Abstract: Splicing of two mating optical fiber ribbons is achieved with a connector comprising a multigrooved substrate with vacuum slots normal to the fiber-receiving grooves and a mating cover. Air drawn through the vacuum slots during the splicing operation holds the exposed ribbon fibers in the grooves to ensure transverse alignment of the fibers for splicing. The cover mounts onto the substrate to lock the fibers in place after they have been axially aligned and abutted. Slots in the cover allow venting to prevent suction buildup under the cover.

Abstract: Two groups of optical communications fibers are optically joined within a single cartridge that receives and abuts two optical fiber ribbon end arrays. A two-piece connector consisting of a substrate with fiber-receiving grooves and a mating cover houses the fibers. In turn two such connectors are contained within the cartridge, either in a tight fit requiring no retaining means or a loose fit requiring set screws to retain the two connectors in abutting relation. Variations of the basic hardware provide both a rearrangeable splice and a permanent splice. Several cartridges may be housed in a fixture to accommodate the several layers of a multi-layer optical fiber ribbon cable.