OPTICAL FIBER STRAND AND SPLICE SLEEVE RETENTION TOOL FOR USE DURING FIBER OPTIC CABLE SPLICING

摘要

An optical fiber strand holding tool is disclosed for organizing and retaining splice sleeves and fibers from a first fiber bundle during, and optionally after, a splicing activity in which the first bundle is spliced to a second fiber bundle. The apparatus and associated method provide a means of removably securing splice sleeves in an orderly fashion, preventing movement and contamination of the bare fibers during splicing. Magnets and clamping pressure are used separately or in conjunction to provide the retention force. A removable splice retaining portion permits permanent optical joint storage and protection, and reduces handling of the optical joints. Color coded splice sleeves and splice channels are employed for quick matching between fibers in fiber bundle pairs being spliced.

主权项

1. An apparatus for splicing an optical fiber cable using splice sleeves each having a length, an outer shrink tube and a rigid strengthening member within the outer shrink tube, the apparatus comprising:
a base comprising:
a splice retaining portion comprising a plurality of raised fins extending upwardly from a top surface of the base to a terminal end and together defining a plurality of splice channels, each of which has a lateral cross section sized to receive a splice sleeve; anda permanent magnet inset into the base; and a top half pivotally attached to the base, the top half comprising:
a plurality of raised fins extending downwardly from a bottom surface of the top half to define a plurality of splice channels complimentary to the plurality of splice channels of the splice retaining portion and aligned therewith when either the top half or the base is pivoted with respect to the other such that the bottom surface of the top half is substantially parallel to the top surface of the base; anda pliable insert inset into the top half and extending along a longitudinal section of each of the splice channels of the top half.