Patent Publication Number: US-6669129-B1

Title: Fiber optic cable winding tool

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the communications field, and, more particularly to a fiber optic cable winding tool for winding predetermined lengths of fiber optic cables and predetermined diameter coils of fiber optic cables used in the communications field. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Most communication equipment is designed to be interconnected with communication cables having predetermined lengths. However, it is a problem in the field of communication cable installation to provide accurate predetermined lengths of communication cables without damaging the communication cables by the provision of tight bends, or inappropriate use of fasteners, or inadequate support to the communication cables. Such communication cables include conventional telephone cable having a plurality of copper conductors, coaxial cable, optical fiber, or the like. In all of these applications, the minimum radius of curvature of the communication cable is well defined, and bending the communication cable in a tighter bend can cause damage to the communication medium housed within the cable. 
     This problem is further heightened when fiber optic cables are used. Glass fibers used in such cables are easily damaged when bent too sharply and require a minimum bend radius to operate within required performance specifications. The minimum bend radius of a fiber optic cable depends upon a variety of factors, including the signal handled by the fiber optic cable, the style of the fiber optic cable, and equipment to which to fiber optic cable is connected. For example, some fiber optic cables used for internal routing have a minimum bend radius of 0.75 inches, and some fiber optic cables used for external routing have a minimum bend radius of 1.0 inches. 
     Damaged fiber optic cables may lead to a reduction in the signal transmission quality of the cables. Accordingly, fiber optic cables are evaluated to determine their minimum bend radius. As long as a fiber optic cable is bent at a radius that is equal to or greater than the minimum bend radius, there should be no reduction in the transmission quality of the cable. If a fiber optic cable is bent at a radius below the minimum bend radius determined for such cable, there is a potential for a reduction in signal transmission quality through the bend. The greater a fiber optic cable is bent below its minimum bend radius, the greater the potential for breaking the fibers contained in the cable, and the shorter the life span of the cable. 
     For example, in a telephone switching office, the various switching components are split onto different printed circuit boards (PCBs). Fiber optic cables may be used to route the signals between the different PCBs or between components on a single PCB. In a conventional arrangement, the PCB is generally placed in a shelf or rack alongside other such PCBs. 
     The fiber optic cables are used for transferring signals between reception ports and electro-optical converters provided on the PCB or PCBs. Fiber optic cables generally come in three-foot and six-foot lengths with connectors provided at the ends thereof. However, the PCB may have a width of only several inches. Thus, the extra lengths of the fiber optic cables need to be stored on or near the PCB, using space in the optical communications equipment that is becoming more and more valuable as equipment becomes more densely packed. If the extra lengths of fiber optic cables are not stored, then they are susceptible to damage since they will freely hang in the equipment and may be pulled, snagged, or bent beyond their minimum bend radii. 
     Typically, pre-spooled fiber optic cable having a predetermined diameter is stored in cassettes containing optical communications equipment. For example, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,132, assigned to the assignee of the present application, CIENA Corporation, depicts an amplifier module in FIG. 3 with parts separated to illustrate cassette construction and inter-engagement with adjacent cassettes. Each cassette includes a flat, tray-like base  111 A, B, C, for receiving optical components and optical fiber. Cassette walls  112 A, B, C define an interior curved surface which corresponds to a permissible bend radius for the optical fiber employed in the amplifier. A pair of retaining walls  123 A, B, and C in each cassette define an outer track for fiber retention against the interior cassette walls and additionally serve to separate the fiber from other optical components within the cassette. Fiber retaining clips  115 A, B, C extend from the cassette walls to assist in fiber guidance and organization within the cassette. Fiber guiding projections  116 A, B, and C extend from the base of the cassette for directing the fiber toward the fiber retaining clips to further aid in fiber organization within the cassette, particularly for fibers which extend to or from optical components placed within the cassette. The configuration of the optical cassettes permits fiber to be wound within the cassette or, alternatively, pre-spooled fiber may be placed within the cassette and under the fiber retaining clips. 
