WO2002070386A1

WO2002070386A1 - Optical fibre handling method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2002070386A1
Application number: PCT/AU2002/000217
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Colin Hill
Original assignee: Kadence Photonics Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2001-02-28
Filing date: 2002-02-28
Publication date: 2002-09-12

Abstract

A method of storing fibre optic cable (7) the method comprising the step of: winding the cable around a multiplicity of raised posts (3,4) formed on a package (1) the winding including forming at least two loops of the fibre with each complete circuit of the fibre.

Description

Optical Fibre Handling Method and Apparatus

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the handling, storage and use of fibre optic cable. Background of the invention

Recently, there has been a dramatic increase in the importance of optical fibre communications systems in the conveyance of information. Optical fibre communication systems often consist of optical fibres which normally comprise about 100 micron width fibres. Often the fibres are interconnected to optical fibre sub-systems such as components or the like. In the manufacture of such systems, it is necessary to be able to readily handle such fine fibres in an efficient manner. Where large amounts of handling of optical fibres is required, it is often difficult to effectively manage the handling process. This is especially the case where robotic handling techniques are utilised in the manufacture of cable systems. The utilisation of systems of automation, including robotics, holds great promise in the manufacture and production of large volumes of articles. Ideally, the objects subject to automated manipulation by robotic arms or the like should be easily manipulated and located. The ease of manipulation and location provides substantial advantage where robotic techniques can be subsequently simply employed. Fibre optic cable typically comprises a core of stiff glass fibre encased within a cylindrical soft plastic sheath and is generally of the order of 0.25mm in diameter. At present, long lengths of fibre optic cable are typically package and stored on a spool, with as much as 10km of fibre optic cable being wound onto a single spool. When installing a length of fibre optic cable, the cable is generally issued from the spool either by hand or by mounting the spool on a spindle.

However, if the spool does not spin as the fibre optic cable is being unwound the cable may twist, which in turn may cause delamination between the glass fibre core and the outer plastic sheath. Such damage to a cable is often difficult to detect and can result in the premature failure of the cable. Additionally, twists in the fibre optic cable may result in failure at connection points where the cable is joined to another length of cable or to a component.

Additionally, twisting of the fibre is likely to induce stress birefringence into the fibre which may affect the operation of devices attached to the fibre due to the resultant of birefringence. Further, it is often difficult to accurately and quickly locate the fibre ends.

Summary of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide for an improved method for storing and handling of materials such as optical fibre cables or the like.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of storing fibre optic cable said method comprising the step of winding the cable to couple with a supporting structure so that the number of turns in a first directions is substantially equal to the number of turns in an opposite direction. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of storing fibre optic cable, the method comprising the step of: winding the cable around a multiplicity of raised posts formed on a package, the winding including forming at least two loops of the fibre with each complete circuit of the fibre, h one embodiment, the cable can be stored in a figure eight configuration. hi accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of packaging fibre optic cable comprising packaging the fibre optic cable in a figure eight configuration. hi accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fibre cable storage package including a multiplicity of raised posts formed on a surface of the package for winding a fibre thereon so as to form at least two loops of the fibre with each complete circuit of the fibre. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a package for storing fibre optic cable, the package configured so as to receive and retain the fibre optic cable in a figure eight configuration. accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a package for storing fibre optic cable, the package configured so as to receive and retain the fibre optic cable in a figure eight configuration and unwound from either side.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical fibre cable storage package, the package including: a multiplicity of raised posts formed on each surface of the package, and a slot in the surface of the package; the package being configured to allow for the cable to be wound: on a first surface thereon in at least two loops of the fibre with each complete circuit of the fibre; and on a second surface thereon in at least two loops of the fibre with each complete circuit of the fibre; with the slot being used for passing an interconnection of the wound fibre on the first surface with the wound fibre on the second surface. The cable can be wound in a figure eight configuration on at least one of the package surfaces.

The package preferably can include portions formed from a magnetically sensitive material and the package further preferably can include magnetic detachment means of pinching one end of the fibre.

The package can also preferably include a protrusion formed on a surface of the package, the protrusion having a profiled head for mating with an automatic manipulation package. The profiled head preferably can include a hexagon cross section. The package can be formed from injection moulded plastic. The profiled head preferably can include a polygon of at least 4 sides. Also, multiple protrusions are preferably formed on the object.

