Abstract: A water blocking configuration for a low temperature, dry loose tube fiber optic cable includes one or more flexible buffer tubes each having a passage sized to contain one or more optical fibers. A single yarn is disposed in the passage of each buffer tube, and the yarn has a denier of not more than 1500. The yarn is coated with particles of a water absorbent material having a size distribution of between zero and not more than 160 microns. A dry loose tube fiber optic cable having the disclosed configuration meets the Telcordia GR 20 (Issue 2) industry standard with respect to water penetration, change of fiber attenuation, and fiber tensile strength at a low temperature of ?60 degrees C.

Abstract: An optical cable having a metal tube receiving an optical fiber and bent to form a waved shape is disclosed. The optical cable may prevent cutoff of the optical fiber or deterioration of optical characteristics though tensile force is applied to the optical cable in its longitudinal direction since the metal is formed in a waved shape. To bend the metal tube, the metal tube is passed through roller pair(s) which are shaken in a direction perpendicular to the advancing direction of the metal tube. Thus, it is possible to obtain excess fiber length (EFL) easily and accurately as desired.

Abstract: In the present invention, a deformation process is applied to a part of an image fiber, and when implementing improvement of the quality of the transmitted image, the improvement of the image quality in the center region and peripheral region of the image fiber in the radial direction is carried out to an equal degree, and a uniform improvement of the entire screen can be carried out. A processed part is formed having a deformation of all cores that is substantially identical by deforming in the radial direction or by deforming and twisting a part of an image fiber having a plurality of cores that function as pixels in the radial direction thereof. The image fiber can be manufactured by a processing in which by a part of the image fiber having a plurality of cores that function as pixels is heated, and deformed in the radial direction thereof or simultaneously deformed and twisted in the radial direction thereof this heated part.

Abstract: Fiber optic cables suitable for use in harsh environments such as down hole oil and gas well applications and methods for fabricating the same have been provided. In one embodiment, an optic cable suitable for down hole oil field applications comprises one or more optical fibers disposed in an inner tube and a corrosion resistant metal outer tube disposed over the inner tube, where the inner and outer tubes make intermittent contact. In another embodiment, an optic cable suitable for down hole oil field applications comprise one or more optical fibers disposed in a polymer tube having fins extending therefrom.

Abstract: Fiber optic conduits are received around a central axis with their axes extending in the same direction as the central axis and with each fiber optic conduit tangent to two other fiber optic conduits. The fiber optic conduits define a first interstitial space therebetween and a plurality of second interstitial spaces between each pair of fiber optic conduits on a side thereof opposite the first interstitial space. An interstitial member is received tangent to each pair of fiber optic conduits defining each second interstitial space. Grounding members surround the interstitial members and the fiber optic conduits with their longitudinal axes extending in the same direction as the central axis. Each grounding member is tangent to two other grounding members and an imaginary tube which surrounds and is tangent to the interstitial members and the fiber optic conduits and which has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the central axis.

Abstract: A central tube cable, including a cable jacket defining an optical fiber cavity therein; at least one radial strength member embedded in the jacket; a plurality of optical fibers disposed within the optical fiber cavity; and a bundle support member disposed inside the optical fiber cavity to limit movement of the optical fibers with respect to the bundle support member. The optical fibers are preferably housed in buffer tubes and at least some of the buffer tubes contact the bundle support member. The buffer tubes are either helically stranded around the bundle support member or are S-Z stranded. The optical fibers may be provided in the form of optical fiber ribbons that are located in the optical fiber cavity.

Abstract: A tow cable in which the temperature of the cable is measurable by the use of multiplexing capability intrinsic to optical fibers in which the optical fibers are positioned at the center of the tow cable and wound as part of two layers of surrounding strength wires. The optical fibers of the two layers intersect a vector extending radially from the optical fiber at the center to an outer surface of the tow cable. Light signals emitted from a multiplexer to positions along the optical fibers, in which the positions intersect the vector, return light signals from the positions to provide measurements that in conjunction with a data processor further provide temperature measurement of the outer boundary of the tow cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing a length of optical fiber by housing the length of optical fiber in a duct, the length of optical fiber being so coiled as to extend along the duct and the length of optical fiber being connected to a plurality of fiber-joining devices positioned along the duct. The fiber-joining devices are contained in modules which are removably attached to the outer periphery of the duct.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable for air-blown installation includes optical fibers acting as a medium for transmitting optical signals; a tube binding the optical fibers; string fillers surrounding the outer periphery of the tube at a predetermined spacing, tensile members positioned between the string fillers to surround the outer periphery of the tube for improving the tensile force of the optical fiber cable; and an outer sheath formed in a flexuous shape to surround the outer circumferences of the string fillers and the tensile members.

