OPTICAL FIBER PREPARATION UNIT

摘要

A device (12) for stripping the coating from a coated fiber. The device (12) comprises a base (14) having a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of a fiber when the fiber is positioned within the device (12). The device (12) also comprises a coated fiber retaining member (22) coupled to the base (14). The coated fiber retaining member (22) has a fiber holding portion (22) for retaining a portion of a coated fiber along the longitudinal axis. A stripping tool (18) including at least two stripping blades is rotatably mounted to the base (14). One of the blades of the stripping tool (18) has a beveled surface positioned at a 45 degree angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the base (14). The angle of the stripping tool (18), coupled with the bevel of the stripping blade ensures that the coating is pulled along the axis of the fiber, which keeps the fiber from bending or scratching. The beveled surface faces the coated fiber retaining member. A heating element (25) is disposed on the side of the stripping blades opposite from the coated fiber retaining member (22) for heating the fiber without contacting it.