Abstract: A recoating splice sleeve is provided to protect fused or jointed optical fibers, at and adjacent their point of fusion, against environmental damage and to restore adequate strength at the splice after the fusion. The recoating splice sleeve includes an inner tube, and an outer tube having a portion with diminished structure integrity such that the portion is easily broken to facilitate removal of the outer tube. The inner tube is made of a fiber recoating material. The splice sleeve is positioned over the point of fusion of the fibers. The splice sleeve, together with the fused optical fibers, are heated in order to melt the fiber recoating material around the fused fibers. Once the fiber recoating material of the inner tube has cured around the fused fibers, the outer tube is separated along a tube separation assist feature such as a portion having diminished structural integrity, removed and discarded.

Abstract: A splice sleeve to protect fused or jointed optical fibers at and adjacent their point of fusion against environmental damage and to restore adequate strength by creating a suitable reinforcement at the splice after the fusion. The splice sleeve preferably includes an inner tube, a strengthening rod, an outer tube, and an activatable heat source including one or more substances. Preferably, the strengthening rod and the heat source are disposed between inner tube and outer tube. In use, the splice sleeve is positioned over the point of fusion of the fibers. The substances are exposed to each other, preferably inside of the heat shrinkable tube. This produces a chemical reaction that gives off heat sufficient to affix the splice sleeve to the fused fibers and reinforce the fibers at their point of fusion.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for automatically preparing optical fibers for splicing by automatically positioning an optical fiber at a stripping station, a cleaning station, and a cleaving station. The processing of the optical fiber at the various stations is also preferably automated. The optical fiber may be held by an optical fiber holder and/or a carriage, which may translate and/or rotate the optical fiber amongst the various stations. Where the optical fiber is translated only along a single axis, the unit may be configured to be quite reliable, compact, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for automatically preparing optical fibers for splicing (or for attachment to a connector or an optical component) by automatically positioning a stripping station, a cleaning station, and a cleaving station to process one or more optical fibers substantially simultaneously. The optical fiber may be held at a fixed position during processing. A vacuum system may further be used to automatically collect scrap produced by the cleaving process.

Abstract: The present invention introduces an arc shaping member to be used in fiber optic fusion splicers. The use of the an arc shaping member may minimize the undesirable effects of grunge and/or deposits than can buildup on arc electrodes. The buildup of grunge or other deposits can cause formation of an irregular electrical arc possibly resulting in an undesirable splice. The arc shaping member may be a passive or active. In a fiber optic splicer, the arc shaping member may be mounted in a plane parallel to the optical fiber(s) being spliced and in a plane perpendicular to the arc electrodes. The arc shaping member may be installed such that the member surrounds the electric arc created by the arc electrodes. The presence of the arc shaping member causes the electric arc to maintain the desired shape and/or intensity. An operator may control, independent of the arc voltage, the shape, size and heat intensity of the electrical arc.

Abstract: A device and process for stripping the coating from a coated fiber. The device comprises a base and a coated fiber retaining member coupled to the base. The coated fiber retaining member includes a fiber holding portion for retaining a portion of the coated fiber along a longitudinal axis so that the fiber does not bend or kink. The device also comprises a stripping tool mounted to the base which can be operated with a single hand. The stripping tool includes a plurality of stripping blades which are each coupled to a respective gripping handle and moveable toward and away from the coated fiber retaining member. The stripping blades include a notch therein with a beveled side facing the coated fiber retaining member. Also, the stripping blades extend entirely around the coated fiber when the handles are placed in a stripping position. A heating element is disposed on the side of the stripping blades opposite from the coated fiber retaining member.

Abstract: A device for stripping the coating from a coated fiber. The device comprises a base having a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of a fiber when the fiber is positioned within the device. The device also comprises a coated fiber retaining member coupled to the base. The coated fiber retaining member has a fiber holding portion for retaining a portion of a coated fiber along the longitudinal axis. A stripping tool including at least two stripping blades is rotatably mounted to the base. One of the blades of the stripping tool has a beveled surface positioned at a 45.degree. angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the base. This angle of the stripping tool, coupled with the bevel of the stripping blade ensures that the coating is pulled along the axis of the fiber, which keeps the fiber from bending or scratching. The beveled surface faces the coated fiber retaining member.