Abstract: A fiber optic brush including: an array of fiber optic bristles each having a first end forming a hollow chamber adapted to receive a scintillating material, and the bristles having a second end connectable to a photodetector such that light entering the first end of a bristle is conveyed by the bristle through the second end and to the photodetector.

Abstract: A cable, and process for manufacture thereof, containing optical transmission elements. The cable having the following characteristics: a central element stretching in the direction of the cable longitudinal axis, where the central element has at least one slot open to the outside and where the slot runs on the outside of the central element in a helix or screw-like manner, with periodically changing rotation direction; several optical fiber ribbons arranged inside the slot in a stack, situated one above the other, where an additional equal lay stranding is applied to the SZ-stranding imposed by the slot path; and a single or multi-layer jacket surrounds the central element.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having optical fibers disposed in buffer tubes, the buffer tubes defining at least two layers generally stranded about a center area of the cable. The buffer tube layers define a relatively inner layer of buffer tubes being closer to the center area, and an outer layer of buffer tubes being relatively further from the center area. The inner and outer buffer tube layers each having a respective helix value, the respective helix values being substantially the same. Alternatively, the respective helix values can be substantially non-equal. In addition, fiber optic cable systems including balanced helix factors have optical connections between layers of buffer tubes of the respective cables.

Abstract: A fiber optic tube assembly including a tube having a longitudinal axis, at least one optical fiber, and at least one plug. The at least one optical fiber being at least partially disposed within the tube and the at least one plug being disposed within the tube at a predetermined location. A portion of the at least one optical fiber disposed within the at least one plug is capable of moving about the longitudinal axis of the tube relative to at least one plug. In other embodiments, the at least one plug includes an interfacial layer.

Abstract: An optical assembly and methods of manufacturing the same include a longitudinal cavity, at least one optical waveguide being disposed in the longitudinal cavity having a predetermined length, and at least one water-swellable yarn being disposed within the longitudinal cavity and having a predetermined length. The predetermined length of the at least one water-swellable yarn being greater than the predetermined length of the at least one optical waveguide. The at least one water-swellable yarn is disposed longitudinally relative to the at least one optical waveguide so that the at least one water-swellable yarn and the at least one optical waveguide generally act as independent bodies within the longitudinal cavity.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including a cable core having at least one optical fiber and a ripcord. In one embodiment, the ripcord is a conductive material operative, upon application of a sufficient pulling force, to rip at least one cable component for facilitating access to said at least one optical fiber. In other embodiments, the ripcord is formed from a semi-conductive material, the ripcord is removably attached to at least one cable component, and/or the ripcord has an excess length.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable structure including a tube comprised of inorganic fillers dispersed within a soft resin, the tube housing optical fibers or ribbons surrounded by a water blocking material. The use of the inorganic fillers in the soft resin provides a cable structure with superior blowing performance due to low surface friction and high flexibility, allowing more effective installation of the fiber optic cable via blowing techniques The use of the inorganic fillers in the soft resin also reduces the thermal expansion/contraction of the cable structure, and increases the compression resistance of the cable structure to axial loads, providing protection to the optical fibers.

Abstract: A cable includes a tubular jacket which surrounds a plurality of protection tubes in which optical fibers are accommodated in groups and have a relative freedom of movement. These tubes are disposed in layers in which they are disposed in a helix. The cable includes at least one layer made up of an assembly of tubes which have an outside diameter smaller than that of the tubes of a layer that they surround and the tubes of the two layers all contain the same number of optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical cable (10) includes one or more tubes (120), each containing a number of optical fibers (101), and a plastic jacket (160) that encloses the tube(s). A pair of diametrically opposed rods (300-1, 300-2) are at least partially embedded in the polyethylene jacket and are made from continuous-filament glass fibers that are embedded in epoxy. Each rod has a compressive stiffness that is effective to inhibit substantial contraction of the cable, and a tensile stiffness that is effective to receive tensile loads without substantial transfer of such loads to the glass fibers. Each dielectric rod includes a thin layer (330) of a frictional adhesion coating that provides a controlled adhesion between the rod and the jacket of between 50 and 300 lb./in2. Whereas dual-rod cable designs have a preferred bending plane that passes through the rods, controlled adhesion between the rods and the jacket enables the cable to be easily bent in other planes and to be blown through ducts having multiple corners.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the lay length of S-Z stranded buffer tubes during the manufacturing process of a fiber optic cable without slowing down the manufacturing process. Images of an S-Z stranded buffer tube are captured with a camera. The images are sent from the camera to a computer workstation. The computer workstation displays the images taken with the camera and executes programming modules that calculate the lay length of the S-Z stranded buffer tube during the manufacturing process of the cable. Input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard may be used in conjunction with the operations of the computer workstation. By measuring the lay length during cable manufacture, productivity may be maintained while ensuring that the stranding of buffer tubes does not fall out of tolerance, which might result in deleterious bending stress of optical fibers within the buffer tubes.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical cable with continuous accessibility, comprising a closed protective sheath surrounding a cavity having in cross section two substantially perpendicular axes intersecting at the center of the cavity, and at least two optical fibers optionally organized in at least two modules and arranged such that they occupy the greater part of the cavity in the direction of the long axis but that they allow a clearance in the cavity in the direction of the shorter axis of the cavity.

