Fiber Optic Mechanical Splice Technology

AFL is the recipient of a patent for its mechanical splice technology. The patent was awarded to Patrick Dobbins, director of training and certification for AFL. This patent comprises new technology that eliminates the need for a special tool or fixture to open and close the elastomeric alignment groove that allows the 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.

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. Dobbins has held a wide 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.

AFL has received several patents since it was incorporated in Duncan, South Carolina, in 1984. This is Dobbins' second patent while with AFL.

For additional information on AFL and its products, visit www.AFLglobal.com.


About AFL
AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, OEM, enterprise, wireless and transit rail markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, medical, renewable and intelligent grid. The company's diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL's service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.

Founded in 1984, AFL is proud to offer engineering expertise, exceptional products and reliable service that help our customers improve their critical and electrical infrastructure. AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Europe and Asia. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, SC, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com.