Apparatus and method for splitting optical fibers

An apparatus for splitting optical fibers comprising:

• an inline portion defining an input port at one end for receiving a plurality of optical fibers and a primary output port at an opposed end through which at least one optical fiber exits, the input port and the primary output port being coaxial;
• and
• a branch portion extending from the inline portion at one end to a secondary output port at an opposed end, the branch portion being in communication with the inline portion such that at least one optical fiber can be split from the plurality of optical fibers and routed through the branch portion, the branch portion defining an acute angle with respect to the inline portion proximate the primary output port;
• and
• a separation element disposed within the splitter housing proximate the secondary output port, the separation element defining a plurality of channels therethrough, each channel defining a lateral cross-sectional area that increases in a direction toward the secondary output port.

A method for splitting a plurality of optical fibers comprising:

• providing a splitter housing extending lengthwise between opposed first and second ends and defining an input port proximate the first end and defining primary and secondary output ports proximate the second end;
• providing a separation element disposed within the splitter housing proximate the secondary output port, the separation element defining a plurality of channels therethrough, each channel defining a lateral cross~sectional area that increases in a direction toward the secondary output port;
• separating the splitter housing into first and second halves with each half of the splitter housing extending lengthwise between the opposed first and second ends;
• routing a plurality of optical fibers through the separated splitter housing such that at least one optical fiber extends from the input port to the primary output port and such that at least one optical fiber extends from the input port to the secondary output port through one of the channels defined by the separation element;
• and
• closing the first and second halves of the splitter housing to retain the plurality of optical fibers therein.