Richard F Riggs

US Patent:

6481903, Nov 19, 2002

Filed:

Aug 7, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/131381

Inventors:

Ramesh Varma - Berkeley Heights NJ
Richard S. Riggs - Somerville NJ

Assignee:

TyCom (U.S.) Inc. - Morristown NJ

International Classification:

G02B 6255

US Classification:

385 99, 385 95, 385 97, 385 98

Abstract:

An optical fiber splice protector protects a splice between a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber. The first optical fiber includes a first fiber coating and the second optical fiber includes a second fiber coating where the second fiber coating has a larger diameter than the first fiber coating. The splice protector includes a sleeve that is applied around the first fiber coating. The sleeve has a similar diameter to the diameter of the second fiber coating. A splint is applied around the splice of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber and extends from the sleeve to the second fiber coating. Additionally, a method for applying a fiber optic splice protector is provided. The method includes the steps of positioning the splint around the splice, proof testing the splice, and heat curing the splint around the splice after proof testing of the splice.