     Devices that utilize pre-spooled fiber optic cable include erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFA) and discrete Raman amplifiers. Such amplifiers utilize a length of fiber in which to amplify the optical signal. In the EDFA, this length of fiber is doped with Erbium. The discrete Raman amplifier typically utilizes a fiber type that is tuned or otherwise suitable for stimulated Raman scattering amplification. These and other devices often require a length of optical fiber that should be spooled in some fashion for the reasons discussed above. 
     The spool of fiber optic cable used by such devices preferably has a certain spool diameter because the spool may be housed in a package such as a cassette that has close tolerances. The close tolerances in such packages make installation and removal of pre-spooled fiber optic cables very difficult. Sometimes the spool diameter of the fiber optic cable needs to be increased or decreased depending upon its fit within the package (e.g. cassette). Furthermore, the device utilizing the fiber spool often needs a specific length of optical fiber (e.g. the EDFA typically uses a predetermined length of Erbium doped fiber to perform the amplification). Thus, the length of the fiber optic cable being spooled is typically set while the spool diameter may need to be varied depending upon the packaging of the fiber spool. 
     It is thus desirous to create spools of fiber optic cable having different diameters. Unfortunately, conventional fiber optic cable spoolers require a different, dedicated reel for each diameter desired. The operator or user of a conventional spooler spends valuable time setting up for different diameters of fiber optic cable. Furthermore, it is very difficult to remove spooled fiber optic cables from conventional spoolers, without damaging or destroying the fiber optic cable. 
     Thus, there is a need in the art to provide a means for providing multiple, accurate, predetermined lengths and spool diameters of fiber optic cable windings used in optical communications systems that may be quickly and easily utilized by an operator and prevent the fiber optic cables from being damaged or bent beyond their minimum bend radii. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention solves the problems of the related art by providing a fiber optic cable winding tool for providing accurate predetermined lengths of fiber optic cables, and having a substantially circular winding drum or spool made up of peripheral elements that are radially adjustable to different diameters. 
     As embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention is broadly drawn to a fiber optic cable winding tool having a disk-shaped base and a pair of semi-circular spools slidably mounted on the base. The spools are radially adjustable toward and from the central axis of the base by providing the spools on rails connected to and radially extending away from the central axis of the base. Each spool has a fiber optic cable contacting surface with a radius of curvature exceeding a minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable. A pair of linkage arms connect to each spool and further connect to a slide block spaced from the spools. One of the spools is capable of being retained against the base once the desired diameter of the winding is located. The retained spool, in conjunction with the linkage arms and slide block, prevent the other spool from sliding relative to the base. This way the diameter of the spools can be set and the fiber optic cable may be wound thereon. The rails permit the spools to be radially collapsed towards the central axis of the disk-shaped base after winding the fiber optic cable to permit removal of the fiber optic cable from the spools. 
     Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a fiber optic cable winding tool in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the fiber optic cable winding tool shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the fiber optic cable winding tool shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and showing the fiber optic cable winding tool in a collapsed position; 
     FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the fiber optic cable winding tool shown in FIGS. 1-3, and showing the fiber optic cable winding tool in an open position; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the fiber optic cable winding tool shown in FIGS. 1-4, taken along line  5 — 5  of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of a fiber optic cable winding tool in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the fiber optic cable winding tool shown in FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 7A is fragmental cross-sectional view in elevation showing a retaining mechanism of the fiber optic cable winding tool shown in FIGS. 6 and 7; 
     FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the fiber optic cable winding tool shown in FIGS. 6 and 7; 
     FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the fiber optic cable winding tool shown in FIGS. 6-8, and showing the fiber optic cable winding tool in a collapsed position; 
     FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the fiber optic cable winding tool shown in FIGS. 6-9, and showing the fiber optic cable winding tool in an open position; 
     FIG. 11 is a top plan view partially broken away of a fiber optic cable winding tool in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, and showing the fiber optic cable winding tool in a collapsed position; 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view in elevation of the fiber optic cable winding tool taken along line  12 — 12  of FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 12A is a side view of portions of the fiber optic cable winding tool shown in FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 13 is a top plan view partially broken away of the fiber optic cable winding tool shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and showing the fiber optic cable winding tool in an open position; 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view in elevation of the fiber optic cable winding tool taken along line  14 — 14  of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 14A is a side view of portions of the fiber optic cable winding tool shown in FIG. 13; and 
     FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a method of using the first, second, and third embodiments of the fiber optic cable winding tool of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 
     As used herein, the term “winding” is used to mean winding, unwinding, securing, routing, and storing a fiber optic cable or cables, and also means a spool of a fiber optic cable or cables. 
