Abstract: Transformable cable reels, related assemblies and methods are disclosed. The transformable cable reels may be provided in a first reel configuration for spooling on cable to the transformable cable reel and to pay out the spooled cable from the transformable cable reel. Cable spooled on the transformable cable reel may be payed out during cable installations. The transformable cable reel may also be configured in a second reel configuration for storage of any excess cable after cable payout. As one non-limiting example, the volume of the cable reel may be less in the second reel configuration than in the first reel configuration so that less volume is required to store the transformable cable reel. Providing the transformable cable reel in the second reel configuration may make it more feasible to store the transformable cable reel in fiber optic equipment, and/or avoid storing excess cable removed from a cable reel.

Abstract: Transformable cable reels, related assemblies and methods are disclosed. The transformable cable reels may be provided in a first reel configuration for spooling on cable to the transformable cable reel and to pay out the spooled cable from the transformable cable reel. Cable spooled on the transformable cable reel may be payed out during cable installations. The transformable cable reel may also be configured in a second reel configuration for storage of any excess cable after cable payout. As one non-limiting example, the volume of the cable reel may be less in the second reel configuration than in the first reel configuration so that less volume is required to store the transformable cable reel. Providing the transformable cable reel in the second reel configuration may make it more feasible to store the transformable cable reel in fiber optic equipment, and/or avoid storing excess cable removed from a cable reel.

Abstract: Transformable cable reels, related assemblies and methods are disclosed. The transformable cable reels may be provided in a first reel configuration for spooling on cable to the transformable cable reel and to pay out the spooled cable from the transformable cable reel. Cable spooled on the transformable cable reel may be payed out during cable installations. The transformable cable reel may also be configured in a second reel configuration for storage of any excess cable after cable payout. As one non-limiting example, the volume of the cable reel may be less in the second reel configuration than in the first reel configuration so that less volume is required to store the transformable cable reel. Providing the transformable cable reel in the second reel configuration may make it more feasible to store the transformable cable reel in fiber optic equipment, and/or avoid storing excess cable removed from a cable reel.

Abstract: Optical splitter modules and methods are disclosed. An optical splitter module includes a housing, a splitter chip, a plurality of optical fibers, and a base member. An outer coating of the optical fibers is stripped from the first end such that the first end has a bare portion extending from a fiber end and a stripped portion extending from the bare portion. The second end of each optical fiber has the outer coating with a diameter larger than the diameter of the stripped portion. A connector is coupled to the second end of each optical fiber. A fan-out body surrounds the coating of the optical fibers. The optical fibers are coupled to the surface of the base member such that the fiber end is positioned at the first edge of the base member. The first edge of the base member is coupled to the first edge of the splitter chip.

Abstract: Optical splitter modules and methods are disclosed. An optical splitter module includes a housing, a splitter chip, a plurality of optical fibers, and a base member. An outer coating of the optical fibers is stripped from the first end such that the first end has a bare portion extending from a fiber end and a stripped portion extending from the bare portion. The second end of each optical fiber has the outer coating with a diameter larger than the diameter of the stripped portion. A connector is coupled to the second end of each optical fiber. A fan-out body surrounds the coating of the optical fibers. The optical fibers are coupled to the surface of the base member such that the fiber end is positioned at the first edge of the base member. The first edge of the base member is coupled to the first edge of the splitter chip.

Abstract: Transformable cable reels, related assemblies and methods are disclosed. The transformable cable reels may be provided in a first reel configuration for spooling on cable to the transformable cable reel and to pay out the spooled cable from the transformable cable reel. Cable spooled on the transformable cable reel may be payed out during cable installations. The transformable cable reel may also be configured in a second reel configuration for storage of any excess cable after cable payout. As one non-limiting example, the volume of the cable reel may be less in the second reel configuration than in the first reel configuration so that less volume is required to store the transformable cable reel. Providing the transformable cable reel in the second reel configuration may make it more feasible to store the transformable cable reel in fiber optic equipment, and/or avoid storing excess cable removed from a cable reel.

