Abstract: The instant invention relates to a thixotropic gel composition useful for filling optical fiber cable and the cable containing the composition. The composition is compatible with all sheath materials commonly used in the tubes containing the fiber including polypropylene copolymer with ethylene. The composition requires no fumed silica and minimizes the addition level of the costly high molecular weight polyalphaolefin oil commonly used where compatibility with polypropylene copolymer is required. The composition contains about 7.5% to 11% by weight styrene/ethylene-propylene di-block rubber, 52% to 92% by weight of a polyalphaolefin oil or oil mixture and 0.1% to 2% by weight of an antioxidant. Where compatibility of the polyalphaolefin oil with polypropylene copolymer is desired, the number average molecular weight of the oil should be greater than about 800.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation curable primary coating composition for coating an optical fiber, composed of a component having a first end and a second end, a saturated aliphatic backbone, and at least one epoxide group at the first end of the component, and at least one reactive functional group at the second end; a mixture of acrylate monomers, composed of a first monomer having one acrylate group, and a second monomer having at least two acrylate groups; and a photoinitiator. The invention further relates to a radiation curable primary coating composition for coating an optical fiber, composed of a component having a first end and a second end, a saturated aliphatic backbone, and at least one epoxide group at the first end of the component, and at least one reactive functional group at the second end; a mixture of acrylate monomers, composed of a first monomer having one vinyl ether group, and a second monomer having at least two vinyl ether groups; and a photoinitiator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation curable primary coating composition for coating an optical fiber, composed of a component having a first end and a second end, a saturated aliphatic backbone, and at least one epoxide group at the first end of the component, and at least one reactive functional group at the second end; a mixture of acrylate monomers, composed of a first monomer having one acrylate group, and a second monomer having at least two acrylate groups; and a photoinitiator. The invention further relates to a radiation curable primary coating composition for coating an optical fiber, composed of a component having a first end and a second end, a saturated aliphatic backbone, and at least one epoxide group at the first end of the component, and at least one reactive functional group at the second end; a mixture of acrylate monomers, composed of a first monomer having one vinyl ether group, and a second monomer having at least two vinyl ether groups; and a photoinitiator.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a filling composition for optical fiber cable, and a fiber optic cable comprising a protective jacket carrying a fiber optic element therein and the filling composition, in which the filling composition comprises hydrophobic fumed silica; an organic oil; and a thermal oxidative stabilizer, wherein the stabilizer is at most monofunctional with respect to ability to hydrogen bond with the fumed silica. Preferably, the thermal oxidative stabilizer is a hindered phenol and the organic oil, which preferably is a polyalkene oil or a mixture of polyalkene oils, has a viscosity of greater than about 1000 cps at 25.degree. C. The organic oil comprises at least one molecular weight fraction; preferably, the maximum molecular weight for each fraction of the organic oil is less than about 4000 and at least about 80% by weight of the molecules in the organic oil have a minimum molecular weight of about 800.

Abstract: Optical fiber coatings may be prepared from compositions containing a vinyl ether oligomer prepared by reacting an hydroxyl-terminated polyester or polyether, a diisocyanate, and a hydroxy monovinyl ether, with mono or multifunctional vinyl ether terminated monomers, which may be derived from esters or alcohols.

Abstract: A waterproof cable having a filling material for filling voids in the cable which comprises a styrene-rubber diblock copolymer, a styrene-rubber-styrene triblock copolymer a paraffinic oil, a polybutene oil and a polyethylene wax. The cable is suitable for aerial use as well as underground use.

Abstract: A grease composition comprising oil, colloidal particle filler, and, optionally, a bleed inhibitor is disclosed. The grease typically has a critical yield stress below 140 Pa at 20.degree. C., preferably below 70 or 35 Pa. The grease can advantageously be used as a cable filling material, especially for optical fiber cable. In the latter case it can result in cable having substantially no cabling loss. Preferred compositions comprise 77 to 95% b.w. of ASTM type 103, 104 A, or 104B paraffinic or naphthenic oil, or polybutene oil; 2 to 15% b.w. of hydrophobic or hydrophilic fused silica; and optionally, up to 15% b.w. of styrene-rubber or styrene-rubber-styrene block copolymer, or semiliquid rubber.

Abstract: A grease composition comprising oil, colloidal particle filler, and, optionally, a bleed inhibitor is disclosed. The grease typically has a critical yield stress below 140 Pa at 20.degree. C., preferably below 70 or 35 Pa. The grease can advantageously be used as a cable filling material, especially for optical fiber cable. In the latter case it can result in cable having substantially no cabling loss. Preferred compositions comprise 77 to 95% b.w. of ASTM type 103, 104A, or 104B paraffinic or naphthenic oil, or polybutene oil; 2 to 15% b.w. of hydrophobic or hydrophilic fused silica; and optionally, up to 15% b.w. of styrene-rubber or styrene-rubber-styrene block copolymer, or semiliquid rubber.

Abstract: An optical fiber coating comprising a thermoplastic rubber block copolymer reduces microbending losses over a wide service temperature range, typically down to at least -40 degrees Celsius, while obtaining an upper temperature limit of typically at least 90 degrees Celsius. The processing properties, including shelf life, cure rate, and toughness, are superior to typical prior art materials, such as silicones. The inventive coating can be used as the inner coating of a dual-layer coated fiber or as an outer or single coating layer.

Abstract: A cable which is capable of being made in a large pair size and yet which has excellent mechanical properties that maintain its integrity notwithstanding extremes in temperature during installation and shipping as well as during the rigors of installation includes a sheath system having a corrugated steel outer shield that is adhesively bonded to a plastic jacket. The corrugated steel shield which is formed to have a longitudinal overlapped seam that is preferably unsealed encloses an aluminum inner shield that in turn encloses a multiconductor core. Advantageously, the sheath system includes a plastic jacketing material which is capable of resisting biaxial stresses which are aggravated in a bonded sheath system. This results in jacket integrity about the longitudinal seam of the outer shield notwithstanding a notched cross-section and an unsupported bridged portion of the plastic jacket adjacent to the seam.

Abstract: A hot melt optical fiber coating comprising a thermoplastic rubber block copolymer reduces microbending losses over a wide service temperature range, typically down to at least -40 degrees Celsius, while obtaining an upper temperature limit of at least 90 degrees Celsius. The processing properties, including shelf life, cure rate, and toughness, are superior to typical prior art materials, such as silicones. The inventive coating can be used as the inner coating of a dual-layer coated fiber or as a single coating layer.

Abstract: A cable which is capable of being made in a large pair size and yet which has excellent mechanical properties that maintain its integrity notwithstanding extremes in temperature during installation and shipping as well as during the rigors of installation includes a sheath system having a corrugated steel outer shield that is adhesively bonded to a plastic jacket. The corrugated steel shield which is formed to have a longitudinal overlapped seam that is preferably unsealed encloses an aluminum inner shield that in turn encloses a multiconductor core. Advantageously, the sheath system includes a plastic jacketing material which is capable of resisting biaxial stresses which are aggravated in a bonded sheath system. This results in jacket integrity about the longitudinal seam of the outer shield notwithstanding a notched cross-section and an unsupported bridged portion of the plastic jacket adjacent to the seam.