Optical fiber polishing machine with media exchange and cleaning assemblies

Abstract

An optical fiber polishing machine includes at least one of a media exchange assembly and a cleaning assembly. The media exchange assembly comprises a media exchange platen configured and arranged to support polishing media and an exchange arm having a media engaging assembly configured and arranged to selectively engage the polishing media and configured and arranged to move between the media exchange platen and a polishing machine platen. The cleaning assembly comprises an arm, a housing operatively connected to the arm, a nozzle operatively connected to the housing, and at least one of a water inlet and an air inlet in communication with the nozzle. The arm is configured and arranged to move the housing between first and second positions. The second position is proximate the fixture so that at least one of water and air dispensed through the nozzle during a cleaning process contacts the fixture.

1 . A media exchange assembly for use with an optical fiber polishing machine having a polishing machine platen configured and arranged to support a polishing media, comprising:
 a media exchange platen configured and arranged to support the polishing media; and   an exchange arm having a media engaging assembly configured and arranged to selectively engage the polishing media, the exchange arm configured and arranged to move between the media exchange platen and the polishing machine platen.   
     
     
         2 . The media exchange assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the media exchange platen includes a plurality of platen configured and arranged to support a respective plurality of polishing media for completing a polishing process. 
     
     
         3 . The media exchange assembly of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of platen include a first platen configured and arranged to support a first polishing media, a second platen configured and arranged to support a second polishing media, a third platen configured and arranged to support a third polishing media, and a fourth platen configured and arranged to support a fourth polishing media. 
     
     
         4 . The media exchange assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the exchange arm is configured and arranged to pivot to move between the media exchange platen and the polishing machine platen. 
     
     
         5 . The media exchange assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the exchange arm is configured and arranged to move up and down relative to the media exchange platen and the polishing machine platen. 
     
     
         6 . The media exchange assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor operatively connected to the exchange arm, the sensor configured and arranged to detect the media exchange platen and the polishing machine platen. 
     
     
         7 . The media exchange assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a motor configured and arranged to move the exchange arm. 
     
     
         8 . The media exchange assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a cleaning assembly configured and arranged to clean a fixture operatively connected to the optical fiber polishing machine. 
     
     
         9 . The media exchange assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor operatively connected to the media engaging assembly, the sensor configured and arranged to detect a media locating pin proximate the polishing machine platen. 
     
     
         10 . The media exchange assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a media pusher, the media pusher configured and arranged to seat the polishing media onto the polishing machine platen. 
     
     
         11 . The media exchange assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a carrier ring supports the polishing media and the exchange arm is configured and arranged to selectively engage the carrier ring thereby selectively engaging the polishing media via the carrier ring. 
     
     
         12 . The media exchange assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the carrier ring includes registration features configured and arranged to mate with the polishing machine platen. 
     
     
         13 . The media exchange assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the carrier ring includes a flange and the exchange arm includes opposing bases configured and arranged to engage the flange in an engaging position. 
     
     
         14 . A cleaning assembly for use with an optical fiber polishing machine to which a fixture is operatively connected, comprising:
 an arm;   a housing operatively connected to the arm;   a nozzle operatively connected to the housing; and   at least one of a water inlet and an air inlet in fluid communication with the nozzle;   wherein the arm is configured and arranged to move the housing from a first position to a second position, the second position being proximate the fixture so that at least one of water and air dispensed through the nozzle during a cleaning process contacts at least a portion of the fixture.   
     
     
         15 . The cleaning assembly of  claim 14 , further comprising a motor operatively connected to the arm configured and arranged to move the arm and thereby the housing. 
     
     
         16 . The cleaning assembly of  claim 15 , wherein the motor pivots the arm. 
     
     
         17 . The cleaning assembly of  claim 14 , further comprising a drain. 
     
     
         18 . The cleaning assembly of  claim 14 , further comprising one of a motor drive system or an air drive system configured and arranged to rotate the nozzle with respect to the fixture. 
     
     
         19 . The cleaning assembly of  claim 14 , further comprising a brush operatively connected to the nozzle, the nozzle being configured and arranged to rotate with respect to the fixture to assist in the cleaning process. 
     
     
         20 . The cleaning assembly of  claim 14 , further comprising an iris assembly operatively connected to the housing and movable between an open position and at least one closed position, the at least one closed position narrowing an opening in the housing about the fixture. 
     
     
         21 . The cleaning assembly of  claim 14 , further comprising a spray nozzle operatively connected to the housing and configured and arranged to mist a lubricant onto polishing media positioned on a polishing machine platen of the optical fiber polishing machine. 
     
