Auto-aligning ribbon splitter
US6192587A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 1, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 1, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/567
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An auto-aligning ribbon splitter which can be used on any size optical fiber ribbon made by any manufacturer. The auto-aligning ribbon splitter centers an optical fiber ribbon over a first splitting edge so that it can be split into two sub-units each having an equal number of optical fibers therein. The auto-aligning ribbon splitter includes a bottom plate having a channel. The channel includes a first splitting edge. Two movable plates are disposed on the bottom plate so that they are parallel to, and are centered about, the first splitting edge. A mechanism, such as an adjustment rod, is connected to the movable plates to change their position relative to the first splitting edge, but maintain each plate at an equal distance from the first splitting edge. A second splitting edge, on a top body, may then be pressed against the centered ribbon to cause an initial split between two sub-units, as the top body pushes half of the ribbon into the channel on the bottom plate. The ribbon is thus easily and safely split, and this split can be extended to any length by hand.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.