Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for improving reverse oscillating lay (ROL) consistency during an optical cable manufacturing process. A torque capstan receives an optical fiber cable from an ROL machine that places reverse-oscillating lay on the core of an optical cable, but also generates some undesirable fluctuating back-tension in a direction opposite a direction in which the optical fiber cable is being pulled during manufacturing of the optical cable. The optical cable comprises a plurality of subunit cables. A drive system coupled to the torque capstan is controlled by a control system in such a way that the torque capstan applies a certain amount of force to the optical cable in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the optical cable is being pulled during manufacturing.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are provided for improving reverse oscillating lay (ROL) consistency during an optical cable manufacturing process. A torque capstan receives an optical fiber cable from an ROL machine that places reverse-oscillating lay on the core of an optical cable, but also generates some undesirable fluctuating back-tension in a direction opposite a direction in which the optical fiber cable is being pulled during manufacturing of the optical cable. The optical cable comprises a plurality of subunit cables. A drive system coupled to the torque capstan is controlled by a control system in such a way that the torque capstan applies a certain amount of force to the optical cable in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the optical cable is being pulled during manufacturing.

Abstract: A simplex optical fiber cable includes an optical fiber, a buffer surrounding and in contact with the optical fiber, a layer of strength fibers disposed about the buffer, and a sheath member surrounding and in contact with the yarn layer. In cross section the cable has a diameter of less than 2.0 millimeters (mm) and thus is much smaller in diameter than optical fiber cables presently available. Preferably, if the buffer is relatively thin a slick substance is applied to the outer surface of the buffer to allow the buffer and the strength fiber layer to slide relation to each other. If the buffer is relatively thick, a friction-reducing substance can be applied to the optical fiber to facilitate stripping of the buffer from the fiber a duplex optical fiber cable includes two simplex optical fiber cables having their respective sheaths joined to produce a figure-eight configuration.

Abstract: A simplex optical fiber cable of this invention includes an optical fiber, a buffer preferably of nylon, surrounding and in contact with the optical fiber, a yarn layer with strength fibers, preferably aramid fibers, disposed about the buffer and a sheath preferably formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) surrounding and in contact with the yarn layer. [In cross-section, the simplex optical fiber cable has a diameter less than 2.0 millimeters (mm), and thus is much smaller in diameter than optical fiber cables presently available Preferably, if the buffer is relatively thin providing limited protection to the optical fiber, a slick substance such as talc is applied to an outer surface of the buffer before the yarn layer is disposed thereon. The slick substance allows the buffer of the optical fiber to slide to a degree in contact with the yarn layer and thus reduces fatigue caused by axial movement of a ferrule of the connector terminating the optical fiber cable.

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: A hybrid optical fiber, copper conductor transmission media cable (20) which is suitable for use in local area network application includes a core (22) comprising two arrays (25,40) of longitudinally extending portions. One array (25) includes optical fibers disposed between two strength members (27--27) whereas the other array comprises metallic conductors (42--42). Each array includes a matrix material (30,45) in which the longitudinally extending portions are enclosed with adjacent portions being connected by a web (32,47). The two arrays are enclosed by a jacket (50) which has an oval shaped configuration. The configuration of component portions of the cable as well as the materials thereof are determined to cause the neutral axis of bending to be in a desired location which minimizes losses in the transmission media.

Abstract: A buffered optical fiber (20) includes an optical fiber (21) comprising a core and a cladding. Typically, the optical fiber is enclosed by at least one layer (23) of coating material. The optical fiber is enclosed by a plastic buffer layer (30). Interposed between the optical fiber and the buffer layer is a decoupling material (40) which provides a controlled coupling of the buffer layer to the underlying coating material. As a result, there is sufficient adhesion between the buffer layer and the underlying coating material to maintain the buffer layer in place during normal use of the buffered optical fiber. On the other hand, the adhesion is low enough so that the buffer layer may be removed upon the application of resonably low stripping forces. Advantageously, the decoupling material also allows the selective removal of the optical fiber coating material as well as the plastic buffer layer.

Abstract: An advancing optical fiber (22) is marked with a plurality of spaced indicia along its longitudinal axis. The indicia are applied by an applicator wheel (56) in the form of a disc which is mounted for rotation about an axis which is transverse to the path of travel of the optical fiber. The wheel has a plurality of marking teeth (70-70) arranged about its periphery with each tooth provided with a groove (72) for receiving increments of length of the optical fiber as it is moved rotatably. As the wheel is turned, each tooth in seriatim compresses a porous, resilient pad (80) which is disposed to one side of the wheel in a chamber through which the optical fiber is advanced to cause ink from the pad to be received in the groove of each tooth. Further rotation of the wheel causes ink to be transferred from each groove to the moving fiber. The pad is supplied with ink through a tube by a peristaltic pump (90).