Abstract: Robust fiber optic cables and assemblies having low attenuation multimode optical fibers. The cables have low attenuation in tensile and mandrel wrap tests, and can have thermoplastic urethane jackets coextruded over tensile strength members that allow the cables to be pulled by the jackets. The cables have relatively small cross-sections yet have sufficient robustness to be deployed in extreme environments such as cellular tower applications.

Abstract: A small-diameter high bending-resistance fiber optic cable adapted for obtaining high bending-resistance and crush-resistance is provided. The small-diameter high bending-resistance and crush-resistance fiber optic cable is particularly adapted for being deployed in indoor pipelines. The small-diameter high bending-resistance and crush-resistance fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber core, an outer protection sheath, and a plurality of tensile strength members. The optical fiber core is positioned in a center of the outer protection sheath. The tensile strength members are uniformly distributed inside the outer protection sheath. The tensile strength members are made of aramid yarns, fiber reinforced plastics or steel wires.

Abstract: Micromodule subunit cables are constructed to allow for ease of identification between optical fibers in differing groups of optical fibers. In one cable, a first group of fibers is located within a first subunit while a second group of fibers is located within a second subunit, both subunits being enclosed in a cable jacket.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable including, in a radial direction outward, a central strength member, a first layer of loose buffer tubes stranded around the central strength member, at least one of the loose buffer tubes of the first layer containing at least one light waveguide, an intermediate layer, a second layer of loose buffer tubes stranded around the intermediate layer, at least one of the loose buffer tubes of the second layer containing at least one light waveguide, and a jacket surrounding the second layer of loose buffer tubes, wherein the intermediate layer is formed of a material having a high coefficient of friction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data-center cable having good attenuation performance both at room temperature and during temperature cycling, as well as good resistance to compression.

Abstract: A cable includes a channel with an aspect ratio that houses optical fibers therein. The cable includes first and second stranded conductors on opposing sides of the channel. The channel is arranged with respect to the stranded conductors so that the fibers assume low strain positions in the channel when the cable is bent.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a jacket, strength members, armor, and a tear feature. The jacket is formed from a first polymeric material and defines an exterior of the cable. The jacket further forms an interior cavity configured to support an optical fiber. The strength members are each surrounded by the jacket, with the cavity separating the strength members from one another. The armor extends above the cavity and at least partially above the strength members, and has greater tensile strength than the first polymeric material. The tear feature is located beneath the armor and is formed from a second polymeric material co-extrudable with the first polymeric material. The tear feature forms a discontinuity of material within the jacket. At least one of the second polymeric material and the interface between the first and second polymeric materials yields at a lesser tearing force than the first polymeric material.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a polymeric jacket defining an outer periphery and a cavity interior thereto, an optical fiber positioned within the cavity, and first and second longitudinal strength elements fully embedded in the jacket on opposite sides of the cavity from one another, where the strength elements define a bend axis of the cable passing there through that is orthogonal to the length of the cable, and the bend axis and the length of the cavity define a preferential plane for bending. The cable resists bending about a third axis that is orthogonal to the length of the cable and the bend axis, where the third axis and the length of the cable define a non-preferential plane for bending. The difference in flexural rigidity between the preferential and non-preferential planes limits formation of spontaneous knots in a coil of the cable while providing flexibility for ease of handling.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides filler rods that have higher melting temperature than the conventional filler rods and methods of making the filler rods. For some embodiments, the filler rod is made from a blend of polyethylene and polypropylene.

Abstract: A breakout cable includes a polymer jacket and a plurality of micromodules enclosed within the jacket. Each micromodule has a plurality of bend resistant optical fibers and a polymer sheath comprising PVC surrounding the bend resistant optical fibers. Each of the plurality of bend resistant optical fibers is a multimode optical fiber including a glass cladding region surrounding and directly adjacent to a glass core region. The core region is a graded-index glass core region, where the refractive index of the core region has a profile having a parabolic or substantially curved shape. The cladding includes a first annular portion having a lesser refractive index relative to a second annular portion of the cladding. The first annular portion is interior to the second annular portion. The cladding is surrounded by a low modulus primary coating and a high modulus secondary coating.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable is provided with a plurality of buffer tubes each with one or more optical fibers, a plurality of strength members and a jacket. The fibers within the cable meet maximum attenuation of substantially 0.07 db increase when decreasing from ?23° C. to ?60° C.