Preferably, the package has a protrusion formed on a surface thereof, the protrusion having a profiled head for mating with the automatic manipulation device, the method comprising the steps of: (a) surrounding the profiled head with a portion of the automatic manipulation device; (b) forming a vacuum between the profiled head and the automatic manipulation device; and (c) moving the package using the automatic manipulation device. The package can also include a fibre handling device having an elongated tube having at least one slot formed in a first end of the tube, the slot including opposing walls which are preferably adapted to pinch the fibre within the slot; engagement means for detachably engaging the fibre handling device on the package. The elongated tube preferably can include two opposing slots formed in the first end of the tube. The tube can be resiliently deformable so as to release a fibre pinched within the slot. The tube can be resiliently deformed by applying pressure to opposing sides of the tube adjacent the first end. The tube preferably can include a first mating structure formed at a second end, the mating structure adapted to mate with a corresponding structure formed on a second body so as to statically couple the device to the second body. The first mating structure can comprise a magnetically sensitised tip. The first matting structure preferably can include a profiled surface on the second end designed to mate with a corresponding structure formed on the second body. One end of the tube can be tapered to allow for stacking. The slot can engage multiple fibres simultaneously. The walls of the tube can include a series of protuberances for affixing the tube to a body.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device formed on an object for assisting the machine manipulation of the object, the device comprising: a protrusion formed on a surface of the object, the protrusion having a profiled head for mating with an automatic manipulation device. i accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using an automatic manipulation device to manipulate an object, the object having a protrusion formed on a surface of the object, the protrusion having a profiled head for mating with the automatic manipulation device, the method comprising the steps of: (a) surrounding the profiled head with a portion of the automatic manipulation device; (b) forming a vacuum between the profiled head and the automatic manipulation device; (c) moving the object using the automatic manipulation device.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fibre handling device comprising: an elongated tube having at least one slot formed in a first end of the tube, the slot including opposing walls which are adapted to pinch the fibre within the slot. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of handling a fibre comprising the steps of: (a) initially holding the fibre in a first fibre handling device comprising an elongated tube of a first circumference dimensions and having opposing slots formed in a first end of the tube, the slot including opposing walls which are adapted to pinch the fibre within the slot; (b) providing a second fibre handling device comprising an elongated tube of a second circumference dimensions and having opposing slots formed in a first end of the tube, the slot including opposing walls which are adapted to pinch the fibre within the slot; (c) utilising the second fibre handling device to acquire the fibre from the first fibre handling device with the elongated tubes of the two fibre handling devices fitting one inside the other.

Brief description of the drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a top plan view of a tray 1 constructed in accordance with the preferred embodiment.

Fig. 2 illustrates a bottom plan view of the tray 1;

Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view along the line A-A of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view along the line E-E of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a side plan view of the arrangement of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view along the line C-C of Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 illustrates a sectional view through an enlarged corner portion along the lines F-F of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 illustrates an enlarged view of the leg portion within circle 2 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 9 illustrates a side perspective view of a robotic arm handling element in more detail;

Fig. 10 illustrates a sectional view through a manipulation element;

Fig. 11 illustrates a portion of an alternative embodiment; Fig. 12 is a plan view illustrating a further alternative embodiment;

Fig. 13 is a side perspective view of a further alternative embodiment;

Fig. 14 illustrates a side perspective view of a further alternative embodiment;

Fig. 15 illustrates a side perspective view of a termination tube; Fig. 16 illustrates a side perspective view of a crimped termination tube;

Fig. 17 illustrates perspective views of an alternative end portions of a tube;

Fig. 18 illustrates a first form of optical fibre handling utilising the first embodiment;

Fig. 19 illustrates a second form of fibre handling utilising embodiments of different sizes;

Fig. 20 illustrates schematically the process of stacking trays;

Fig. 21 illustrates schematically an alternative embodiment containing a device and two figure of eight loops;

Fig. 22 illustrates schematically an alternative embodiment containing a device and four figure of eight loops;

Fig. 23 illustrates schematically an alternative embodiment;

