Abstract: A mark sensor and methods for detecting a core mark disposed on a fiber optic cable core having a core receiving area for receiving the fiber optic cable core. The mark sensor includes emitter/receiver sensor devices that can be disposed about the core receiving area for observing a portion of the core for detecting the core mark. The mark sensor can include a sensor positioning system for moving the sensors relative to the core receiving area. The sensor positioning system is operative to move the sensors upon insertion of the cable core in the core receiving area. The sensor positioning system can include a linkage to another mark sensor for transmitting sensor motion to the other mark sensor. Alternatively, the mark sensor can include stationary sensors that sweep the core with radiation, for example, a bar code reader. Methods for using the foregoing sensors can result in the direct or offset marking of reverse oscillation of lay areas in a fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable guide is disclosed for holding fiber optic cable in a bend without violating the minimum bend radius. The guide is a removably attachable to the fiber optic cable. Duplex embodiments and related methods of use are also disclosed.

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 cable having at least two strength components (20), an optical transmission component (12), and at least one tensile strength member (26) disposed generally adjacent at least one of the strength components (20), a strength member (26) to strength component (20) tensile strength ratio being about 0.1 to about 0.3. In another aspect, a fiber optic cable having at least two strength components (20), an optical transmission component (12), and at least one tensile strength member (26) being generally interposed between the optical transmission component (12) and at least one of the strength components (20), the tensile strength member (26) being multi-functional in that it preferably provides tensile strength and waterblocking. And in another aspect, a fiber optic cable with strength members (20) and strength components (26) comprising respective tensile strength ratings and defining an overall tensile strength rating ratio of about 0.25 to about 0.5.

Abstract: An optical fiber array (20) comprising at least one subunit (26) including at least one optical fiber (22) therein surrounded by a respective subunit matrix (23). The optical fiber array (20) includes a common matrix (24) disposed adjacent to the at least one subunit (26). The optical fiber array (20) can include an interfacial zone (28) between the subunit and common matrices defined by an adhesion treatment, the adhesion treatment comprising at least one interfacial substance having an interface characteristic in a range from an essentially non-coupled relationship to a loose bond.

Abstract: An improved self-supporting fiber optic cable is provided that includes a cable section having at least one optical fiber and a jacket surrounding the at least one optical fiber, and a support section having at least one strength member extending in a lengthwise direction and an overlying jacket that includes a number of jacket segments spaced lengthwise along the at least one strength member. As a result of the lengthwise spacing of the jacket segments, portions of the at least one strength member are at least partially exposed. The jackets of the cable and support sections are connected, such as by an intermittent web. A method for manufacturing a fiber optic cable having a support section with an intermittent or semi-intermittent jacket is also provided which relies upon the periodic extrusion of extrudate about the at least one strength member to form the jacket segments that are spaced apart in a lengthwise direction along the at least one strength member.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable with at least one optical transmission component having a nominal radius, and at least two strength components, at least one of the strength components being generally adjacent to the optical transmission component. At least one of the strength components having a nominal radius that is less than the nominal radius of the optical transmission component. A cable jacket surrounds the optical transmission component and the strength components. The optical transmission component being generally disposed adjacent generally flat surfaces of the cable jacket. The cable can be made by an extrusion tooling apparatus with a tip and a die, the extrusion tooling apparatus being operative to extrude jacketing material about the strength components and the optical transmission component. The tip has an orifice defined within the end of the tip for receiving the strength and optical transmission components therein.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having both water blocking and flame retardant properties that is particularly useful for indoor or indoor/outdoor applications. In one embodiment, the fiber optic cable includes at least one buffer tube, at least one optical fiber disposed within the buffer tube, a composite tape surrounding the buffer tube that comprises a layer formed of an inherently flame retardant material and at least one coating a water swellable material, and a jacket surrounding the composite tape. The fiber optic cable can also include a water blocking element disposed within the buffer tube. The water swellable coatings of the composite tape and the water blocking element within the buffer tube therefore inhibit water migration along the length of the cable, while the flame retardant layer of the composite tape provides fire resistance.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable suitable for indoor applications includes a core tube surrounding a plurality of coated optical fibers; a jacket formed of a polymer material surrounding the core tube; and at least one layer of strength members disposed between said core tube and said jacket. The jacket has an outer diameter of not greater than about 7 to 12 mm and the coated optical fibers experience a short-term increase in signal attenuation of no more than about 0.01 dB when the cable is looped in a radius of 5 centimeters.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable component, for example, an optical ribbon (20,22,24,26), individual optical fiber, fiber bundle, or a non-optical fiber component, having a radiation markable section, the radiation markable section including a radiation reactive ingredient compounded with a base matrix material, and methods for creating markings in the radiation markable section. When irradiated with a suitable radiation source, a photochemical reaction occurs that creates markings in the radiation markable section, so that the ribbon classification task may be done with ease and reliability. The marking of fiber optic cable components according to the present invention may, for example, be accomplished by a radiation source of the laser type.

