Abstract: A tight-buffered optical fiber includes an optical fiber, at least a first buffer layer of a polymer material enclosing the optical fiber, and a plurality of strength members embedded in the first buffer layer and longitudinally disposed around the optical fiber. A second buffer layer of polymer material may also be formed to enclose the first buffer layer. The first and second buffer layer may be made of acrylate and may be either radiation or thermally curable. The second buffer layer may also have a plurality of strength members embedded in it and longitudinally disposed around the optical fiber.

Abstract: A nitrogen injection assembly for use in coloring and curing optical fibers is disclosed. The nitrogen injection assembly includes a cover section and a distribution seal. An optical fiber coated with ink passes from a coating die to a curing chamber via a passageway defined by the cover section and the distribution seal. The distribution seal injects nitrogen into the passageway to keep the coated fiber and the curing chamber substantially free of oxygen. With the distribution seal positioned closer to the curing chamber than the cover section, the apparatus minimizes the risk of leaks in the passageway and the number of required seals.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable allows for future expansion with blown optical fibers through conduits. The cable assembly includes a central strength member, a conduit, and a buffer tube of optical fibers, all surrounded by an outer jacket. The central strength member may be tubular. While the buffer tube of optical fibers accommodates current capacity requirements, the conduit and possibly the tubular strength member provide paths for blowing additional optical fibers into the cable to meet future capacity needs.

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.