Patent ID: 6181857
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A method for accessing a fiber from a bundle of fibers disposed in a sheath, the method comprising the steps of:cutting the sheath circumferentially at a leading position and cutting the sheath circumferentially at a trailing position to divide the sheath into a leading section, a mid-section and a trailing section;spreading the cut sheath apart along the axis of the sheath between the leading section and the mid-section to create a first access opening;cutting a fiber to be accessed at the access opening so as to create an accessible fiber portion and a severed fiber portion;pushing the leading section and mid-section together to close the first access opening;spreading the cut sheath apart along the axis of the sheath between the mid-section and the trailing section to create a second access opening;pulling the accessible fiber portion from the mid-section of the sheath so that the accessible fiber portion extends out of the second access opening; andpushing the mid-section and trailing section of the sheath together to close the second access opening wherein the accessible fiber portion is permitted to extend out of the trailing cut.