     As used herein, the terms “fiber optic cable,” “fiber,” or “optical fiber” are used to mean various types of fiber optic cables such as fiber optic cables having or stripped of their protective sheaths. 
     Referring now specifically to the drawings, an embodiment of the fiber optic cable winding tool of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5, and shown generally as reference numeral  10 . Fiber optic cable winding tool  10  includes a disk-shaped base  12  having a pair of semi-circular, opposing spools (hubs, jaws, reels, etc.)  14  moveably attached thereto with a pair of slide plate carriages  16 . Each spool  14  may be attached to its corresponding slide plate carriage  16  via various connection mechanisms. For example, each spool  14  may connect to a corresponding slide plate carriage  16  with an adhesive, glue, double-sided tape, nuts and bolts, screws, etc. As shown in FIG. 1, however, each spool  14  may connect to a corresponding slide plate carriage  16  by integrally forming two connector arms  18  between each spool  14  and each slide plate carriage  16 . A fiber optic cable to be wound on spools  14  may be attached to one spool (to begin the winding) with tape, adhesive, a threaded screw with a resilient washer, etc. 
     Each slide plate carriage  16  may slidably move towards and away from the other slide plate carriage  16  on a corresponding rail  20  (which may have an H-shaped or I-shaped cross-section, as best shown in FIG.  5 ). Rails  20  may be integrally formed or connect with the underside of disk-shaped base  12 , as best seen in FIG.  3 . If connected, rails  20  may attach to disk-shaped base  12  with a variety of connection mechanisms, including adhesive, glue, double-sided tape, nuts and bolts, screws, etc. 
     One end of a linkage arm  22  pivotally connects to one slide plate carriage  16 , while one end of another linkage arm  22  pivotally connects to the other slide plate carriage  16 . The ends of the linkage arms  22  not connected to slide plate carriages, pivotally connect at a common point “A” of a T-shaped slide block  24 . T-shaped slide block  24  has two guide portions  26  (making up the top of the “T” of block  24 ) that are slidably received in a T-shaped slot  28  formed in disk-shaped base  12 . Linkage arms  22  and T-shaped slide block  24  retain slide plate carriages  16  on their corresponding rails  20 , and prevent carriages  16  from extending beyond the ends of rails  20  near the periphery of disk-shaped base  12 , as shown in FIG.  3 . 
     As further shown in FIG. 1, a lock bolt  30  and a lock arm  32  combination may be provided on one slide plate carriage  16 . When lock arm  32  is rotated to a predetermined location, lock bolt  30  bears against rail  20  and prevents carriage  16  from sliding on rail  20 . Lock bolt  30  may also contain a detent mechanism  29 ,  29 ′ that engages carriage when lock arm  32  is rotated to the predetermined location, and prevents lock bolt  30  from rotating. A user of the fiber optic cable winding tool  10  need only slide the carriage  16  containing lock bolt  30  and lock arm  32  to a desired location, which, in turn, causes the linkage arm  22  connected to this carriage  16  to force and slide T-shaped slide block  24 , forcing and sliding the slide plate carriage  16  not containing lock bolt  30  and lock arm  32 . By way of example only and assuming spools  14  are aligned near the center of disk-shaped base  12 , if the user moves either slide plate carriage  16  outward from the center towards the periphery of base  12 , then the linkage arm  22  connected to the moved carriage  16  will force T-shaped slide block  24  inward towards the center of base  12 , causing the other linkage arm  22  to force the other carriage  16  outward towards the periphery of base  12 . This way, spools  14  are radially adjustable towards and away from each other on base  12 . 