Fig. 24 illustrates schematically a further alternative embodiment;

Fig. 25 illustrates schematically an alternative clamping mechanism in an open position for utilisation in a further alternative embodiment; Fig. 26 illustrates schematically an alternative clamping mechanism in an open position for utilisation in a further alternative embodiment;

Detailed description of the embodiments

A number of preferred aspects of winding and storing a fibre optic cable in a figure eight configuration in accordance will now be described. In the preferred embodiment, there is provided a tray for winding fibre optical cable in a figure eight configuration. The figure eight configuration helps minimise twisting and reducing stress birefringence and provides for the cancellation of stress birefringence.

Further, the use of a figure of eight arrangement allows for a dispensing spool to be simply translated above the figure of eight when dispensing, rather than requiring an elaborate machine with a spinning spool.

Turning initially to Fig. 1, the preferred embodiment provides for a tray 1 having two substantially circular raised disks 3, 4 the raised disks have a series of lips eg, 5 around each circumference thereof. The tray 1 can be formed by injection moulded plastic or alternatively from a punched metal material. Two raised disks 3, 4 are formed so as to be ideal for winding optical fibre 7 in a "figure eight" pattern around the raised disks. The tray is adapted to be advantageously manipulated by a robotic arm by utilisation of robotic arm handling elements 9, 10.

By way of illumination, various other views of the tray 1 are also presented. These include: Fig. 2 which illustrates a bottom plan view of the tray 1; Fig. 3 illustrates a sectional view along the line A-A of Fig. 1 showing the raised portions 3,4; Fig. 4 which illustrates a sectional view along the line E-E of Fig. 1 again showing a raised portion; Fig. 5 which is a side plan view of the arrangement of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 which illustrates a sectional view along the line C-C of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 7 which illustrates a sectional view through an enlarged corner portion along the lines F-F of Fig. 1; and Fig. 8 which illustrates an enlarged view of the leg portion within circle 2 of Fig. 2;

Turning now to Fig. 9, there is illustrated in an enlarged view of the robotic arm handling element 9. The robotic arm handling element 9 is profiled within the tray to include a hexagonally faced protrusion 14 which projects out of the side of the tray 1. The hexagonal protrusion 14 is designed to mate with a manipulation element eg, 16 which can be coupled to a robotic arm or the like. The manipulation element 16 forms a female mating portion with the male portion 14. Ideally, the manipulation element 16 includes a vacuum element for positively engaging the hexagonal face protrusion 14.

A sectional view through the manipulation element 16 can be as illustrated schematically in Fig. 10 wherein a central core portion 17 is hollowed out so that vacuum pressure can be applied to the end base 18 of the element 16. this manner, the element 16 can be positioned along side the face 14 and a vacuum applied so that the protrusion is firmly engaged within a cavity in the end face of the element 16.

The element 9 is very easy to create utilising injection moulding technology. Further, the arrangement 9 can be easily coupled with other positioning devices stored on an optical table or the like. For example, an inexpensive Hexagonal cap screws can be used. The arrangement is also small and compact, thereby allowing multiple robotic arm handling elements to be included on the tray or object.

Further, by providing multiple arrangements on a single tray, various advantages can be provided. For example, the trays can be rack mounted, one after another, on an optical bench or the like in a compact manner. The racking arrangement can be provided by having a series of spaced apart mating slots for insertion of the trays into in a compact stackable manner. Each slot can have its own suction for tray insertion operations.

Returning to Fig. 1, preferably, after winding the fibre optic cable in a figure eight configuration a clip (not shown) is placed over the cable at the cross over point 20 of the figure eight so as to secure and retain the cable in position. It is further preferable for the clip to be coloured or labelled for identification purposes. Preferably, the clip includes a hole or fastener so that it can be fixed to a support member on the package or to other such clips. In one alternative embodiment, the clips can fold over so as to fold the figure eight and thereby provide a smaller overall footprint, thereby saving space. Additionally, it is preferable that the clips include a fixing means such as a magnet or adhesive fixture for anchoring. The clip may be able to be moved with respect to the cable so as to move the cross over point 20 so that one section of the figure eight has a tighter radius than the other. Advantageously, this could be used to strip modes in the fibre or even provide for a low back reflection termination of the fibre.

