Automated Fiber Optic Cleaner for Aerospace Connector Maintenance Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.1 Topic No.: N091-040 Topic Title: Automated Fiber Optic Cleaner for Aerospace Connector Maintenance Proposal No.: N091-040-1118 Firm: Agiltron Corporation 15 Cabot Road Woburn, Massachusetts 01801 Contact: Geoffrey Burnham Phone: (781) 935-1200 Web Site: http://www.agiltron.com Abstract: Present fiber connector cleaning methods and systems have a high fail rate with an unacceptable level of uncertainty as to the effectiveness of the application. Fast and effective cleaning of fiber optic connectors remains a challenging task due to the high susceptibility of communication fibers to blockage by particles in the ambient. Agiltron proposes to develop a novel fiber optic cleaning system based on a state-of-the-art synthetic adhesive material of unprecedented contaminant grabbing capability and incorporated into an established swab cleaning mechanism to produce the most effective connector cleaner for aviation maintenance. This device will offer the salient advantages of complete contamination pick-up capability, dry process without the using solvents, application to all surfaces: wet or dry, smooth or rough, hard or soft, no residue left on surfaces, good for multiple applications, and convenient hand operation without electrical power. Phase I will focus on the feasibility of the proposed cleaning system. In Phase II a practical cleaning system will be developed to meet all Navy requirements. Benefits: The primary benefit of the proposed system is its ease of use, highly effective complete cleaning capability of a fully populated fiber optic plug and receptacle. The proposed fiber optic connector cleaning tool will be equally effective in both military and civil applications and is solvent free making it environmentally safe and technician friendly. Return