Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first and second optical fibers including a fiber feed mechanism adapted to feed the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and a nozzle adapted to provide a displacing force on the second optical fiber, where the second optical fiber is displaced away from the first optical fiber to thereby separate the second optical fiber from the first optical fiber. In one embodiment, the displacing force is provided by a gas stream directed away from the nozzle while in another embodiment, the displacing force is directed towards the nozzle. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a separation mechanism with a first guide, a second guide, a guide separator, and a deflector plate. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a clamp mechanism with a first clamping pad having an offset extension that extends beyond an edge of a second clamp pad.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a first and second optical fibers including a fiber feed mechanism adapted to feed the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber, and a nozzle adapted to provide a displacing force on the second optical fiber, where the second optical fiber is displaced away from the first optical fiber to thereby separate the second optical fiber from the first optical fiber. In one embodiment, the displacing force is provided by a gas stream directed away from the nozzle while in another embodiment, the displacing force is directed towards the nozzle. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a separation mechanism with a first guide, a second guide, a guide separator, and a deflector plate. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a clamp mechanism with a first clamping pad having an offset extension that extends beyond an edge of a second clamp pad.

Abstract: An epoxy application system and method for applying an epoxy having particulate constituents to an optical component including an epoxy reservoir, an applicator, and an actuator mechanically connected to the epoxy reservoir, the actuator operable to periodically invert the epoxy reservoir. A timing circuit is provided in one embodiment to periodically invert the epoxy reservoir. A vacuum device of one embodiment vacuums excess epoxy. Another embodiment of the epoxy application system includes an energy source for providing UV energy through a light guide. One embodiment further includes a UV light energy detector to measure UV light energy emitted through the light guide and a controller to determine a cure time based on the measured UV light energy. In another embodiment, a monitoring system such as a camera is provided to ensure provision of the UV light energy for the determined cure time.

Abstract: A fiber coating stripping apparatus and method for removing an outer coating of an optical fiber including a fiber stripper with a nozzle adapted to spray a stripping medium toward an outer surface of the optical fiber to remove the outer coating, a stripper exhaust including a liquid injection mechanism that provides a liquid to an interior of the stripper exhaust, and a vacuum generator fluidically connected to the stripper exhaust that creates an airflow through the exhaust opening to vacuum the removed outer coating of the optical fiber and to vacuum the liquid provided by the liquid injection mechanism. The liquid is a coolant that cools the removed outer coating and rinses the interior of the stripper exhaust. In one embodiment, the liquid is provided by the liquid injection mechanism with a distribution ring having a plurality of spray openings.

Abstract: An optical fiber deployment tube including an outer tube having a through opening, and an inner fiber guide positioned therein, the inner fiber guide having a plurality of guide members with inner surfaces that form an inner opening for feeding the optical fiber therethrough, the inner surfaces being adapted to guide the optical fiber. In one embodiment, the adjacent guide members define a debris gap. The plurality of guide members are preferably metallic and the inner surfaces of the plurality of guide members are rounded. In another embodiment, a method for deploying an optical fiber is provided including the steps of providing an optical fiber deployment tube having a discontinuous inner surface, inserting the optical fiber, and feeding the optical fiber through the optical fiber deployment tube, where the inner surface of the optical fiber deployment tube guides the optical fiber.