     
         22 . The cleaning assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the nozzle comprises a seal plate interconnecting a manifold and a diffuser, the seal plate including an aperture configured and arranged to receive a water tube thereby allowing the manifold to seal the water tube and separate the water and air while allowing the manifold to rotate and the water tube to remain stationary. 
     
     
         23 . The cleaning assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the nozzle includes angled surfaces configured and arranged to fan out air so that when water contacts fanned out air the water is dispensed as a fine mist. 
     
     
         24 . The cleaning assembly of  claim 14 , wherein only air is dispensed to assist in drying. 
     
     
         25 . An optical fiber polishing machine comprising:
 a processor; and   a memory storing instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to:
 move a first polishing media from a first media exchange platen to a polishing machine platen; 
 lower a fixture from a first fixture position to a second fixture position proximate the polishing machine platen to polish at least one optical fiber supported by the fixture via the first polishing media; 
 raise the fixture to the first fixture position; and 
 rotate a cleaning assembly from a first cleaning assembly position to a second cleaning assembly position proximate the fixture to clean the at least one optical fiber. 
   
     
     
         26 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 25 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 during the cleaning of the at least one optical fiber, move the first polishing media from the polishing machine platen to the first media exchange platen; and   move a second polishing media from a second media exchange platen to the polishing machine platen.   
     
     
         27 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 26 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 apply, via the cleaning assembly, a mist of lubricant onto the second polishing media; and   rotate the cleaning assembly to the first cleaning assembly position.   
     
     
         28 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 27 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 receive, via a user interface, a mist spray pressure parameter and a mist spray duration parameter; and   wherein the instructions to apply the mist of lubricant comprises instructions to apply the mist of lubricant onto the second polishing media based on the mist spray pressure parameter and the mist spray duration parameter.   
     
     
         29 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 27 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 lower the fixture from the first fixture position to the second fixture position to polish the at least one optical fiber via the second polishing media;   raise the fixture to the first fixture position; and   rotate the cleaning assembly from the first cleaning assembly position to the second cleaning assembly position proximate the fixture to again clean the at least one optical fiber.   
     
     
         30 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 25 , wherein the instructions to clean the at least one optical fiber comprise instructions to apply, via a diffuser, water and/or air to the at least one optical fiber. 
     
     
         31 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 30 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 receive, via a user interface, at least one of a water pressure parameter, an air pressure parameter, a rotation speed of the diffuser parameter, a direction of the diffuser parameter, a duration of cleaning parameter, or a duration of drying parameter; and   wherein the instructions to clean the at least one optical fiber comprises instructions to clean the at least one optical fiber based on the at least one of the water pressure parameter, the air pressure parameter, the rotation speed of the diffuser parameter, the direction of the diffuser parameter, the duration of cleaning parameter, or the duration of drying parameter.   
     
     
         32 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 25 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 receive, via a user interface, a first polishing media pad parameter and a first polishing media film parameter; and   display, via a media setup screen of the user interface, the first polishing media pad parameter and the first polishing media film parameter.   
     
     
         33 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 25 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 display, via an automation screen of a user interface, a position and status of the cleaning assembly and a position and status of an exchange arm used to move the first polishing media from the first media exchange platen to the polishing machine platen.   
     
     
         34 . An optical fiber polishing machine comprising:
 a processor; and   a memory storing instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to:
 move a first polishing media from a first media exchange platen to a polishing machine platen; 
 lower a fixture from a first fixture position to a second fixture position to polish at least one optical fiber supported by the fixture via the first polishing media; 
 raise the fixture to the first fixture position; 
 move the first polishing media from the polishing machine platen to the first media exchange platen; and 
 move a second polishing media from a second media exchange platen to the polishing machine platen. 
   
     
     
         35 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 34 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 lower the fixture from the first fixture position to the second fixture position to polish the at least one optical fiber via the second polishing media;   raise the fixture to the first fixture position;   move the second polishing media from the polishing machine platen to the second media exchange platen; and   move a third polishing media from a third media exchange platen to the polishing machine platen.   
     
     
         36 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 34 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 receive, via a user interface, a first polishing media pad parameter, a first polishing media film parameter, a second polishing media pad parameter, and a second polishing media film parameter; and   display, via a media setup screen of the user interface, the first polishing media pad parameter, the first polishing media film parameter, the second polishing media pad parameter, and the second polishing media film parameter.   
     
     
         37 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 35 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 apply a first mist of lubricant onto the first polishing media prior to polishing the at least one optical fiber via the first polishing media; and   apply a second mist of lubricant onto the second polishing media prior to polishing the at least one optical fiber via the second polishing media.   
     
