Abstract: An optical fiber cable (20) includes a core (22) which includes a plurality of bundles (31, 31 ) of optical fiber (24) and a yarn-like strength member system (35) which is wrapped with an oscillated or unidirectional lay about the optical fibers. The strength member system also provides impact resistance for the fibers. A jacket (40) which may include a flame-resistant plastic material encloses the core with the outer diameter of the jacket being substantially less than that of typical optical fiber cables. Portions of the strength member system contact an inner surface of the jacket, an outer surface of which is the outer surface of the cable.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (20) which is suitable for service from a distribution closure to a customer's premises includes a transmission media core (21) enclosed in a relatively rigid tubular member (40). The relatively rigid tubular member is enclosed in a jacket (44) comprising a plastic material which has a cut-through resistance which is substantially less than that of the tubular member. Interposed between the tubular member and an outer surface of the jacket is a strength member system comprising two yarn-like longitudinally extending strength member groups (52--52). The strength member grops are diametrically opposed to each other and are disposed in engagement with the tubular member.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable particularly suited for use in building distribution systems includes a core which comprises a plurality of coated optical fibers (22--22) with each being enclosed in a plastic buffer (26). The optical fibers are individually or collectively enclosed in a fibrous strength member. Over the strength member in each of several embodiments is provided an outer jacket comprising a plastic material having excellent resistance to flame spread and smoke evolution. The plastic material comprising the jacket is disposed about the strength member and decoupled sufficiently therefrom to avoid the introduction of microbending stresses in the optical fiber. This may be accomplished by vacuum sizing the plastic material which has been tubed over an advancing optical fiber core as the plastic material is being drawn down onto the strength member.

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.

Abstract: A pressurizable closure is disclosed for a telecommunication cable. The closure has a metallic air valve extending through a closure to each end of which electrical couplers are secured for use in grounding the cable sheath.