembly. The sealing mechanism may comprise opposing sealingmembers assembly 4020 may be used to clamp the fiber in a position with anend 4018 of theoptical fiber 4012 protruding from the sealingmembers 4252, 2454 so that theend 4018 of the fiber can be threaded through theaperture 4032 of thetank 4034 of thetank assembly 4030. It is to be appreciated that the sealing members may be attached to the clampingarms outer coating 4014 of the optical fiber in the closed position. The sealing members are also configured to form a plug that is inserted into theaperture 4032 of thetank 4034. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug has a frusto-conical shape that corresponds to theaperture 4032 and sealing gland 4304 of thetank 4034. It is to be appreciated that the plug can be formed from a compliant, solvent resistant material, such as a polyurethane material having a hardness of 55 Shore. It is also to be appreciated that the seal may be formed from any suitable material for preventing leaking of a solvent or other fluid. It may also have any suitable shape that is compatible with acorresponding aperture 4032 in thetank 4034. For example, the sealing mechanism may comprise sealing members having many shapes, such as the illustrated frusto-conical or cork-shaped sealing member (see exploded view inFIG. 40 a). An alternative sealing mechanism may comprise sealingmembers FIG. 40 b. - Referring to
FIG. 39 , there is illustrated an embodiment of atank assembly 4030 of thecleaning apparatus 208. According to this illustrated embodiment, thetank assembly 4030 comprises atank 4034, anaperture 4032 for receiving an optical fiber held by the clampingassembly 4020, and a sealing gland 4304. According to one aspect of the illustrated embodiment, theaperture 4032 and the sealing gland 4304 are shaped and arranged to mate with thesealing mechanism 4022 of the clampingassembly 4020 and, in particular, the sealingmembers 4252, 4254 (seeFIG. 40 a) of the clamping assembly. With this arrangement, the combination of thesealing mechanism 4022 and the sealing gland 4304 provide a fluid seal of theaperture 4032 andtank 4034, with the clamping assembly holding an optical fiber within thetank 4034. Further, with the optical fiber held in the tank by the clampingassembly 4022 to form the fluid seal, thetank 4034 can be filled with a cleaning fluid without the cleaning fluid leaking from the tank andsealing mechanism 4022 interface. It is to be appreciated that alterations and modifications to the sealing mechanism and sealing gland may be apparent to those of skill in the art, and that such modifications and alterations are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. - The illustrated embodiment of the
tank assembly 4030 may also be provided with a fill/drain port 4306 that may be coupled to a fluid line and the pump 4050 (seeFIG. 37 ), to pump the fluid from a fluid reservoir assembly 4060 (seeFIG. 37 ) to thetank 4034, and also to the pump the cleaning fluid from thetank 4034 to the fluid reservoir assembly. Thepump 4050 and thefluid reservoir assembly 4060 will be described in further detail infra. It is to be appreciated that various modifications may be readily apparent to one of skill in the art and that these modifications are intended to do within the scope of this disclosure. For example, although the tank assembly is illustrated with one fill/empty port, it may be provided with a fill port and an empty port that each may be coupled to one or more pumps. - According to another aspect of the illustrated embodiment of the tank assembly, the tank assembly may be provided with a top assembly 4308. In addition, referring to the schematic of
FIG. 35 , the tank assembly may be provided with asensor 4036 for sensing a fluid level in thetank 4034. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 39 , the top assembly 4308 is provided with afirst sensor 4314 and asecond sensor 4316. According to one aspect of thetank assembly 4030, each of thesensors tank 4034. It is also to be appreciated that alternative sensors may also be used, such as, optical sensors, and the like. With this arrangement, onesensor 4316 may be calibrated and used to detect the presence of the cleaning fluid up to a desired fill level in the tank. In other words, thesensor 4316 may detect whether the tank is filled with the cleaning fluid. In addition, theother sensor 4314 can be calibrated and used to sense that the tank is not empty. In particular, the second sensor may be calibrated to detect the presence of some fluid in the tank, which is indicative that the tank is not empty. With this arrangement, the first and second sensors act in concert to detect when the tank is filled with the cleaning fluid, when the tank is not empty (when the tank is neither full nor empty), and therefore also when the tank is empty. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sensors may also be coupled tocontroller 4080. The sensors can monitor the different levels of the cleaning fluids as sensed by the first and second sensors, and provide this information to the controller. It is to be appreciated that various modifications to the top assembly may be readily apparent to those of skill in the art and that such modifications are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the second sensor may be used to detect that the tank is empty. In addition, each sensor can be provided with respective sensor electronics. Further, the sensor electronic may include a processor that determines the fluid levels as indicated by the sensor signals, and may provide this information to thecontroller 4080. - Referring again to
FIG. 37 in conjunction withFIG. 39 ,controller 4080 may be coupled to the sensor to monitor the fluid level within thetank 4034. In addition,controller 4080 may be coupled to an ultrasonic transducer 4038 (not illustrated). With this arrangement the cleaning fluid level in the tank can be monitored, and when it is filled to a desired level, theultrasonic transducer 4038 may be turned on for a predetermined period of time, which is adaptable to various conditions. For example, the predetermined length of time may be selected to optimize cleaning the optical fiber after the outer coating has been stripped from the end of the optical fiber, for different optical fibers having different diameters, outer coatings, coating types and the like. With this arrangement,ultrasonic transducer 4038 may remain on for the predetermined period of time and then be deactivated by thecontroller 4080. It is to be appreciated that various alterations and modifications may be readily apparent to those of skill in the art and that such modifications are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the transducer may be other than ultrasonic and the controller may be implemented in any of hardware, software and combinations thereof. - According to another aspect of the illustrated embodiment of the
tank assembly 4030, the tank assembly may be provided with avacuum port 4318. Thevacuum port 4318 may be coupled to avacuum sensor 4320 and vacuum assembly 4072 (seeFIG. 43 ). In addition, the sealing gland 4304 may be provided with anaperture 4312 coupled to thevacuum port 4318. Further, thevacuum sensor 4320 may be coupled to thecontroller 4080. With this arrangement, the vacuum sensor can sense when there is a vacuum seal present at the interface between the sealing gland 4304 of thetank 4034 and thesealing mechanism 4022 of the clampingassembly 4020. Thevacuum assembly 4072 can be interfaced to thevacuum port 4318 to provide a suction through theaperture 4312. With this arrangement, thevacuum sensor 4320 can detect the presence of a strong vacuum and a weak vacuum. A strong vacuum can be an indication that there is a fluid seal between thetank assembly 4030 and theclamping assembly 4022. Less vacuum pressure may indicate that there is no seal or that the seal is not fluid tight. Moreover, theaperture 4312 andvacuum port 4318 can be used to suction any residual cleaning fluid that may reside at the interface, when thetank assembly 4030 is disengaged from thecleaning assembly 4022. Further, the combination of theaperture 4312, thevacuum port 4318 andvacuum assembly 4072 may also be used to vacuum any fluid leaks that occur at this interface. - It is to be appreciated that, with this arrangement, there is an automatic sensing of a fluid seal between the
tank assembly 4030 and theclamping assembly 4022. This detection of a fluid seal can initiate a sequence of steps of a method of cleaning a portion of an optical fiber, comprising, for example, the filling thetank assembly 4030 with the cleaning fluid, activating theultrasonic transducer 4038 to clean the optical fiber for the predetermined period of time and draining the tank of cleaning fluid. For example, after the optical fiber has been clean for a selected time period, thepump assembly 4050 may pump the cleaning fluid out of thetank assembly 4034 to thefluid reservoir assembly 4060. It is to be appreciated that various alterations and modifications to the vacuum port and vacuum sensor may be readily apparent to those of skill in the art and are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. For example, in addition to vacuum port that suctions off any residual cleaning fluid, there may also be provided an additional sensor, such as, an optical sensor to detect a fluid seal between thetank assembly 4030 and theclamping assembly 4020. - Another aspect of the illustrated embodiment of the
cleaning apparatus 208 and thetank assembly 4030 is that it may be provided with anactuator assembly 4322, as illustrated inFIG. 39 . The cleaning device may also comprise a linear bearing rail 4046 (seeFIG. 37 ) and the tank assembly can be provided with a correspondinglinear bearing car 4330 that mates with the linear bearing rail. The tank assembly may be mounted to the linear bearing car 4330 (seeFIG. 39 ). The tank assembly is provided with apneumatic actuator 4322 to move thetank 4034 alongaxis 4321 against the clampingassembly 4022 and to hold thetank 4034 in fluid engagement with the clamping assembly. Thepneumatic actuator 4322 may operate in a similar manner as thepneumatic actuator 4322 of the clamping assembly. In particular, the pneumatic actuator may comprise anair piston 4324 and anadjustment spring 4326. In the illustrated embodiment, the pneumatic actuator is attached to theframe 4074 of frame assembly 4070 (seeFIG. 37 ). The air piston may be actuated, for example, against a fixture (not illustrated) rigidly attached to thetank assembly 4030. With this arrangement, the pneumatic actuator, in response to an actuation signal, can bias the air piston against the fixture which in turn will urge the tank assembly into engagement with the clamping assembly. In one aspect of this embodiment, the pneumatic actuator will constantly bias the tank assembly against the clamping assembly to provide the fluid seal. In other words, thetank assembly 4030 is constantly biased against theframe assembly 4022, unless the pneumatic actuator is provided with a deactivation signal fromcontroller 4080, and it will stay in the activated position even if there is a power loss. In response to a deactivation signal, the pneumatic actuator may retract the air piston and allow the tank assembly to disengage from engagement with the clamping assembly. - Another aspect of the illustrated embodiment of the
cleaning device 208, is a servo assembly to which is illustrated in detail inFIG. 41 . The servo assembly may be coupled to theclamping assembly 4020 to move the clamping alongaxis 4041, to facilitate the clamping of theoptical fiber 4012 at theouter coating 4014 beyond the fiber to coating transition 4015 (seeFIGS. 36 a-36 b). The illustrated embodiment of the servo assembly may be provided with anut 4332 and alead screw 4334 which are attached to aservo motor 4336. According to one aspect of thisservo assembly 4040, a correspondinglinear bearing car 4330 can be affixed to thenut 4332 by coupling arrangement and theservo motor 4336 can rotate the lead screw to move the nut back and forth along thelongitudinal axis 4041 of the lead screw to a plurality of positions. In addition, the servo motor can be provided with anencoder 4338 wherein a plurality of positions of the lead screw and linear bearing car corresponding to encoding positions of the encoder. According to one aspect of the servo assembly, the servo encoder can be coupled to thecontroller 4080. With this arrangement, thecontroller 4080 can control the servo assembly to move the lead screw, nut and the linear bearing car to any of a plurality of positions based on the encoder positions of the encoder. With this arrangement, the linear bearing car and therefore theclamping assembly 4020 can be moved to a number of positions away with respect to a stationary optical fiber, which may be held in place, for example, by a tray such as disclosed in co-pending U.S. application entitled Tray for a Coiled Optical Fiber, filed on the same date herewith. With this arrangement the clamping assembly can be moved to a position to hold the optical fiber at the outer coating beyond the fiber tocoating transition 4015. - It is to be appreciated that according to one aspect of the
cleaning device 208 theservo assembly 4040 and thepneumatic actuator 4322 can in combination move the tank assembly into an engaged and fluid sealed position with the clampingassembly 4020. It is also to be appreciated that with this arrangement the clamping assembly can be moved to alongaxis 4041 to a position that the clamping assembly can hold theoptical fiber 4012 of itsouter coating 4018, without damaging the optical fiber. It is further to be appreciated that various alterations and modifications may be made by those of skill in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. - Referring to
FIG. 42 , there is illustrated a perspective view of an embodiment of thefluid reservoir assembly 4060 of thecleaning apparatus 208. According to this embodiment, the fluid reservoir assembly includes areservoir tank 4062, acap assembly 4064, and agasket 4066 that may be disposed between a top of thereservoir tank 4062 and thecap assembly 4064. The fluid reservoir assembly holds the cleaning fluid and may be coupled to pump 4050, which is illustrated with an exploded view of a portion offrame assembly 4070 inFIG. 43 . According to the illustrated embodiment of thefluid reservoir assembly 4060, thecap assembly 4064 comprises adip tube assembly 4090 including adip tube 4092 which extends into thereservoir tank 4062. The dip tube assembly comprisescheck valve 4054 in series between the dip tube assembly and afluid line 4094 that is coupled to thepump 4050. Thischeck valve 4054 is arranged to allow cleaning fluid to be drawn by thepump 4050 from thereservoir tank 4062 to the pump and to be pumped to thetank assembly 4030. In addition, thecheck valve 4054 prevents fluid from being pumped by thepump 4050 to the fluid reservoir assembly through the dip tube assembly. The illustrated embodiment of thecap assembly 4064 is also provided with asecond check valve 4056 in series with afilter 4058. Thesecond check 4056 valve allows fluid to be pumped by thepump 4050 from thetank assembly 4030 to thefluid reservoir assembly 4060. With this arrangement, the fluid can be pumped to thefluid reservoir assembly 4060 by thepump 4050 and filtered by thefilter 4058 to filter out any debris or residual buffer material that may be in the cleaning fluid. - According to the illustrated embodiment each of the
