Importance

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Abstract

A polishing apparatus is provided for holding at least one fiber optic connector ferrule in an upright position while allowing the face portion the ferrules to be held firmly against a planar sheet of ferrule polishing paper. The apparatus can be manually maneuvered over said polishing paper thereby polishing the face portion of the ferrules inserted therein. The polishing apparatus includes a disc having a polishing surface and an upper surface opposite said polishing surface. A plurality of ferrule receiving apertures are formed in the disc for receiving various connector ferrules. Support skirts surround each aperture, extending upward from said upper surface. The ferrule support skirts define internal circular bores communicating with the polishing surface such that fiber optic connector ferrules may be inserted into the bores with the face portion of said ferrules extending beyond said polishing surface. A grasping ring is integrally molded with the disc and provides a means by which a technician can grasp the apparatus and maneuver the apparatus over a piece of polishing paper. Tooling support members are integrally formed with the grasping ring and are configured to accept tooling support shaft extending from a holddown tool designed to apply a normal force against the ferrules to firmly hold them against the polishing paper. Wear resistant surfaces in the form of hardened spheres protrude slightly from cavities formed in the polishing surface of the apparatus to protect the polishing surface from abrasive action of the polishing paper.

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First Claim