Preferably where there are multiple layers of fibre optic cable, the cross over point 20 for each figure eight may be displaced so that the fibres do not form a bulge at a common central point. The body of the package or holder 1 may be formed from cardboard or plastic and include punched or moulded flaps which act as the locating means 4 for holding the fibre optic cable in a figure eight configuration. Alternatively, the package 1 can be formed from a metallised material for the ease of attachment of magnetic place holders or the like for clamping ends of the fibre 7.

The utilisation of the figure eight arrangement helps minimise the polarisation birefringence. The degree of birefringence of the configuration can be varied by moving the cross over point 20 of the figure eight, thus making one section of the figure eight smaller than the other and thereby altering the birefringence. Advantageously, this can provide a means for switching and for tuning polarisation controllers.

Whilst the arrangement of Fig. 1 to Fig. 7 illustrates the preferred embodiment, other embodiments and arrangements are possible. For example, the tray of Fig. 1 can be formed out of plastic or the like and attached to a metal plate such as that illustrated in Fig. 11. The metal plate 30 of Fig. 11 has the advantage that magnetic strips can be attached thereto so as to pinch the optical fibre between the metal plate and magnetic strip.

The metal plate also allows for added versatility of the device in that the tray itself can be used in conjunction with a measurement device or the metal plate can be used in addition to the tray for interconnecting with a measurement device. Other arrangements are also possible. For example, strictly speaking a figure eight arrangement is not required. For example, in Fig. 12, there is illustrated a plan view of an alternative tray structure 40 wherein an optical fibre 41 is wound around three raised elements 43-45. The fibre is wound from element 43 around the element 44 back to the element 43 and around the element 45 and back to the element 43 to complete an initial circuit and so on. Obviously, other arrangements are possible.

Further modifications are also possible. For example, in Fig. 13 there is shown an alternative form of tray 50 having symmetrical back and front surfaces eg, 51. In between each surface 51, 52 there is placed a slot 53. On each surface is wound a figure of eight fibre 54. Hence take off of fibres e.g, 56, 57 can be simultaneously from a front and back surface or to a splitter.

Other arrangements are also possible. For example, in Fig. 14, there is illustrated a box 60 having a figure of eight fibre 61 wound therein. The front surface of the box has a lid 62 which is opened so that a fibre 63 can be drawn off. The back surface of the box 60 is similarly arranged to provide for fibre draw out 65.

Returning to Fig. 1, a series of slots eg, 70-73 are provided for the placement of terminating tubes therein. The terminating tubes can be are used for terminating optical fibres in a known position. The pegs or tubes provide for a simple form of termination. In the preferred embodiment, a mechanism is provided for accurately locating and handling optical fibre ends. The mechanism is extremely simple but allows for accurate control over the position of a fibre at any time.

Turning initially to Fig. 15, there is illustrated a first example arrangement 81 which comprises a tube 82 in which a slot 83 is formed. The slot 83 is formed on each side of the tube so that a fibre eg, 84 can be resiliently held in the slot 83. The arrangement is such that the overall device can be manipulated by a robotic arm or the like thereby allowing for fast location of the fibre 84 in its particular environment. It is noted that otherwise the fibre 84 may be difficult to locate as it is of extremely minute proportions. Further, the fibre is often difficult to manipulate. The tube 81 can be formed from a resilient material such as plastic.

Advantageously, as shown in Fig. 16, when excessive pressure is applied to the ends 87, 88 of the tube, the tube 82 undergoes a buckling deformation as indicated in Fig. 16 wherein the slot is expanded 89 thereby releasing the fibre 84. This is particularly advantageous when it is desired to relieve any tension on the fibre 84, especially to negate any twisting of the fibre that may have occurred during movement. Alternatively, a pressure can be applied in an opposite direction so as to force the two ends 87, 88 apart so as to expand the slot between them.

The tube 81 also includes a base portion 95 which mates with a corresponding slot (eg, 70-73 of Fig. 1). The tube arrangement of Fig. 15 also provides for the significant added advantage that it can handle multiple fibres simultaneously or a ribbon fibre.