Abstract: An optical submarine cable with a sheath 8 and a core is proposed. It comprises optical fibers 1 which are enclosed in a metal tube 3. The tube is disposed near the axis of the cable. The cable comprises at least two metal tubes 3 and the tubes are SZ-stranded.

Abstract: A fiber optic tube assembly including a tube having a longitudinal axis, at least one optical fiber, and at least one plug. The at least one optical fiber being at least partially disposed within the tube and the at least one plug being disposed within the tube at a predetermined location. A portion of the at least one optical fiber disposed within the at least one plug is capable of moving about the longitudinal axis of the tube relative to at least one plug. In other embodiments, the at least one plug includes an interfacial layer.

Abstract: An optical cable formed by optical fibers, a forming pipe, a sheath, a pair of tension members, and a pair of rip cords. The forming pipe includes a plurality of tapes arranged to permit the forming pipe to be divided in the longitudinal direction and the rip cords are located near the seams of the forming pipe. A distance from the surface of the tension members to the inner surface of the sheath and to the outer surface of the sheath are both 0.3 mm or more. A distance from the center of the rip cords to the inner surface of the sheath is from 0.2-fold or greater to 1.2-fold or less than the radius of the tip cords. Furthermore, the distance from the surface of the rip cords to the seams of the forming pipes is 0.5 mm or less.

Abstract: A solid-stranding method and apparatus for forming optical cables. Solid-stranding combines buffering and stranding operations, as well as performs the stranding operation while the flextubes are still hot so that they adhere together without additional binders. Optical fibers and/or wires are supplied to an extruder which forms flextubes around individual ones or groups of the optical fibers and/or wires. A central element may be supplied to, and go through, the center of the extruder. A rotating pulling device, such as a caterpillar, helically or in an SZ-manner solid-strands the flextubes around the central element—or solid-strands the flextubes to themselves when no central element is present—as the flextubes cool down. That is, solid-stranding includes buffering and stranding operations that are performed together without a water cooling stage therebetween. Thus, the flextubes adhere together, and may adhere to the central member, thereby forming a solid-stranded composite core.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) having a tube assembly (20) therein. Tube assembly (20) includes an optical fiber group (22) in a tube (21). Optical fiber group (22) comprises a medial optical fiber subgroup (23) and lateral optical fiber subgroups (24a, 24b;25a,25b;26a,26b) adjacent thereto. Subgroups (24a,24b;25a,25b;26a,26b) define a step-like profile for maximizing optical fiber packing density of tube assembly (20) and/or defining a high fiber count cable (10). In exemplary embodiments, a diagonal free space is defined as the tube inner diameter minus the diagonal length of the cross-section of the profile of the optical fiber ribbon stack, the diagonal free space being about 2 mm to about 5 mm. In a multi-tube embodiment, diagonal free space can be about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. In other embodiments, corner fibers can have a delta optical attenuation of less than about 0.05 dB/Km for a wavelength of @1550 nm over a 100 meter length 40″ to 70″ drum at room temperature.

Abstract: Fiber optic cables, and methods of manufacturing the same, include a plurality of carriers having at least one optical fiber therein. In one embodiment, the carriers are arranged in two layers within the cable and are generally disposed about a center area of the cable. Each layer has a respective helix-plus-EFL value. A difference between the respective helix-plus-EFL values of the layers defines a differential range being, preferably, about 1% or less. Additionally, the fiber optic cables can be used in fiber optic cable systems such as dispersion managed cable systems (DMCS).

