Abstract: A tool adapted for use in cleaving an optical fiber installed in a ferrule connector, which can also act as an acutation cap for the connector. The tool comprises a body having a cavity for receiving the ferrule of the connector, and a floor at the extreme end of the cavity which contacts the ferrule end face when the ferrule is fully inserted into the cavity, there further being a hole in this floor, positioned to receive a portion of the optical fiber which has been inserted in the ferrule and protrudes from the end face. When the fiber passes through the hole and beyond the floor, it may be scored and subsequently cleaved. The thickness of the floor is controlled to precisely locate the score with respect to the ferrule end face, to present an optimal length of fiber stub for polishing. Scoring the fiber in this manner allows the buffered portion of the fiber to be secured to the strain relief element of the connector, and any clamping element of the connector secured, prior to scoring and cleaving.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice element comprising a sheet of ductile material having a novel focus hinge defining first and second legs, each of the legs having a V-groove therein for receiving the optical fibers. The focus hinge, comprising a groove on one side of the sheet, a notch on the other side of the sheet aligned with the groove, and a convex hinge web, provides precise registration of the V-grooves when the sheet is folded; this in turn leads to improved alignment of the fibers. The V-grooves also have a novel angular geometry which optimizes the clamping forces, resulting in lower insertion loss. The interior angle of the V-grooves is smaller than the optimum angle whereby, when the fiber is clamped and portions of the V-groove surfaces are deformed, the V-groove has an effective angle which is approximately equal to the optimum angle.

Abstract: A device for splicing multiple optical fibers includes a novel splice element having two plates formed from a sheet of malleable material, there being a fold line in the sheet forming a hinge, the two plates being folded toward one another to define opposing surfaces. One of the opposing surfaces has several fiber receiving grooves therein, parallel with the fold line, and the other surface has ramps at each end to support the fibers proximate the transition from their buffered portions to their stripped portions. The ramps are adjacent porches which are integrally formed with one of the plates, the porches having additional grooves for aligning the fibers with the fiber receiving grooves. Stop pads are provided on both opposing surfaces, at the corners of the plates, to insure a clearance space at the ends of the plates which provides for more gradual clamping of the fibers, reducing insertion loss.

Abstract: A device for splicing multiple optical fibers includes a splice element having two plates with fiber receiving V-grooves formed in the inner surface of one of the plates, and a splice body having a wedge to actuate the splice element by clamping the plates together. The splice body includes a jacket and a cap, there being a slot in the jacket for receiving the splice element and a cavity adjacent the slot for receiving the wedge. The cavity has a ramped surface which causes the wedge to move toward the splice element and clamp the plates as the wedge is moved forward on the ramp surface. A tongue, formed integrally with the cap, is preferably interposed between the wedge and the splice element to prevent deformation of the plates which might result from direct contact between the plates and the wedge as it slides forward.