Cleaning device for fiber optic connectors

Abstract

A device for cleaning a polished end-face of an optical connector is disclosed. The device comprises (a) a three-dimensional base having at least three sides; (b) a cleaning media disposed on at least a portion of at least one side of said base; and (c) means for fastening said cleaning media to said base. The device is particularly useful for cleaning the polished end faces of ferrules that use guide pins and guide pin holes.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for cleaning a polished end-face of an optical connector, said device comprising: 
 (a) a three dimensional base having at least three sides, said base having a polygonal cross-section;    (b) a cleaning media disposed on at least a portion of at least one side of said base; and    (c) means for fastening said cleaning media to said base.    
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said polygonal cross-section is a truncated triangle having at least one truncated angle, said truncated angle having a projected included angle of less than about 30°.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein said base is made from a material selected from the group consisting of metal, polymer, ceramic, wood, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said base is polymeric and selected from the group consisting of acetal homopolymer and copolymer, nylon, polycarbonate, rigid polyvinyl chloride, ABS, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein said acetal homopolymer and copolymer is CELCON™ or DELRIN™.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said cleaning media is a polymer selected from the group consisting of cotton, polyester, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, microfiber, non-woven, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said means for fastening is selected from the group consisting of surface modifying at least one side of said base, an adhesive, a frame, a cover, and combinations thereof.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said surfaced modified side was done using sand blasting techniques.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said sand blasting technique uses silicone carbide as the media and uses an air pressure of about 50 psi.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said frame or cover is selected from the group consisting of polycarbonate, nylon, rigid PVC, and ABS.  
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said means for fastening allows for repositioning of said cleaning media relative to said base.  
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said means for fastening protects at least one portion of said cleaning media from contamination or damage.  
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said adhesive is a microreplicated adhesive.  
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said means for fastening is electrostatic dissipative.  
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said base is selected from the group consisting of a pyramid, a wedge, and a rhomboid.