Abstract: A hybrid strength member (300) for an optical cable (10) is made from dielectric materials, and provides excellent compressive and tensile properties within a single structure. The strength member includes two concentric layers of filamentary strands that are embedded in a thermoset material such as epoxy. The filamentary strands of the inner layer (310) primarily comprise aramid fibers, while the filamentary strands of the outer layer (320) primarily comprise glass fibers. A pair of strength members (300-1, 300-2) is embedded in a plastic jacket of the optical cable at diametrically opposite sides of a central core tube that contains a number of optical fibers. Each strength member includes a thin coating (330) of a relatively soft material (i.e., a hardness of less than 80D on the Shore durometer scale) to enhance its coupling to the plastic jacket.

Abstract: A flexible innerduct structure is configured to contain a cable within a conduit. The innerduct structure includes a pair of adjacent strip-shaped layers of flexible material that are joined along their longitudinal edges to define a channel through which the cable can extend longitudinally through the innerduct structure between the layers. The adjacent layers have differing widths between their longitudinal edges, whereby the wider layer bulges away from the narrower layer to impart an open configuration to the channel. Other features of the innerduct structure relate to the material of which it is formed. Such features includes the structure of the material, such as a woven structure, and further include properties such as melting point, tensile strength, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having optical fibers disposed in buffer tubes, the buffer tubes defining at least two layers generally stranded about a center area of the cable. The buffer tube layers define a relatively inner layer of buffer tubes being closer to the center area, and an outer layer of buffer tubes being relatively further from the center area. The inner and outer buffer tube layers each having a respective helix value, the respective helix values being substantially the same. Alternatively, the respective helix values can be substantially non-equal. In addition, fiber optic cable systems including balanced helix factors have optical connections between layers of buffer tubes of the respective cables.

Abstract: Fiber optic cables, and methods of manufacturing the same, include a plurality of carriers having at least one optical fiber therein. In one embodiment, the carriers are arranged in two layers within the cable and are generally disposed about a center area of the cable. Each layer has a respective helix-plus-EFL value. A difference between the respective helix-plus-EFL values of the layers defines a differential range being, preferably, about 1% or less. Additionally, the fiber optic cables can be used in fiber optic cable systems such as dispersion managed cable systems (DMCS).

Abstract: A solid-stranding method and apparatus for forming optical cables. Solid-stranding combines buffering and stranding operations, as well as performs the stranding operation while the flextubes are still hot so that they adhere together without additional binders. Optical fibers and/or wires are supplied to an extruder which forms flextubes around individual ones or groups of the optical fibers and/or wires. A central element may be supplied to, and go through, the center of the extruder. A rotating pulling device, such as a caterpillar, helically or in an SZ-manner solid-strands the flextubes around the central element—or solid-strands the flextubes to themselves when no central element is present—as the flextubes cool down. That is, solid-stranding includes buffering and stranding operations that are performed together without a water cooling stage therebetween. Thus, the flextubes adhere together, and may adhere to the central member, thereby forming a solid-stranded composite core.

Abstract: A central tube cable, including a cable jacket defining an optical fiber cavity therein; at least one radial strength member embedded in the jacket; a plurality of optical fibers disposed within the optical fiber cavity; and a bundle support member disposed inside the optical fiber cavity to limit movement of the optical fibers with respect to the bundle support member. The optical fibers are preferably housed in buffer tubes and at least some of the buffer tubes contact the bundle support member. The buffer tubes are either helically stranded around the bundle support member or are S-Z stranded. The optical fibers may be provided in the form of optical fiber ribbons that are located in the optical fiber cavity.

Abstract: A cable includes a tubular jacket which surrounds a plurality of protection tubes in which optical fibers are accommodated in groups and have a relative freedom of movement. These tubes are disposed in layers in which they are disposed in a helix. The cable includes at least one layer made up of an assembly of tubes which have an outside diameter smaller than that of the tubes of a layer that they surround and the tubes of the two layers all contain the same number of optical fibers.