The arrangement of Fig. 15 allows for a human or robotic arm to easily grasp the tube 81 so as to manipulate the tube via movement etc. By utilising the tube, it is possible to provide for rapid movement and placement of the fibre end 84 by automatic devices.

The tube can also be grabbed and manipulated using suction techniques.

The end 92 can be coupled to various slots on an optical bench or the like for placement. This can be provided through a mating mould provided on an optical bench or tray carriage system. The tube can be grasped by a robotic arm and moved from a first tray to a bench for processing before being returned to the first carriage system.

Various other ends can be provided. For example, in Fig. 17, there is shown two ends with a first end 94 having a magnetic base for mating with a magnetic base of a tray or optical bench or the like. Further, the tube can be tapered so as to allow for stacking of multiple tubes for storage. Further, the base of the tube can include a series of protuberances or a screw thread of various forms for holding the tube fast in a predetermined relationship. The screw thread can be on an outer or inner surface.

Other forms of manipulation of the optical fibre using tubes are possible. For example, in Fig. 18, there is shown one form of manipulation of an optical fibre 96 held within a tube 97 wherein two tubes 98, 99 are utilised to grasp the fibre from the tube 97 by means of downward movement of the tubes 98, 99 and engagement with the fibre.

Other arrangements are possible. For example, a Russian doll or cascading tube effect can be achieved with different sized tubes. This is illustrated in Fig. 19, wherein a first tube 100 holding fibre 101 is provided and a second larger tube 102 which includes a slot 103 is able to encompass the tube 120 when lowered around the tube and coupled with the fibre 101 so as to pinch the fibre firmly thereby allowing the transmission of the fibre from tube 100 to tube 102.

Through the utilisation of the tube arrangement, a simplified form optical fibre management is provided which allows for rapid manipulation of optical fibre systems. The tubular arrangement also lends itself readily to robotic handling techniques. Further, the tubular system can also provide for automatic device measurement as by rotating the tube the degree of bend loss and back reflection is substantially varied.

Further, other more complex arrangements are possible. For example, the thickness of the walls of the tube could be varied at predetermined points so as to aid the ease of expansion of a slot when pressure is applied at predetermined points. In another example embodiment, a single slot might be provided with one side higher than the other so as to provide for ease of separation.

One method of storing the fibre optic cable in a figure of eight configuration it to provide a spool of fibre optic cable supported over the locus of the figure of eight and guided by a robot, such as, for example, an IRB 2400 manufactured by Asea Brown

Boveri. Preferably the spool is oriented to the tangent of the figure of eight at the point the fibre is being laid so as to ensure that the fibre does not have an opportunity to twist. This method provides for off the spool inspection, proof testing and laying at a prescribed tension. One possible method involves using a robot, to loop fibre from a spool onto a fixed mandrel comprising two spaced apart cylinders with parallel axes. The starting position will have the fibre issuing from the centre space of the two cylinders and continuing the roll. The robot snares the fibre and brings it around the outside of mandrel and at sufficient distance and with the fibre lodged and tensioned on the outside of the mandrel lifts the fibre over the top of mandrel and returns to the start position. This is repeated for alternate mandrels raising laying down layers of the figure of eight.

Alternatively, the figure of eight may be made by moving the mandrel and leaving the spool fixed.

The figure of eight can be made on a mandrel and a cover placed over such as to secure the fibre and the mandrel removed allowing the fibre to be removed. The figure of eight is held by being spring to the outside of the case. The inside of the case can be of some compliant material as to allow the fibre to be secured.

Fibre optic cable, wound in a figure of eight, can be stored in liquid nitrogen to allow the fibre be drawn out in lengths at will. In one possible application, fibre optic cable configured in the form of a figure of eight, may be used in optic amplifiers as an alternative to the current "racetrack", or oval, configuration of fibre optic cable which is currently used.

Further, as illustrated schematically in Fig. 20, multiple trays, e.g. 110, 111, 123 can be stacked on one another to provide for a compact arrangement.

Other modifications are possible. For example, as illustrated schematically in Fig.

21 a larger tray can be formed so as to carry a device 121 and two figure of eight arrangements 122, 123 with terminating ends 125, 126. In Fig. 22 there is further shown schematically a tray 130 having a 4 port device 131 and four figure of eight configurations 131-134.

