Abstract:
Method and tools for separating a fiber optic ribbon (10) into subunits inhibiting optical attenuation during initiation of the separation of the fiber optic ribbon into subunits. A first method includes supplying the fiber optic ribbon, heating a portion of the fiber optic ribbon (10), and separating the fiber optic ribbon into more than one subunit (24, 28). The method may be practiced with an optical fiber ribbon heater. The optical fiber ribbon heater transfers heat to a portion of an optical fiber ribbon, thereby softening a matrix material and reducing stress during shearing. The heater may be a stand-alone unit, integrated with a ribbon separation tool (100), or capable of being removably attached to the tool.
Abstract:
A fiber optic cable ribbon breakout apparatus comprises first and second die members (70, 40) disposed in opposing relationship to each other. Each die member (70, 40) has a plurality of slots (76, 46) formed into one of its surfaces which are adapted to receive a portion of a cable ribbon (80). For each die member (70, 40), each slot (46, 76) has depth differing from the depths of the other slots (46, 76) of that member in order to effect a break out of the ribbon at any fiber desired. The first die member (70) is adapted for translational displacement. The translational displacement of the first die member (70) relative to the second die member (40) causes the first portion of a cable ribbon loaded into the apparatus to separate from the remaining portion of the ribbon at a desired point.
Abstract:
A ribbon splitter device includes a handle; and a splitter module mounted to the handle, wherein the splitter module has a flexure arm and a mounting arm, the flexure arm being rotatably movable in relation to the mounting arm, and wherein the mounting arm has a ribbon slot for securing an optical fiber ribbon in perpendicular relationship to a longitudinal length of the flexure arm.
Abstract:
Apparatus (100) for accessing a length of a selected one or more of a plurality of optical fibers within an outer protective jacket of a cable (110) including the plurality of optical fibers and at least one strength member extending longitudinally therein include a cable positioning fixture (105). The cable positioning fixture is configured to receive a portion of the cable therein and to establish a desired orientation of the portion of the cable in the fixture relative to the at least one strength member therein while a cutting member (130) removes a scalloped segment from the outer protective jacket.
Abstract:
A method of removing matrix from a fiber optic cable includes the steps of providing a foil layer (18), placing a sheet of wiping material (16) atop the foil layer, positioning a portion of fiber optic cable (10) coated with a matrix (14) on the sheet of wiping material, folding the foil layer and sheet of wiping material together, spraying solvent (26) into the folded wiping material, and confining the fiber optic cable inside the folded sheet of wiping material within the folded foil layer until the matrix dissolves. A durable folder may be used with the method to provide a portable work station and secure both the sheets of wiping material and the foil layer. A portable case (20) containing materials necessary for practicing the method of the present invention also is disclosed.
Abstract:
A cable assembly (10) having predetermined discrete locations (12) for subsequent connectorization is provided. The cable assembly (10) of the present invention includes at least one conductor (14) which may be an optical fiber or standard electrical wire conductor or any other type of conductor. The cable assembly (10) also includes at least one layer of protective coating (16) over the conductor (14). At least one prescored area (15) is formed in the protective coating (16) during the manufacturing process to provide for ease of connectorization in the field. Preferably, cable stripping is accomplished without the need for any tooling as a result of the prescored area formed in the protective coating.
Abstract:
An optical fiber ribbon includes a plurality of coated, substantially coplanar optical fibers (2) and a ribbon matrix material (4) which maintains the pluratily of coated optical fibers (2) in substantially coplanar alignment. Each of the optical fibers (2) includes a glass core (6), a cladding layer (8) surrounding and adjacent to the glass core (6), and a primary polymeric coating material (10), preferably containing a silicone, surrrounding and adjacent to the cladding layer (8). The primary polymeric coating material (10) adheres to the cladding layer (8) to form a cladding layer-primary polymeric coating interface. Upon application of a longitudinal stripping force at the cladding layer-primary polymeric coating interface, the ribbon matrix material (4) and the primary polymeric coating material (10) are substantially removed from the cladding layer (8).