Abstract: A communication cable can comprise optical fibers protected by an armor, such as a corrugated metallic tube. An outer jacket can cover the armor to provide environmental protection. A net located between the outer jacket and the armor can comprise openings, with the outer jacket extending into the openings, towards the armor. The net can be wrapped, formed, or woven around the armor, for example. The net can aid a craftsperson in separating the outer jacket from the corrugated metal tube, for example in connection with servicing the cable. The openings can control coupling between the outer jacket and the armor, for example providing a desired level of friction, bonding, adhesion, adherence, fusion, and/or contact between the outer jacket and the armor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition for a high strength loose tube type fiber optic cable with excellent flexibility and excellent impact resistance, which includes a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer having a melt flow index (MFI) of 1.1 g/10 minutes to 3.0 g/10 minutes at 230° C. and a flexural modulus of 10,000 to 23,000 kg/cm2. A fiber optic cable including a loose tube formed with the composition for a high strength loose tube type fiber optic cable has excellent flexibility and impact resistance as well as excellent appearance.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes: a plurality of optical fibers, the fibers divided into a plurality of fiber optic subunits, each of the subunits defining generally a circle having a first diameter; at least one elongate filler element, the filler element comprising a cellulosic material, wherein in end view the filler element defines generally a circle having a second diameter that is substantially the same as the first diameter; and an outer jacket surrounding the optical fiber subunits and the filler element, wherein the total number of fiber optic subunits and fillers elements is at least four. In this configuration, the cable can pass typical flame testing while being manufactured at a lower cost than current cable.

Abstract: Methods of preparing strength member pulling members in fiber optic cable furcations and related components, assemblies, and fiber optic cables are disclosed. To allow fiber optic cables to be pulled without damaging optical fiber(s) disposed therein, a strength member pulling loop is formed from a strength member disposed inside the fiber optic cable. A pulling cord can be disposed in the strength member pulling loop to pull the fiber optic cable. The pulling load applied to the pulling cord is translated to the strength member pulling loop, which is translated to the strength member disposed inside the fiber optic cable. In this manner, when the fiber optic cable is pulled, the pulling load is translated to the strength member disposed inside the fiber optic cable to prevent or avoid damaging the optical fiber(s) disposed inside the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to flame-retardant fiber optic cables. The fiber optic cables include reinforcing materials that generate low smoke levels and exhibit improved performance during burn testing. The fiber optic cables are capable of meeting burn testing requirements without employing expensive, high-performance cable jacketing and buffering compounds.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable can comprise technology for mitigating stress on optical fibers of the cable. The technology can protect the optical fibers from compression, such as stemming from installation, deployment, or handling. The technology can compensate for thermally induced expansion and contraction of cable elements having differing thermal expansion characteristics, arising when the cable is subjected to temperature variations. The cable can comprise a central strength member onto which an elastomeric material, such as silicone, has been applied. The elastomeric material can protect optical fibers that are located between the central strength member and an outside jacket.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a tube formed from a flame-retardant material, an optical fiber disposed in a cavity of the tube, and powder comprising flame-retardant particles. At least a portion of the powder is mechanically attached to a surface of the cavity, where the mechanical attachment of the powder allows a portion of flame-retardant particles of the powder to protrude beyond the surface and not be completely embedded therein.

