Abstract: An optical fiber product comprises an optical fiber through which optical signals can be transmitted. A primary coating comprising a foam material surrounds the optical fiber. A secondary coating surrounds the primary coating. At least one of the primary coating and the secondary coating protect the optical fiber and resists microbending forces. A method of manufacture is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical detection system for detecting surface qualities on an optical fiber. The system comprises a light source for projecting a beam of light onto the outer surface of an optical fiber. An optical detector positioned adjacent the optical fiber receives light reflected from the outer surface of the optical fiber and generates an electrical output signal which is delivered to a signal processing device. The signal processing device analyzes the electrical output signal to determine whether one or more surface qualities exist on the outer surface of the optical fiber. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical detection system is used to detect surface qualities that include ink skips, i.e., locations on the outer surface of the optical fiber that do not contain any ink.

Abstract: A cable which is capable of being made in a large pair size and yet which has excellent mechanical properties that maintain its integrity notwithstanding extremes in temperature during installation and shipping as well as during the rigors of installation includes a sheath system having a corrugated steel outer shield that is adhesively bonded to a plastic jacket. The corrugated steel shield which is formed to have a longitudinal overlapped seam that is preferably unsealed encloses an aluminum inner shield that in turn encloses a multiconductor core. Advantageously, the sheath system includes a plastic jacketing material which is capable of resisting biaxial stresses which are aggravated in a bonded sheath system. This results in jacket integrity about the longitudinal seam of the outer shield notwithstanding a notched cross-section and an unsupported bridged portion of the plastic jacket adjacent to the seam.

Abstract: A technique is shown for injection molding knockout sections in plastic parts. Through the introduction of a weld line in a controlled manner, removable sections of any geometry may be incorporated in a part. By varying the weld line geometry, knockout forces may be varied over a wide range. An example of a circular knockout in polycarbonate material is shown.

Abstract: A coating material is applied to drawn lightguide fiber in a manner which substantially prevents the inclusion of bubbles and which causes the fiber to be disposed substantially concentrically within the coating layer. The lightguide fiber is advanced through a continuum of coating material, which extends from a free surface of a reservoir and through first and second dies that are arranged in tandem, at a velocity which causes air to be entrained in the coating material. A pressure gradient is established between portions of the first die adjacent to its exit orifice. The first die communicates with the reservoir and is spaced from the second die to provide a chamber which communicates with a pressurized supply of the coating material.

Abstract: The specification describes techniques for coating fiber waveguides by passing the fiber through a reservoir of coating material while preventing the gross accumulation of bubbles in the reservoir. Preventing accumulation of bubbles improves coating concentricity and quality.

Abstract: A cable which is capable of being made in a large pair size and yet which has excellent mechanical properties that maintain its integrity notwithstanding extremes in temperature during installation and shipping as well as during the rigors of installation includes a sheath system having a corrugated steel outer shield that is adhesively bonded to a plastic jacket. The corrugated steel shield which is formed to have a longitudinal overlapped seam that is preferably unsealed encloses an aluminum inner shield that in turn encloses a multiconductor core. Advantageously, the sheath system includes a plastic jacketing material which is capable of resisting biaxial stresses which are aggravated in a bonded sheath system. This results in jacket integrity about the longitudinal seam of the outer shield notwithstanding a notched cross-section and an unsupported bridged portion of the plastic jacket adjacent to the seam.