Patent ID: 8317972
Filing Date: 2012-11-27
Classification: G02B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for removing a protective coating material from a portion of an optical fiber, said optical fiber including a glass optical fiber having an outer surface surrounded by said protective coating material, said method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a fiber collection and support device having: (ii) threading the fiber through the coarse conical fiber collector and into the fiber collection tube of the fine fiber centering collector via said input opening of said fine fiber centering collector; (iii) contacting the fiber, as it exits from the output port of the fiber collection tube, with a stream of hot gas; and (iv) directing a stream of hot gas onto the protective coating material that is to be removed, the temperature and velocity of said hot gas being sufficiently high to soften and remove the protective coating material without damaging the outer surface of the optical glass fiber.