Abstract: Composite cables operative to transmit information in optical transmission and/or electrical power modes. The composite cables include an optical fiber operative to transmit light comprising a silica-based core with a silica-based cladding having a lower index of refraction than the core, the core and cladding are surrounded by two layers of plastic that define a soft primary coating surrounding and in contact with the cladding, and a relatively rigid secondary coating that surrounds and is in contact with the primary coating. The optical fiber has an outside diameter of about 250 &mgr;m to about 500 &mgr;m or more, and an electrical conductor surrounds the secondary coating. The composite cable includes an outermost cable jacket layer having an outside diameter of about 3,500 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable comprises a jacket defining an interior passageway therethrough, at least one optical fiber disposed in the interior passageway of the outer jacket, and a water blocking zone having, for example, a solid polymer foam material contacting and surrounding at least one optical fiber over at least a portion of a length thereof and filling a space between at least one optical fiber and the inner wall of the cable. The invention is applicable to many different configurations of fiber optic cables, including those having one or more buffer tubes containing the optical fiber(s) as well as cables without any buffer tube. The optical fibers can be in loose and unbundled form, in bundled arrangements, or in ribbonized form. The water blocking zone preferably is relatively soft and resilient, and can be in the form of discrete foamed or non-foamed portions spaced apart along the length of the cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable comprising an optical ribbon (20), a jacket (40), and a buffer material (30) between the optical ribbon (20) and the jacket (40). Buffer material (30) includes at least one volume of buffer material defining a stress-cushioning zone (32) between optical ribbon (20) and jacket (40), the stress-cushioning zone being operative to substantially decouple jacket (40) from ribbon (20) in the region of the stress-cushioning zone (32) thereby inhibiting the application of stress to optical ribbon (20). Buffer material (30) includes at least one volume of material at an intermediate buffer zone (35) held substantially tight against an intermediate portion (25) of optical ribbon (20) for inhibiting the twisting of optical ribbon (20). The volume of material at the stress-cushioning zone (32) is substantially larger than the volume of the buffer material of the intermediate buffer zone (35).

Abstract: A fiber optic cable product is provided that includes a strength member and an elongate cable core surrounding and mechanically coupled to the strength member. The cable core defines a number of lengthwise extending slots for receiving optical fibers and a number of voids proximate the strength member that also typically extend lengthwise therethrough. The fiber optic cable product is therefore relatively lightweight and flexible. In order to insure that the mechanical properties of the fiber optic cable product are uniform, the cable core typically defines the voids in a generally symmetrical manner about the central strength member. A method and an apparatus for extruding a fiber optic cable product that includes a cable core defining a plurality of voids are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for monitoring the spooling area of a rotatable reel for winding or unwinding an elongated material, for example, a cable. The monitoring system has a detector for sensing the presence and position of a cable surface or object or operator positioned between the detector and the reel. The detector can control rotation of the reel directly, or send a position signal to a computer where the position signal indicates the detected presence and/or position. The computer can have a memory and/or a processor for respectively storing and analyzing the position signal. The computer is operative to compare the position signal to previously received position signals to determine a condition, for example, the amount of cable on the reel, the presence of any object, and/or the existence of a safety-threatening condition. The computer can generate an output signal for use in, for example, controlling the reel speed and/or torque, or the application of brakes.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber and a strength member surrounding the optical fiber. The strength member can include a plurality of fibers disposed in a matrix such that the resulting strength member preferably has a modulus of elasticity of at least about 20 GPa and, more preferably, at least about 40 GPa. While the strength member can be an integral member, the strength member can be formed of at least two physically distinct portions in order to more precisely tailor the characteristics of the fiber optic cable. In this regard, the strength member can include a first strength member surrounding the optical fiber that includes a first matrix and a plurality of first fibers embedded within the first matrix, and a second strength member surrounding the first strength member that includes a second matrix and a plurality of second fibers embedded within the second matrix.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical fiber cable component including passing an optical fiber ribbon stack (18) through a stack guide (31), the stack guide being rotated and forming a twist in the ribbon stack, and passing the twisted ribbon stack (18′) through a cross-head (40) and extruding a material thereover. In addition, an exemplary cable component production line having a rotatable strander (12) for receiving optical fiber ribbon packages (14) thereon, a rotatable closing die (30) sized to receive the optical fiber ribbon stack, and controller (20) operatively associated with the strander and the closing die for driving the closing die, the controller being operative to effect a predetermined rotational ratio with respect to the strander and the closing die whereby a twist can be formed in the optical fiber ribbon stack.

Abstract: A cable containing at least one optical fiber within a tube, a space between the optical fiber and the tube and a filling material at least partially filling the space. The filling material contains thermoplastic polymeric molecules which have bonded to form a three-dimensional network substantially throughout said filling material.

Abstract: An optical fiber array (20,40) comprising at least one subunit (26,46) including at least one optical fiber (22) therein surrounded by a respective subunit matrix (23,43) having a subunit matrix modulus characteristic. The optical fiber array (20,40) includes a common matrix (24,44) disposed adjacent to the at least one subunit (26,46) and having a common matrix modulus characteristic. A subunit/common matrix modulus ratio being defined as a ratio of the subunit matrix modulus characteristic with respect to the common matrix modulus characteristic, the subunit/common matrix modulus ratio being greater than about 1.5:1. The optical fiber array (20,40) can include an adhesion zone (28,48) defining a controlled adhesion bond between the common and subunit matrices (24,26;44,46).

Abstract: A fiber optic cable component, for example, an optical ribbon (20,22,24,26), individual optical fiber, fiber bundle, or a non-optical fiber component, having a radiation markable section, the radiation markable section including a radiation reactive ingredient compounded with a base matrix material, and methods for creating markings in the radiation markable section. When irradiated with a suitable radiation source, a photochemical reaction occurs that creates markings in the radiation markable section, so that the ribbon classification task may be done with ease and reliability, so that substantial physical damage to the layer by the radiation source is avoided. The marking of fiber optic cable components according to the present invention may, for example, be accomplished by a radiation source of the laser type.