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 an exemplary embodiment, fiber optic cable (10) can include strength assemblies (30) on opposing sides of tube assembly (20) for defining a preferential bend plane in fiber optic cable (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a self-supporting fiber optic cable (40) having a messenger section (42) and a core section (44). The messenger section (42) and core section (44) include a jacket (47) that are interconnected by a series of webs (48) spaced by longitudinal gaps. The core section (44) includes a slotted core (45) having at least one slot with at least one optical fiber ribbon (46). Jacket (47) includes a substantially uniform cross sectional thickness. A method of making self-supporting fiber optic cable (40) comprises the steps of drawing the messenger wire (43) and the core (45) through a melt cavity including a molten jacketing material therein. Messenger section (42) and core section (44) are then defined by coating the messenger wire and the core with the molten jacketing material. Webs (48) are formed intermittently between the messenger and core sections (42,44).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a self-supporting type fiber optic cable (10) having a messenger section (12) and a core section (14) connected by a web (18). An exemplary apparatus (20) includes a cable core tensioning apparatus (30), a messenger wire tensioning apparatus (40), and a cable tensioning apparatus (60). The cable tensioning apparatus (60) includes a messenger tensioner (61) having a profile with a tensioning recess (62) and a clearance recess (64). The tensioning recess (62) being operative to grip and to thereby apply tension to the messenger section (12), and the clearance recess (64) essentially frictionlessly accommodating the formation of undulations in the core section (14). In an exemplary method the undulations are formed in the core section as the cable progresses through tensioning apparatus (60) by maintaining an essentially decoupled relationship between the core section (14) and the clearance section (64) of the tensioning apparatus (60).

Abstract: A fiber optic fan-out cable having optical sub-units. The optical sub-units are disposed about a central member, at least some of the optical sub-units each respectively comprising a sub-unit jacket, strength fibers, and at least one respective optical fiber ribbon therein. The optical fiber ribbon including a plurality of optical fibers, the strength fibers generally surrounding and contacting the optical fiber ribbon within the sub-unit jacket. A cable jacket surrounds the central member and defines an annular space wherein the optical fiber sub-units are disposed about the central member. The annular space including essentially no strength fibers therein outside of the sub-unit jackets, the strength fibers being essentially located within the optical sub-unit jacket with the respective optical fiber ribbons.

Abstract: An optical fiber storage unit mounts to each side of a fiber optic storage rack. The storage unit has a pair of longitudinally extending parallel rails. Hubs are mounted along the rails and spaced apart from each other. Some of the hubs protrude rearward from the rails and some protrude forward. The rails are laterally spaced apart from each other. This provides openings for the passage of optical fibers from the front to the back of the rack. The rails and the hub assemblies have curved portions to avoid excessive bending of the fibers.

Abstract: A device and method for providing overvoltage and overcurrent protection to equipment and personnel that come in contact with electrical lines, particularly telecommunications lines. The overvoltage protection is provided by connecting overvoltage protectors between conductors of the telecommunications line, or between each of the conductors and ground. The overcurrent protection is provided by solid-state bidirectional, resettable, fold-back type current limiters that limit maximum current flow at a predetermined level. These current limiters are arranged in line to the conductors of the telecommunications line and in series with equipment that are connected to the telecommunications line. The overvoltage protectors and the current limiters can be combined to form an integrated protection device, or they can be packaged as separate and distinct devices.

Abstract: A multifiber connector is provided according to one embodiment which includes a multifiber ferrule, splice components and a crimp tube that defines a lengthwise extending passageway having a lateral cross-sectional shape that is generally oval for receiving and maintaining a plurality of optical fibers in a lateral side-by-side relationship. The crimp tube therefore provides the optical fibers to the splice components in an aligned and properly spaced manner for alignment and optical interconnection with respective optical fiber stubs. According to another embodiment, a fiber optic connector is provided that includes a ferrule, mechanical splice components, an associated cam member for actuating the mechanical splice components and means for controlling the position of the cam member relative to the mechanical splice components such that the cam member can be precisely moved from a first unactuated position to a second actuated position.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable suitable for use in plenum applications comprising at least one optical fiber having a buffer layer formed of a flame retarded polyolefin material, a layer of strength members, and a cable jacket surrounding the optical fiber and in contact with at least some of the strength members. The flame retarded polyolefin can be selected from the group consisting of a flame retarded polyethylene, a flame retarded polypropylene, and blends thereof. Cables made according to the present invention are suitable for use in plenums of buildings, and are designed to meet mechanical and environmental requirements.

