Abstract: Communications cables having fusible continuous shields are described. A cable may include one or more electrical conductors, such as one or more twisted pairs of individually insulated electrical conductors. A shielding element may be formed around the one or more conductors in order to provide electromagnetic interference shielding for the one or more conductors. The shielding element may include a base layer of dielectric material extending in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of longitudinally spaced segments of electrically conductive material may be formed on the base layer. A respective fusible element may be positioned between each adjacent set of the longitudinally spaced segments included in the plurality of longitudinally spaced segments. Each fusible element may provide electrical continuity between the adjacent set of longitudinally spaced segments, and each fusible element may have a minimum fusing current between 0.001 amperes and 0.500 amperes.

Abstract: Cables having foamed polymeric jackets that are suitable for air-blown may include at least one transmission media, such as one or more optical fibers or one or more twisted pairs. A jacket may be formed around the at least one transmission media. The jacket may be formed from or include an outer layer formed from foamed polymeric material. Additionally, an outer surface of the jacket may include a random distribution of surface variations. The surface variations may include a plurality of indentions and/or a plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: Methods for forming continuous shields for use in a cable are provided. A first layer of longitudinally extending dielectric material may be provided, and a second layer of longitudinally extending electrically conductive material may be formed on the first layer. At a plurality of spaced locations along a longitudinal direction, respective gaps may be formed through both the first layer and the second layer, and each gap may span partially across a width of the second layer. Additionally, at each of the plurality of spaced locations, the gaps may result in the formation of one or more fusible elements of the electrically conductive material spanning between an adjacent set of longitudinally spaced segments of the electrically conductive material. Each fusible element may provide electrical continuity between the adjacent set of longitudinally spaced segment and may further have a minimum fusing current between 0.001 amperes and 0.500 amperes.

Abstract: A communication cable suitable for Power over Ethernet (“PoE”) applications may include one or more twisted pairs of individually insulated conductors that are insulated with a material that includes fluorinated ethylene propylene. Additionally, a jacket that includes foamed polyvinylidene fluoride may be formed around the one or more twisted pairs. The PoE cable may have a higher maximum temperature rating and be capable of transmitting higher amperage signals than conventional PoE cables while satisfying applicable electrical performance criteria.

Abstract: Electrically continuous shielding elements for use in communication cables are described. A shielding element may include a base layer of dielectric material extending in a longitudinal direction, and a plurality of longitudinally spaced segments of electrically conductive material may be formed on the base layer. A respective fusible element may be positioned between each adjacent set of longitudinally spaced segments included in the plurality of longitudinally spaced segments. Each fusible element may provide electrical continuity between the adjacent set of longitudinally spaced segments, and each fusible element may have a minimum fusing current between 0.001 amperes and 0.500 amperes.

Abstract: A communication cable may include a plurality of twisted pairs of individually insulated electrical conductors and a separator positioned between the plurality of twisted pairs. The separator may include a plurality of prongs, and each of the plurality of prongs may extend between a respective set of adjacent pairs included in the plurality of twisted pairs. Additionally, the separator may include a first of the plurality of prongs formed from a foamed polymeric material and a second of the plurality of prongs formed from a solid polymeric material. A jacket may be formed around the plurality of twisted pairs and the separator.

Abstract: An insulation material for use in a plenum-rated communications cable, as well as components formed from the insulation material are described. The insulation material may include a base polymeric material having a first melting point, the first melting point lower than a temperature at which the insulation material is extruded to form a cable component. The insulation material may also include a polymeric filler material blended throughout the base polymeric material, the filler material having a second melting point greater than the temperature at which the insulation material is extruded.

Abstract: Shielding elements for use in communication cables are described. A shielding element may include a dielectric material, and electrically conductive material may be formed on the dielectric material. Additionally, a plurality of microcuts may be formed in the electrically conductive material, for example, with one or more lasers. The plurality of microcuts may be spaced apart from one another such that electrically conductive material between the plurality of microcuts will fuse together if an electrical current is applied to the shielding element.

Abstract: Cables incorporating discontinuous separators or separation fillers are described. A cable may include a plurality of twisted pairs of individually insulated electrical conductors, and a separator may be disposed between at least two of the plurality of twisted pairs. The separator may include a plurality of discrete sections respectively positioned along a longitudinal length of the cable and each section may optionally include electrically conductive material. A jacket may be formed around the plurality of twisted pairs and the separator.

Abstract: A flexible shielded cable (20). The cable includes an elongate flexible metal conductor (24) and a layer of a flexible dielectric material (26) disposed about the conductor. The cable has a flexible metallic shield (28) positioned about the dielectric material with the shield including a copper foil (30) having overlapping edges (36) and a copper, spirally served shield (32) about the foil. A layer of metal bonds together the overlapping edges, bonds the spirally served shield and the foil and closes the openings of the spirally served shield. A method of forming a metallic shield is also disclosed.