Abstract: An upcoated optical fiber includes an optical fiber having a ultra-violet (UV) curable upcoating and a slip layer disposed between the optical fiber and the upcoating. The upcoating is mechanically strippable from the optical fiber and may be colored for identification of the optical fiber. In one embodiment, the slip layer and upcoating both have predetermined glass transition temperatures that are within about 15° C. of each other for improving mechanical characteristics. The slip layer may be essentially the same color as the upcoating for identification of the optical fiber after the upcoating is removed or it may be uncolored. In suitable embodiments, the slip layer may include a micronized poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene (PTFE), a silicone, and/or a dispersing agent for enhancing the strip performance of the upcoating over a range of temperatures.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for stripping an outer material from a transmission carrier that has an end block defining a passageway therethrough for positioning the transmission carrier therein. Grip members are pivotally attached to the end block and movable between an open position and a cutting position. In one embodiment, an alignment mechanism is attached to at least one of the grip members for holding the outer material of the transmission carrier at a distal point spaced from the end block with a predetermined alignment and/or clamping force to inhibit buckling of the outer material during removal. A cutting mechanism associated with the end block proximate to the passageway is actuated by pivoting the grip members to a cutting position for removal of the outer material. Another variation includes a fracture mechanism that induces material fracture of the outer material during pivoting of the grip members.

Abstract: Optical fibers are lightly tacked together in parallel relation to prevent relative sliding between the fibers along their lengthwise directions, by forming a longitudinally extending frangible web bonded between the fibers. The web in one embodiment is formed by applying a coating of a hardenable composition in a fluid state to the adjacent fibers and then removing the composition from the fibers except on the opposing surfaces of the adjacent fibers, and causing or allowing the composition remaining between the fibers to harden. Alternatively, a coloring compound is coated onto each fiber and the fibers are pressed and held together until the compound solidifies. In yet another embodiment a solid coating of material soluble in a volatile solvent is provided on each fiber, and the coatings are contacted by solvent to render them tacky, the fibers then being pressed and held together until the coatings resolidify.

Abstract: Optical fibers are lightly tacked together in parallel relation to prevent relative sliding between the fibers along their lengthwise directions, by forming a longitudinally extending frangible web bonded between the fibers. The web in one embodiment is formed by applying a coating of a hardenable composition in a fluid state to the adjacent fibers and then removing the composition from the fibers except on the opposing surfaces of the adjacent fibers, and causing or allowing the composition remaining between the fibers to harden. Alternatively, a coloring compound is coated onto each fiber and the fibers are pressed and held together until the compound solidifies. In yet another embodiment a solid coating of material soluble in a volatile solvent is provided on each fiber, and the coatings are contacted by solvent to render them tacky, the fibers then being pressed and held together until the coatings resolidify.

Abstract: An optical fiber (20) includes a silica-based core (22) which is operative to transmit light and is surrounded by a silica-based cladding (24) having a lower index of refraction than the core (22). A primary coating (26) surrounds cladding (24), and a secondary coating (28) surrounds primary coating (26). Optical fiber ribbon (40) includes a ribbon matrix material (42) which surrounds a plurality of optical fibers (20). Primary coating (26) comprises a photinitiator which has a peak absorbance in a relatively short wavelength UV spectrum. Secondary coating (28) comprises a photinitiator which has a peak absorbance in a relatively long wavelength UV spectrum.