Apparatus for mechanically splicing optic fibers

A method for splicing two exposed optic fiber cores including the steps of:

• (a) nn apparatus for mechanically splicing two optic fiber cores, comprising:
• (i) two holder bodies, moveable relative to each other, each of which includes a retaining device configured to receive, and hold, end sections of said optic fiber cores;
• and
• (ii) a scoring device coupled with the holder bodies and operable to move along a trajectory relative to the holder bodies, each retaining device being arranged so that said end sections extend therefrom through said trajectory;
• (b) inserting end sections of optic fiber cores into retaining devices of respective holder bodies, thereby positioning said end sections for scoring by the scoring device;
• (c) operating the scoring device to move along the trajectory to score said end sections;
• (d) operating said scoring device to move further along said trajectory to urge the holder bodies apart to cleave the end sections;
• and
• (e) moving said holder bodies relative to one another to affect mechanical splicing of said optic fiber cores.