Abstract: An optical-electrical hybrid transmission cable (100), comprises an insulative layer (2); a shielding layer located on an inner side of the insulative layer; an optical cable (5) disposed in the shielding layer and comprising two optical fibers (51) and an insulative sheath (52) enclosing the two optical fibers; a pair of signal wires (6) twisted together and disposed in the shielding layer; and a pair of power wires disposed in the shielding layer. And the optical cable, the pair of signal wires and the pair of power wires are arranged along a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes an optical fiber, a strength layer surrounding the optical fiber, and an outer jacket surrounding the strength layer. The strength layer includes a matrix material in which is integrated a plurality of reinforcing fibers. A fiber optic cable includes an optical fiber, a strength layer, a first electrical conductor affixed to an outer surface of the strength layer, a second electrical conductor affixed to the outer surface of the strength layer, and an outer jacket. The strength layer includes a polymeric material in which is embedded a plurality of reinforcing fibers. A method of manufacturing a fiber optic cable includes mixing a base material in an extruder. A strength layer is formed about an optical fiber. The strength layer includes a polymeric film with embedded reinforcing fibers disposed in the film. The base material is extruded through an extrusion die to form an outer jacket.

Abstract: Described are new cable designs for indoor installations wherein the cable comprises a dual-layer optical fiber buffer encasement of acrylate resin. The buffer encasement has an acrylate compliant inner layer that protects the fiber and minimizes stress transfer to the fiber; and a hard, tough acrylate outer layer that provides crush resistance. The dual-layer optical fiber buffer encasement is wrapped with reinforcing yarn and encased in an outer protective jacket. A dual jacket embodiment adapted for indoor/outdoor installations is also described.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable is comprised of: a slotted core (7) elongated along an axis of the optical fiber cable, the slotted core including a slot (11) running in parallel with the axis and a groove (5) accessible through the slot; one or more optical fibers (3) placed in the groove; a sheath (9) enclosing the slotted core and the optical fibers; a bonding portion (15) where the slotted core is bonded with the sheath; and two or more strength members (17) embedded in the slotted core, the strength member running in parallel with the axis, and being aligned on a plane including the axis.

Abstract: A fiber optic jumper cable having a central axis includes a bend-resistant optical fiber generally arranged along the central axis. A tensile-strength layer surrounds the bend-resistant optical fiber. A protective cover surrounds the tensile-strength layer and has an outside diameter DO in the range 1.6 mm?DO?4 mm.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a first optical fiber, a jacket, and a second optical fiber. The first optical fiber includes a glass core and cladding. The glass core is configured to provide controlled transmission of light through the fiber optic cable for high-speed data communication. The jacket has an interior surface that defines a conduit through which the first optical fiber extends. The jacket further has an exterior surface that defines the outside of the fiber optic cable. The second optical fiber is integrated with the exterior surface of the jacket.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a strength member, a layer of polyethylene contacting the exterior of the strength member, and a yarn wound around the strength member. The yarn is between the strength member and the layer of polyethylene.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drop cable assembly including a fiber optic drop cable having a length that extends from a first end of the fiber optic drop cable to an opposite second end of the fiber optic drop cable. The fiber optic drop cable also includes an intermediate location located between the first and second ends of the fiber optic drop cable. The drop cable assembly also includes a first fiber optic connector mounted at the first end of the fiber optic drop cable and a second fiber optic connector mounted at the second end of the fiber optic drop cable. The drop cable assembly further includes an optical fiber that extends continuously without splicing along the length of the fiber optic drop cable from the first fiber optic connector to the second fiber optic connector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flat telecommunication cable in which optical fibers are positioned within micromodules. The micromodules are coupled to a surrounding, ribbon-like cable jacket, thereby preventing the micromodules from sagging within the cable during vertical installations. The invention also relates to a method of extracting optical fibers from such a cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a polymeric jacket defining an outer periphery and a cavity interior thereto, an optical fiber positioned within the cavity, and first and second longitudinal strength elements fully embedded in the jacket on opposite sides of the cavity from one another, where the strength elements define a bend axis of the cable passing there through that is orthogonal to the length of the cable, and the bend axis and the length of the cavity define a preferential plane for bending. The cable resists bending about a third axis that is orthogonal to the length of the cable and the bend axis, where the third axis and the length of the cable define a non-preferential plane for bending. The difference in flexural rigidity between the preferential and non-preferential planes limits formation of spontaneous knots in a coil of the cable while providing flexibility for ease of handling.

