Abstract: An optical fiber splice element is provided that includes a base member having a fusion element for aligning optical fibers for fusion within. A covering member is provided for covering and forming an enclosure with the base member in a closed position. The covering member can be a separate member or alternatively can be in the form of a hinged lid. At lease one of the covering member and the base member include a locking mechanism for maintaining closure in a closed position. The optical fiber splice element in an open position has an opening at either end for accommodating one or more optical fibers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing two optical fiber ends or, one optical fiber end and another object, in contact with one another is provided. The method involves moving one of an optical fiber and an object toward one another so that they make contact with one another and apply a loading force upon one another. A load sensing device detects the loading force and provides a signal indicative of the load sensed. The invention is particularly useful for placing two optical fiber ends in contact with one another so that predetermined force applied to the optical fiber ends.

Abstract: A consumable fusion block for fusing optical fibers includes non-conducting substrate with at least one flat surface. A pair of electrodes overlay the flat surface of the substrate and are spaced apart on either side of a passline such that each electrode tip end is adjacent the passline. A space between the electrode tips defines an arc region which can be covered to form a semi-enclosed arc region. A method is also provided for manufacturing a plurality of fusion blocks from a single slab of non-conducting material by overlying the non-conducting material with a length of conducting material, bonding the conducting material to the non-conducting material, and cutting the slab into smaller fusion blocks.

Abstract: A tool for fusing optical fibers is provided. The tool is preferably sized to be hand held and includes a housing having clamps that are positioned to engage recesses within a fusion sleeve placed in a chamber within the housing for holding down the sleeve. The housing includes a current source and conducting terminals for contacting and for providing an electric current to portions of the sleeve so that a heating element within the sleeve can fuse the first and second optical fibers together.