Abstract: An optical fiber cable core includes a buffer tube containing at least one optical fiber and reinforced by at least two substantially radially incompressible longitudinal strength members, each strength member having surface portions radially outermost with respect to the tube axis which are at or protrude from the exterior surface of the buffer tube. If the strength members protrude from the exterior surface of the buffer tube, less than 50%, and preferably less than 20%, of the outer surface of the strength members protrudes from the exterior surface of the buffer tube. The positions of the strength members can be readily determined, can be visible and can be easily removed from the buffer tube prior to slitting the buffer tube to achieve midspan access.

Abstract: A semiconductive jacket material for jacketing a cable comprising a minor phase material which is a semicrystalline polymer; a conductive filler material dispersed in the minor phase material in an amount sufficient to be equal to or greater than an amount required to generate a continuous conductive network in the minor phase material; and a major phase material which is a polymer which when mixed with the minor phase material will not engage in electrostatic interactions that promote miscibility. The major phase material has the minor phase material dispersed therein in an amount sufficient to be equal to or greater than an amount required to generate a continuous conductive network in the major phase material, forming a semiconductive jacket material of a ternary composite having distinct co-continuous phases.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable core includes a buffer tube containing at least one optical fiber and reinforced by at least two substantially radially incompressible longitudinal strength members, each strength member having surface portions radially outermost with respect to the tube axis which are at or protrude from the exterior surface of the buffer tube. If the strength members protrude from the exterior surface of the buffer tube, less than 50%, and preferably less than 20%, of the outer surface of the strength members protrudes from the exterior surface of the buffer tube. The positions of the strength members can be readily determined, can be visible and can be easily removed from the buffer tube prior to slitting the buffer tube to achieve midspan access.

Abstract: A conductive polymer composite material comprises: a minor phase material comprising a semicrystalline polymer; a conductive filler material dispersed in said minor phase material in an amount sufficient to be equal to or greater than an amount required to generate a continuous conductive network in said minor phase material; and a major phase material, said major phase material being a polymer which when mixed with said minor phase material will not engage in electrostatic interactions that promote miscibility, said major phase material having said minor phase material dispersed therein in an amount sufficient to be equal to or greater than an amount required to generate a continuous conductive network in said major phase material, forming a (semi)conductive ternary composite having distinct co-continuous phases.

Abstract: A composite cable for distributing electrical power to components in an optical fiber network and for transmitting optical signals between optical fiber network components includes at least one layer of insulated electrical conductors arranged in side-by-side relation to provide a layer of conductors of a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the conductors. The conductors of the at least one layer of conductors are S-Z stranded and surround the optical fibers which are loosely contained in at least one plastic buffer tube to provide desirable structural and operational features to the cable and to an optical fiber network in which the cable can be included.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector module for mating optical fiber connectors includes a covering which avoids particles, dust or debris from accumulating on the end face of a fiber connector installed in the module when the installed fiber connector is not mated to another fiber connector using an optical fiber adapter. The module also allows ease of cleaning of the end face of the fiber of the unmated, installed fiber connector without removal of the module from a panel of optical instrumentation equipment to which the module has been mounted. A locking flange on the module facilitates mounting of the module to the equipment.

Abstract: An energy transmission cable is provided with a lubricating coating layer upon its outer covering, such as an outer jacket or outer insulation of the cable, is permanent on the outer covering, provides for a coefficient of friction between the cable and a cable engaging surface that is less than the coefficient of friction between the cable without the lubricating coating layer and the engaging surface and which has an outer surface which is dry, non-tacky and water insoluble. The features of the lubricating coating layer remain substantially unaffected upon exposure to the environmental and physical conditions associated with storage and installation of an energy cable.