Abstract: Robust fiber optic cables and assemblies having low attenuation multimode optical fibers. The cables have low attenuation in tensile and mandrel wrap tests, and can have thermoplastic urethane jackets coextruded over tensile strength members that allow the cables to be pulled by the jackets. The cables have relatively small cross-sections yet have sufficient robustness to be deployed in extreme environments such as cellular tower applications.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable sub-assembly comprises a fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber, a cable jacket that houses the optical fiber and at least one metal strength member. A collar is attached to an end portion of the metal strength member, wherein the optical fiber extends beyond an outer axial end of the collar. In another example a fiber optic cable assembly is fabricated from the fiber optic cable sub-assembly wherein a connector housing is attached to the collar, and an interface operably connects an end portion of the optical fiber to an active optical component within the connector housing. In further examples, methods of assembly for a fiber optic cable sub-assembly are provided along with using the sub-assembly for making a fiber optic cable assembly.

Abstract: This optical fiber cable is provided with a covering resin including an outermost layer. The outermost layer is formed by a resin composition including: (a) a base resin prepared by adding at least one copolymer selected from an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and an ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymer to a high density polyethylene; (b) 25 to 90 parts by weight of a phosphate salt with respect to 100 parts by weight of the base resin; and (c) 0.75 to 15 parts by weight of either a silicone dispersed polyethylene or a silicone grafted polyethylene with respect to 100 parts by weight of the base resin.

Abstract: Described are track-resistant all dielectric self-supporting (TR-ADSS) cables with improved cable jackets. A typical TR-ADSS optical fiber cable comprises an optical fiber sub-assembly, and a cable jacket system. The cable jacket system comprises an inner jacket, an aramid strength layer and an outer jacket. The improvement in the cable jacket system results from the addition of a friction layer between the aramid strength layer and the outer jacket. The friction layer prevents unwanted slippage of the outer jacket with respect to the inner portions of the cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a main fiber optic cable and a pre-connectorized fiber optic cable assembly. Optical fibers of the main fiber optic cable are mass fusion spliced to optical fibers of the pre-connectorized fiber optic cable assembly thereby forming a mass fusion splice. The mass fusion splice is positioned within an outer jacket of the main fiber optic cable. A reinforcing member and a protective transition member are applied to make the fiber optic cable assembly. A method of making the fiber optic cable assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable is comprised of: a slotted core elongated along an axis of the optical fiber cable, the slotted core including a slot running in parallel with the axis and a groove accessible through the slot; one or more optical fibers placed in the groove; a sheath enclosing the slotted core and the optical fibers; a bonding portion where the slotted core is bonded with the sheath; a first strength member embedded in the slotted core and running in parallel with the axis; and a second strength member embedded in the sheath and running in parallel with the axis, wherein the first and second strength members are aligned on a plane including the axis.

Abstract: A fiber optic jumper cable having a central axis includes a bend-resistant multimode optical fiber generally arranged along the central axis. A tensile-strength layer surrounds the bend-resistant optical fiber. A protective cover surrounds the tensile-strength layer and has an outside diameter DO in the range 1.6 mm?DO?4 mm.

Abstract: Cables are constructed with embedded discontinuities in the cable jacket that allow the jacket to be torn to provide access to the cable core. The discontinuities can be longitudinally extending strips of polymer material coextruded in the cable jacket.

