Abstract:
A ribbon separation tool ( ) for separating optical fiber ribbons (C C C ) into subsets of optical fibers. Ribbon separation tool ( ) includes a stationary shearing device ( ), and a moveable shearing device ( ), the moveable shearing device ( ) is operative to move relative to the stationary shearing device ( ) during a shearing stroke. Optical fiber ribbon support elements ( ), with optical fiber ribbon receiving slots ( ) being defined therebetween, are adjacent shearing devices ( ). Moveable shearing device ( ) is moveably located between optical fiber ribbon support elements ( ) and includes moveable sub-slots ( ). When a cover member ( ) of tool ( ) is in a closed position, stationary sub-slots ( ) of stationary shearing device ( ) are aligned with moveable sub-slots ( ) to define shearing slots ( ). Shearing slots ( ) are each sized to receive a respective optical fiber ribbon (C C C ), and each shearing slot straddles a shearing plane (M) defined between shearing devices ( ). At least one shearing device ( ) is monolithically formed of a single piece of material.