Abstract: A protector panel having a plurality of parallel rows of socket groups that include a plurality of receptacles for receiving pins of plug-in excess voltage modules. The socket groups on adjacent rows are offset such that they are oriented relative to one another such that each incoming tip receptacle of each of the socket groups in one row is more closely spaced to one of the other receptacles rather than the incoming ring receptacle of the adjacent row. The socket groups within one row may also be rotated relative to socket groups in an adjacent row. On the back of the protector panel, a plurality of pins are positioned to communicate with the socket groups. Wire pairs lead to and wrap around each of the pins. The wires are twisted about one another to a location near the pins at which point a first wire and a second wire of the wire pairs are separated to attach to their respective pins, wherein the number of twists per liner increment varies from one pair to another wire pair in close proximity.

Abstract: A gender selectable fiber optic connector is provided which can be readily converted between male and female configurations following assembly and polishing of the connector. The gender selectable fiber optic connector includes a housing, a ferrule operably connected to the housing such that a forward portion of the ferrule extends beyond the housing, and a shroud adapted to be mounted upon the forward portion of the ferrule such that the forward portion of the ferrule extends through a passageway defined by the shroud. In order to alter the gender of the fiber optic connector, the shroud has both male and female configurations. In this regard, the male configuration of the shroud includes at least one guide pin extending lengthwise through the passageway defined by the shroud for engaging a lengthwise extending alignment groove defined by the ferrule in order to produce a male fiber optic connector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting an xDSL signal splitter that is readily interconnected with existing indoor premises telephone wiring to provide separate access to voice and data signals by the subscriber. The apparatus comprises three pairs of terminations for connection of combined signal wiring, first signal wiring and second signal wiring. A first splitter circuit is mounted in the housing and electrically connected between the first pair of terminations and the second pair of terminations. A first signal jack extends through the exposed surface of the housing and is connected to receive only the first signal. In an alternative embodiment, the third pair of terminations is electrically connected to a branch point between the first pair of terminations and the first splitter circuit. In another alternative embodiment, a second splitter circuit is mounted in the housing and electrically connected between the branch point and the third pair of terminations.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable guide has a curved elongated member that fits between the strain relief boot and optical fiber to allow the fiber optical cable to bend without violating the minimum bend radius of the optical fibers. The fiber optic cable guide also retains at least a portion of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector sleeve is provided which includes a sleeve housing defining a lengthwise extending passageway and a number of positioning ribs extending lengthwise through the passageway for engaging a fiber optic connector and for positioning the fiber optic connector within the fiber optic connector sleeve. For a sleeve housing defining a passageway having a number of corners in lateral cross-section, the positioning ribs are generally located in respective corners of the passageway in order to engage corresponding corner portions of the fiber optic connector. Additionally, the interior sidewalls of the sleeve housing that extend between the positioning ribs are typically recessed relative to the positioning ribs so as to provide clearance during the insertion of the fiber optic connector into the fiber optic connector sleeve. Moreover, the recessed interior sidewalls of the sleeve housing can be tapered in a lengthwise extending direction to facilitate molding of the fiber optic connector sleeve.

Abstract: The face of a ferrule and ferrule assembly is polished in the present invention so a portion of optical fibers extending therethrough protrude beyond the front face of the ferrules. The ferrules are secured in a polisher and polished with a fibrous material that preferentially etches the ferrule relative to the optical fibers. The front face of the ferrule assembly is polished with a fibrous material having abrasive materials attached thereto, without the need for a slurry.

Abstract: An optical ribbon (20) includes optical fibers (28) encased in a ribbon common layer (21). Ribbon common layer (21) is printed with ink dots (23) such that ample spacing between dots (23), and controlled print spacing intervals, reduce delta attenuation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding a length of material such as optical fibers or optical fiber ribbons under tension in a fiber optic cable or ribbon manufacturing method. A first embodiment of the present invention requires that certain radii of curvature be maintained or exceeded for either the optical fiber or optical fiber ribbon. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the guide for the length of material is required to conform to a guiding surface.

Abstract: A composite cable for use in indoor or indoor/outdoor applications having a fiber optic core section includes at least one optical fiber. The composite cable includes a conductor and water blocking section, the conductor and water blocking section having a set of conductors providing mechanical strength and flame inhibiting characteristics to the composite cable. At least one interstice of the composite cable includes a water blocking member therein. An armor layer surrounds the conductor and water blocking section, and the armor layer is surrounded by a cable jacket with an interfacial zone defined therebetween. The interfacial zone includes a controlled bond layer so that during flame tests, as the jacket burns and forms a char barrier around the tape layer, the controlled bond layer supports the char barrier relative to the armor tape, thereby protecting the tape from flames and inhibiting the propagation of flame along the cable.