Abstract: A junction box for a single-tube cable, and particularly an optical fiber cable for the connection of one or several wires or fibers of the cable to one or several wires or fibers of another cable. The box has a hollow support (3) suitable for a tensioned connected cable crossing (C) and a spacer (2) to hold the casing of the axially cut cable spread inside the hollow support (3) to free the cable wires or fibers (F). Application to the installation and maintenance of cable networks is also described.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one tube assembly therein. The tube assembly includes an optical fiber ribbon stack in a tube. The optical fiber ribbon stack comprises optical fiber ribbons arranged at least partially in a gradually decreasing optical fiber count profile. A diagonal free space of the tube assembly being about 0.5 mm to about 5 mm. The diagonal free space is defined as the tube inner diameter minus the maximum diagonal length of the ribbon stack. The maximum diagonal length of the ribbon stack being the greater of either a diagonal measurement across lateral subgroups of the ribbon stack or a diagonal measurement across a major dimension of a medial subgroup of the ribbon stack.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the lay length of S-Z stranded buffer tubes during the manufacturing process of a fiber optic cable without slowing down the manufacturing process. Images of an S-Z stranded buffer tube are captured with a camera. The images are sent from the camera to a computer workstation. The computer workstation displays the images taken with the camera and executes programming modules that calculate the lay length of the S-Z stranded buffer tube during the manufacturing process of the cable. Input devices such as a mouse and a keyboard may be used in conjunction with the operations of the computer workstation. By measuring the lay length during cable manufacture, productivity may be maintained while ensuring that the stranding of buffer tubes does not fall out of tolerance, which might result in deleterious bending stress of optical fibers within the buffer tubes.

Abstract: A variable fiber count optical fiber cable core is disclosed. The cable core is intended for use as a part of an optical fiber cable, the optical fiber cable having an elongate cylindrical core tube formed about a longitudinal axis, and within which the cable core is received. The cable core comprises a stack of a plurality of variable fiber count optical fiber units formed about the longitudinal axis of the core tube, and housed therein. The stack of the optical fiber units will comprise at least a first optical fiber unit having a first predetermined number of fibers therein, and at least a second optical fiber unit having a second predetermined number of optical fibers therein, where the first and second predetermined numbers of optical fibers differ from one another within the stack of optical fiber units.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having at least one interface being formed by a plurality of adjacent support members. Adjacent the interface is at least one retention area having an optical fiber component disposed therein. The retention area is disposed generally longitudinally and non-helically relative to an axis of the cable. The cable can also include a cable jacket substantially surrounding the support members, a cushioning zone adjacent the optical fiber component, a water-blocking component and/or an interfacial layer at least partially disposed between an outer surface of the support members and the cable jacket.

Abstract: Fiber optic conduits are received around a central axis with their axes extending in the same direction as the central axis and with each fiber optic conduit tangent to two other fiber optic conduits. The fiber optic conduits define a first interstitial space therebetween and a plurality of second interstitial spaces between each pair of fiber optic conduits on a side thereof opposite the first interstitial space. An interstitial member is received tangent to each pair of fiber optic conduits defining each second interstitial space. Grounding members surround the interstitial members and the fiber optic conduits with their longitudinal axes extending in the same direction as the central axis. Each grounding member is tangent to two other grounding members and an imaginary tube which surrounds and is tangent to the interstitial members and the fiber optic conduits and which has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the central axis.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (10) type comprises at least one tube (12) having optical fibers (14) housed therein. The optical fibers (14) extend helically in a longitudinal direction inside the tube (12). In the method of the invention, the tube (12) is fed to the die for manufacturing the cable (10) by unreeling the tube (12) from the storage reel (24) while the storage reel (24) is held stationary, thereby conferring longitudinal twist on the tube (12) constraining the optical fibers (14) it contains to follow a helical path of pitch substantially equal to the length of one turn of the tube (12) wound on the storage reel (24).

Abstract: The present invention's optical cable is manufactured using a manufacturing device which has a cylindrical inner pipe; a cylindrical nipple which is disposed outside the inner pipe with a first spacing interval therebetween, and in which tension member insertion holes and rip cord insertion holes have been formed; and a die which is disposed outside this nipple with a second spacing interval therebetween. In the method for manufacturing this optical cable using the aforementioned device, a plurality of plastic tapes are sent into the first spacing interval, and are shaped into a pipe to make a forming pipe, an optical unit relayed from inside the inner pipe is housed inside the forming pipe, tension members and rip cords are relayed from tension member insertion holes and rip cord insertion holes respectively, and melted resin to form the sheath is supplied from a second spacing interval.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical cable (1) with continuous accessibility, comprising a closed protective sheath (6) preferably oval-shaped enclosing a cavity (5) preferably oval-shaped having in cross-section two substantially perpendicular axes intersecting at the centre of the cavity, and at least two optical fibres (3) optionally assembled in at least two modules (2), and arranged such that they take up the major part of the cavity in an axis but allow significant clearance in the other axis of the cavity. The fibres are preferably arranged in the longitudinal axis. The inventive optical cable is continuously accessible as a result of its preferably oval general shape, its two preferred axes one for an easy curvature and accessibility to modules distributed along the large dimension of its central cell and the other for a significant clearance of the modules which also facilitates extraction and provides the cable with good thermal and mechanical properties.