check valves pump 4050 ofFIG. 43 . Thepump 4050 may comprise afirst port 4098 and a second port (not illustrated). The respective fluid lines may be coupled to the first and second ports. As has been discussed herein, thepump 4050 can pump fluid from thefluid reservoir assembly 4060 to thetank assembly 4030 via the dip tube assembly includingdip tube 4092, thecheck valve 4054 and the fluid line (not illustrated). In addition, thepump 4050 can pump the fluid from the tank assembly 30 to thefluid reservoir assembly 4060 via a fluid line (not illustrated),check valve 4056 and thefilter 4058. Thecheck valves dip tube assembly 4090 andcheck valve 4054 to filter the cleaning fluid as it is pumped from the fluid reservoir assembly to thetank assembly 4030. Moreover, more than one pump may be used to pump the fluid in both directions between the fluid reservoir assembly and the tank assembly, one pump to pump the cleaning fluid from the fluid reservoir assembly to the tank assembly and a second pump to pump the fluid from the tank assembly to the fluid reservoir assembly. It is further to be appreciated that with more than one pump, the check valves may not be provided. - The illustrated embodiment of the
fluid reservoir assembly 4060 may also be provided with a fluidliquid level sensor 4100. The fluid level sensor can be an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor or any other sensor known to those of skill in the art. It is to be appreciated that the sensor can be calibrated to sense a level of the cleaning fluid in thereservoir tank 4062. In addition, this embodiment can be provided with sensor electronic including, for example, a sensor amplifier that may be coupled to thecontroller 4080 and that receives a sensor signal corresponding to the level of fluid in thefluid reservoir tank 4062. With this arrangement, the controller can monitor the level of the cleaning fluid within the reservoir assembly and provide an indication that the cleaning fluid has reached a certain level. Thecontroller 4080, with information about the fluid level of the fluid reservoir assembly and with information from the fluid level sensors in thefluid tank assembly 4030, can determine whether the cleaning fluid is in thetank assembly 4030 or that cleaning fluid should be added to thefluid reservoir assembly 4060. For example, this arrangement can determine if there has been an evaporation of the cleaning fluid. It is to be appreciated that various alterations and modifications may be readily apparent to those of skill in the art and that such alterations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. For example, more than one sensor can be used to determine the level of the cleaning fluid in the reservoir tank. - Referring to
FIG. 43 , there is also illustrated an exploded view of a portion of theframe assembly 4070 of thecleaning apparatus 208. According to the illustrated embodiment, thepump 4050 may be housed at this part of the frame assembly. In addition,vacuum assembly 4072 may also be disposed in this portion of the frame assembly and coupled toaperture 4312 in sealing gland 4304 throughvacuum port 4318, (seeFIG. 37 ) and tovacuum sensor 4320. This arrangement of thevacuum assembly 4072 and thevacuum sensor 4320 monitors the vacuum pressure in the vacuum assembly to determine whether there is a fluid seal between the clampingassembly 4022 and thetank assembly 4030, as discussed herein, and to suction any fluid leaking or remaining at the clamping assembly to tank assembly interface. Further, the illustrated embodiment of the frame assembly may comprise the sensors that monitor the position of the clampingarms assembly 4020, as discussed herein. It is to be appreciated that various modifications to the frame assembly and to the cleaning assembly may be readily apparent to those of skill in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. For example, any of thepump 4050, thevacuum assembly 4072, thevacuum sensor 4320 and the position sensors may not be disposed within this part of the frame assembly. - One embodiment of cleaning fluid that can be used in the
automatic cleaning device 208 is known by the trade name EnSolv® which is manufactured by Enviro Tech International, Inc., 2525 W. LeMoyne Ave., Melrose Park, Ill. 60160. One of the properties of EnSolv® that makes it suitable for thecleaning device 208 is its relatively high flash point of 400° C. In contrast, isopropyl alcohol has a flash point of 12° C. Accordingly, EnSolv® is suitable to the automatic cleaning device described herein, which has a high throughput of fiber optical assemblies and reuses the same cleaning solution. In particular, EnSolv® can be used in the automatic cleaning device without the risk of heating the cleaning solution to its flash point and subsequent fire. Additional advantages of using EnSolv® is the cleaning fluid comprise that it may attack the residual particulate material and buffer material left on the optical fiber after it has been stripped. Further, EnSolv® does not leave a film on the optical fiber after it has been cleaned. - It is to be appreciated that various alterations and modifications to the cleaning device and method, and the cleaning solution may be readily apparent to those of skill in the art and are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. For example, other cleaning solutions having the same properties may be used and are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, it has been discovered that cleaning optical fibers with the method and apparatus described herein improves with heating of the cleaning fluid. The heating of the cleaning fluid can be done, for example, by repeated cycling and use of the cleaning device and cleaning fluid. Alternatively, the cleaning device can be provided with a heater to heat the cleaning fluid. Moreover, it is possible, for example, to use alcohol and to provide the cleaning device, for example, with a temperature sensor, and to vary the throughput rate so that there is a low probability of reaching the flash point of the alcohol.
- Having described various embodiments of a cleaning tool for use in the fiber preparation system, it should be understood that the description is by way of example only and that other suitable cleaning device configurations may be implemented with the system as would be apparent to one of skill.
- Cleave Tool
- The fiber preparation module may include an
automated cleave tool 208 that is configured to cleave a portion of the stripped fiber to produce a fiber end of high optical quality. In this regard, the cleave tool is configured to remove a portion of the core that may include various defects associated with cutting the fiber to length and/or stripping the buffer from the fiber. The cleaving process generally includes placing the fiber end under a desired amount of axial tension and scoring the surface of the fiber to create a surface defect at a desirable location. Under the influence of the axial tension, the surface defect propagates diametrically across the fiber core, resulting in a cleaved end. - One embodiment of the
cleave tool 208 is schematically illustrated inFIG. 44 . Thecleave tool 208 includes a centralizingclamp 5002 that is configured to locate afiber 224 presented to the cleave tool and clamp the fiber along a cleave axis. Acleave mechanism 5004 is moveably supported toward and away from the centralizingclamp 5002 along thecleave axis 5006 to precisely position anarbor 5008 and an opposingcleave knife 5010 at a desired location along the stripped fiber end. Once the arbor and the cleave knife are positioned, asecondary clamp 5012 provided on the cleave mechanism grasps the tip portion of the fiber. Afiber tension device 5014 pulls thecleave mechanism 5004, which in turn pulls thesecondary clamp 5012 away from the centralizing clamp to place a load on the fiber to create a desired axial tension in the fiber. - Once the desired tension is achieved, the
arbor 5008 is moved radially into engagement with the fiber, thereby pushing a portion of the fiber toward thecleave knife 5010 to create a bend in the fiber. Once the bend is created, thecleave knife 5010 is moved radially inward toward the surface of the fiber opposite the arbor. Touching the surface of the fiber with thecleave knife 5010 creates a defect that propagates diametrically across the fiber to produce the cleaved end. - In one embodiment, the
fiber tension device 5014 may include aload cell 5016 that connects the cleave mechanism to asolenoid 5018. As current is delivered to the solenoid in response to an actuation signal, the cleave mechanism is pulled away from the centralizing clamp to place the fiber under axial tension. The amount of tension is determined by the axial force measured by the load cell. Electrical current to the solenoid may be adjusted, in response to the signal from the load cell, to vary the amount of tension in the fiber. - In one embodiment, the
arbor 5008 is moved toward and away from the fiber using apneumatic air cylinder 5020. Thecleave knife 5010 may be moved toward and away from the fiber using a slider/crank mechanism 5022 driven by aservomotor 5024 to exercise precise control of the speed of the knife toward the fiber. Other suitable mechanisms for driving the arbor and/or the cleave knife are contemplated such that the cleave tool is not limited to any particular drive mechanisms. The cleave knife may include a diamond blade, although other cleaving devices, such as a carbide wheel, may be employed to create the surface defect. -
FIGS. 45-47 illustrate one embodiment of acleave tool 208 that may be employed with the fiber preparation systems. It is to be understood, however, that the system may employ any suitable cleaver tool that is configured to automatically cleave a fiber end. - In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIG. 45 , thecleave tool 208 includes acleave mechanism 5004 that may be supported within acleave housing 5026. A centralizing clamp, as described more fully below, may be mounted to the housing to locate a fiber presented to the cleave tool and located along a cleave axis relative to the cleaver mechanism. - The
cleave tool 208 may also include atool interface 5028 to provide all necessary mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and control signals to and from the tool. Tool electronics and a controller may also be provided with the cleave tool. - In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIGS. 46-47 , thecleaver assembly 5004 includes acleave mechanism 5004 that is moveably supported on abase plate 5030 and atension mechanism 5014 that is coupled to the cleave mechanism and configured to move the cleave mechanism along the cleave axis of the tool. - The cleave mechanism is mounted to the base plate with a
linear slide 5032 to allow the cleave mechanism to move along the cleave axis. Thesecondary clamp 5012,arbor 5008 and cleaveknife 5010 are all supported by acleave block 5034 that is mounted to the slide. It is to be appreciated that other suitable arrangements for moveably mounting the cleave mechanism to the base plate are contemplated as would be apparent to one of skill. - As indicated above, the
cleave mechanism 5004 includes asecondary clamp 5012 that is configured to securely grasp the tip portion of the stripped fiber so that the fiber may be placed under a desired amount of tension. In one illustrative embodiment, thesecondary clamp 5012 includes a pair ofclamp arms 5036 that are rotatably supported on the block along acommon pivot 5038. Each clamp arm includes acam follower 5040 that is configured to cooperate with anangled slot 5042 provided in acam plate 5044 that is moveably supported on the block with alinear slide 5046. Thecam plate 5044 is coupled to aclamp actuator 5048, such as an air cylinder, which drives the cam plate in a vertical direction to open and close the clamp arms about the fiber.Clamp pads 5050 may be provided on theclamp arms 5036 to locate and securely grasp the fiber. It is to be appreciated that numerous other clamp arrangements may be used to grasp the fiber end. - In one illustrative embodiment, the
arbor 5008 is supported by anarbor plate 5052 that is mounted to thecarriage 5054 of alinear slide 5056 to allow the arbor to move in a radial direction relative to the cleave axis. Anactuator 5020, such as a pneumatic air cylinder, is coupled to thearbor plate 5052 to move the arbor toward and away from the fiber in response to an actuation signal. Anadjustment feature 5060 may be provided to selectively adjust the amount of bend placed on the fiber by the arbor. Of course, the arbor may be moved using any other suitable drive mechanism. - In one illustrative embodiment, the
cleave knife 5010 is supported by aknife plate 5062 that is mounted to acarriage 5064 located on thelinear slide 5056 along with the arbor. Theknife plate 5062 is moved in a radial direction toward and away from the fiber axis using acam 5066 and link 5068 arrangement that is driven by anactuator 5024, such as a servomotor, to precisely control the speed of the knife toward the fiber. Of course, any suitable drive mechanism may be employed to move the cleave knife. - The
cleave block 5034 may be configured with awaste ramp 5070 that underlies theclamp pads 5050 of the secondary clamp. Theramp 5070 is configured to deliver cleaved material to a catch bin 5072 (FIG. 45 ) that is located within the housing adjacent the cleaver mechanism. The catch bin may be configured to accommodate a quantity of cleaved material that allows the tool to operate over any desired number of cycles or period of time. The catch bin may be readily removed from the tool housing to discard the waste material from the tool. - In one illustrative embodiment, the
tension mechanism 5014 includes asolenoid 5018 that is supported on thebase plate 5030 with asolenoid mount 5074. Aload cell 5016 couples thesolenoid 5018 to the cleave mechanism to monitor the load being applied by the solenoid on a fiber grasped by the secondary clamp. Acoupler 5076 may be disposed between the load cell and cleave block. - One or more sensors may be provided on the cleave mechanism to monitor and control operation of the device. In one embodiment, a pair of
optical sensors 5078 are mounted to thebase plate 5030 adjacent the cleave block to monitor the forward and rearward motion of the cleave mechanism. The sensors cooperate withflags 5080 disposed on the block. - Having described various embodiments of a cleave tool for use in the fiber preparation system, it should be understood that the description is by way of example only and that other suitable configurations may be implemented with the system as would be apparent to one of skill.
