Abstract: An optical fiber splice protector protects a splice between a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber. The first optical fiber includes a first fiber coating and the second optical fiber includes a second fiber coating where the second fiber coating has a larger diameter than the first fiber coating. The splice protector includes a sleeve that is applied around the first fiber coating. The sleeve has a similar diameter to the diameter of the second fiber coating. A splint is applied around the splice of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber and extends from the sleeve to the second fiber coating. Additionally, a method for applying a fiber optic splice protector is provided. The method includes the steps of positioning the splint around the splice, proof testing the splice, and heat curing the splint around the splice after proof testing of the splice.

Abstract: We have discovered that the strength of arc fusion splices in optical fiber can be adversely affected by particles (e.g., SiO.sub.2 particles) from the electrodes. Disclosed is a method of arc fusion splicing that can substantially increase the probability that a given fiber splice will meet a given strength requirement. The method comprises initiating the arc in a "cleaning" position selected such that the probability of incidence on the fibers of particles from the electrodes is relatively low, followed by changing the relative position between the electrodes with the arc therebetween and the fibers to the conventional "heating" position and forming the splice.

Abstract: We have discovered that the strength of arc fusion splices in optical fiber can be adversely affected by particles (e.g., SiO.sub.2 particles) from the electrodes. Disclosed is a method of arc fusion splicing that can substantially increase the probability that a given fiber splice will meet a given strength requirement. The method comprises initiating the arc in a "cleaning" position selected such that the probability of incidence on the fibers of particles from the electrodes is relatively low, followed by changing the relative position between the electrodes with the arc therebetween and the fibers to the conventional "heating" position and forming the splice.

Abstract: An expandable loose-leaf binder for releaseable insertion of perforated paper sheets consisting of two separate perforated covers joined by means of separate flaccid lace sheet retainers. Each retainer has a small, capsule-shaped connector which can be drawn through the sheet perforations and opened at any place in the binder to insert a sheet. An elastic band which may be adjusted or removed without releasing the retainers is used to take up slack.