Abstract: Midspan access to selected optical fibers which are encapsulated in an optical ribbon or tube is achieved by placing the desired span of the encapsulated fibers to be accessed between opposing abrasive layers and controllably urging at least one of the abrasive layers in the direction of the opposing abrasive layer to cause both abrasive layers to contact the encapsulant which covers the fibers. The amount of force applied to the at least one abrasive layer is limited by the structure of a resilient element which is coupled to the abrasive surface. Stress concentrators are created in the encapsulant and the encapsulant is removed from the span portion by relative movement of the encapsulated fibers and the abrasive layers. A minimum separation distance between the opposing abrasive layers can be defined, according to the thickness of the specific encapsulated fiber medium undergoing fiber separation, to avoid contact between the abrasive surfaces and the fibers within the medium.

Abstract: An automatic by-pass valving system for an electrical cable system wherein insulating fluid at a pressure above atmospheric pressure is supplied to an electrical power cable, such as a pipe-type or self-contained cable, having a fluid flow channel and having at least one hydraulic stop interrupting the flow of fluid between the channels of adjacent portions of the cable which are at different elevations. The valving system comprises a check valve, which allows fluid flow only in a first direction, from the lower elevation portion to the higher elevation portion, and a flow-limiting valve, which allows fluid flow only in a second direction, from the higher elevation portion to the lower elevation portion, at a reduced rate. Preferably, a relief valve is also provided to allow fluid flow in the second direction at a higher rate if the fluid pressure difference in the second direction is exceeded by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method of controlling insulating fluid flow between fluid channels in sections of an electrical power cable at different elevations, the channel of one section being isolated from the channel of a next adjacent section by a hydraulic stop, to limit the loss of insulating fluid when a seciton is ruptured and yet permit a limited flow from the point of rupture to protect the cable from contamination. Fluid at a high rate from a lower section to adjacent higher sections around the stop is permitted by a check valve which substantially prevents fluid flow in the opposite direction and a flow-limiting valve permits fluid flow at a low rate from the higher section to the lower section. The fluid pressure difference between the sections may be relieved by a relief valve if the difference exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Midspan access to selected optical fibers which are encapsulated in an optical ribbon or tube is achieved by placing the desired span of the encapsulated fibers to be accessed between opposing abrasive layers and controllably urging at least one of the abrasive layers in the direction of the opposing abrasive layer to cause both abrasive layers to contact the encapsulant which covers the fibers. The amount of force applied to the at least one abrasive layer is limited by the structure of a resilient element which is coupled to the abrasive surface. Stress concentrators are created in the encapsulant and the encapsulant is removed from the span portion by relative movement of the encapsulated fibers and the abrasive layers. A minimum separation distance between the opposing abrasive layers can be defined, according to the thickness of the specific encapsulated fiber medium undergoing fiber separation, to avoid contact between the abrasive surfaces and the fibers within the medium.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems for applying filling compound, such as water blocking compound, and water absorbing powder to a core wire or wires of a stranded conductor or to subsequent layers of a stranded conductor, which are particularly suitable for use with a tubular strander, include a rotatable head, which may be positioned downstream of a wire strander. The core is drawn through a core passage where the filling compound is applied to the core and powder is applied to the filling compound. Strand through passages are provided through the rotatable head, for drawing the strand wires therethrough, without being coated. The strand wires are stranded about the core in a closing die. Preferably, the powder circulation circuit is a closed circuit, enabling recycling of the powder. The powder is preferably fluidized prior to its delivery to the applicator, and is withdrawn from the applicator under a slight vacuum.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable comprises a central tube containing at least one optical fiber, a plurality of outer tubes, each containing at least one optical fiber, and at least two strength members, wherein the outer tubes and strength members are disposed around and in contact with the central tube, the strength members being between intermediate pairs of outer tubes. Preferably, a cord is wound around the outer tubes and strength members to hold them against the outer tube. Preferably, the optical fiber in the central tube is part of an optical fiber ribbon. Preferably, a plurality of individual optical fibers are provided in the outer tubes. The optical fibers are loosely contained within the central and outer tubes. One or several additional tubes containing insulated copper pairs or a coaxial cable may also be provided. Preferably, the cable tubes and the strength members are disposed in a reverse oscillating lay or S-Z fashion around the central tube.