- Ferrule Attachment Tool
- As indicated above, the system may also include a ferrule attachment tool for attaching a ferrule to the end of a fiber, such as an optical fiber. An example of a ferrule attachment tool suitable for use with any of the embodiments of the present invention is described in co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “Apparatus and Method for Attaching a Component to a Fiber”, filed on even date herewith, and incorporated herein by reference (hereafter the “Ferrule Attachment Tool Application”). However, it should be appreciated that the various embodiments of the present invention directed to automated preparation of optical fiber is not limited to use with any particular ferrule attachment tool. Various illustrative embodiments of a ferrule attachment tool, as provided in the Ferrule Attachment Tool Application, are presented below.
- The ferrule attachment station may perform one or more of the following functions automatically, that is without requiring manual user interaction: accepting a stripped end of an optical fiber, maintaining the stripped end of the fiber in a predetermined location that is accessible to mounting by a ferrule, deploying a ferrule from a supply of ferrules, determining the orientation of the ferrule and then re-orienting (if necessary) the ferrule, depositing an adhesive into the ferrule (if the ferrule has not been pre-loaded with an adhesive), mounting the ferrule onto the prepared fiber end, heating the adhesive to secure the attachment of the ferrule and the fiber end, and then releasing the ferrule attached fiber end from the station for subsequent processing if desired.
- The optical fiber may be pre-arranged on a tray or other pallet type device that is delivered to a tray receiving area in the ferrule attachment station. The tray may be constructed for compatibility with a transport system that may be used to deliver the fiber to one or more stations within an automated system for fabricating an optical fiber and component. The tray may be arranged with a retainer for maintaining the extension of a stripped fiber end outwardly from the tray and a receptacle for maintaining the rest of the fiber as coiled within the tray. A second retainer may be provided to hold, within the internal confines of the tray, the fiber end after it has been attached to a ferrule. By not leaving the ferrule mounted end hanging over the edge of the tray, the likelihood of damage to the ferrule or interference with subsequent processing steps should be reduced. A pair of first and second retainers may be provided when a ferrule will be attached to each end of the fiber (i.e., pigtail).
- An example of one tray suitable for use with any embodiments of the ferrule attachment tool is described below. However, it should be appreciated that the embodiments directed to automatically attaching a ferrule to an optical fiber end are not limited to use with any particular transport medium.
- A ferrule attachment tool may include one or more of the following constituent devices and/or station areas which first will be described generally and then each constituent will be discussed in more detail. As shown in
FIGS. 50-54 , the ferrule attachment station includes acollet 6042 for positioning and manipulating aferrule 6034 relative to the other devices and areas within the station. The collet shown is moveable in the “Y” and “Z” axes, but a collet also is contemplated that is moveable along the “X” axis as well. For purposes of this patent application, “X” is the horizontal axis across the station, “Z” is the vertical axis relative to the station, and “Y” is an axis perpendicular to the “X” axis and that extends between the front and the back of the station. The collet also may be rotatably moveable. Amagazine 6048 or other source of an inventory of ferrules is provided and cooperates with anescapement 6105 and aloader 6053 to provide a delivery system for presenting an individual ferrule to the collet when it is present at the ferrule loading area. Adispenser 6047 introduces a preprogrammed amount of adhesive into the ferrule when the collet locates the ferrule in an appropriate position relative to the dispenser outlet. An entrance into the station may include areceiving area 6057 for a tray supporting a fiber coil. Adjacent the tray receiving area, a clamp is provided to hold the bare fiber end along a path that will be traveled by the collet. The clamp may include aprimary clamp 6063 that supports a jacketed portion of the fiber, and asecondary clamp 6062 that supports the ferrule mounting segment of the bare fiber. Aheater 6056 may be activatable to partially or fully cure the adhesive after the ferrule has been mounted to the fiber end. Agripper 6075 may be provided for carefully picking up the ferrule mounted fiber end and placing it in a desired location in the tray or other coil support device. A hold downmember 6080 may be deployed to clamp the tray when the “pick and place” fiber gripper is repositioning the ferrule mounted fiber end in the tray. The various components may be under computer control. - Now certain individual components of the ferrule attachment station will be discussed in more detail.
- A supply for feeding a stack of ferrules to the collet is shown in
FIG. 55 . Amagazine 6048 supported by amagazine mount block 6101 is mounted by abracket 6104 to the ferrule attachment apparatus. The magazine exit opens directly above a slide pusher 6105 (seeFIG. 56 ). When theslide pusher 6105 is retracted along the X-axis, a ferrule is gravity fed into theslot 6106. Theslide pusher 6105 is moved forward, loading the ferrule into a chuck, such as the illustratedcylindrical vacuum chuck 6051. Theslide pusher 6105 then retracts to load another ferrule. A vision system 6049 (seeFIG. 50 ), includes a camera, or other imaging device, linked to a computer, so that an image of theferrule 6034 taken by the camera can be examined, to determine if the ferrule is in the desired orientation. The vision system may check the location of the ferrule opening and/or may determine what type of opening is being presented to thecollet 6042. Other methods of determining the orientation of theferrule 6034 also are contemplated. For example, a probe may be used to physically detect the location of the ferrule opening or the type of ferrule opening. If it is desirable to reverse the orientation of the ferrule, thechuck 6051 may be rotated 180 degrees, switching the ferrule end which is presented to thecollet 6042. Apneumatic actuator 6109 may rotate thechuck 6051 with atiming belt 6110. After acceptance of the orientation of the ferrule, a pusher tool such as, for example, apin 6053 may be actuated to present the ferrule to the collet. Theslide pusher 6105 andpin 6053 may be actuated with dual rod cylinders, belt systems, electric motors, or any other suitable actuators. Pneumaticdual rod cylinders 6112 are shown inFIG. 56 . - Referring to
FIG. 57 , achuck 6051 may be mounted on abearing 6114 in abearing block 6115. Apulley 6116 may be rotated by thetiming belt 6110 described above. Aswivel fitting 6117 and avacuum shaft 6118 direct a vacuum force that holds a ferrule against one edge of avacuum slot 6113 in thechuck 6051. Aload floor 6119 abuts and is co-planar with thevacuum chuck 6051 so that the ferrule may be loaded into thevacuum chuck 6051 by sliding it across the load floor from theferrule magazine 6048. - The
collet 6042 approaches, grasps and removes theferrule 6034 presented by the chuck. If necessary, thecollet 6042 may also rotate, before and/or after grasping theferrule 6034, to re-orient theferrule 6034; particularly where an offset fiber through hole in a ferrule is not in a desired, pre-determined orientation. Horizontal and verticallinear drive assemblies collet 6042 up and down (“Z” axis) and side to side (“Y axis”), as illustrated inFIG. 58 . In eachdrive assembly carriage 6123 moves linearly with the turning of alead screw 6124, which may be, for example, a ball screw. Anelectric motor 6073 rotates thelead screw 6124 with abelt 6127 andpulley 6125 system. Anencoder 6129 may be used to sense the linear position of thecarriage 6123 and hence thecollet 6042. Alternately, a rotary encoder may be used on one of thepulleys 6125 to determine the linear position of thecarriage 6123. Thecollet 6042 may be rotated by adrive assembly 6121 as shown inFIGS. 58-59 . Acollet mount 6131 holds thecollet 6042 and is coupled to acollet gear 6133 by amount plate 6134, and the assembly rotates inbearings 6135 that are mounted incollet axis body 6138. Adrive gear 6136 that is rotated by anelectric motor 6137 turns thecollet gear 6133. Tworotary stops 6132 prevent thecollet 6042 from rotating beyond certain angles. A pair ofsensors 6139 may be added to sense the rotational position of thecollet 6042. Other arrangements for moving a collet in any combination of the “X”, “Y”, and/or “Z” axes and/or rotating the collet are contemplated as should be apparent to one of skill in the art. - After accepting the ferrule, the collet then finds the adhesive dispenser. In an embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 50-54 , thecollet 6042 moves downward along the Z-axis bringing theferrule 6034 adjacent the dispenser allowing adhesive to deposit through aneedle 6055 into the ferrule. The dispenser for depositing adhesive, such as epoxy, into the ferrule is shown in more detail inFIG. 60 . Asyringe 6141 type dispenser, responsive to a control signal, releases a predetermined amount of epoxy through aneedle 6055 into the ferrule. Adisposable syringe 6141 is held in anadhesive mount 6143 by aclip 6144. Theadhesive mount 6143 is attached to aslide block 6145. Theslide block 6145 may be mounted on anair actuator 6148. Theair actuator 6148 may be used to provide a small resistance that helps to maintain contact between theferrule 6034 and theneedle 6055 and/or theair actuator 6148 may help to move theneedle 6055 into contact with theferrule 6034. For example, an air pressure of approximately 1-5 psi may be supplied to the air actuator to provide a constant, or variable, preload force that resists the push of the ferrule, but does not act as a hard stop which might damage theneedle 6055 or the ferrule if a component is misaligned or the ferrule is moved to far over the needle. Other adhesive dispensers also are contemplated, and the ferrule attachment tool is not limited to the particular arrangement described above. For example, a positive displacement system may be used to push the epoxy through theneedle 6055. A suitable epoxy, is Epo-Tek® 353ND. Two-part epoxies that cure without the application of heat may also be used. The type of adhesive administered by the dispenser is not a limiting feature of the ferrule attachment tool. - The
collet 6042 carrying the adhesive filled ferrule approaches the site where the bare end of the fiber is supported by a fiber clamp. The fiber clamp may include a primary fiber clamp and a secondary fiber clamp. Theprimary fiber clamp 6062 may act as a coarse locator and support, holding an unstripped portion of the fiber 6030 (i.e., still includes a fiber jacket). Asecondary fiber clamp 6063 may be employed to grip the stripped portion of the fiber end. Examples of primary and secondary clamps that may be employed to hold and grip the fiber end are described in more detail below under the heading “Centralizing Clamp”. - The
secondary fiber clamp 6063 grasps the fiber at a predetermined location beyond a preprogrammed length of travel by the collet 6042 (for example, 25% of the ferrule length) at which point thecollet 6042 may adequately support the tip of the fiber itself. When thecollet 6042 advances to the preprogrammed length, the secondary clamp releases so it will not obstruct further movement of thecollet 6042. Thecollet 6042 continues moving along the fiber tip until the ferrule is fully mounted. Thecollet 6042 may be rotated and/or moved reciprocatingly to more evenly distribute the adhesive within the ferrule. The rotational motion of the ferrule may also help to prevent buckling of the fiber. Thecollet 6042 having released theferrule 6034, returns to the ferrule supply area to acquire thenext ferrule 6034. - With the ferrule mounted about the fiber end, the
heater 6056 may be activated to set or cure the adhesive. Theheater 6056 may be a hot air blower, as shown inFIG. 61 , or it may be another suitable heater as should be recognized by one of skill in the art. The illustrated heat gun includes anair heater 6190 connected through a manifold 6191 to aheater shaft 6192 that directs the heated air at the ferrule. Theheater shaft 6192 and aheater ball 6194 are secured to aswivel base 6196 by aheater nut 6197 so that the direction of the airflow may be adjusted. Athermocouple 6199 may be included to detect the temperature of the airflow and help to maintain desired temperatures. A pressure sensor (not shown) may also be included to signal a controller to shut off theheater 6190 if low airflow is detected. Theair heater 6190 may be, in one embodiment, a 6200-watt triple pass inline heater. Other suitable devices for delivering heat to the ferrule may be used, including contact heaters and radiant heaters. - After completion of a predetermined heating cycle, the primary and secondary fiber clamps open, releasing the fiber. A hold down
member 6080, such as the pneumatically driven piston illustrated inFIG. 52 , is deployed to clamp the tray. A fiber gripper grasps and then repositions the ferrule mounted end of the fiber within the internal confines of the tray, so that the fiber end no longer hangs from the side of the tray as it did when it was first received in the entrance area of the station.FIG. 62 shows an exploded view of afiber gripper 6075 that may be employed in the ferrule attachment tool and that includes twogripper arms fiber 6030.Gripper arm 6213 includes afiber support 6214 for supporting the fiber as thegripper 6075 lifts, rotates and lowers the ferrule mounted end into a retainment position within the tray.FIG. 63 shows a fibergripper drive assembly 6220 that includes arotational drive system 6221 for rotating aspindle 6079. The rotational drive may be mounted on a linear drive system so that the gripper may be moved in the Z direction. Twolinear actuators FIG. 63 . Other suitable arrangements for moving theferrule gripper 6075 may be employed, and the gripper may be arranged for movement along any combination of the “X”, “Y” and/or “Z” axes, although the gripper illustrated in the Figures is arranged only for movement along the Z axis. After the ferrule mounted fiber end is properly positioned in the tray, the hold down member retracts freeing the tray for movement away from the ferrule attachment station. - A
