US Patent 10018782 Optical fiber stripping methods and apparatus

An apparatus for removing at least one coating from a lengthwise section of an optical fiber includes a heater extending at least partially around and at least partially defining an elongate heating region configured for receiving the lengthwise section of the optical fiber. The heater can heat the heating region to a temperature above the thermal decomposition temperature of the at least one coating. A controller automatically deactivates the heater after removal of the at least one coating from the lengthwise section of the optical fiber in the heating region. Thereafter, an air mover can cause ambient air to cool the heater.