Abstract: Transformable cable reels, related assemblies and methods are disclosed. The transformable cable reels may be provided in a first reel configuration for spooling on cable to the transformable cable reel and to pay out the spooled cable from the transformable cable reel. Cable spooled on the transformable cable reel may be payed out during cable installations. The transformable cable reel may also be configured in a second reel configuration for storage of any excess cable after cable payout. As one non-limiting example, the volume of the cable reel may be less in the second reel configuration than in the first reel configuration so that less volume is required to store the transformable cable reel. Providing the transformable cable reel in the second reel configuration may make it more feasible to store the transformable cable reel in fiber optic equipment, and/or avoid storing excess cable removed from a cable reel.

Abstract: An optical fiber splitter has a higher density fiber optic array that allows for smaller packaging. The optical fibers that extend from the optical fiber splitter have one end connectorized and their spacing at the other end reduced, thereby eliminating components that were heretofore required. A method of making the fiber optic array includes interleaving the optical fibers to reduce the overall dimensions of the fiber optic array and the fiber optic splitter. A tool is used to reduce the spacing of the optical fibers in the fiber optic array.

Abstract: Impact resistant fiber optic enclosures for fiber optic components and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic enclosure is provided and comprises a housing comprising a base, a cover, and a seal disposed between the cover and the base to secure the cover to the base and define an interior cavity configured to support one or more fiber optic components. At least one expandable joint is disposed in the housing and configured to deflect and/or assist in deflecting an impact load applied to the housing. In this manner, any fiber optic components disposed in the interior cavity are protected from being damaged and/or from being exposed to the environment outside of the interior cavity. The at least one expandable joint may be disposed in at least one of the cover and the base. The at least one expandable joint may comprise two expandable joints as another example.

Abstract: A method and optical fiber stripper for removing one or more coatings from an optical fiber is disclosed. The method includes inserting an optical fiber into an optical fiber stripper comprising a pair of fiber stress distributing elements, wherein a normal stress is applied to the fiber by the fiber stress distributing elements along the length of fiber intended to be stripped. The optical fiber stripper includes a pair of grip members, a cutting mechanism, and a pair of fiber stress distributing elements.

Abstract: Transformable cable reels, related assemblies and methods are disclosed. The transformable cable reels may be provided in a first reel configuration for spooling on cable to the transformable cable reel and to pay out the spooled cable from the transformable cable reel. Cable spooled on the transformable cable reel may be payed out during cable installations. The transformable cable reel may also be configured in a second reel configuration for storage of any excess cable after cable payout. As one non-limiting example, the volume of the cable reel may be less in the second reel configuration than in the first reel configuration so that less volume is required to store the transformable cable reel. Providing the transformable cable reel in the second reel configuration may make it more feasible to store the transformable cable reel in fiber optic equipment, and/or avoid storing excess cable removed from a cable reel.

Abstract: Fiber optic equipment guides and rails and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fiber optic equipment guides and rails have at least one stopping member disposed therein to provide at least one stopping position during movement. The fiber optic equipment guides and rails can be included in fiber optic equipment to support movement or translation of the fiber optic equipment for access. Such fiber optic equipment can include, but is not limited to, fiber optic equipment chassis, drawers, equipment trays, and fiber optic modules. The fiber optic equipment guides and/or rails include at least one stopping member configured to provide at least one stopping position during movement. Stopping positions allow fiber optic equipment to be retained in a given position during access to the fiber optic equipment. The stopping positions are configured to be overcome with additional force to allow further movement of the fiber optic equipment.

Abstract: A splitter module, comprising an enclosure and a splitter device with one or more splitter legs mounted in the enclosure. Each splitter leg has an optical fiber therein extends for a certain length from the splitter. At least one of the splitter legs, and, thereby, the optical fiber, is cut. The cut may be at an angle to the longitudinal axis of optical fiber. The angle may be about 45 degrees. The coating may be stripped off such that the cut end of the optical glass fiber of the at least one output leg is exposed a certain distance. The cut end of the optical glass fiber positions in the interior of the enclosure. A glass-index-matching material, at least partially fills the interior of the enclosure such that the cut end of the optical fiber is embedded in the glass-index-matching material.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly including a mid-span access location, a cable having at least fiber therein, and a tether in optical communication with the at least one fiber of the cable. The access location and portions of the cables are substantially encapsulated within a flexible body having dimensions sufficient to accommodate the optical splitter therein. A method for making a fiber optic cable assembly including an access location, distribution cable, tether and optical splitter maintained within a flexible overmolded body while providing an assembly having a relatively small cross-sectional diameter.