frame 6090 supports theferrule attachment module 228, and additionally may house various electronics, pneumatic controls and connections, and a dedicated controller if desired as well as other displays, input devices and so on as illustrated inFIG. 54 . The automated ferrule attachment station may be arranged to respond to signals from a computer controller; the controller being arranged to receive and transmit signals from and to various components, to control the various operations of the ferrule attachment station. The computer controller may be arranged to communicate with the various station components by direct hard link, wireless, and other arrangements as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. The computer controller may receive a signal that a particular step has begun or ended and the controller may, responsive to such a signal, generate a new signal initiating one or more operations of various of the devices incorporated into the station. The controller can be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the ferrule attachment tool is not limited to any particular technique. In accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the ferrule attachment tool, the controller is a processor that is programmed (via software) to perform the above-recited control functions, and to coordinate interaction amongst the various system components. Of course, it should be appreciated that other implementations are possible, including the use of a hardware controller, and/or multiple controllers that replace a single central controller. As an example, and without limiting the ferrule attachment tool, the controller may include a Windows NT based PC, and a distributed I/O system using a field bus such as CANOpen. - As an example, and without restricting the control features that may be employed with the automated ferrule attachment station, one or more sensors may be provided to detect the location of a workpiece and then the controller responsive to such a sensed signal may cause one or more components within the station to perform a desired function. Thus, a sensor may be provided to detect when the collet has advanced the ferrule a predetermined distance over the fiber end. Upon receipt of such a signal from the sensor, the controller may transmit a signal causing the secondary fiber clamp to retreat out of the path of further movement of the collet. Other arrangements, of course may be employed to influence a device to begin or cease a particular function. Thus, the drive system for moving the collet towards the fiber end could have a pre-set limit switch that is triggered when the collet has advanced a predetermined distance, or a predetermined timing sequence corresponding to the time required for the collet to advance the predetermined distance may be employed that, when completed triggers withdrawal of the secondary fiber clamp.
- The previous examples, as should be apparent to one of skill in the art, merely inform that different control components are compatible with the automated ferrule attachment station and that the ferrule attachment tool described here is not limited to any particular control system. Further, the control system may be arranged, or modified, to accept various work pieces, such as fibers, ferrules, adhesives, and or trays, of varying sizes, shapes, composition and/or other variables. Any of the pneumatic actuators described herein may be provided with a sensor to acknowledge that a stroke has completed. Any of the drive systems discussed herein may be provided with an encoder so that encoder feedback may be employed by the controller to determine the location of a component. Other arrangements for determining the location of a component within the station also are contemplated and the ferrule attachment tool is not limited only to encoder type systems as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.
- A representative control sequence now will be described. The presence of a tray in the receiving area is sensed and a signal is generated by the controller and transmitted to the primary clamp which closes around the still jacketed portion of the fiber adjacent the bare end. A sensor in the jaws of the primary clamp checks to ensure that a fiber is present and the controller then sends a signal to close the secondary clamp about the stripped and cleaned portion of the fiber end where the ferrule will be mounted. A collet, supporting a ferrule, is directed by the controller to advance in a mounting path along the bare fiber end. The secondary clamp is directed to retract when the collet has moved a predetermined length. The collet is instructed to move along the mounting path until it reaches a final position. The collet may be instructed to rotationally oscillate as it moves along the mounting path. It also may be instructed by the controller to move in reciprocating fashion. The controller then issues a signal activating the heater for a predetermined dwell time. The fiber gripper is instructed to move to the ferrule/fiber assembly and then a signal from the controller opens the jaws of the gripper which then close about the fiber and the ferrule. The controller deploys the tray hold down member and then the collet is opened and withdrawn from the ferrule. The fiber gripper is then instructed to rotate the ferrule mounted fiber end over the tray and then places the assembly in a predetermined position within the tray so that the pigtail is within the interior of the tray rather than hanging outwardly as it was when it arrived at the ferrule attachment station. The controller then sends a signal causing the hold down member to release the tray. As the fiber gripper is manipulating the ferrule mounted fiber end, the controller instructs the escapement to deposit a ferrule in the chuck. The vision system determines the orientation of the ferrule and, if necessary, the controller directs the chuck to rotated 180 degrees to a desired orientation. The collet is directed by the controller to move to the chuck to pick up the ferrule. A loading tool, such as a pin, is activated by the controller to move the ferrule into the collet which then closes around the ferrule. The collet is instructed by the controller to move to the adhesive dispenser and then the adhesive dispenser is activated by the controller to deposit a predetermined amount of adhesive into the ferrule. The collet is then instructed by the controller to move to the area of the secondary clamp where it awaits the presence of a new tray.
- The automated ferrule attachment station may be arranged to operate two or more of its constituent devices simultaneously. For example, after the collet has accepted a ferrule and moved away from the chuck area, a new ferrule may be supplied by the magazine and placed in the chuck awaiting return of the collet. Similarly, when the “pick and place” fiber gripper is returning the ferrule attached fiber end from the heating area back to the tray, the collet may deploy to the chuck area to receive a new ferrule as mentioned above. Alternatively, the station may be configured so that only one constituent device is activated at a time; so referring back to the previous example, the collet would refrain from approaching the chuck area until a new fiber had been sensed in the fiber end supporting area.
- The ferrule attachment station may be arranged to mount a connector, such as a ferrule, to a polarization maintaining fiber. As shown schematically in
FIG. 64 , adetector 6300 is provided to determine the alignment of the polarization maintaining axis of thefiber 6302. While the ferrule attachment tool is not limited to a particular device for determining the alignment, it is contemplated that passive, active and POL devices should be suitable as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. Thecollet 6042 is then manipulated to orient theferrule 6034 in a position that corresponds to the alignment of the polarization maintaining axis of the fiber. The ferrule may be keyed to facilitate adjustment to the desired mounting position. The detector communicates with thesystem controller 6400 which then instructs the drive system to move the collet, such as by rotating, until the ferrule is in the desired orientation for mounting to the PM fiber. The collet may be rotatable at least 180 degrees to ensure proper matching of the ferrule to the alignment of the polarization maintaining axis of the fiber. - An automated method of assembling a connector, such as a ferrule, to a fiber, such as an optical fiber also is provided. The method, under computer control, includes a step of automatically positioning an adhesive filled ferrule relative to an end of a fiber, and then moving the ferrule over the fiber end and, where desired, rotating the ferrule either as the ferrule is plunged over the fiber end or after the ferrule is mounted about the fiber end. The method may also include the step of checking the orientation of the ferrule and then, if desired, reorienting the ferrule prior to mounting on the fiber end. Reorienting the ferrule may involve turning the ferrule 180 degrees about an axis perpendicular to a lengthwise axis of the ferrule (reversing end-to-end orientation), as well as rotating the ferrule about its lengthwise axis to change the position of the fiber through hole where it is offset of center. The ferrule also may be rotated to correspond the ferrule to an alignment of a polarization axis of the fiber. Where the ferrule has not been pre-loaded with an adhesive, the method also may include the step of dispensing an adhesive into the ferrule. After the ferrule has been positioned about the end of the fiber, the method may also include the step of heating the adhesive. The automated method of assembling a ferrule to a fiber also may include the step of repositioning the ferrule connected fiber in a tray with the pigtail supported within the tray rather than hanging off the edge of the tray. The automated method of assembling a ferrule to a fiber may include any one of the foregoing steps, a combination of two or more of the foregoing steps, or all of the foregoing steps. The sequence in which the automated method steps has been described may be varied as should be apparent to one of skill in the art.
- Having described various embodiments of a ferrule attachment tool for use in the fiber preparation system, it should be understood that the description is by way of example only and that other suitable configurations may be implemented with the system as would be apparent to one of skill.
- Load/Unload Module
- The fiber preparation apparatus system may include a load module for providing trays at the upstream end of the system and an unload module for removing the trays at the downstream end of the system. At the upstream end of the system, the load module may load either empty or loaded trays onto the transporter, depending upon the particular fabrication processes being carried out within the system. The unload module may similarly offload either loaded or empty trays from the transporter at the downstream end of the system depending upon the particular processes carried out by the system.
- In one illustrative embodiment of the system, a load module 234 a is provided to load empty trays at the upstream end of the transporter and an unload
module 234 b is provided at the downstream end of the system to remove trays loaded with a prepared fiber. -
FIG. 65 , is a schematic representation of one illustrative embodiment of both a load module 234 a and an unloadmodule 234 b suitable for the fiber preparation system of the present invention. Since the load and unload modules employ the same components, the module will be referred to as a load/unloadmodule 234 for convenience. It is to be understood, however, that each module may employ different configurations. - As illustrated, the load/unload
module 234 includes alift 7002 supported below agripper mechanism 7004. Atray cassette 7006 is supported on thegripper mechanism 7004 above the lift. Thecassette 7006 is configured to hold a plurality of stackedtrays 222 that are to be either delivered to the transporter (load module) or removed from the transporter (unload module). - The
gripper mechanism 7004 is configured to hold the stack of trays within the cassette and to act in concert with thelift 7002 to either remove or deliver a tray to the cassette. In this regard, in the load configuration, thelift 7002 cooperates with thegripper mechanism 7004 to deliver a tray to the transporter, while in the unload configuration, the lift cooperates with the gripper mechanism to offload trays into the cassette. - In one illustrative embodiment, the lift is configured to position a
lift plate 7008 in any one of three selected positions to load and/or unload trays in cooperation with the gripper mechanism as explained below. As illustrated, thelift 7002 has abottom home position 7010, atop lift position 7012, and anintermediate lift position 7014 located between the home and top lift positions. It is to be appreciated that any suitable lift device with any number of lift positions may be implemented for any desired application. - As indicated above, the
lift 7002 acts in concert with thegripper mechanism 7004 either to lower atray 222 from the cassette or raise a tray into the cassette. In one illustrative embodiment, thegripper mechanism 7004 includes a pair ofopposed grippers 7016 that are movably supported adjacent the cassette. As shown, thegrippers 7016 are rotatably mounted between a closed position to support atray 222 within the cassette and an open position to allow a tray to be either lowered from or raised into the cassette. Eachgripper 7016 includes at least onearm 7018 that extends inwardly and is configured to support a tray above atray receiving region 7020 when the grippers are placed in the closed position. - The
grippers 7016 may be moved between the open and closed positions using any suitable arrangement. In one illustrative embodiment, each gripper is actuated between the open and closed positions using anactuator 7022, such as a pneumatic air cylinder, that is coupled between the gripper and a support member. Each end of theactuator 7022 is rotatably coupled to the gripper and the support member. The actuators are coupled to a tool control system that signals the grippers to open and close, so as to load and unload trays onto and from the transporter. - FIGS. 66(a)-(f) schematically illustrate the operation of one embodiment of the load module. As is to be appreciated, the illustrated operation is merely exemplary as any number of load operations may be implemented with the system.
