Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon splitting tool for selectively separating optical fibers of an optical fiber ribbon into one or more subsets of optical fibers. The ribbon splitting tool comprises a housing, a shearing device movably mounted within the housing, and an actuator for actuating the shearing device such that a subset of optical fibers is separated from the optical fiber ribbon. The shearing device may comprise a plunger having at least one shearing edge profile and a platen. A ribbon splitting tool for use at a cable access point of a fiber optic cable in which at least one optical fiber ribbon is accessible for splitting.

Abstract: A plurality of fiber optic cables are manufactured as an assembly of fiber optic cables that are later separated into independent fiber optic cables. A method of manufacturing the fiber optic cable assembly is also described. A jacketing cover is extruded over components of the fiber optic cables with a portion connecting the fiber optic cables, and the fiber optic cables can separated from each other by tearing, cutting, or removing a filling element between the fiber optic cables.

Abstract: A fiber optic ribbon having a first subunit and a second subunit. The first and second subunits including a plurality of respective optical fibers being connected by respective primary matrices. The first and second subunits being generally aligned along a plane with a secondary matrix contacting portions of the first and second subunits. The secondary matrix having at least one end portion and at least one medial portion. The at least one medial portion and the at least one end portion of the secondary matrix are separated by a gap along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis, thereby defining a preferential tear portion. In other embodiments, the at least one medial portion is recessed relative to the at least one end portion.

Abstract: A fiber optic ribbon includes a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a generally planar configuration having a primary matrix generally contacting optical fibers along a longitudinal axis forming an elongate structure. In one embodiment, the primary matrix has a cross-section with a non-uniform thickness, for example, an end portion with a generally bulbous shape. The fiber optic ribbon is useful as a subunit having a secondary matrix in contact therewith. The secondary matrix has a non-uniform thickness, thereby providing a fiber optic ribbon with preferential tear portions to aid separation of the ribbon into subunits. Other embodiments include a fiber optic ribbon with subunits having a secondary matrix with recessed portions to aid in the separation of the subunits.

Abstract: A ribbon separation tool (10) for separating optical fiber ribbons (C1,C2,C3) into subsets of optical fibers. Ribbon separation tool (10) includes a stationary shearing device (70), and a moveable shearing device (50), the moveable shearing device (50) is operative to move relative to the stationary shearing device (70) during a shearing stroke. Optical fiber ribbon support elements (42), with optical fiber ribbon receiving slots (46) being defined therebetween, are adjacent shearing devices (50,70). Moveable shearing device (50) is moveably located between optical fiber ribbon support elements (42) and includes moveable sub-slots (51,52). When a cover member (60) of tool (10) is in a closed position, stationary sub-slots (71,72) of stationary shearing device (70) are aligned with moveable sub-slots (51,52) to define shearing slots (51,71;52,72).