Abstract: An assembly for curing a linear work product which is passed through a curing oven at high speed along a first path the assembly having a first path altering member, such as a sheave, re-directing the work product through the oven along at least a second path spaced from the first path. A plurality of such sheaves in a first embodiment redirect the work product through the entrance end of the oven for travel along a second path in the same direction as in the first path. In a second embodiment, the path altering members re-direct the work product into the exit end of the oven for travel in a second path in the opposite direction to the first path. Additional curing may be realized by passing the work product through the curing oven in the same or in opposite directions, as desired or as necessary.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon capable of being divided into two or more robust sub-units along predetermined dividing lines has a plurality of optical fibers in a substantially flat array which have a first, low, matrix-to-fiber coating, which may be a coloring ink, adhesion for facilitating mid-array or mid-span fibers access. The two fibers on either side of each of the dividing lines and adjacent thereto and to each other, have an enhanced or high matrix-to-fiber coating adhesion whereby the sub-units created by the division are sufficiently robust to retain the fibers within the matrix.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fibers are held in an array has a matrix material for bonding to the fibers to form the ribbon. The matrix material has certain characteristics which serve to enhance fiber access, among which are an elastic modulus from 600 to 1200 MPa at room temperature, from 100 to 280 MPa at 100.degree. C., and from 15 to 45 MPa at temperatures greater than 170.degree. C. The matrix material swells in ethanol more than 15% by volume within 20 minutes, and is virtually immune to the action of cleaning solvents. The matrix material has a surface tension of 20-35 mJ/m.sup.2 as do the color coding inks which identify the fibers.

Abstract: A method for performing fiber break-out in an optical fiber ribbon, which does not require shutting down the fibers in the ribbon while break-out is being performed, includes the step of placing the ribbon on a smooth surface that is either flat or curved with a radius much greater than the critical bend radius after the matrix material of the ribbon has been softened and swollen. The ribbon is temporarily affixed to the surface, and the softened matrix is then pulled away therefrom. The ribbon is then turned over and temporarily affixed to the surface and the remaining matrix is removed. The fibers that remain are then cleaned with an alcohol solution. In a variation of the method, the matrix is removed by rubbing or abrading it with a textured cloth or pad.