Product Update clarification

Harold M. Stein

Prime Products Inc.

Springfield, MA

In the Product Update section of the March issue (see "In-the-field connectorization requires polishing pucks and lapping film," page 14), there was a discussion about fiber polishing and cleaning in the field. The article mentioned the use of a polishing puck with a grooved surface and the need for cleaning between each stage of polishing--which is especially important in the field. We have been very cognizant of these conditions, which we incorporated into our patented cleaning system--patents 5325452 and 5557696. Our claim defines the use of smooth and grooved surfaces in cleaning and polishing with our kit. The cleaning or polishing action sweeps through the critical center of the ferrule, where the fiber-optic strand is situated. This is accomplished by forcing the cleaning or polishing rod to rotate eccentrically to the endface of the ferrule.