Abstract: A method of coating an optical waveguide filament employing a sizing die having a tapered aperture terminating in a sizing orifice and a guide cone having a tapered outer wall terminating in a tip which is disposed adjacent said tapered aperture. The filament passes through an orifice in the tip of the guide cone and thereafter through the sizing die. The coating material flows into the channel formed between the tapered aperture and the tapered outer wall and contacts the filament in a region that is located between the guide cone tip and the sizing die orifice.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical waveguide coating system having means for cooling the hot filament prior to the time that the filament enters the coating apparatus. The cooling means comprises an elongated container through which the filament passes. A coolant jacket, which surrounds the container, lowers the temperature of the filament cooling liquid in the container.

Abstract: An optical waveguide cable is disclosed wherein a bundle of waveguide fibers is formed from a plurality of individual fibers coated with a release agent. The fiber bundle is encapsulated within an encapsulating material in which at least two strength members are embedded. The strength members are disposed parallel to the bundle in a plane substantially through the longitudinal axis of the bundle, at least one of the strength members being disposed in the plane on one side of the bundle while the remaining strength members are disposed in the plane on the other side of the bundle. Each of the waveguide fibers may be coated with a protective layer of a synthetic resinous material applied over the release agent before the bundle is formed.

Abstract: A buffered optical waveguide fiber suitable for use in forming an optical waveguide cable is described. An optical waveguide fiber is first coated with a glass protective coating applied to the exterior longitudinal surface of the fiber with a release agent coating applied over the glass protective coating. Thereafter, a protective layer of a thermoplastic synthetic resinous material surrounding the fiber is disposed over the coating of release agent.

Abstract: An optical waveguide cable is disclosed wherein a bundle of waveguide fibers is formed from a plurality of individual fibers coated with a release agent. The fiber bundle is encapsulated within an encapsulating material in which at least two strength members are embedded. The strength members are disposed parallel to the bundle in a plane substantially through the longitudinal axis of the bundle, at least one of the strength members being disposed in the plane on one side of the bundle while the remaining strength members are disposed in the plane on the other side of the bundle. Each of the waveguide fibers may be coated with a protective layer of a synthetic resinous material applied over the release agent before the bundle is formed.