-
FIG. 66 (a) illustrates acassette 7006 having a stack oftrays 222 initially positioned in thetray receiving region 7020 of the module. Upon initiation of the load sequence, thelift 7002 is raised from itshome position 7010 to its intermediate lift position 7104, as shown inFIG. 66 (b), to position the lowest tray of the stack below thegripper arms 7018. Once the stack of trays is raised to theintermediate lift position 7014, thegrippers 7016 are closed to position thegripper arms 7018 between the bottom tray and the penultimate tray resting on the bottom tray. - With the gripper arms 7108 in their closed position, the
lift 7002 is lowered to itshome position 7010 thereby lowering the bottom tray onto tray supports in thetray receiving region 7020 of the load module, as shown inFIG. 66 (c). With atray 222 positioned in the load position, thetransporter 216 is actuated to move the tray downstream from the load region of the load module as shown inFIG. 66 (d). - With the
tray receiving region 7020 cleared, thelift 7002 is raised to itstop lift position 7012, as shown inFIG. 66 (e), to raise the entire stack of trays above the gripper arms. Thegripper arms 7018 are then retracted to the open position and thelift 7002 is lowered to itsintermediate lift position 7014, as shown inFIG. 66 (f), whereupon thegrippers 7016 are closed to support the stack of trays resting on the bottom tray. Thebottom tray 222 is then lowered into theload region 7020. The load sequence shown in FIGS. 66(c)-(f) continues until thecassette 7006 is emptied and replaced with a full cassette, whereupon the load sequence will again be initiated as shown in FIGS. 66(a)-(b). - As indicated above, the unload
module 234 b is essentially identical to the load module 234 a in structure. However, the unloadmodule 234 b removes trays from the system using an unload sequence that may differ from the load sequence described above. One illustrative embodiment of an unload sequence is schematically illustrated in FIGS. 67(a)-(f). -
FIG. 67 (a) illustrates an initial unload step that occurs when anempty cassette 7006 is placed in the unload module. As illustrated, thetransporter 216 delivers atray 222 to the unloadregion 7020 of the module with the lift in itshome position 7010. With thegrippers 7016 in the open position, thelift 7002 raises thetray 222 to thetop lift position 7012, as shown inFIG. 67 (b). Thegripper arms 1018 are then closed so that they underlie the tray. - With the gripper arms closed, the
lift 7002 is then lowered to itshome position 7010, as shown inFIG. 67 (c), whereupon thetray 222 is lowered onto thegripper arms 7018 and supported above the unloadregion 7020 of the module. - As shown in
FIG. 67 (d), the transporter then delivers anothertray 222 to the unloadregion 7020 with thelift 7002 in itshome position 7010. Thelift 7002 is raised to itsintermediate lift position 7014, as shown inFIG. 67 (e), whereupon the tray that is being moved upwardly by the lift engages with and raises the bottom tray of the supported stack above the gripper arms. Thereafter, thegripper arms 7018 are retracted to their open position with the stack being supported by thelift 7002 in itsintermediate lift position 7014. - With the gripper arms open 7018, the
lift 7002 is then raised to itstop lift position 7012, as shown inFIG. 67 (f) to raise the entire stack to the top lift position above thegripper arms 7018. The gripper arms 7108 are then closed below thebottom tray 222 of the stack, and thelift 7002 is lowered to itshome position 7010, as shown inFIG. 67 (c), such that the stack of trays are now supported by thegripper arms 7018 above the unloadregion 7020 of the module. - The unload sequence shown in FIGS. 67(c)-(f) continues until the
tray cassette 7006 is filled, whereupon the cassette is removed and an empty cassette is placed in the unload module. The initial unload sequences shown in FIGS. 67(a)-(b) are again carried out to begin the unload sequence. - It is to be appreciated that the load and unload sequences described above are merely exemplary and the any suitable methods of loading and unloading trays to and from the system may be employed as would be apparent to one of skill.
- Various aspects and features of the load/unload
module 234 will now be described in more detail below. It is to be understood, however, that the load/unload module is not limited to the illustrative embodiment, as numerous other configurations are possible. - In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIGS. 68-70 , the load/unloadmodule 234 includes alift 7002 supported on abase frame 7024 below thegripper mechanism 7004. Atray cassette 7006 is removably supported by the gripper mechanism above thelift 7002. - The lift may include a linear thruster with a
lift plate 7008 supported at the top end of the thruster. In one embodiment, the thruster includes a three position air cylinder that is configured to position thelift plate 7008 in any one of thehome position 7010, thetop lift position 7012 and theintermediate lift position 7014, as indicated above. As an example of the various lift positions, the thruster is configured with a 4.375 inch stroke for the top lift position and a 4.0 inch stroke for the intermediate lift position relative to its home position. Of course, any suitable lift device having any number of lift positions may be implemented for a desired application. - Although numerous gripper mechanism configurations are contemplated, one illustrative embodiment of the mechanism includes a pair of
gripper plates 7016 rotatably mounted toside walls 7026 of the gripper. Each gripper plate includes a pair ofgripper arms 7018 extending from opposite ends of the plate. Each gripper plate is pivoted between the open and closed positions using anactuator 7022 that is mounted to the plate and abase 7028 of the mechanism using aclevis mount 7030. As is to be appreciated, the illustrative arrangement of the gripper mechanism is merely an example of numerous arrangements that may be implemented with the load/unload module. - In one illustrative embodiment, the
tray cassette 7006 includes an elongated body configured to hold a plurality of stacked trays therein. The cassette may be configured to have an interior cavity configured to closely conform to the shape of the trays to facilitate proper tray alignment during loading and unloading operations. A pair ofsupports 7032 extend inwardly from opposing sides of the cassette to maintain the trays within the cassette and to position a tray within thetray receiving region 7020 of the gripper mechanism. The upper surface of the tray supports 7032 are configured to be aligned with the outer rails of the transporter. - It may be desirable to provide a keying feature on the cassette to ensure proper orientation of the tray within the cassette, particularly when the tray is asymmetrical. In one illustrative embodiment, a
vertical rib 7034 extends along the inner surface of the cassette. The rib cooperates with a correspondingly shaped recess on the cassette to ensure its proper orientation therein. The cassette may be formed from any material suitable for a particular application. In one embodiment, the cassette is extruded from a plastic material, such as 20% glass reinforced polysulfone. Of course, any suitable material may be employed for the cassette as would be apparent to one of skill. - The load/unload modules may be provided with one or more sensors that cooperate with a tool control system for controlling proper operation of the modules. In the illustrative embodiment,
tray position sensors 7036 are provided adjacent each gripper plate to detect a tray that may be misplaced within the gripper assembly. In one embodiment, the tray sensors include a pair of optical detector and emitter sensors supported on opposing sides of the gripper frame to ensure that the tray is not out of position within the cassette. - The gripper assembly may also include a sensor to monitor presence of a tray in the cassette. In one embodiment, the
sensor 7038 is a through-beam sensor that includes a source and a receiver mounted to opposing sides of the gripper frame above the tray receiving area to monitor the presence of a tray on the gripper arms. - A sensor may also be provided to ensure the presence of a cassette in the gripper mechanism. In one embodiment, the
cassette sensor 7040 includes an optical reflective sensor. Sensors may also be provided to monitor the position of the gripper plates. In one embodiment, a pair of magnetic sensors are disposed on each air cylinder to monitor when the actuator is either extended or retracted. Signals from one or more or the sensors may be provided to any suitable control system as would be apparent to one of skill in the art to monitor and control the gripper mechanism. It should also be understood that any suitable sensor may be employed to monitor any desirable parameter of the mechanism for loading and/or unloading trays from the system. - Having described various embodiments of a load/unload module for use in the fiber preparation system, it should be understood that the description is by way of example only and that other suitable configurations may be implemented with the system as would be apparent to one of skill.
- Centralizing Clamp
- One or more of the process tools, as described above, may include a centralizing clamp for positioning a length of fiber along a predefined clamping axis. The clamp captures a fiber having any outer diameter within a range of diameters and positions the fiber coaxial with the clamping axis. The clamp also captures and positions the fiber regardless of its location within a region of uncertainty about the clamping axis.
- The clamp may be employed to precisely locate a fiber in a desired position to facilitate various manufacturing processes. For example, the clamp may be particularly suited to precisely locate an optical fiber for stripping, cleaning, cleaving and ferrule attachment processes associated with the fabrication of optical fiber pigtails and the like. In this regard, the clamp may be configured for use with optical fibers having an outer diameter from approximately 180 μm to approximately 900 μm. It is to be appreciated, however, that the clamp may be utilized for any application where it is desirable to precisely locate a fiber, wire, cable and other like objects in a desired position.
- The clamp includes clamping jaws that are movable between an open position for receiving and releasing the fiber and a closed position for capturing and centralizing the fiber along the clamping axis. The jaws may be configured to form a radial opening in the open position to receive the fiber in a radial direction relative to the clamping axis. The jaws may form a fiber receptacle in the closed position that is adapted to radially position the fiber coaxial with the clamping axis.
- The jaws may be configured to apply a desired clamping force in the closed position to grip and retain the fiber, without damaging the fiber, when it is placed under axial tension. In this regard, the jaws may be configured to grip the fiber with minimal, if any, shear force placed on the fiber. Additionally, the clamping force of the jaws may be adjustable.
- Each clamp jaw may include at least two clamp surfaces that are configured to cooperate with their respective opposing clamp surfaces to centralize and grip the fiber along the clamping axis. The pair of opposing clamp surfaces move toward a pair of clamping planes that intersect each other along the clamping axis. The intersecting plane configuration of the clamp surfaces facilitates the accurate positioning of the fiber along the clamping axis. The clamp surfaces may be adapted to clamp the fiber using only radial compressive forces and substantially without exerting any shear forces on the fiber.
- The clamp may be configured to automatically actuate the jaws between the open and closed positions. One or more sensors may be employed to determine the operational configuration of the jaws and/or to sense the presence of a fiber within the fiber receptacle.
- It is to be appreciated that the centralizing clamp may include any one or combination of these and other features. Several examples of centralizing clamps suitable for use with any of the embodiments of the present invention described above is described in co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “Centralizing Clamp”, filed on even date herewith, and incorporated herein by reference (hereafter the “Centralizing Clamp Application”). However, it should be appreciated that the embodiment of the present invention directed to automated preparation of optical fiber is not limited to use with any particular clamp. The description of the centralizing clamp provided in the Centralizing Clamp Application is presented below.
- In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIGS. 71-72 , the centralizingclamp 8020 includes a pair of opposed clampingjaws 8100 that are moveably supported by aclamp base 8102 between an open position (FIG. 71 ) and a closed position (FIG. 72 ). The base is configured to support the jaws relative to apredefined clamping axis 8104. In the open position, thejaws 8100 form a radial opening 8105 that is adapted to receive a fiber in a radial direction relative to the clamping axis. In the closed position, thejaws 8100 capture the fiber located anywhere within a region of uncertainty between the jaws and position it coaxial with the clamping axis. - Each
clamp jaw 8100 may include at least two clamp surfaces 8106 that are angled relative to each other so that, when the clamp is closed, at least four surfaces cooperate to position the fiber along the clamping axis. In one illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 73 , eachclamp jaw 8100 includes acentral clamp surface 8202 and a pair ofend clamp surfaces 8204 disposed at opposite ends of the jaw. Theend clamp 8204 surfaces are oriented transverse to thecentral clamp surface 8202 to form a generally V-shaped notch along the length of the jaw. This configuration provides two centralizing zones at opposite ends of the jaws to facilitate accurate positioning of the fiber coaxial with the clamping axis. - It is to be appreciated that other jaw configurations may be employed to center and grip the fiber. In this regard, each clamp jaw may comprise any number of clamping surfaces which may be of the same or different widths. For example, each jaw may include two, as opposed to three, clamp surfaces having the same surface area that are angled relative to each other to form the V-shaped notch. The clamp may also employ any suitable number of jaws including one or more clamp surfaces.