Abstract: An optical fiber interconnection apparatus includes a flat flexible body member defined by a peripheral edge void of any projections. A plurality of optical fibers are mounted to the body member so that their ends extend beyond the peripheral edge and the ends of a plurality of the fibers extend to different locations of the edge. A method of fabricating the interconnection apparatus includes providing a flat release substrate onto which the flat flexible body member is adhered. After the optical fibers are mounted to the body member, the assembly of the body member and fibers are peeled off of the release substrate.

Abstract: The optical fiber cable includes an assembly of at least two flexible tubes accommodating optical fibers, a sheath enveloping the assembly of tubes, and at least one filamentary form strength member at the periphery of the assembly of tubes. The tubes preferably extend in the sheath in a helical or an SZ assembly. The tubes are stuck together. The sheath is preferably made of polyethylene and the tubes are preferably made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a thermoplastics elastomer with diol flexible segments. In this method, when extruding the sheath around the tubes, the temperature at which the material of the sheath is extruded is adjusted to cause the tubes to stick together.

Abstract: A self-supporting fiber optic cable includes messenger and carrier sections and at least one interconnecting web. The messenger section includes at least one support member and a protective jacket. The carrier section includes a tube, at least one optical fiber disposed within the tube, and a jacket. In order to protect the optical fiber from tensile forces and to facilitate mid-span access, the carrier section can have an overlength. In order to accommodate the overlength, the web can include a plurality of intermittent webs that permit the carrier section to bend. The carrier section can also include at least one strength member. The at least one strength member is preferably positioned in a reference plane that also generally extends through the messenger section, the carrier section and the web. By appropriately positioning the strength members relative to the tube, the carrier section preferentially bends in a plane generally orthogonally disposed to the reference plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fiber cable comprising a core having at least one helical groove in its periphery, at least two assembled-together flexible tubes placed in the groove, each flexible tube containing a plurality of optical fibers, and a flexible material placed between the flexible tubes and the bottom of the groove. The core is surrounded by means for providing protection against external agents, e.g. an aluminum tape or a tube of plastic material. Stiffening means such as armoring wires surround the assembly.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the cable of the present invention incorporates a core, an outer jacket surrounding the core, and a commercially available super-absorbent fibers disposed between the core and the outer jacket as well as inside the core. The fibers may also be applied to a tape to be provided between the core and the outer jacket. The tape incorporates a first layer and super-absorbent fibers, with the super-absorbent fibers being applied to the first layer. Preferably, the first layer is formed of spun bonded non-woven polyester material, nylon spun bonded fabric, non-woven glass, polypropylene melt blown non-woven fabric, polyurethane spun bonded fabric, or TCF cellulose fabric, among others. Additionally, the fibers preferably are provided with a moisture content of greater than approximately 0 percent, by weight, thereby improving the flame-retarding characteristics of the tape.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes a central strength or structural member, buffer tubes of the desired flexibility are S-Z wound around the central member with a predetermined lay, preferably with alternating single turn S-Z lays and the buffer tubes loosely receive optical fiber ribbon stacks, the pitch of the twist being selected to provide a predetermined ratio of the pitch of the buffer tube lay. The wall thickness of the buffer tubes is selected to provide the desired buffer tube strength and crush resistance, and the diameters of the buffer tubes bores are selected in relation to the size of the optical fiber ribbon stacks so as to provide a predetermined clearance. The clearance C is between about 1 mm and about 2 mm with the relation: C=(TI2−WR2)½−HR Where TI is the inner diameter of the tube, WR is the width of said stack and HR is a thickness of the stack.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wound insulator pipe, in particular for a high voltage insulator, having one or more ducts for conductors of any kind is provided. A laminate structure is achieved by winding a material onto a spindle and impregnating with a resin. Initially first layers of the material to be wound are applied; then at least one groove is made in the surface obtained and then the winding is completed until the final diameter is attained.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable comprising a plurality of tubes each having at least one optical fiber therein and at least one strength component. A center of the strength component being generally offset from a center-zone of the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable includes a center-zone interstice, the center-zone interstice spanning generally the center of the fiber optic cable between the tubes and the strength component. The center-zone interstice may include a water swellable substance for blocking the flow of water therein.