Abstract: An automatic by-pass valving system for an electrical cable system wherein insulating fluid at a pressure above atmospheric pressure is supplied to an electrical power cable, such as a pipe-type or self-contained cable, having a fluid flow channel and having at least one hydraulic stop interrupting the flow of fluid between the channels of adjacent portions of the cable which are at different elevations. The valving system comprises a check valve, which allows fluid flow only in a first direction, from the lower elevation portion to the higher elevation portion, and a flow-limiting valve, which allows fluid flow only in a second direction, from the higher elevation portion to the lower elevation portion, at a reduced rate. Preferably, a relief valve is also provided to allow fluid flow in the second direction at a higher rate if the fluid pressure difference in the second direction is exceeded by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Optical fiber core including a plastic buffer tube loosely containing individual optical fibers or a plurality of coplanar fibers in a plastic ribbon, which fibers and ribbon are longer than the buffer tube, at least two flexible strength members of a tensile strength greater than the tensile strength of the tube and having a coefficient of expansion and contraction less than that of the tube, at the outer surface of the tube and an adhesive binding the strength members to the tube and/or a tape or cord under tension around the strength members to prevent slippage of the strength members with respect to the tube and to prevent buckling of the strength members when the core is subject to compressive forces. Also, an optical fiber cable containing such core.

Abstract: A tube slitting tool for cutting a buffer tube and allowing access to one or more individual optical fibers or ribbons containing optical fibers encased therein, includes a first holder and a second holder in slidable contact with one another, each holder having a channel which when said holders engage forms a passageway therebetween to receive the buffer tube. Cutting blades are mounted to the holders and extend into the passageway such that when the fully-engaged tube slitting tool moves relative to the buffer tube, the tube is cut longitudinally, facilitating access to the optical fibers or the ribbons within the buffer tube.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable which is flame resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, which includes a central strength member, a fluid impervious tube wound around the strength member, a plurality of optical fibers loosely received in the tube, a sheath of plastic material encircling the tube and the central member, a thermal barrier layer intermediate the tube and the sheath and encircling the tube and the central member to protect the elements inwardly of the heat barrier from heat and flame external to the barrier layer and a water blocking material in any otherwise empty spaces within the tube and between the barrier layer and the tube.

Abstract: An electrical power cable with a stranded conductor, a semi-conductive stress control layer around the conductor, a layer of insulation around the stress control layer, a semi-conductive insulation shield layer around the layer of insulation, an imperforate metal strip with overlapping edge portions around the shield layer and a polymeric jacket around the metal strip. The strip is free to move with respect to the jacket and the shield layer with expansion and contraction of the cable elements with temperature changes, and the overlapping edge portions of the strip are bonded together by an adhesive which permits the edge portions to move relative to each other with such temperature changes without creating fluid passageways between the edge portions. A cushioning layer can be between the shield layer and the strip and preferably, the cable is water sealed.

Abstract: A plurality of optical fiber ribbons, each containing a plurality of optical fibers, are loosely enclosed in a substantially fluid impervious tube of plastic material. A plurality of such ribbon enclosing tubes are wound in S or Z fashion around a central structural member which can be covered with a plastic material. The so-wound tubes are encircled by threads or tape to hold them in place, and a covering of helically wound yarns is applied around the tubes to provide strength. A plastic sheath is applied over the yarns, and if desired the sheath is covered with other layers. Any otherwise empty spaces within the tubes and between the sheath and the tubes is filled with a water blocking material which permits the ribbons to move with respect to the enclosing tubes and which permits the tubes to move with respect to the sheath and the central member.

Abstract: An electrical power cable with a stranded conductor, a semi-conductive stress control layer around the conductor, a layer of insulation around the stress control layer, a semi-conductive insulation shield laser around the layer of insulation, an imperforate metal strip with overlapping edge portions around the shield layer and a polymeric jacket around the metal strip. The strip is free to move with respect to the jacket and the shield layer with expansion and contraction of the cable elements with temperature changes, and the overlapping edge portions of the strip are bonded together by an adhesive which permits the edge portions to move relative to each other with such temperature changes without creating fluid passageways between the edge portions. A cushioning layer can be between the shield layer and the strip and preferably, the cable is water sealed.