Abstract: Disclosed are spools, fiber optic assemblies, and methods for use with a lashing machine or other suitable deployment for routing the fiber optic cable toward the subscriber allowing the craft to quickly and easily deploy the fiber optic cable in the field. The fiber optic assemblies may include a spool, at least one fiber optic cable disposed on the spool, and a fiber optic connector. In one embodiment, the spool includes a first spool flange and a second spool flange that include notches that overlap at angular positions for allowing the spooling of fiber optic cable off the same. In another embodiment, the fiber optic connector is attached to the spool for plug and play connectivity of the spool. In other embodiments, a splitter may be attached to the spool for splitting the optical signal.

Abstract: A fiber optic installation structure and method therefor includes a duct having an inner tube, at least one optical waveguide, and a jacket and is disposed within a channel of a paved surface. The jacket generally surrounds the inner tube. When the duct is disposed within a channel defined by a paved surface, a friction fit is created between the duct and the channel for holding the duct in place. Thereafter, a filling material is used for overlying the duct and at least partially filling the channel. In other embodiments, the jacket is capable of being compressed when installed into the channel. The duct may include an armor layer disposed between the inner tube and the jacket for protecting the inner tube. Moreover, at least one optical waveguide may be disposed within at least a portion of the inner tube of the duct and may be introduced after the duct is installed in the paved surface.

Abstract: A longitudinal plastically deformable wedge is used to secure a fiber optic cable or other elongate member in a groove or channel cut in a paved roadway or similar solid surface. The wedge is extruded and has arms extending upwardly from a base forming an upwardly facing slot into which a fiber optic cable or other elongate member can be inserted after the wedge is positioned in the groove. The subsequently inserted, elongate member causes outward plastic deformation of the wedge. Ribs or barbs are provided along the sides of the arms to also grip the groove walls and provide additional retention. Longitudinally extending ducts can either contain fiber optic cable when the device is first inserted into the groove or cables can be subsequently inserted into these ducts.

Abstract: An armored fiber optic cable 10 can be installed in a channel 3, excavated in a roadway or other paved surface by a laying unit 1 including a cutting wheel 2. The armored fiber optic cable includes optical fibers 11 located within a cylindrical thermoplastic inner jacket 13. An armor layer or jacket 12 surrounds this inner jacket, and an outer barrier jacket 14 extends around this armor jacket. This armored fiber optic cable 10 need not be disposed in a tube or pipe, and mid-span access to the optical fibers 11 can be readily obtained by removing a section of the armored jacket 12. The armor jacket 12 can be joined to the inner jacket 13, fabricated from a thermoplastic material, to limit longitudinal contraction due to thermal contraction and bucking of the optical fibers 11.

Abstract: A fiber optic installation structure and method therefor includes a duct having an inner tube, at least one optical waveguide, and a jacket and is disposed within a channel of a paved surface. The jacket generally surrounds the inner tube. When the duct is disposed within a channel defined by a paved surface, a friction fit is created between the duct and the channel for holding the duct in place. Thereafter, a filling material is used for overlying the duct and at least partially filling the channel. In other embodiments, the jacket is capable of being compressed when installed into the channel. The duct may include an armor layer disposed between the inner tube and the jacket for protecting the inner tube. Moreover, at least one optical waveguide may be disposed within at least a portion of the inner tube of the duct and may be introduced after the duct is installed in the paved surface.

Abstract: A longitudinal plastically deformable wedge is used to secure a fiber optic cable or other elongate member in a groove or channel cut in a paved roadway or similar solid surface. The wedge is extruded and has arms extending upwardly from a base forming an upwardly facing slot into which a fiber optic cable or other elongate member can be inserted after the wedge is positioned in the groove. The subsequently inserted, elongate member causes outward plastic deformation of the wedge. Ribs or barbs are provided along the sides of the arms to also grip the groove walls and provide additional retention. Longitudinally extending ducts can either contain fiber optic cable when the device is first inserted into the groove or cables can be subsequently inserted into these ducts.