- The jaws are configured to nest with each other so that the respective
central clamp surfaces 8202 and endclamp surfaces 8204 are positioned opposite each other as the clamp is closed about a fiber with thecentral clamp surface 8202 on one jaw overlapping theend clamp surfaces 8204 of the opposing jaw. As illustrated inFIGS. 74-77 , the opposing V-notch arrangement acts to surround afiber 8300 located in the region ofuncertainty 8302 and collect the fiber in afiber receptacle 8304 that is formed by the notches coaxial with the clampingaxis 8104. As the position of thejaws 8100 changes relative to each other, the size of thefiber receptacle 8304 varies (FIGS. 76-77 ) about the clampingaxis 8104 so that the jaws may position fibers of varying diameters coaxial with the clamping axis. - The clamp surfaces of each jaw are angled relative to each other to establish intersecting
planes 8402, 8404 (FIG. 75 ) between the jaws as they are placed in the closed position. Since a pair of opposing surfaces maintain a fiber parallel to a plane defined by the surfaces, employing a jaw configuration including two pairs of opposing surfaces maintains a fiber parallel to two intersecting planes which facilitate the positioning of the fiber coaxial with the clamping axis. In one illustrative embodiment, thecentral clamp surface 8202 is oriented perpendicular to the end clamp surfaces 8204. However, it is to be appreciated that the clamp surfaces may be oriented at any desired angle relative to each other provided that the angle formed between the clamp surfaces is equal for each of the clamp jaws. - The notched jaw configuration, illustrated in
FIGS. 73-77 , exerts equal and opposite clamping forces on a fiber gripped between the jaws with minimal, if any, shear forces being induced in the fiber. The end clamp surfaces 8204 may be recessed slightly from thecentral clamp surface 8202 so that the clamping force exerted on the fiber is uniformly distributed over the length of the central clamp surfaces 8202. This arrangement evenly distributes opposing forces over a large area of the fiber and reduces the risk of damaging the fiber, allowing the clamp to exert sufficient force to hold the fiber in position while it is placed under axial tension. However, the clamp is not limited in this regard and theend clamp surfaces 8204 need not be recessed such that the clamping force may be exerted by each of the clamp surfaces. - Referring again to
FIGS. 71-72 , in one illustrative embodiment, thejaws 8100 are attached to upper ends of a pair ofclamp arms 8108 rotatably mounted to thebase 8102 about a pair of arm pivots 8110. Lower ends of theclamp arms 8108 are coupled to acam plate 8112 that is movably supported by the base. As shown, the upper end of the cam plate may include a pair ofangled slots 8114 that cooperate withcam followers 8116 located on the lower ends of the arms to open and close theclamp jaws 8100. In this regard, moving thecam plate 8112 in a downward direction away from the jaws drives thecam followers 8116 toward each other, which in turn rotates the jaws apart toward the open position (FIG. 71 ). Conversely, moving thecam plate 8112 in an upward direction toward thejaws 8100 drives thecam followers 8116 apart, which in turn rotates the clamp jaws toward the closed position (FIG. 72 ). Thecam plate 8112 is slidably mounted to thebase 8102 with arail 8115 andcarriage 8117 arrangement (FIG. 80 ) disposed between the cam plate and the base. - It is to be understood that any suitable arrangement may be employed to move the
clamp jaws 8100 between the open and closed positions. For example, the lower ends of theclamp arms 8108 may be coupled to independent links that are connected to a common follower. As another example, the clamp arms may mounted to the base to move toward and away from each other in a linear direction. As a further example, the clamp arms may be rotatably mounted to the base about a common axis. These examples are not intended to be limiting as other arrangements may be implemented as may be apparent to one of skill. - The
cam plate 8112 may be coupled to an actuator which drives the cam plate in a linear direction along the base. In one illustrative embodiment, theactuator 8118 includes an air cylinder with apiston 8120 that is extended and retracted in response to the application of air pressure. Thepiston 8120 is coupled to thecam plate 8112 with abracket 8122 extending from the side of the plate. It is to be appreciated, however, that any suitable actuation arrangement may be implemented to drive the cam plate relative to the base. For example, a motor and lead screw arrangement may be used to drive the cam plate. - Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the clamp jaws may not be rotatably mounted to the base, but may be moved in a linear direction between the open and closed positions. An exploded view of a clamp having clamp jaws that are movably supported by the base is illustrated in
FIG. 78 . Theclamp jaws 8100 are mounted to clampblocks 8154 which may slide oncarriages 8155. Thecarriages 8155 move linearly on arail 8157, but any suitable method of bringing the twojaws 8100 together may be used. Astop 8161 on one end and acylinder mount 8165 on the other end may provide limits to the outward movement of theclamp jaws 8100. Ahard stop 8162 may be provided to prevent theclamp jaws 8100 from closing too far and damaging the fiber.Fasteners 8167 may be used to attach the clamp blocks 8154 tocylinder couplings 8169 that may be driven bypneumatic cylinders 8171 in opposite directions. That is, one coupling retracts while the other extends open and shut the jaws. Any suitable actuator may be used to bring the twojaws 8100 together such as, for example, a solenoid or electric motor. A single actuator coupled to both clampjaws 8100 may also be used. - In addition to centralizing a fiber along the clamping axis, it may be desirable to grip the fiber with sufficient force to securely hold it in position, without damaging the fiber, while the fiber is placed under axial tension as may occur during one or more operations on the fiber end. For example, stripping or cleaving the end of an optical fiber may require that the fiber be placed under significant axial tension. The amount of clamping force may vary depending on the particular operation and/or the particular type of fiber being clamped. Thus, the clamp may be configured to control the amount of clamping force applied to a fiber.
- In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIGS. 71-72 , acompression spring 8124 is disposed between thepiston 8120 and thecam bracket 8122. The spring may be held in position using anysuitable retainer 8126, such as a shoulder screw and the like, that extends through thecam bracket 8122 and into the end of thepiston 8120. Once the piston drives the clamp to its closed position (FIG. 72 ), further extension of the piston causes thespring 8124 to compress against thecam bracket 8122 thereby generating a clamping force between the jaws. Of course, other arrangements for generating a desired clamping force may be implemented as may be apparent to one of skill. - It may be desirable to adjust the amount of clamping force for a particular fiber and/or process on the fiber. In the illustrative embodiment, the clamp includes a
stop 8128 that is aligned with thepiston 8120 so as to be engaged by theretainer 8126 as it is driven upward by the piston. Once theretainer 8126 engages thestop 8128, further extension of thepiston 8120 is blocked, thereby limiting the amount of spring compression and, therefore, the clamping force. - To adjust the clamping force in the illustrative embodiment, the
stop 8128 includes anadjustable pin 8129 that may be extended toward and retracted away from the end of the retainer. The stop may be adjustable based on, for example, the diameter of the fiber to be clamped, or a predetermined clamping force for withstanding an axial tension anticipated to be exerted on the fiber. Since the amount of clamping force is a function of the spring constant and the amount of spring compression, one or both of these parameters may be fixed or adjusted to achieve a desired clamping force. It is also to be appreciated that any suitable adjustable force arrangement, if even desired, may be implemented on the clamp. - It may be desirable in some applications to monitor one or more parameters associated with the clamp. In this regard, the clamp may be employed in an automated manufacturing process that would benefit from monitoring a particular parameter of the clamp. For example, it may be desirable to determine if a fiber is present in the jaws before proceeding with an operation requiring the presence of the fiber. As another example, determining if the clamp is open or closed may be desirable before proceeding with certain steps in a process.
- In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIGS. 71-73 , the clamp includes asensor 8130 that is adapted to detect the presence of the fiber within the fiber receptacle. Thesensor 8130 may be supported adjacent at least one of the clampingjaws 8100 and positioned to monitor the fiber receptacle 8304 (FIG. 76 ). As shown, thesensor 8130 may be positioned at the intersection of the clamp surfaces 8202, 8204 of the jaw. It is to be appreciated, however, that the sensor, if even desired, may be placed in any location, within or adjacent the clamp jaw, that is suitable for detecting the presence of a fiber when the clamp is in the closed position. - In one embodiment, the
sensor 8130 is a reflective optical sensor located in a hole 8206 (FIGS. 73-74 ) provided in one of theclamp jaws 8100 with acorresponding hole 8206 being provided in the opposing jaw. When a fiber is located within the fiber receptacle with the clamp heads closed, at least a portion of the light emitted by the sensor is reflected by the fiber back to the sensor. In response to detection of reflected light, the sensor generates a signal indicating the presence of the fiber. Should there be no fiber present in the receptacle when the jaws are closed, light emitted by the sensor passes through the fiber receptacle and corresponding hole in the opposing clamp jaw so that no light is reflected back to the sensor. In the absence of reflected light, the sensor generates no signal indicative of the presence of a fiber in the fiber receptacle. Although a reflective optical sensor is disclosed, it is to be understood that any suitable sensor may be employed to detect the presence of a fiber in the clamp. - At least one sensor may be provided to determine if the clamp is open or closed. In one illustrative embodiment, the clamp includes a pair of sensors supported by the base. A
first sensor 8132 is configured to determine if the clamp is open, while asecond sensor 8134 is configured to determine if the clamp is closed. - In one embodiment, the
sensors sensors FIGS. 71-72 , thesensors base plate 8102 below thecam plate 8112 which has one ormore apertures 8133 extending therethrough. When the clamp is placed in the open position (FIG. 71 ), thefirst sensor 8132 is covered by thecam plate 8112 while theaperture 8133 overlies thesecond sensor 8134 such that the first sensor generates a signal, indicative of the open position of the clamp. Conversely, in the closed position (FIG. 72 ), theaperture 8133 overlies thefirst sensor 8132 while thecam plate 8112 covers thesecond sensor 8134 so that the second sensor generates a signal indicative of the closed position of the clamp. - The dual sensor arrangement provides a relatively reliable sensor arrangement, since a positive signal is generated when the clamp is placed in both the open and closed positions. It is to be understood, however, that any number of sensors, including a single sensor, may be utilized in any suitable arrangement to monitor the positioning of the clamp jaws as being open and closed. It is also to be appreciated that the clamp may employ any suitable type of sensor, such as an optical sensor and the like, for monitoring the clamp positions.
- Any of the signals, or lack thereof, may be used with a process control system and the like to determine whether or not to continue with one or more process steps, generate a fault indication and the like.
- The
clamp base 8102 may be provided with one or more sets of mountingholes 8136 to enable the clamp to be attached to various manufacturing equipment, tools and the like. A plurality of different sets of mounting holes may be provided to accommodate different mounting arrangements on various equipment. - The centralizing clamp may include one or more features for performing various other functions in conjunction with centralizing and gripping a fiber. For example, it may be desirable to clamp the end of a fiber in a desirable position to be cleaned, for example, in a solvent bath. In such an application, it may be desirable to seal the opening through which the fiber extends into the cleaning bath with a seal provided on the clamp.
- In one illustrative embodiment, shown in
FIGS. 79-81 , a centralizingclamp 8500 includes a seal formed by a pair of opposingseal members 8502 supported adjacent a pair ofclamp jaws 8504. Theseal members 8502 are configured to be compressed about the fiber in the closed position. The seal members are also configured to form a plug that may be inserted into the fiber entry port of a cleaning tool. - In one embodiment, the plug has a frusto-conical shape that corresponds to the sealing gland on a cleaning tool. The plug is formed from a compliant, abrasion resistant material, such as a polyurethane material having a hardness of 55 Shore A. As is to be appreciated, however, the seal may be formed from any suitable material for preventing leakage of a solvent or other fluid and may have any suitable shape that is compatible with a corresponding sealing surface.