Abstract: A multi-fiber cable assembly includes a plurality of optical fibers and at least two fiber grouping members disposed in a reverse double helical configuration about the plurality of optical fibers. An outer jacket surrounds the fiber grouping members and the plurality of optical fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes an unbuffered optical fiber, a tensile reinforcement member surrounding the unbuffered optical fiber, and a jacket surrounding the tensile reinforcement member. The jacket is suitable for outside plant environment. A water blocking material is placed between the unbuffered fiber and the jacket. The unbuffered optical fiber comprises an ultra bend-insensitive fiber that meets the requirements of ITU-T G.657.B3 and exhibits an additional loss of less than approximately 0.2 dB/turn when the fiber is wrapped around a 5 mm bend radius mandrel. The optical fiber cable also exhibits an additional loss of less than approximately 0.4 dB/km at 1550 nm when the cable is subjected to ?20° C. outside plant environment.

Abstract: A low cost, high performance, low profile flexible reinforcement member that can be used for both optical and copper communications cable. The reinforcement members made according to the preferred process are more rigid than known reinforcement members, but are less rigid than glass pultruded rods. Communications cables utilizing these members are lightweight and exhibit an improved combination of strength and flexibility compared to traditional communications cables. Further, these communication cables may then be installed into underground ducts using more economical and faster installation techniques.

Abstract: Armored fiber optic assemblies and methods are disclosed that include a dielectric armor and at least one bend-resistant multimode optical fiber. The dielectric armor has an armor profile, thereby resembling conventional metal armored cable to the craft. The dielectric armor provides additional crush and impact resistance and the like for the optical fibers and/or fiber optic assembly therein. The dielectric armor is advantageous to the craft since it provides the desired mechanical performance without requiring the time and expense of grounding like conventional metal armored cables. Additionally, the armored fiber optic assemblies can have any suitable flame and/or smoke rating for meeting the requirements of the intended space. The use of at least one bend-resistant multimode optical fiber allows for improved bend performance for the armored fiber optic assemblies, allowing for tighter cable routing as compared to armored fiber optic assemblies having conventional multimode optical fiber.

Abstract: Fiber bundles (10) comprise loose fibers (11) encased within a fiber/resin composite (12). The bundles are useful as strength members for fiber optic cables. In one embodiment the bundles are prepared by a method comprising the steps of (A) bundling fibers together such that a portion of the fibers form an interior part of the bundle and a portion of the fibers form an exterior part of the bundle, and (B) impregnating the exterior part of the bundle with a resin such that (1) the fibers that form the exterior part of the bundle and the resin form a fiber/resin composite that encases the fibers that for the interior part of the bundle, and (2) the fibers that form the interior part of the bundle are not impregnated with the resin.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical fiber communication cable assemblies useful for separating and conveying individual fibers from a multiple optical fiber cable to connectors in a protective manner. The optical fiber cable assembly is suitable for outdoor use and includes a (i) cable with multiple optical fibers; (ii) a furcation unit attached to the cable for directing individual optical fibers from the cable to furcation legs; and (iii) multiple furcation legs receiving at least one of the optical fibers. The furcation legs include (i) a buffer tube surrounding the optical fiber; (ii) strength members surrounding the buffer tube; and (iii) a jacket surrounding the strength members. The furcation legs typically exhibit a tensile rating of at least about 50 pounds (lbf), more typically 100 pounds (lbf) or more. Moreover, the furcation legs typically exhibit total shrinkage of less than about 2 percent when cycled from +23° C. to ?40° C. to +70° C. to ?40° C.

Abstract: A rack cabling system including a rack having mounted thereon a first hardware component and a patch panel housing mounted on the rack adjacent the first hardware component. The patch panel housing populates no more than a three rack unit (RU space), the patch panel housing including a front end having cable pathway openings and a rear end having connector coupler plates mounted therein. The patch panel may have a first cable pathway opening located adjacent the first side of the housing and defining a primary position and a first connector coupler plate mounted on the rear adjacent on the first side and the first connector plate having a first position corresponding to the primary position of the first cable pathway opening. Cable harnesses are routed with less than three bends of the cables between the first hardware component and the patch panel housing, so that the first cable harness is terminated at the first coupler plate in the first position.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes a connector and a fiber optic cable. The connector includes a housing having a first axial end and an oppositely disposed second axial end. A ferrule is disposed in the housing. A plurality of optical fibers is mounted in the ferrule. The fiber optic cable includes an outer jacket defining a fiber passage that extends longitudinally through the outer jacket and a window that extends through the outer jacket and the fiber passage. First and second strength members are oppositely disposed about the fiber passage in the outer jacket. A plurality of optical fibers is disposed in the fiber passage. The optical fibers are joined at splices to the optical fibers of the connector. A splice sleeve is disposed over the splices. The splice sleeve is disposed in the window of the outer jacket.

