Method and apparatus for access of optical fibers in a ribbon
US6035088A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 18, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T156/1168
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.