- In the illustrative embodiment, each sealing
member 8502 is mounted to acorresponding clamp arm 8108 using a mountingplate 8506 that is attached to the arm. The sealingmembers 8502 may be attached to the mounting plates using any suitable fastening arrangement, such as adhesives, screws, rivets and the like. - It may be desirable to maintain a seal with the corresponding sealing surface should there be a disruption of air pressure or other signal to the actuator. In one embodiment, the clamp may employ an
actuator 8508 configured with a passive, spring extendable cylinder (not shown) within the air cylinder that will maintain thepiston 8120 in its extended position in the absence of air pressure to the air cylinder. Other arrangements may be implemented to maintain the seals closed, if desired, as may be apparent to one of skill. - The clamp jaws may be similar to or different from those described above, provided the jaws centralize and clamp the fiber along the predefined clamping axis. In another illustrative embodiment shown in
FIG. 81 , eachclamp jaw 8504 includes a pair ofangled clamp surfaces - In some applications, it may be desirable to capture and centralize the fiber before it becomes sealed between the seal members to ensure that the fiber is accurately positioned coaxial with the clamping axis as the clamp is actuated to the closed position. In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIG. 82 , one of the clamp jaws is fixed to the clamp arm, while the opposing clamp jaw is movably supported on its clamp arm so as to move in a reciprocating radial direction relative to the clamping axis. At least one biasing element, such as acompression spring 8514, may be disposed between themovable jaw 8504 and itsclamp arm 8108 to bias the jaw inwardly toward the clampingaxis 8104 and opposingjaw 8504 so that the jaws engage a fiber prior to the seal members as the clamp arms rotate toward the closed position. As illustrated, the movable jaw may be slidably connected to theclamp arm 8108 with a pair of slide pins 8516. A pair ofcompression springs 8514 may be supported about thepins 8516 to bias the jaw outwardly. It is to be understood, however, that any suitable mounting arrangement may be implemented for movably mounting at least one of the jaws, if desired and that the clamp is not limited to the illustrative arrangements. - In this embodiment, as the
clamp arms 8108 close toward each other, the fiber is first captured and loosely positioned within theclamp jaws 8504 prior to the clamp being fully closed. As theclamp arms 8108 continue to close, theclamp jaws 8504 centralize and lightly clamp the fiber. Additional force generated by the actuator causes thesprings 8514 in the spring-loaded jaw to compress, thereby more tightly clamping the fiber until the clamp jaws are fully closed about the fiber at which time theseal members 8502 engage each other to seal the fiber. - Having described various embodiments of a centralizing clamp for use in the fiber preparation system, it should be understood that the description is by way of example only and that other suitable configurations may be implemented with the system as would be apparent to one of skill.
- Transport Tray
- The system may also include a tray for a coiled fiber, such as an optical fiber. An example of one tray suitable for use with any of the embodiments of the present invention is described in co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “Tray for a Coiled Optical Fiber”, filed on even date herewith, and incorporated herein by reference (hereafter the “Work Tray Application”). However, it should be appreciated that the various embodiments of the present invention directed to automated preparation of optical fiber is not limited to use with any particular transport medium. Various illustrative embodiments of a tray, as provided in the Work Tray Application, are presented below.
- The tray is configured to transport the fiber through an automated manufacturing process, such as fiber preparation and ferrule attachment to one or both ends of an optical fiber to fabricate a fiber pigtail. The tray may also be configured to maintain one or more portions of the fiber in a desired position to facilitate the manufacturing process. The tray may protect the fiber from damage that can occur due to handling, transportation and/or storage.
- The tray may include any one or more of a number of features for retaining the coiled fiber thereon. In this regard, the tray may include a containment feature, such as a receptacle, that receives the coiled fiber and maintains the fiber in a coiled position while the fiber is transported, stored and/or assembled. A locking mechanism may be provided to retain the coiled fiber in the receptacle. One or more retainers may be provided on the tray to hold one or both end portions of the fiber in a selected position, either during transportation or storage of the fiber, or during manufacturing processes on the end portion of the fiber. The retainer may be configured to hold a fiber having any one of a range of fiber diameters or ferrules of various shapes attached to the end of an optical fiber. This feature adds to the utility and convenience of the tray, since it allows the same tray to be used to transport or store fibers having different fiber diameters and/or ferrule shapes.
- The tray may also include any one or more of a number of registration features configured to facilitate the handling and positioning of the tray during a manufacturing process. The registration features may be configured to mate with corresponding features provided on one or more manufacturing tools or stations to position the tray relative to the tool or station. Registration features may also be employed to cooperate with a transporter that moves the tray between multiple fiber processing stations.
- While the tray is particularly suited for the fabrication, transportation and storage of an optical fiber, it is to be appreciated that the tray may be employed with any type of fiber, wire, cable or cable-like device that may need to be retained in a coiled configuration.
- In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIGS. 83-84 , thetray 222 includes a base 9012 with areceptacle 9014 that is configured to receive one or more coils of thefiber 9020. The receptacle may be configured to receive coils of fiber, which have been coiled about a coil axis, in a direction along the coil axis. Alternatively, the fiber may be coiled into the receptacle, also in a direction along a coil axis. As illustrated, thereceptacle 9014 has a circular shape that is configured to match the shape of the coiled fiber. In this regard, it may be desirable to configure the receptacle with a diameter that equals or exceeds a minimum bend radius allowable for the fiber. This may have particular application for an optical fiber which could be damaged should it be coiled too tightly. In one embodiment, the receptacle has a diameter of approximately 75 mm. It is to be appreciated, however, that the receptacle may be configured to have any suitable shape and size to receive a coiled fiber. - The
receptacle 9014 is centrally located on thebase 9012 and configured to position and hold the coiledfiber 9020 in a known location on the base. In the illustrative embodiment, thereceptacle 9014 includes one or moreupstanding walls 9016 which provide a coil containment feature. The receptacle may also include acentral hub 9018 spaced inwardly from the wall to form anannular recess 9022 in thebase 9012 that is configured to provide a secure location for the coiled fiber. - It may be desirable to allow one or both end portions of the coiled fiber to extend from the receptacle so that any of a number of various manufacturing processes may be performed on the fiber. For example, it may be desirable to prepare the end portion of an optical fiber held in the tray for attachment of a ferrule. In one embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 84 , the receptacle wall includes openings orbreaks 9024 to allow the ends of the coiled fiber to exit from the same general region of the containment receptacle. It is to be appreciated that any number of openings may be located on any desirable portion of the receptacle suitable for any particular application. - To ensure a secure attachment of the coiled fiber within the receptacle, the tray may be provided with a lock mechanism to retain the coiled fiber on the tray. The lock mechanism may be configured to be operable between an open or unlocked position and a closed or locked position. With the lock mechanism in the unlocked position, the coiled fiber may be inserted into or removed from the receptacle, while the fiber is retained in the receptacle when the lock mechanism is in the locked position.
- In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIGS. 83-84 , thelock mechanism 9026 includes a plurality oflatches 9028 that are movably supported on the base of the tray. Each latch may be rotatably supported from thereceptacle wall 9016 so as to move toward and away from the inner surface of the receptacle wall between the locked and unlocked positions, respectively. As shown, the lock mechanism may employ threelatches 9028 equally spaced about the perimeter of the receptacle. It is to be appreciated, however, that any number of latches may be located as desired relative to the receptacle. - In the closed position as illustrated in
FIG. 85 , eachlatch 9028 overlies therecess 9022 and engages the inner surface of thereceptacle wall 9016 to retain the coiled fiber in the receptacle. A portion of the receptacle wall opposite the latch may be provided with a recess ordepression 9030 that is configured to receive anose portion 9032 of the latch therein to enhance the containment capability of the receptacle. - In the unlocked configuration as shown in
FIG. 86 , eachlatch 9028 is rotated away from the inner wall to free thecoiled fiber 9020 from therecess 9022 so that it can be removed from the receptacle. Eachlatch 9028 may be opened by depressing alever portion 9034 of the latch either manually or with a process tool. The latch may include acamming surface 9035 configured to receive pressure from an operator or process tool to rotate the latch to the open position. - As indicated above, each
latch 9028 is rotatably supported within thereceptacle 9014. In one illustrative embodiment shown inFIG. 87 , one side of the latch includes aconical recess 9036 configured to mate with a correspondingconical pin 9038 extending from a support provided on the receptacle wall. The opposite side of the latch includes an elongatedconical pin 9040 that is journaled on asupport 9041 provided on the receptacle wall. Thepin 9040 is held in the support with a biasing member, such as acantilevered spring 9043, that engages the tip of the pin. It is to be appreciated that other connection arrangements may be employed to rotatably mount the latches to the tray. - To ensure that the
latch 9028 securely maintains the fiber within the receptacle, the latch may be biased toward the closed position and into engagement with the wall. In one illustrative embodiment shown inFIGS. 83-84 , each latch is biased toward the closed position with a cantileveredleaf spring 9042. The spring includes aU-shaped end 9044 that is slidably coupled to thelever portion 9032 of the latch. The spring may be configured to preload the latch to ensure that it engages the wall in the closed position with some amount of locking force. - As illustrated, the
spring 9042 may be curved to provide a spring length capable of generating a desired amount of spring force. The spring may also have a tapered shape along its length to distribute force evenly along the length of the spring. - Since it may be desirable to secure the end portions of the fiber to facilitate a manufacturing process, reduce potential damage to the ends and the like, the
tray 222 may be provided with one or more retainers configured to hold end portions of the fiber in one or more orientations. In this regard, one or both end portions may be positioned to allow work to be done on the ends of the fiber while the remainder of the fiber is maintained in the coiled configuration, thus precluding the need to uncoil and recoil the fiber during assembly procedures. Conversely, one or both end portions may be positioned on the tray in a storage position to protect the ends from potential damage during handling, transport, storage and the like. - As shown in the illustrative embodiment, the
tray 222 includes a pair offirst retainers 9046 and a pair ofsecond retainers 9048 positioned on the tray to hold the end portions of the fiber in one or more predetermined locations or orientations. - The
first retainers 9046 are aligned with each other at opposite ends of the tray to allow eachend 9047 of the fiber to extend outwardly from the tray. This orientation positions the fiber ends in readily accessible locations to facilitate manufacturing processes on one or both ends of the fiber. For some applications, the tray may be positioned so that the same or different processes may be performed simultaneously on both ends of the fiber. For an optical fiber, this orientation may be suitable for stripping, cleaning, cleaving, ferrule attachment and the like to the ends of the fiber. - The
second retainers 9048 are positioned on the tray base at an orientation that differs from thefirst retainers 9046 to maintain the fiber ends 9047 within the confines of the tray (shown in phantom). In one embodiment, the second retainers are located on the base of the tray such that the minimum bend radius of the fiber is maintained when the end of the coil extends from thereceptacle 9014 to theretainer 9048. The minimum bend radius of the fiber may thus, at least to a certain degree, dictate the size of the tray, and also define the location and angular orientation of the retainers. Thesecond retainers 9048 are particularly suited to storing theend portions 9047 of the fiber on the tray to reduce the possibility of damaging the fiber ends during handling, transportation, storage and the like. It is to be understood that the number and location of retainers may vary to suit any desirable application. - Each
retainer - In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIG. 88 , the retainer includes a spring-type clip 9050 that is attached to the base between a pair of opposingposts 9052. The clip includes a pair ofresilient legs 9051 arranged in a generally V-shaped configuration. The upper ends of thelegs 9051 press against theposts 9052 to urge the legs toward each other to grip a fiber placed between them. The resiliency of the legs allows the retainer to grasp fibers having any of a range of outer diameters with sufficient force to secure them in the retainer while also limiting potential damage to the fiber. Theclip 9050 may be a detachable part configured to be plugged into a hole in the base between the posts. - Since it may be desirable to limit the number of separate components for the tray, the
retainers FIG. 89 , the retainer includes atapered notch 9054 integrally formed between theposts 9052. The retainer includes opposing sidewalls that converge toward each other from the top end of the posts toward the bottom end of the posts to form the notch. - As illustrated, the taper may be non-uniform and become steeper at the lower portion. This allows for more secure holding of narrower fibers. In one embodiment, the
walls 9056 along the upper portion of the notch may be angled approximately 12° relative to a vertical line through the center of the notch, while thewalls 9058 along its lower portion may be angled approximately 8° from the vertical line. These exemplary angles may be suitable for securing fibers having an outer diameter from approximately 180 μm to approximately 900 μm. It is to be appreciated that retainers having any suitable configuration may be employed to secure the fiber ends in the tray. - While the second retainers position the end portions of the fiber within the tray for protection, the fiber ends may nevertheless be susceptible to damage. For example, the end of an optical fiber may become scratched, chipped or suffer other damage from contact with the tray. Thus, it may be desirable to configure the tray to avoid contact with the fiber end.
