Patent attributes
A method of removing a tight buffer coating from an optical fiber involves positioning an end section of the optical fiber next to an end of a tube, with at least a portion of the the end section including a primary coating and the tight buffer coating. The tube has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the primary coating and an outer diameter less than an outer diameter of the tight buffer coating. The method also involves applying energy to heat the tight buffer coating, inserting the end section of the optical fiber into the tube so that the tight buffer coating contacts the end of the tube, and advancing the end section of the optical fiber along the tube. The tube removes the tight buffer coating from the primary coating as the end section of the optical fiber is advanced.