In-line fiber optic cable splice and method of using the same

Abstract

A method and apparatus for providing an in-line fiber optic cable splice is sufficiently compact so as to allow for the spliced assembly to be wound onto a conventional fiber reel. Various short lengths (for example, 1000 to 3000 feet) of fiber cable can thus be spliced together to form a more conventional length of cable that can be used in different situations. The in-line splice comprises a pair of grip blocks for supporting the end portions of a pair of fiber cables to be spliced together. A pair of metallic sleeves are disposed over the fiber ends, with the cable strength members bent backward over the sleeves, exposing the bundle of optical fibers in the center of the cable. After splicing the cables together, a buffer tube is positioned over the fused region to protect the fibers. An outer heat shrink protective layer is disposed to cover the pair of grip blocks, as well as the buffer tube encased splice region.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.