     Once the user is satisfied with the diameter created by spools  14 , he or she need only turn lock arm  32  to the predetermined location. Once lock arm  32  is rotated to its predetermined position, the detent mechanism  29 ,  29 ′ in lock bolt  30  engages carriage  16 , lock bolt  30  retains and prevents slide plate carriage  16  from sliding on rail  20 , and linkage arms  22  prevent the other carriage  16  and T-shaped slide block  24  from sliding any further. Thus, linkage arms  22  retain the desired diameter of spools  14 . Preferably, linkage arms  22  have the same length so that carriages move away from the center of base  12  an equal distance. However, linkage arms  22  may have different lengths dependent upon the fiber optic cable to be wound upon the fiber optic cable winding tool  10 , and the desired winding shape. For example, if an elliptical or oval winding is desired, then one linkage arm  22  would be shorter than the other linkage arm  22 . 
     Alternatively, T-shaped slide block  24  and linkage arms  22  need not be provided if a lock bolt  30  and lock arm  32  combination are provided on both slide plate carriages  16 . However, in order to provide a circular winding of fiber optic cable, the user must ensure that spools  14  and carriages  16  are provided and locked in place an equal distance from the center of base  12 . If T-shaped block  24  and linkage arms  22  are not provided, then multiple spools  14  (thirds, quarters, etc.) may be employed in tool  10 . However, each spool  14  would need a lock bolt  30  and lock arm  32  combination. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, predetermined spool diameters may be set by providing a hole  23  in T-shaped slide block  24  that aligns with holes  25  provided in T-shaped slot  28 . Once the desired diameter is set by aligned hole  23  with one of holes  25 , a pin may be provided in holes  23 ,  25  to prevent T-shaped slide block  24  from sliding in T-shaped slot  28 . Preferably, holes  25  are formed at locations to provide a fiber optic cable winding having a diameter between 2 and 4.75 inches, although the dimensions of tool  10  may be altered to provide other diameter windings. Although only three holes  25  are shown in FIG. 3, more or less than three preset winding diameters may be provided by providing more or less than three holes  25  in T-shaped slot  28 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a motor  100  and a shaft  102  rotatably connected to motor  100  may connect to a collar  34  integrally formed with or connected to disk-shaped base  12 . After the desired diameter of spools  14  has been set, motor  100  may be energized, causing shaft  102  to rotate, which, in turn, causes collar  34  and base  12  to rotate. This permits a fiber optic cable to be wound upon spools  14  quickly and easily. Alternatively, motor  100 , shaft  102 , and collar  34  need not be provided, and the user of fiber optic cable winding tool  10  may hand wind the fiber optic cable onto spools  14 . 
     Significantly, tool  10  may be collapsed for easy removal of the fiber optic cable, which prevents damage to the fragile fiber optic cable. Once the fiber optic cable spool is wound on tool  10 , lock bolt  30  and lock arm  32  may be disengaged, and the pin may be removed from holes  23 ,  25  so that spools  14  may be moved adjacent to each, collapsing the diameter of spools  14  supporting the fiber optic cable winding. This enables the fiber optic cable winding to be easily removed from tool  10  without the potential for damage to the fiber optic cable. 
     FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of fiber optic cable winding tool  10  in a collapsed position. In the collapsed position, spools  14  contact or are substantially adjacent to each other, providing the minimum diameter for the fiber optic cable to wound be thereon. In this position, T-shaped slide block  24  is adjacent to the periphery of disk-shaped base  12 . Preferably, the radius of curvature R 1  of fiber optic cable contacting surfaces  15  of spools  14  (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5) will be greater than or equal to the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable to be wound thereon. 
     FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of fiber optic cable winding tool  10  in an open position. In the open position, spools  14  are provided their maximum distance from each other, which is dependent upon the lengths of linkage arms  22 . In this position, T-shaped slide block  24  is adjacent to the center of disk-shaped base  12 . 
     Various modifications may be made in the fiber optic cable winding tool  10  shown in FIGS. 1-5. For example, base  12  and spools  14  need not be circular in shape, and may be elliptical, oval, etc. Furthermore, fiber optic cable winding tool  10  may be made from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, 6061 and 2024 aluminum, hard-coated or anodized aluminum, and 300 and 400 series stainless steel. High performance thermoplastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, polycarbonate, Delrin® (registered trademark of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company for its brand of acetal resin), and nylon, are also possible for certain elements. 
