Abstract: A viewer for inspecting the condition of an end face of an optical fiber which has been cleaved, while the fiber is still in the cleaving device. The viewer takes the form of a pocket-type microscope having a cylindrical body with an eyepiece at one end and an objective lens at the other end, and an adaptor at the end of the body having the objective lens. The adaptor has a plurality of legs having notches therein forming seats which are specially adapted to be mounted on fiber-supporting pads of the cleaver. The adaptor is removable from the body so that different adaptors may be used for different cleavers. The body fits in a socket of the adaptor which may be disposed at an angle with respect to the legs to allow oblique viewing of the fiber end face while it is still in the cleaver. The viewer may optionally be used with an inspection tray having a trunnion at one end, the adaptor of the viewer being designed to pivotally mount to the trunnion, allowing viewing of the fiber end face at any angle.

Abstract: A tool for actuating an optical fiber splice having an actuation element which moves longitudinally within the splice. The tool includes a base having a recess for receiving the splice, and two channels parallel to and aligned with the recess. A pair of fiber holders are used to manipulate the fibers, the holders being placed in the channels. The channels have ramped surfaces inclined toward the recess to facilitate proper insertion of the fibers into the splice, and the ramped surfaces have slots therein allowing passage of push rods which bias the holders toward the splice, providing positive abutment of the fiber end faces within the splice. Backstops are formed at the outside ends of the channels, and sidewalls are formed adjacent the backstops. A lever is pivotally attached to the underside of the base, and has an actuation stud which passes through an opening in the base and contacts the actuation element of the splice.