     
         38 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 37 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 receive, via a user interface, a first mist spray pressure parameter, a first mist spray duration parameter, a second mist spray pressure parameter, and a second mist spray duration parameter; and   wherein the instructions to apply the first mist of lubricant comprises instructions to apply the first mist of lubricant onto the first polishing media based on the first mist spray pressure parameter and the first mist spray duration parameter; and   wherein the instructions to apply the second mist of lubricant comprises instructions to apply the second mist of lubricant onto the second polishing media based on the second mist spray pressure parameter and the second mist spray duration parameter.   
     
     
         39 . An optical fiber polishing machine comprising:
 a processor; and   a memory storing instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to:
 lower a fixture from a first fixture position to a second fixture position to polish at least one optical fiber supported by the fixture via a first polishing media; 
 raise the fixture to the first fixture position; and 
 rotate a cleaning assembly from a first cleaning assembly position to a second cleaning assembly position proximate the fixture to clean the at least one optical fiber. 
   
     
     
         40 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 39 , wherein the instructions to clean the at least one optical fiber comprises instructions to apply, via a diffuser, water and/or air to the at least one optical fiber. 
     
     
         41 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 40 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 receive, via a user interface, at least one of a water pressure parameter, an air pressure parameter, a rotation speed of the diffuser parameter, a direction of the diffuser parameter, a duration of cleaning parameter, or a duration of drying parameter; and   wherein the instructions to clean the at least one optical fiber comprises instructions to clean the at least one optical fiber based on the at least one of the water pressure parameter, the air pressure parameter, the rotation speed of the diffuser parameter, the direction of the diffuser parameter, the duration of cleaning parameter, or the duration of drying parameter.   
     
     
         42 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 41 , wherein the instructions to receive the at least one of the water pressure parameter, the air pressure parameter, the rotation speed of the diffuser parameter, the direction of the diffuser parameter, the duration of cleaning parameter, or the duration of drying parameter comprises instructions to receive, via the user interface, the least one of the water pressure parameter, the air pressure parameter, the rotation speed of the diffuser parameter, the direction of the diffuser parameter, the duration of cleaning parameter, or the duration of drying parameter for each of at least two cleaning sequences; and
 wherein the instructions to clean the at least one optical fiber comprises instructions to clean the at least one optical fiber based on the at least two cleaning sequences.   
     
     
         43 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 40 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 receive, via a user interface, a water pressure parameter, a pulse water duration parameter, a pulse water duty cycle parameter, and a duration of cleaning parameter; and   wherein the instructions to clean the at least one optical fiber comprises instructions to clean the at least one optical fiber based on the water pressure parameter, the pulse water duration parameter, the pulse water duty cycle parameter, and the duration of cleaning parameter.   
     
     
         44 . The optical fiber polishing machine of  claim 39 , wherein the memory stores instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to further:
 display, via an automation screen of a user interface, a position and status of the cleaning assembly.   
     
     
         45 . A carrier ring for a polishing system, the carrier ring for coupling with a platen of the polishing system, the platen for being driven to impart lateral motion to an abrasive polishing substrate to be supported by the carrier ring, the platen having a plurality of registration features, the carrier ring comprising:
 a peripheral support for supporting a polishing plate within a periphery of the carrier ring, the polishing plate for supporting the abrasive polishing substrate, the peripheral support having a top side and a bottom side;   a flange protruding from proximate to the top side of the peripheral support; and   a plurality of registration features on the bottom side of the peripheral support, each one of the plurality of registration features of the carrier ring for mating with at least one of the plurality of registration features of the platen, wherein the carrier ring is configured to be lowered onto the platen to rest on the platen, and the plurality of registration features of the carrier ring and the plurality of registration features of the platen are configured to cause the carrier ring to be rotationally fixed with respect to the platen when the carrier ring is lowered to rest on the platen.   
     
     
         46 . The carrier ring of  claim 45 , wherein the carrier ring includes at least one retaining feature for securing a polishing plate to the carrier ring. 
     
     
         47 . The carrier ring of  claim 45 , wherein the first plurality of registration features on the carrier ring comprises a plurality of tapered recesses, and the second plurality of registration features on the platen comprises a plurality of tapered pins. 
     
     
         48 . The carrier ring of  claim 45 , wherein the first plurality of registration features on the carrier ring comprises a plurality of channels, and the second plurality of registration features on the platen comprises a plurality of locking pins. 
     
     
         49 . The carrier ring of  claim 45 , wherein at least one of the first plurality of registration features on the carrier ring or the second plurality of registration features on the platen comprises a plurality of magnets.