     Finally, the fiber optic cable winding tool  10  may have a variety of sizes, depending upon the type of fiber optic cable to be wound thereon. Preferably, however, tool  10  is sized so that the radius of curvature R 1  of fiber optic cable contacting surfaces  15  of spools  14  is greater than or equal to the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable, so to prevent latent defects or destruction of the fiber optic cable. 
     A second embodiment of the fiber optic cable winding tool of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 6-10, and shown generally as reference numeral  200 . Fiber optic cable winding tool  200  includes a pair of concentric disks  201 ,  202  capable of rotating relative to each other. Disk  201  has four quarter-circular spools (hubs, jaws, reels, etc.)  204  moveably attached thereto with four T-shaped slide carriages  206 . Each spool  204  may attach to its corresponding T-shaped slide carriage  206  via various connection mechanisms. For example, each spool  204  may connect to its corresponding T-shaped slide carriage  206  with an adhesive, glue, double-sided tape, nuts and bolts, screws, etc. As shown in FIG. 6, however, each spool  204  may be integrally formed with its corresponding T-shaped slide carriage  206 . 
     Each T-shaped slide carriage  206  may slidably move towards and away from the other slide cartridges  206  within a corresponding T-shaped slot  207  formed in disk  201  and which radially extends away from the center of disk  201 . Each T-shaped slot  207  has a radial slot  208  formed therethrough that communicates with a corresponding arcuate slot  224  formed through disk  202 , as best seen in FIG. 9. A roller guide  222  (as shown in FIG. 9) may be slidably provided in each arcuate slot  224 , and connect to the bottom of a corresponding T-shaped slide carriage  206 . Roller guides  222  may take many forms, including a pin, a bolt, etc. However, as shown in the Figures, roller guides  222  are ball bearings that are received and retained in an opening formed in the bottoms of corresponding slide carriages  206 . 
     Another arcuate slot  212  is formed near the periphery of a portion of disk  202 , and a thumb screw  210  may be slidably provided in arcuate slot  212 . Arcuate slot  212  and thumb screw  210 , when loosened, enables disks  201 ,  202  to be rotated concentrically relative to each other, and thumb screw  210 , when tightened, prevents disks  201 ,  202  from rotating relative to each other. This enables a user to set the diameter of the fiber optic cable to be wound upon tool  200 . A user of the fiber optic cable winding tool  200  need only loosen thumb screw  210  and rotate disks  201 ,  202  relative to each other to a desired location. This, in turn, causes roller guides  222  to move in radial slots  208  and arcuate slots  224 . By way of example only and assuming spools  204  are aligned near the center of disk  201 , if the user rotates disk  201  clockwise and disk  202  counterclockwise, then roller guides  22  move clockwise through arcuate slots  224 , causing slide carriages  206  and spools  204  to move radially away from the center of disk  201 . If disk  201  is rotated counterclockwise and disk  202  clockwise, then spools  204  move radially toward the center of disk  201 . This way, spools  204  are radially adjustable towards and away from each other on disk  201 . Alternatively, arcuate slots  224  may be inverted so that the rotation directions of disks  201 ,  202 , discussed above, may be inverted. 
     As shown in FIG. 7A, tool  200  further includes a mechanism  220  that retains one end of the fiber optic cable before winding begins. Mechanism  220  includes a button  220 A slidably provided within a cylinder  220 B having an opening  220 E provided therethrough for receiving one end of a fiber optic cable  104 . A pair of resilient (e.g., rubber) disks  220 C are provided within cylinder  220 B, and are spring-biased by a spring  220 D. To load fiber optic cable  104 , button  220 A is depressed, spring  220 D spreads resilient disks  220 C, the fiber optic cable  104  is inserted into opening  220 E between the disks  220 C, and button  220 A is released. This sandwiches the fiber optic cable  104  between the resilient disks  220 C and secures it for spooling. 
