Method and apparatus for removing optical fiber

A system for removing optical fiber from a spool, comprising:

• a frame adapted to support the spool of optical fiber in an orientation in which the longitudinal axis of the spool is substantially vertical;
• and
• a head positioned underneath the spool supported by said frame in axial alignment therewith, said head having an internal passage that extends from an opening formed in a top surface thereof to an opening formed in a bottom surface thereof, said internal passage being adapted to receive a portion of the optical fiber to be removed from the spool supported above said head, said head further having a supply passage that extends through said head to said internal passage, said supply passage being oriented within said head to channel pressurized gas through said supply passage and through said internal passage so as to draw the optical fiber through said internal passage to unravel the optical fiber under the additional force of its own weight from the spool, said head further having at least one sensor therein.