Abstract: An optical fiber cable which is constructed so as to minimize optical transmission loss, and which comprises one or more compliant core units retained within a surrounding sheath. Each compliant core unit is composed of a bundle of parallel optical fibers, such as a stack of ribbons, enclosed in and supported by a compliant unitizing structure. The structure may derive its compliance from a foamed material, such as polyethylene, that is extruded to surround the fiber bundle. The foam material sufficiently cushions the bundle of fibers from external stresses that are applied when the cable is bent or encounters compressive loading.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (20) includes a longitudinally extending copper core member (34). The core member is formed with at least one groove (36) in which is disposed at least one optical fiber. The optical fiber is coupled sufficiently to the core member preferably by an ultraviolet light energy cured material to substantially inhibit relative movement between the optical fiber and the core member when forces are applied to the cable. A sheath system which includes a plastic jacket (112) is disposed about the core member. The sheath system includes a strength member system which includes longitudinally extending copper wires (105, 105) and steel wires (101, 107). Disposed about the steel and copper wires is a steel shield (110) which provides hermetic protection for the optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (20) includes a longitudinally extending core member (34) which may be made of a plastic material. The core member is formed with at least one groove (36) in which is disposed at least one optical fiber (28). The optical fiber is coupled sufficiently to the core member, preferably by an ultraviolet light energy cured material, to inhibit substantially relative movement between the core member and the optical fiber when forces are applied to the cable. A sheath system which includes wire-like strength members and a plastic jacket (112) is disposed about the core member. A waterblocking material (108) disposed within interstices among the wire-like strength members and between an inner layer of the strength members and the core member causes coupling between the wire-like strength members and the core member.

Abstract: A package (20) of wound optical fiber (22) includes a spool (23) on which are wound a plurality of layers with each layer comprising a plurality of convolutions of the optical fiber. The winding is accomplished such that each successive convolution is spaced from a preceding convolution. The spacing is such that on the third and further outer layers, each optical fiber is tangent to each of two adjacent convolutions of a previously wound layer and to one convolution of the next inner layer. Also, each convolution in each layer after an innermost layer crosses transversely optical fiber of an immediately preceding layer in two relatively closely spaced locations and such that crossovers in successive layers are staggered circumferentially of a winding surface. Because of the nesting which is caused to occur, excellent density, package rigidity and stability are achieved.

Abstract: A protected package (20) of optical fiber includes a spool which includes a hub (22) and two spaced flanges (24,26). Optical fiber (23) is wound on the hub with an end of the fiber being accessible to allow the fiber to be tested. A strip (52) of plastic material is wrapped about the spool with longitudinal edge portions (54,54) of the strip overhanging the flanges to provide a cover (50). The protected package permits withdrawal of the fiber through a gap (64) between the cover and the flanges. Further, in a preferred embodiment, each longitudinal edge portion is provided with openings (60,60). The openings are spaced apart such that when a strip is wrapped about any of expected size spools, at least one pair of the openings will become aligned to allow insertion of fastening means (62) which function to hold the strip assembled to the spool to protect the fiber and to prevent unintended removal of the cover.

Abstract: A telecommunication cable, and method of making same, is disclosed comprised of more than five S-Z twisted wire pairs having their twist reversals longitudinally staggered in a repetitive sequence of 1 to N longitudinally spaced positions. The wire pairs are bundled with any adjacent pairs having their twist reversals non-overlapped and staggered by no more than N/2 positions which limits S to Z coupling.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming strands into twisted strand units having a twist direction that reverses from section to section wherein the strands are advanced side-by-side successively through first and second mutually spaced twister heads. The strands are formed into twisted strand units by the steps of operating the twister heads simultaneously by revolving the twister heads in a common rotary direction about the strands at substantially the same speed of head revolution thereby causing a first progression of twists of one lay direction to pass from the first twister head towards the second twister head, and a second progression of twists of opposite direction lay to emanate from the second twister head. Twisting operations by the first and second twister heads are simultaneously terminated as the leading end of the first progression of twists reaches the second twister head and a trailing end of the second progressing of twists emanating therefore.