- In one illustrative embodiment shown in
FIGS. 83-84 , the tray includes anaperture 9060 in the base located proximate to thesecond retainer 9048. The aperture allows thefiber end 9047 extending beyond the retainer to “float” without contacting the base of the tray. As shown,aperture 9060 may be bell-shaped or cone-shaped, to allow for movement of the end of the fiber extending beyond the retainer. It is to be appreciated, however, that the aperture may be any desired shape. - For some applications, it may be desirable to further secure the fiber ends to the tray, rather than allowing the end to float. For example, due to the added weight of a ferrule, it may be advantageous to secure the ferrule to the tray. In one illustrative embodiment, a
fiber end retainer 9062 may be provided adjacent one or both of thesecond retainers 9048 to secure that portion of thefiber end 9047 extending beyond the second retainer. Thefiber end retainer 9062 may include aclip 9064 that is configured to retain the fiber end and or ferrule attached to the fiber end. Theretainer 9062 may be attached to the base using one or more snaps, studs, or other suitable fastener that is configured to mate with a corresponding feature, such as ahole 9065, on the base of the tray. As shown, thefiber end retainer 9062 may be adapted to fit over theaperture 9060 described above. It is to be appreciated that the fiber end retainer may be attached to the tray using any suitable fastening arrangement and it may be configured to accommodate a fiber end and/or ferrule having any shape and/or size. - Since fibers and/or ferrules have various shapes and sizes, the tray may be provided with at least two
interchangeable retainers 9062 that are detachably supported on the base of the tray. Depending on the size or shape of the fiber or component, such as a ferrule, attached to the fiber end, one of the retainers may be selectively attached to the base. Any number of interchangeable retainers may be provided to accommodate a variety of shapes and sizes of fibers and ferrules, which allows the same tray to be used in any number of applications. - To enhance the utility of the tray for one or more manufacturing applications, the tray may be provided with one or more registration features to facilitate handling, positioning and/or maintaining the tray, and a coiled fiber contained thereon, in a desired location. For example, the registration features may be provided to align and mate the receptacle with a fiber spooling and insertion tool. Other examples include, but are not limited to, registration features for positioning and maintaining the tray at one or more various manufacturing stations, and coupling the tray to a transporter that carries the tray between various locations.
- In one illustrative embodiment, the tray includes a plurality of receptacle registration features 9066 located on the central hub of the receptacle that are configured to cooperate with corresponding features on a fiber spooling and insertion tool to facilitate transfer of coiled fiber from the tool to the receptacle. These registration features may be separate and independent from any other registration features on the tray that may be used to transport the tray from one location to another. This allows the coiled fiber to be accurately positioned in the receptacle regardless of any system tolerances or uncertainty in the location of the tray that may arise from other tools. As shown, three registration features are arranged in a triangular configuration. The receptacle registration features 9066 are configured as upwardly facing recesses having a funnel or frusto-conical shape to facilitate mating with corresponding conical pins on the tool. It is to be appreciated, however, that any number of registration features may be provided having any shape and arrangement as desired.
- As indicated above, the tray may also include one or more registration features for transporting and positioning the tray at one or more process tools. In one illustrative embodiment, the tray includes a pair of
registration holes elongated slot 70 at the other end of the base that are linearly aligned with each other. Theslot 9070 provides some flexibility in the registration and prevents the tray from being over-constrained. Theouter hole 9068 a andslot 9070 may be employed to position the tray relative to a process tool, while theinner hole 9068 b may cooperate with theslot 9070 for transporting the tray between various process tools. The holes and slot are configured as downwardly facing recesses having a funnel or frusto-conical shape to facilitate mating with corresponding pins on a locating and/or transporting device. This feature allows the tray to be positioned accurately with respect to one or more tools that perform operations on the ends of the fiber. As mentioned previously, this feature may be independent of another registration feature used to position the tray to receive the coiled fiber. It is to be understood that any number and arrangement of registration features having any suitable shape may be implemented on the tray. - The tray may be provided with a stacking feature to facilitate manufacturing processes and/or storage by allowing a plurality of trays to be stacked on top of one another. In one illustrative embodiment, the tray includes one or more
upstanding ribs 9074 along the perimeter of the base and acomplementary skirt 9076 extending downwardly from the perimeter of the base. Theskirt 9076 is configured to mate with and rest on theupstanding ribs 9074 of an adjacent tray. The skirt and ribs may also be configured to interlock in a manner that reduces movement between stacked trays. - Since the tray, as illustrated, has an asymmetrical configuration, it may be desirable to provide a keying feature to ensure that the tray is properly oriented during a manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the tray includes a key 9078 in the form of a semi-circular relief along one end of the base. The key 9078 ensures that the tray is positioned in a particular orientation when used in conjunction with a tool having a corresponding keying feature. Of course, the tray may incorporate any suitable keying feature.
- The tray may be formed from a material capable of withstanding relatively high temperatures, for example up to 150° C., since for some applications, such as optical fiber preparation and assembly, the tray may need to be subjected to high temperatures to set and cure an adhesive employed to attach a component, such as a ferrule, to the fiber. It may also be desirable to use a material that is resistant to various process chemicals and/or meets industry standards regarding electrostatic discharge (ESD). The retainers may be formed from the same or a more compliant material for accommodating various shapes and sizes of fiber and ferrules while also reducing potential damage to the components. In one embodiment, the tray is injection molded from a carbon-filled polysulfone plastic material and the plug-in
retainers - As illustrated, the tray may have a rectangular base configuration with the circular receptacle centrally located on the base. In one embodiment, the tray has a width of approximately 4.5 inches, a length of approximately 6.0 inches and a height of approximately 0.5 inches. The tray is also configured with a stackable pitch distance of approximately 0.375 inches. It should be understood that the tray may be configured to have any suitable size and shape for an application.
- Having described various embodiments of a tray for use in the fiber preparation system, it should be understood that the description is by way of example only and that other suitable configurations may be implemented with the system as would be apparent to one of skill.
- Having described several illustrative embodiments of the invention in detail, various modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention is limited only as defined by the following claims and the equivalents thereto.
Claims (18)
1. An automated fiber preparation apparatus for an optical fiber, comprising:
a transporter having an upstream end and a downstream end, the transporter being constructed and arranged to automatically and simultaneously index a plurality of trays to a plurality of process stations in a direction from the upstream end toward the downstream end in response to a control signal, each of the plurality of trays being configured to hold an optical fiber;
a strip tool positioned at one of the plurality of process stations between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter, the strip tool being constructed and arranged to automatically strip coating from an end portion of the optical fiber in response to a control signal; and
a cleave tool positioned at one of the plurality of process stations between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter, the cleave tool being constructed and arranged to automatically cleave the end portion of the optical fiber in response to a control signal.
2. The fiber preparation apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the cleave tool is positioned between the strip tool and the downstream end of the transporter.
3. The fiber preparation apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a cleaning tool positioned at one of the plurality of process stations between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter, the cleaning tool being constructed and arranged to automatically clean the end portion of the optical fiber in response to a control signal.
4. The fiber preparation apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the cleaning tool is positioned between the strip tool and the downstream end of the transporter.
5. The fiber preparation apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a spooling tool positioned between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter, the spooling tool being constructed and arranged to automatically wind, in response to a control signal, the optical fiber into a coiled fiber that includes at least one coil of fiber with the end portion of fiber extending from the at least one coil.
6. The fiber preparation apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the spooling tool is constructed and arranged to place the coiled fiber onto each of the trays.
7. The fiber preparation apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the spooling tool is positioned between the upstream end of the transporter and the strip tool.
8. The fiber preparation apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a ferrule attachment tool positioned between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter, the ferrule attachment tool being constructed and arranged to automatically attach a ferrule to the end portion of the optical fiber in response to a control signal.
9. The fiber preparation apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the ferrule attachment tool is positioned between the cleave tool and the downstream end of the transporter.
10. An automated fiber preparation apparatus for an optical fiber, comprising:
a transporter having an upstream end and a downstream end, the transporter being constructed and arranged to automatically index a tray, which is configured to hold the optical fiber, to a plurality of process stations in a direction from the upstream end toward the downstream end in response to a control signal, wherein the transporter is configured to support the tray from below and to index the tray in a linear direction while supporting the tray from below;
a strip tool positioned at one of the plurality of process stations between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter, the strip tool being constructed and arranged to automatically strip coating from an end portion of the optical fiber in response to a control signal; and
a cleave tool positioned at one of the plurality of process stations between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter, the cleave tool being constructed and arranged to automatically cleave the end portion of the optical fiber in response to a control signal.
11. The fiber preparation apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the transporter includes a walking beam.
12. The fiber preparation apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a fiber placement tool that is constructed and arranged to reposition the end portion of the fiber on each of the trays in response to a control signal.
13. The fiber preparation apparatus according to claim 1 , in combination with the plurality of trays.
14. The combination according to claim 13 , wherein each of the trays has an outer perimeter, each of the trays being constructed and arranged to retain at least one end portion of the optical fiber extending outwardly beyond the outer perimeter.
15. A method of automatically preparing a length of optical fiber, the method comprising steps of:
(a) providing the length of optical fiber;
(b) automatically stripping an end portion of the optical fiber;
(c) automatically cleaving the end portion of the optical fiber; and
(d) automatically transporting the optical fiber from the strip tool to the cleave tool.
16. A method of automatically preparing a length of optical fiber, the method comprising steps of:
(a) providing the optical fiber on a tray;
(b) automatically transporting the tray from an upstream end toward a downstream end of a transporter;
(c) automatically processing an end portion of the optical fiber in the tray between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter; and
(d) automatically unloading the tray with the optical fiber contained thereon from the downstream end of the transporter.
17. A method of automatically preparing a length of optical fiber, the method comprising steps of:
(a) providing the optical fiber on a tray, which has an outer perimeter, with at least one end portion of the optical fiber extending outwardly beyond the outer perimeter of the tray in a first orientation;
(b) automatically transporting the tray from an upstream end toward a downstream end of an automated transporter;
(c) automatically processing the end portion of the optical fiber in the tray between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter; and
(d) automatically placing the end portion of the optical fiber within the tray in a second orientation that is different from the first orientation so that the end portion is contained within the outer perimeter of the tray, subsequent to step (c).
18. A method of automatically preparing a length of optical fiber, the method comprising steps of:
(a) providing the optical fiber on a tray with opposing end portions of the optical fiber extending from opposite ends of the tray;
(b) automatically transporting the tray from an upstream end toward a downstream end of an automated transporter; and
(c) automatically processing the end portions of the optical fiber simultaneously in the tray between the upstream end and the downstream end of the transporter.
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US20100183273A1 (en) * | 2009-01-19 | 2010-07-22 | Christian Heidler | Apparatus and method for processing at least one optical waveguide |
US8346042B2 (en) * | 2009-01-19 | 2013-01-01 | Ccs Technology, Inc. | Apparatus and method for processing at least one optical waveguide |
US20130129294A1 (en) * | 2009-01-19 | 2013-05-23 | Christian Heidler | Apparatus and method for processing an optical waveguide |
US8676021B2 (en) * | 2009-01-19 | 2014-03-18 | Ccs Technology, Inc. | Apparatus and method for processing an optical waveguide |
US8792764B1 (en) | 2010-12-22 | 2014-07-29 | Lee Technologies, Inc. | Optical fiber cleaver |
US9239428B2 (en) | 2011-09-28 | 2016-01-19 | Ksaria Corporation | Epoxy dispensing system and dispensing tip used therewith |
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US20030007774A1 (en) | 2003-01-09 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
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Owner name: BMO HARRIS BANK N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, ILL Free format text: GRANT OF A SECURITY INTEREST IN PATENTS;ASSIGNOR:KSARIA CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:047381/0304 Effective date: 20180928 |