Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one at least one bundle having a plurality of non-tight buffered optical fibers and a binder element for maintaining the integrity of the bundle. The binder element may be, for example, a binder thread. The fiber optic cable may exclude a grease or a grease-like composition being in contact with the at least one bundle for filling interstices of the cable thereby blocking water from flowing through the cable. The fiber optic cable also includes a separation layer for inhibiting adhesion between the bundles of optical fibers and the cable jacket. In another embodiment, a fiber optic cable includes a plurality of optical fibers and a binder element forming at least one bundle. The at least one bundle is surrounded by an armor layer and the fiber optic cable excludes a cable jacket within the armor layer.

Abstract: At least one buffered optical fiber, and methods for manufacturing the same, including an optical fiber and a buffer layer. The buffer layer generally surrounds the optical fiber and has a low-shrink characteristic that preserves optical performance during, for example, temperature variations. In other embodiments, the at least one buffered optical fiber may be a fiber optic ribbon.

Abstract: A communication cable including at least one communication element having a ripcord for ripping at least one cable component for facilitating access to the communication cable. In one embodiment, the ripcord is formed from a plurality of plies twisted together in a first direction, each of the plurality of plies being formed from a plurality of strands twisted together in a second direction. In another embodiment, the ripcord is formed from at least two different filament materials such as polyester and polyethylene.

Abstract: A fiber optic ribbon having a first subunit and a second subunit. The first and second subunits including a plurality of respective optical fibers being connected by respective primary matrices. The first and second subunits being generally aligned along a plane with a secondary matrix contacting portions of the first and second subunits. The secondary matrix having at least one end portion and at least one medial portion. The at least one medial portion and the at least one end portion of the secondary matrix are separated by a gap along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis, thereby defining a preferential tear portion. In other embodiments, the at least one medial portion is recessed relative to the at least one end portion.

Abstract: An inner duct operable for routing a transmission cable therein includes a duct tube. The duct tube having an inner surface and an outer surface and at least one passageway disposed generally between said inner and outer surfaces of the duct tube. The at least one passageway being operable for receiving optical fibers therein. Alternative embodiments of the inner duct include at least one tube stranded therearound. The at least one tube includes at least one optical fiber therein and an outer sheath can generally surround the at least one tube.

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 connector block having an alarm-isolation circuit includes a first alarm input terminal, a second alarm input terminal, a first alarm output terminal, a second alarm output terminal, and at least one diode. The first and second alarm input terminals are operable for electrical connection with a two-wire alarm input. The first and second alarm output terminals are electrically connected respectively to the first and second alarm input terminals. The at least one diode is electrically connected between the first alarm input terminal and a first alarm output terminal, thereby forming a portion of the alarm-isolation circuit. The one alarm-isolation circuit is capable of forwarding an electrical signal to a remote location. In other embodiments, a diode is used between each alarm input terminal and alarm output terminal, thereby inhibiting feedback among the alarm output terminals and the associated alarm input terminal.

Abstract: An optical cable includes a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide having predetermined bandwidth capacities. A bandwidth capacity ratio is defined as the predetermined bandwidth capacity between the first and second optical waveguides. The bandwidth capacity ratio being about 2:1 or greater, however, other suitable ratios can be used. Other embodiments identify one of the legs of an optical cable by using a marking indicia. Additionally, another embodiment employs a translucent jacket for aiding in identifying each optical waveguide.

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: A fiber optic cable and methods for manufacturing the same the fiber optic cable including a fiber optic cable core, the fiber optic cable core includes at least one optical fiber and a separation layer. The separation layer generally surrounds the at least one optical fiber, and a cable jacket generally surrounds the separation layer. The cable jacket has an average shrinkage of about 2.0% or less during a cable jacket shrinkage test conducted at a temperature of 110° C. for 2 hours with the cable core removed. The low-shrink characteristic of the cable jacket preserves optical performance during, for example, temperature variations.