Other modified arrangements are possible. For example, in Fig. 23 there is shown schematically a box arrangement 140, similar to the arrangement of Fig. 14, however, the box whilst wound internally in a figure of eight arrangement, is provided with two holes for the exiting of cables 141, 142 which interconnect with optical devices 144, 145. The arrangement of Fig. 23 can be extended to other arrangements. For example, in Fig. 24 there is illustrated an arrangement which provides four way splitting capability with box 150 having one input fibre 151 and four output fibres 152-155.

Further, other peg arrangements are possible. For example, Fig. 25 and Fig. 26 illustrate an alternative clamping arrangement in a closed and open position respectively. Advantageously, storing and handling fibre optic cable according to the present invention provides one or more following advantages over storing and handling fibre optic cable in coils:

• Fixed lengths of fibre optic cable can be extracted without losing control over all of the fibre. • The fibre optic cable does not twist on release.

• The fibre optic cable enters and leaves along known trajectories, whereas in a coil the fibre optic cable can potentially leave on any tangent. • Any polarisation effect, including temperature dependent polarisation, caused by twisting of the fibre optic cable is minimised.

• The fibre optic cable can be extracted without requiring a spinning mandrel, thus minimising inertia and aiding the control of the fibre when being released.

• The risk of damage to the fibre optic cable during handling and storage is reduced.

• Fibre optic cables, wound in a figure of eight configuration, can be stacked one upon another. • The tray can be used to also hold components.

• An accurate measurement of fibre length is easily maintained.

• Two coils can be provided on a single tray for back to back uncoiling.

• Location tubes can be used for fibre ends.

• The tray provides for sprung quick release. It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

The foregoing describes embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art can be made thereto, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of storing fibre optic cable said method comprising the step of: winding the cable to couple with a supporting structure so that the number of turns in a first directions is substantially equal to the number of turns in an opposite direction.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cable is stored in a figure eight configuration.

3. A method of packaging fibre optic cable comprising packaging the fibre optic cable in a figure eight configuration.

4. An optical fibre cable storage package including a multiplicity of raised posts formed on a surface of said package for winding a fibre thereon so as to form at least two loops of said fibre with each complete circuit of said fibre.

5. A package for storing fibre optic cable, said package configured so as to receive and retain said fibre optic cable in a figure eight configuration.

6. A package for storing fibre optic cable, said package configured so as to receive and retain said fibre optic cable in a figure eight configuration.

7. An optical fibre cable storage package, said package including: a multiplicity of raised posts formed on each surface of said package, and a slot in the surface of said package; said package being configured to allow for said cable to be wound: on a first surface thereon in at least two loops of said fibre with each complete circuit of said fibre; and on a second surface thereon in at least two loops of said fibre with each complete circuit of said fibre; with said slot being used for passing an interconnection of the wound fibre on said first surface with the wound fibre on said second surface.

8. An optical fibre cable storage package as claimed in claim 7 wherein said cable is wound in a figure eight configuration on at least one of said package surfaces.

9. An optical fibre cable storage package as claimed in claim 4 wherein said package includes portions formed from a magnetically sensitive material and said package further includes magnetic detachment means of pinching one end of said fibre.

10. A package as claimed in claim 4 further comprising: a protrusion formed on a surface of the package, the protrusion having a profiled head for mating with an automatic manipulation package.

11. A package as claimed in claim 10 wherein said profiled head includes a hexagon cross section.

12. A package as claimed in claim 4 wherein said package is formed from inj ection moulded plastic.

13. A package as claimed in claim 10 wherein said profiled head includes a polygon of at least 4 sides.

14. A package as claimed in claim 10 wherein multiple protrusions are formed on said object.

15. A method of using an automatic manipulation device to manipulate a package as claimed in claim 4, said package having a protrusion formed on a surface thereof, the protrusion having a profiled head for mating with the automatic manipulation device, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) surrounding said profiled head with a portion of the automatic manipulation device;

(b) forming a vacuum between the profiled head and the automatic manipulation device; and

(c) moving said package using said automatic manipulation device.

