Abstract: A system and methods for automating the testing of optical fiber are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, an automated conveyor system moves spools of optical fiber contained on pallets from testing station to testing station. According to another aspect of the present invention, a single spool is carried by a specially designed pallet. According to another aspect of present invention, an apparatus automatically strips, cleans, and cleaves the fiber ends once the spool reaches the apparatus. The fiber ends are then automatically manipulated into the appropriate location for a predetermined test to be performed. According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus automatically acquires a sample length of the optical fiber and strips, cleans, and cleaves the fiber ends of the sample. The sample length of the optical fiber is then manipulated into the appropriate location for a second predetermined test to be performed.

Abstract: A system and methods for automating the testing of optical fiber are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, an automated conveyor system moves spools of optical fiber contained on pallets from testing station to testing station. According to another aspect of the present invention, a single spool is carried by a specially designed pallet. According to another aspect of present invention, an apparatus automatically strips, cleans, and cleaves the fiber ends once the spool reaches the apparatus. The fiber ends are then automatically manipulated into the appropriate location for a predetermined test to be performed. According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus automatically acquires a sample length of the optical fiber and strips, cleans, and cleaves the fiber ends of the sample. The sample length of the optical fiber is then manipulated into the appropriate location for a second predetermined test to be performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated manufacturing of optical fiber. According to one embodiment of the invention, an automated conveyor system automatically moves spools of optical fiber from one manufacturing process step to another. The spools are preferably mounted on pallets which circuit around on a plurality of non-interconnected track segments. The segments may include, for example, a segment transporting spools from draw, one or more test segments, and a shipping segment. Data-containing devices are mounted to the spool or pallet and allow data to be uploaded, downloaded and transferred as the fiber on the spool is processed and tested.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of measuring spectral attenuation of an optical waveguide fiber using an OTDR. The spectral attenuation curve is generated by analyzing OTDR data taken at three or four wavelengths. There is particular interest in the wavelength range of 1200 nm to 1600 nm, which includes the operating windows about the wavelengths 1310 nm and 1550 nm. A particularly accurate spectral attenuation curve is obtained using OTDR measurements at 1310 nm, 1410 nm, and 1550 nm.