     Once the user is satisfied with the diameter created by spools  204 , he or she need only tighten thumb screw  210 . Once thumb screw  210  tightened, it retains and prevents disk  201  from rotating relative to disk  202 , which prevents spools  204  from moving radially inward or outward. Thus, thumb screw  210  retains the desired diameter of spools  204 . Preferably, arcuate slots  224  have the same length and shape so that spools  204  move away from the center of disk  201  an equal distance. However, arcuate slots  224  may have different lengths and shapes dependent upon the fiber optic cable to be wound upon the fiber optic cable winding tool  200 , and the desired winding shape. For example, if an elliptical or oval winding is desired, then two arcuate slots  224  would be shorter than the other two arcuate slots  224 . Furthenmore, reference marks may be provided on disk  201  that allow the user to set predetermined diameters for spools  204 . 
     Preferably, a stop slot  214  having a plurality of holes at predetermined locations may be formed on the circumference of disk  201 . The holes of stop slot  214  may receive a travel stop guide  216  connected to disk  202  so that predetermined spool diameters may be set. A desired diameter is set by providing stop guide  216  within one of the holes provided in stop slot  214 . Preferably, the holes of stop slot  214  are formed at locations to provide a fiber optic cable winding having a diameter between 2 and 4.75 inches, although the dimensions of tool  200  may be altered to provide other diameter windings. Any number of holes may be provided in stop slot  214 , depending upon the number of predetermined spool diameters desired. 
     Significantly, tool  200  may be collapsed for easy removal of the fiber optic cable, which prevents damage to the fragile fiber optic cable. Once the fiber optic cable is wound, thumb screw  210 , stop slot  214 , and travel stop guide  216  may be disengaged to permit disks  201 ,  202  to rotate relative to one another, collapsing the diameter of spools  204  supporting the fiber optic cable winding. This enables the fiber optic cable winding to be easily removed from tool  200  without the potential for damage to the fiber optic cable. Travel stop guide  216  is then reset into stop slot  214  and a new winding can be wound on tool  200 . 
     The diameter of disks  201 ,  202 , the length of arcuate slot  212 , and the lengths of radial slots  208  and arcuate slots  224  will determine the maximum diameter formed by spools  204 , dependent upon the fiber optic cables to be wound on tool  200 . Furthermore, although four spools  204  are shown in FIGS. 6-10, more or less spools (thirds, fifths, etc.) may be employed in tool  200 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, a motor  100  and a shaft  102  rotatably connected to motor  100  may connect to a collar  218  integrally formed with or connected to disk  202 . After the desired diameter of spools  204  has been set, motor  100  may be energized, causing shaft  102  to rotate, which, in turn, causes collar  218  and disks  201 ,  202  to rotate. This permits a fiber optic cable to be wound upon spools  204  quickly and easily. Alternatively, motor  100 , shaft  102 , and collar  218  need not be provided, and the user of fiber optic cable winding tool  200  may hand wind the fiber optic cable onto spools  204 . 
     FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of fiber optic cable winding tool  200  in a collapsed position. In the collapsed position, spools  204  contact or are substantially adjacent to each other, providing the minimum diameter for the fiber optic cable to be wound thereon. In this position, all of the roller guides  222  are adjacent to the center of disk  202 . Preferably, the radius of curvature R 2  of fiber optic cable contacting surfaces  205  of spools  204  will be greater than or equal to the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable to be wound thereon. 
     FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of fiber optic cable winding tool  200  in an open position. In the open position, spools  204  are provided at their maximum distance from each other, which is dependent upon the size and shape of disks  201 ,  202 , arcuate slot  212 , and arcuate slots  224 . In this position, roller guides  222  are adjacent to the periphery of disk  202 . 
     Various modifications may be made in the fiber optic cable winding tool  200  shown in FIGS. 6-10. For example, disks  201 ,  202  and spools  204  need not be circular in shape, and may be elliptical, oval, etc. Furthermore, fiber optic cable winding tool  200  may be made from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, the materials mentioned above for tool  10  shown in FIGS. 1-5. Finally, the fiber optic cable winding tool  200  may have a variety of sizes, depending upon the type of fiber optic cable to be wound thereon. For example, disks  201 ,  202  may have diameters of approximately six inches, but larger diameter disks  201 ,  202  may be used if larger diameter spools are required. Preferably, however, tool  200  is sized so that the radius of the fiber optic cable winding provided thereby is greater than or equal to the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable, so to prevent latent defects or destruction of the fiber optic cable. 
