Apparatus and method for tensioning and threading optical fiber

An apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber, comprising:

• a first roller;
• a second roller;
• a third roller;
• a belt that wraps around the first and second rollers, wherein the belt is in direct physical contact with the first and second rollers, and wherein at least one of the first, second, and third rollers is actuatable such that the optical fiber is captured between the belt and the third roller such that tension is provided to the optical fiber downstream of a draw tractor, and wherein the first roller, the second roller, the third roller, and the belt are sized and positioned such that the optical fiber is moved through the apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber at a speed of at least about 30 m/s.

A method of operating an apparatus for tensioning and threading an optical fiber, comprising the steps of:

• acquiring the optical fiber through an entrance nozzle;
• capturing the optical fiber between a plurality of rollers;
• and
• tensioning the optical fiber by rotating at least one of the plurality of rollers.