Abstract: Impact resistant fiber optic enclosures for fiber optic components and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic enclosure is provided and comprises a housing comprising a base, a cover, and a seal disposed between the cover and the base to secure the cover to the base and define an interior cavity configured to support one or more fiber optic components. At least one expandable joint is disposed in the housing and configured to deflect and/or assist in deflecting an impact load applied to the housing. In this manner, any fiber optic components disposed in the interior cavity are protected from being damaged and/or from being exposed to the environment outside of the interior cavity. The at least one expandable joint may be disposed in at least one of the cover and the base. The at least one expandable joint may comprise two expandable joints as another example.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable slack storage module is disclosed. The fiber optic cable slack storage module has a base with an interior space. A plate having a plate top and a plate bottom mounts in the interior space. The plate is adapted to receive and support an upper fiber optic cable at the plate top and a lower fiber optic cable at the plate bottom. The upper fiber optic cable arranges in the interior space in a serpentine configuration at the plate top. The lower fiber optic cable arranges in the interior space in a serpentine configuration at the plate bottom. The serpentine configuration allows the upper and lower fiber optic cables to enter and exit the fiber optic cable slack storage module in a way to avoid the probability of severe bending.

Abstract: Fiber optic equipment guides and rails and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fiber optic equipment guides and rails have at least one stopping member disposed therein to provide at least one stopping position during movement. The fiber optic equipment guides and rails can be included in fiber optic equipment to support movement or translation of the fiber optic equipment for access. Such fiber optic equipment can include, but is not limited to, fiber optic equipment chassis, drawers, equipment trays, and fiber optic modules. The fiber optic equipment guides and/or rails include at least one stopping member configured to provide at least one stopping position during movement. Stopping positions allow fiber optic equipment to be retained in a given position during access to the fiber optic equipment. The stopping positions are configured to be overcome with additional force to allow further movement of the fiber optic equipment.

Abstract: An optical fiber splitter has a higher density fiber optic array that allows for smaller packaging. The optical fibers that extend from the optical fiber splitter have one end connectorized and their spacing at the other end reduced, thereby eliminating components that were heretofore required. A method of making the fiber optic array includes interleaving the optical fibers to reduce the overall dimensions of the fiber optic array and the fiber optic splitter. A tool is used to reduce the spacing of the optical fibers in the fiber optic array.

Abstract: There are provided fiber optic local convergence points (“LCPs”) adapted for use with multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) that facilitate relatively easy installation and/or optical connectivity to a relatively large number of subscribers. The LCP includes a housing mounted to a surface, such as a wall, and a cable assembly with a connector end to be optically connected to a distribution cable and a splitter end to be located within the housing. The splitter end includes at least one splitter and a plurality of subscriber receptacles to which subscriber cables may be optically connected. The splitter end of the cable assembly of the LCP may also include a splice tray assembly and/or a fiber optic routing guide. Furthermore, a fiber distribution terminal (“FDT”) may be provided along the subscriber cable to facilitate installation of the fiber optic network within the MDU.

Abstract: There are provided fiber optic local convergence points (“LCPs”) adapted for use with multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) that facilitate relatively easy installation and/or optical connectivity to a relatively large number of subscribers. The LCP includes a housing mounted to a surface, such as a wall, and a cable assembly with a connector end to be optically connected to a distribution cable and a splitter end to be located within the housing. The splitter end includes at least one splitter and a plurality of subscriber receptacles to which subscriber cables may be optically connected. The splitter end of the cable assembly of the LCP may also include a splice tray assembly and/or a fiber optic routing guide. Furthermore, a fiber distribution terminal (“FDT”) may be provided along the subscriber cable to facilitate installation of the fiber optic network within the MDU.