Fusion splicing optical fibre ribbon

Abstract From the Canadian patent

To enable sequential fusion splicing of the optical fibres of two lengths of optical fibre ribbon the fusion splicer has, on each side of the fusion station, means for arranging the exposed end portions of the optical fibres of each ribbon, over a limited length between the position at which they are lightly clamped and the cut back end of the ribbon, to follow a curved path whose centres of curvature lie on a line extending transversely of the ribbon. Preferably one of these, means is an externally screw threaded rod which extends under and transversely of the optical fibres of one of the ribbons and in the grooves of which the optical fibres are arranged to lie. By unscrewing the rod …