Abstract: A fiber optic ribbon having a predetermined separation sequence including a first subunit having a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a generally planar configuration being connected by a first primary matrix. The first subunit being a portion of a first ribbon-unit. A second subunit having a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a generally planar configuration being connected by a second primary matrix. The second subunit being a portion of a second ribbon-unit that includes a plurality of subunits. A secondary matrix connects the first ribbon-unit and the second ribbon-unit. The secondary matrix has a preferential tear portion disposed adjacent to a ribbon-unit interface defined between the first ribbon-unit and the second ribbon-unit.

Abstract: A self-supporting fiber optic cable includes a messenger section having at least one strength and anti-buckling member enclosed within a jacket and a carrier section enclosed within a jacket that is joined to the jacket of the messenger section by a web. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, carrier section does not include strength members and the optical fibers are set with a high EFL. The greater EFL accommodates elongation of carrier section without transmission of stress to optical fibers. In addition, the preferably generally cylindrical internal surface of a tube or jacket curves the optical fibers creating EFL, for example, the fibers are guided by the internal surface in a helical path. Resistance to carrier section elongation and contraction can be controlled by varying the length of the web connecting the carrier and messenger sections.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly and method of manufacturing the same include at least one central strength member, a first layer of optical fibers, a second layer of optical fibers, and a jacket. The first and second layers of optical fibers are adjoining layers formed by a common strander. Optical fibers can migrate between the adjoining two layers at different longitudinal positions in the cable without entanglement among themselves. Additionally, the optical fibers in adjoining layers can have the same lay length and same phase relationship.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having at least one optical fiber component disposed within at least one retention area of a support member. The support member includes metallic or dielectric materials having the retention area generally longitudinally formed therein relative to an axis of the cable. The cable can include a cable jacket substantially surrounding the support member. Additionally, the cable can include 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 member and the cable jacket. The support member can have at least one bendable tab for at least partially covering the retention area.

Abstract: A cable containing at least one optical fiber and at least one material. The at least one optical fiber being at least partially embedded within the at least one material, and the at least one material forming a housing that protects the at least one optical fiber. The at least one material having a Shore A hardness of about 75 or less.

Abstract: A composite cable unit having an optical sub-unit including at least one optical fiber, and an electrical sub-unit including at least one electrical conductor for power or transmission. The optical and electrical sub-units are removably connected together by a common jacket material. The composite cable unit can be used singly or in, for example, fan-out or break-out cables.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having at least one optical fiber component disposed within at least one retention area of a support member. The support member including a metallic or dielectric material having the retention area disposed generally helically relative to a longitudinal axis of the cable. The cable also includes an interfacial layer between an outer surface of the support member and a cable jacket substantially surrounding the support member. The cable can include a cushioning zone adjacent the optical fiber component, and/or a water-blocking component between an outer surface of the support member and the cable jacket. The support member can have at least one bendable tab for at least partially covering the retention area.

Abstract: At least one buffered optical fiber, and methods for manufacturing the same, including an optical fiber and a buffer layer. The buffer layer generally surrounds the optical fiber and has a low-shrink characteristic that preserves optical performance during, for example, temperature variations. In other embodiments, the at least one buffered optical fiber may be a fiber optic ribbon.

Abstract: A single-mode optical fiber includes a core, a cladding, and a coating. The cladding of the single-mode optical fiber has an outer diameter of about 125.0 &mgr;m±0.3 &mgr;m. A plurality of the single-mode optical fibers may be associated with at least one flexible polymeric material forming an fiber optic assembly and a method of manufacturing the same. The fiber optic assembly, for example, may be a ribbon, a cable, a pigtail, an optical circuit, or a portion of a ribbon stack. Additionally, the optical fiber may include other suitable geometric properties and/or characteristics, such as, a core to cladding concentricity of about 0.2 &mgr;m or less and/or a mode-field diameter of about 9.2 &mgr;m±0.3 &mgr;m at a source wavelength of 1310 nm.