     A third embodiment of the fiber optic cable winding tool of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 11-14, and shown generally as reference numeral  300 . Fiber optic cable winding tool  300  includes four quarter-circular spools (hubs, jaws, reels, etc.)  302  moveably attached together with a resilient ring  304 , such as a resilient  0 -ring. Each spool  302  may have an opening  311  provided therein for receiving and retaining one end of the fiber optic cable to be wound thereon before the winding is begun. A central disk-shaped base (hub, drive dog, etc.)  306  having four radial guides (translation spokes, etc.)  308  may be provided centrally to each spool  302 . Each spool  302  includes a guide slot  310  that slidably receives a corresponding radial guide  308 . Resilient ring  304  inwardly biases each spool  302  onto its corresponding radial guide  308 , retaining spools  302  on drive dog  306 . As best seen in FIG. 12, each spool  302  contains a slot  312  that receives resilient ring  304  therein, and further includes a groove  314  for retaining a fiber optic cable thereagainst. 
     Fiber optic cable winding tool  300  further includes a radial guide or shaft  324  upon which disk-shaped base  306 , an upper wedge-shaped disk  316 , and a lower wedge-shaped disk  318  are centrally and concentrically mounted with each other. Both upper and lower disks  316 ,  318  may be movable on radial shaft  324 , or one disk may be moveable and the other disk stationary. As shown in FIG. 12, upper disk  316  is moveable towards and away from stationary lower disk  318  (stationary on radial shaft  324 ) through activation of a cam lever  320  integrally connected to a cam lobe  322 . Cam lobe  322  pivotally attaches to the head portion of a cap screw  330 , via pivot pin  325 . A threaded portion of cap screw  330  threadably connects to radial shaft  324 , as best shown in FIGS. 12A and 14A. 
     Cam lever  320 , cam lobe  322 , and cap screw  330  enable a user to set the diameter of the fiber optic cable to be wound upon tool  300 . A user of the fiber optic cable winding tool  300  need only feed the fiber optic cable in one of the openings  311  formed in one of the spools  302 , and rotate cam lever  320  clockwise. As best seen in FIGS. 12A and 14A, rotation of cam lever  320  clockwise causes cap screw  330  to be threaded down into radial shaft  324 . This, in turn, causes upper disk  316  to move towards lower disk  318 , forcing spools  302  radially away from the central radial guide  314  against the inward biasing force of resilient ring  304 . If cam lever  320  is rotated counterclockwise, then cap screw  330  is threaded away from radial shaft  324 , upper disk  316  moves away from lower disk  318 , and the inward biasing force of resilient ring  304  causes spools  302  to move radially toward the center of radial shaft  324 . This way, spools  302  are radially adjustable towards and away from each other. Alternatively, the threaded portion of cap screw  330  may be inverted (e.g., from left-handed threading to right-handed threading) so that the rotation directions of cam lever  320  discussed above may be inverted. 
     A desired diameter may be set by locking cam lobe  322  and cap screw  330  at a specific location. Preferably, tool  300  provides a fiber optic cable winding having a diameter between 2 and 4.75 inches, although the dimensions of tool  300  may be altered to provide other diameter windings. 
     Preferably, spools  302  have the same shape, and upper disk  316  uniformly engages spools  302  so that spools  302  move away from the center radial guide  324  an equal distance. However, spools  302  may have different shapes dependent upon the fiber optic cable to be wound upon the fiber optic cable winding tool  300 , and the desired winding shape. For example, if an elliptical or oval winding is desired, then two spools  302  would have shorter radii than the other two spools  302 . 
     Significantly, tool  300  may be collapsed for easy removal of the fiber optic cable, which prevents damage to the fragile fiber optic cable. Once the fiber optic cable is wound, cam lever  320  is flipped upward, as best shown in FIGS. 12 and 12A, and the geometry of cam lobe  322  collapses the diameter of spools  302  supporting the fiber optic cable winding. This enables the fiber optic cable winding to be easily removed from tool  300  without the potential for damage to the fiber optic cable. A fiber optic cable may then be provided in an opening  311  of a spool  302 , and a new winding can be wound on tool  300 . 