16. A package as claimed in claim 4 further comprising: fibre handling device having an elongated tube having at least one slot formed in a first end of said tube, said slot including opposing walls which are adapted to pinch said fibre within said slot; engagement means for detachably engaging said fibre handling device on said package.

17. A package as claimed in claim 16 wherein said elongated tube includes two opposing slots formed in said first end of said tube.

18. A package as claimed in any previous claim 16 or claim 17 wherein said tube is resiliently deformable so as to release a fibre pinched within said slot.

19. A package as claimed in claim 18 wherein said tube is resiliently deformed by applying pressure to opposing sides of said tube adjacent said first end.

20. A package as claimed in claim 16 wherein said tube includes a first mating structure formed at a second end, said mating structure adapted to mate with a corresponding structure formed on a second body so as to statically couple said device to said second body.

21. A package as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first mating structure comprises a magnetically sensitised tip.

22. A package as claimed in claim 16 wherein said first matting structure includes a profiled surface on said second end designed to mate with a corresponding structure formed on said second body.

23. A package as claimed in claim 16 wherein one end of the tube is tapered to allow for stacking.

24. A package as claimed in claim 16 wherein said slot can engage multiple fibres simultaneously.

25. A package as claimed in claim 16 wherein the walls of said tube include a series of protuberances for affixing said tube to a body.

26. A device formed on an object for assisting the machine manipulation of the object, the device comprising: a protrusion formed on a surface of the object, the protrusion having a profiled head for mating with an automatic manipulation device.

27. A device as claimed in claim 26 wherein said profiled head includes a hexagon cross section.

28. A device as claimed in claim 26 wherein said object comprises a tray.

29. A device as claimed in claim 26 wherein said object is formed from inj ection moulded plastic.

30. A device as claimed in claim 26 wherein said profiled head includes a polygon of at least 4 sides.

31. A device as claimed in claim 26 wherein multiple devices are formed on said object.

32. A method of using an automatic manipulation device to manipulate an object, said object having a protrusion formed on a surface of the object, the protrusion having a profiled head for mating with the automatic manipulation device, the method comprising the steps of:

(b) forming a vacuum between the profiled head and the automatic manipulation device;

(c) moving said object using said automatic manipulation device.

33. A fibre handling device comprising: an elongated tube having at least one slot formed in a first end of said tube, said slot including opposing walls which are adapted to pinch said fibre within said slot.

34. A device as claimed in claim 33 wherein said elongated tube includes two opposing slots formed in said first end of said tube.

35. A device as claimed in claim 33 wherein said tube is resiliently deformable so as to release a fibre pinched within said slot.

36. A device as claimed in claim 33 wherein said tube is resiliently deformed by applying pressure to opposing sides of said tube adjacent said first end.

37. A device as claimed in any previous claim wherein said tube includes a first mating structure formed at a second end, said mating structure adapted to mate with a corresponding structure formed on a second body so as to statically couple said device to said second body.

38. A device as claimed in claim 36 wherein said first mating structure comprises a magnetically sensitised tip.

39. A device as claimed in claim 37 wherein said first matting structure includes a profiled surface on said second end designed to mate with a corresponding structure formed on said second body.

40. A device as claimed in claim 33 wherein one end of the tube is tapered to allow for stacking.

41. A device as claimed in any previous claim wherein said slot can engage multiple fibres simultaneously.

42. A device as claimed in claim 33 wherein the walls of said tube include a series of protuberances for affixing said tube to a body.

43. A method of handling a fibre comprising the steps of:

(a) initially holding said fibre in a first fibre handling device comprising an elongated tube of a first circumference dimensions and having opposing slots formed in a first end of said tube, said slot including opposing walls which are adapted to pinch said fibre within said slot;

(b) providing a second fibre handling device comprising an elongated tube of a second circumference dimensions and having opposing slots formed in a first end of said tube, said slot including opposing walls which are adapted to pinch said fibre within said slot; (c) utilising said second fibre handling device to acquire said fibre from said first fibre handling device with the elongated tubes of the two fibre handling devices fitting one inside the other.

44. A method of storing fibre optic cable said method comprising the step of: winding the cable around a multiplicity of raised posts formed on a package said winding including forming at least two loops of said fibre with each complete circuit of said fibre.