Abstract: A bend-insensitive optical cable for transmitting optical signals includes an optical cable having a length, extending from an input end adapted to receive the optical signals, to an output end and including at least one single-mode optical fiber having a cable cut-off wavelength, of 1290 nm to 1650 nm. The at least one optical fiber is helically twisted around a longitudinal axis with a twisting pitch, for a twisted length, extending along at least a portion of the length, of the optical cable, wherein the twisted length and the twisting pitch are selected such that the optical cable exhibits a measured cut-off wavelength equal to or lower than 1260 nm. Preferably, the at least one fiber has a mode-field diameter of 8.6 ?m to 9.5 ?m. According to a preferred embodiment, the optical cable includes two optical fibers twisted together along the longitudinal axis, each of the two optical fibers having a cable cut-off wavelength of 1290 nm to 1650 nm.

Abstract: A strain-relief member having a body formed from a block copolymer and designed for use in a fiber optic drop cable assembly. The body has a central channel and a cylindrical connector-end portion sized to surround an end-portion of a connector. The body also has a tapered cable-end portion sized to surround an end portion of a fiber optic cable that connects to the connector and that has a preferential bend axis. The strain-relief member is configured to limit an amount of strain in the strength components to less than 0.041 when subjected to flex and proof testing. A fiber optic drop cable assembly that has a fiber optic cable with a preferential bend axis and that employs the strain-relief member is also disclosed.

Abstract: Downhole cables are described that are configured to protect internal structures that may be detrimentally impacted by exposure to the downhole environment, by protecting such structures by at least two protective layers. In some examples, the structures to be protected may be housed in a protective tube housed within the protective outer sheath. The described configuration enables the use of structures such as polymer fibers in the cables for strength and load-bearing capability by protecting the fibers, by multiple protective layers, from exposure to gases or fluids within a wellbore.

Abstract: A buffered optical fiber structure includes an optical fiber, a mechanical reinforcement member extending along the optical fiber, a protective sheath having a cavity containing the optical fiber and the mechanical reinforcement member, and an intermediate material contacting the protective sheath and surrounding the optical fiber and the mechanical reinforcement member.

Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for attaching a connector to a fiber optic cable. As described herein, lengthwise slits are made into the jacket and the buffer tube of a fiber optic cable, thereby exposing interior segments of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cable. A loop is then made in the fiber optic cable at the slits. The ends of the optical fibers can then telescopically slide out the end of the fiber optic cable. When this happens, the exposed interior segments of the optical fibers slide out of the buffer tube and the jacket through the slits, forming a smaller loop within the loop. A connector may then be attached to the exposed ends of the optical fibers. When the fiber optic cable is unlooped, the exposed interior segments of the optical fibers slide back into the buffer tube and jacket. The jacket may then be resealed.

Abstract: A fiber Bragg grating multi-point temperature sensing system comprises a fiber sensing cable package and a plurality of clamping devices distributed along an inner surface of a wall in a circumferential direction for securing the fiber sensing cable package. The fiber sensing cable package comprises a fiber Bragg grating based sensing cable comprising at least one optical fiber, a plurality of Bragg gratings inscribed in the optical fiber, and a fabric layer and a sheath tube surrounding the optical fiber. The multi-point fiber temperature sensing system comprises a light source for transmitting light to the Bragg gratings based sensing cable package, and a detector module receiving reflected signal. Each clamping device comprises a radiation tee and defines at least one mounting hole for securing the fiber sensing cable.