Importance

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Abstract

A universal tool for cutting fiber optic cables and, more particularly, for cutting buffer tubes of various diameters and wall thicknesses includes first and second housings having respective inner surfaces. The inner surface of each housing can define a respective groove which, in turn, defines a respective longitudinal axis. The second housing is adjustably attached to the first housing so that the first and second grooves are maintained in an aligned relationship to thereby form a channel having a width which can be controllably adjusted so as to substantially match the diameter of the buffer tube to be cut, thereby allowing the universal tool to access the optical fibers within buffer tubes of different diameters. The tool also includes a first blade which is at least partially disposed in the first housing so that the first blade extends a predetermined distance into the respective groove. The position of the first blade can be adjusted relative to the first housing in order to correspondingly adjust the depth to which the blade will cut. Therefore, the universal tool can cut the buffer tube of cables having different wall thickness by controllably varying the depth to which the blade will cut.

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First Claim