Abstract: A composite distribution cable for connection between a customer's premises and a network interface unit bas a broadband signal conducting means, a power conducting means, and a narrow band signal conducting means surrounded by a metallic sheath. Water blocking means within the cable is adapted to fill the voids between the conducting members and the sheath upon contact with water or other liquid.

Abstract: A communication cable includes a core comprising at least one transmission medium and a sheath system which is disposed about the core. Means are disposed within the cable for preventing the longitudinal migration of water through the cable core, said means including both a hydrophilic material and a hydrophobic material in cooperative communication with each other. Specifically, a hydrophilic, water-absorptive material is supported by a yarn which is helically wrapped about various sections of the communication core. In a copper cable, the water-absorptive yarn may be wrapped about individual twisted pair conductors or a unit consisting of a plurality of twisted pair conductors or the cable core itself. In addition to the helically-wrapped, water-absorptive yarn, the cable of the present invention includes a hydrophobic, water-blocking material interdisposed to fill all voids and interstices within the communication core.

Abstract: A communication cable (20) includes a core (22) comprising a plurality of transmission media having a relatively supple layer (26) of a plastic material wrapped thereabout. Disposed about the layer of plastic material and in engagement therewith is a relatively rigid inner plastic jacket (28). Disposed about the inner jacket are additional components of a sheath system such as metallic shields and one or more additional plastic jackets. Interposed between the relatively supple layer of plastic material and the jacket is a water-blocking system which comprises two elongated strand materials (42, 44) such as yarns. The two elongated strand materials are wrapped helically about the layer of plastic material in opposite helical directions. The elongated strand materials are characterized by being yarn blends which comprise a portion of water-blocking filaments and a portion of relatively high strength filaments.

Abstract: A communications cable (20) includes a core (22) comprising a plurality of transmission media having a relatively supple layer (26) of a plastic material wrapped thereabout. Disposed about the layer of plastic material and in engagement therewith is a relatively rigid inner plastic jacket (28). Disposed about the inner jacket are additional components of a sheath system such as metallic shields and one or more additional plastic jackets. Interposed between the relatively supply layer of plastic material and the jacket is a waterblocking system which comprises two elongated strand materials (42,44) such as yarns. The two elongated strand materials are wrapped helically about the layer of plastic material in opposite helical directions. The elongated strand materials are effective to intercept water which may travel along the cable between the relatively supple layer of plastic material and the jacket which is contiguous thereto.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing an end cap from a telecommunications cable wherein a circumferential incision and a plurality of longitudinal incisions are made with a wire in segmenting the cap.