AFL has received a patent for its new mechanical fiber splicing technology. The patent comprises a technology that eliminates the need for a special tool or fixture to open and close the elastomeric alignment groove that allows cleaned and cleaved fibers to be properly positioned to facilitate a low loss mechanical splice. The splice itself has a fixture built into the mechanical splice, and is removed and disposed of when the splice is complete.

The patent was awarded to Patrick Dobbins, director of training and certification for AFL. Dobbins has 32 years of professional fiber-optic/telecommunications experience including system design, network design, engineering, construction, technical sales, product manufacturing, applications engineering and commercial management. He has held a variety of leadership roles at AFL over his 20-year tenure with the company. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Southern University.

The new patent is Dobbins' second while with AFL.

See also:AFL simplifies fiber installer tasks with 'inspection-ready' OTDR