System and method for preparing fiber optic ribbons

A system for preparing an abraded fiber optic ribbon containing parallel optic fibers adhered to a flat reflective backing, comprising:

• an abrasion selection panel containing a design prepared by laser engraving on emery paper adhered to a thin substrate, said panel being positioned for direct contact with said ribbon;
• a first and a second roller defining a nip through which said panel and said ribbon are to be fed;
• variable means for pressing the rollers against each other whereby the panel and pressing means combine to produce the design of the panel on the ribbon;
• means for driving at least one of said rollers at an adjustable speed;
• and
• means for heating at least one of said rollers.

A system for preparing an abraded fiber optic ribbon containing parallel optic fibers adhered to a flat plastic backing, comprising:

• an abrasion selection panel containing a design prepared by laser engraving on emery paper adhered to a backing support pad, said panel in direct contact with said ribbon;
• a first and a second plate with smooth surfaces defining a pressing zone in which said panel and said ribbon are to be fed;
• variable means for pressing the plates against each other, whereby the panel and pressing means combine to produce the design of the panel on the ribbon;
• means for driving at least one of said plates at an adjustable speed;
• and
• means for heating at least one of said plates.

A method for preparing an abraded fiber optic ribbon comprising the steps of:

• preparing an abrasion selection panel containing a design;
• contacting said panel with a fiber optic ribbon;
• feeding and variably pressing said panel and said fiber optic ribbon through a processing means as said design is being processed onto said fiber optic ribbon;
• driving said processing means to feed said panel and said fiber optic ribbon;
• and
• separating said panel from said fiber optic ribbon after said specific design has been processed onto said fiber optic ribbon to produce varying abrasion on the ribbon.

A method for preparing an abraded fiber optic ribbon comprising the steps of:

• preparing an abrasion selection panel containing a design;
• contacting said panel with a fiber optic ribbon;
• feeding and variably pressing said panel and said fiber optic ribbon through a nip defined by a first roller and a second roller as said design is being pressed onto said fiber optic ribbon to produce a varying abrasion on said panel;
• driving at least one of said rollers to feed said panel and said fiber optic ribbon;
• and
• separating said panel from said fiber optic ribbon after said specific design has been processed onto said fiber optic ribbon.

A method for preparing an abraded fiber optic ribbon comprising the steps of:

• preparing an abrasion selection panel containing a design;
• contacting said panel with a fiber optic ribbon;
• feeding and variably pressing said panel and said fiber optic ribbon into a pressing zone defined by a first plate and a second plate as said design is being pressed onto said fiber optic ribbon;
• driving at least one of said plates to feed said panel and said fiber optic ribbons;
• and
• separating said panel from said fiber optic ribbons after said design has been pressed onto said fiber optic ribbon.