     The shapes of spools  302 , upper disk  316 , and cam lobe  322  will determine the maximum diameter formed by spools  302 , which is dependent upon the fiber optic cables to be wound on tool  300 . Furthermore, although four spools  302  are shown in FIGS. 11-14, more or less spools (thirds, fifths, etc.) may be employed in tool  300 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, a motor  100  and a shaft  102  rotatably connected to motor  100  may connect to a collar  326  integrally formed with or connected to support  328  extending from lower disk  318 . After the desired diameter of spools  302  has been set, motor  100  may be energized, causing shaft  102  to rotate, which, in turn, causes collar  326 , lower disk  318 , and spools  302  to rotate. This permits a fiber optic cable to be wound upon spools  302  quickly and easily. Alternatively, motor  100 , shaft  102 , and collar  326  need not be provided, and the user of fiber optic cable winding tool  300  may hand wind the fiber optic cable onto spools  302 . 
     FIGS. 11 and 12 show fiber optic cable winding tool  300  in a collapsed position. In the collapsed position, spools  302  contact or are substantially adjacent to drive dog  306 , providing the minimum diameter for the fiber optic cable to be wound thereon. Preferably, the radius of curvature R 3  of fiber optic cable contacting surfaces (grooves  314 ) of spools  302  will be greater than or equal to the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable to be wound thereon. 
     FIGS. 13 and 14 show fiber optic cable winding tool  300  in an open position. In the open position, spools  302  are provided at their maximum distance from each other, which is dependent upon the size and shape of spools  302 , upper disk  316 , and cam lobe  322 . 
     Various modifications may be made in the fiber optic cable winding tool  300  shown in FIGS. 11-14. For example, spools  302  need not be circular in shape, and may be elliptical, oval, etc. Furthermore, fiber optic cable winding tool  300  may be made from a variety of materials, including, but not limited to, the materials mentioned above for tool  10  shown in FIGS. 1-5. Finally, the fiber optic cable winding tool  300  may have a variety of sizes, depending upon the type of fiber optic cable to be wound thereon. For example, tool  300  is sized so that the radius of the fiber optic cable winding provided thereby is greater than or equal to the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable, so to prevent latent defects or destruction of the fiber optic cable. 
     FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a method of using the fiber optic cable winding tools of the present invention that may be applied to all three embodiments of the tool (e.g., tools  10 ,  20 ,  300 ). The method begins at step  400 , and includes a first step  402  of radially adjusting the spools of the fiber optic cable winding tool to set the diameter of the fiber optic cable spool or winding. The method further includes a second step  404  of winding the fiber optic cable on the spools, a third step  406  of radially collapsing the spools after winding the fiber optic cable, and a fourth step  408  of removing the wound fiber optic cable from the spools. The method concludes after fourth step  408 , at step  410 . 
     In addition to the method shown in FIG. 15, multiple mechanisms that retain one end of the fiber optic cable prior to winding may be used with all three embodiments of the fiber optic cable winding tool. For example, the mechanism  220  shown in FIG. 7A, tape, adhesive, a screw having a resilient washer, etc. may be used with all three tools  10 ,  200 ,  300 . 
     The fiber optic cable winding tool of the present invention provides many advantages over the conventional storage means previously described. For example, the winding tool of the present invention provides a safe means for providing accurate predetermined lengths fiber optic cables in optical communications systems that may be quickly and easily utilized by an operator, eliminate unused cable lengths, and prevent the fiber optic cables from being damaged or bent beyond their minimum bend radii. The winding tool also enables winding fiber spools having various diameters without the need to change the spool. Significantly, the winding tools of the present invention may be collapsed for easy removal of the fiber optic cable, which prevents damage to the fragile fiber optic cable. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the fiber optic cable winding tool of the present invention and in construction of the winding tool without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. The physical dimensions of the components of the present invention may vary depending upon the amount and size of the fiber optic cable to be retained therein. Furthermore, the number and shape of the spools, material selections, etc., discussed above and shown in the Figures, are purely exemplary and not limiting of the embodiments of the present invention. 
     Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.