The invention provides an apparatus for guiding at least one fiber optic ribbons
into a ferule. The ferrule has front and rear faces, a longitudinal axis and at
least one guide pin channel disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis. The apparatus
comprises: (a) a cover; and (b) a base having first and second surfaces and comprising
(i) a channel spanning from the first to the second surface, the channel being
defined by a Cartesian coordinate system x, y, and z and having an x-dimension
that coincides with the width of the fiber optic ribbon, and (ii) means for aligning
said apparatus with said ferrule. When the cover is disposed on the base, a pocket
is formed between the cover and the base. The height of the pocket coincides with
the cumulative thickness of the number of fiber optic ribbons used.