Abstract: The present invention provides a non-braided shielded drop cable that can be easily attached to a standard connector. The cable includes a cable core including a center conductor and a dielectric layer surrounding the center conductor, a first electrically conductive shield surrounding the cable core and bonded thereto, a second electrically conductive shield surrounding the first shield, and a cable jacket surrounding the second shield and bonded thereto. An interstitial layer is located between the first and second shields and is composed of axially displaceable elongate strands and is typically composed of helically served yarns or metal wires. The present invention also includes a method of making a shielded cable.

Abstract: A communications system including an initially installed coaxial cable may be readily upgraded by installing a fiber optic cable therein. The coaxial cable has an empty longitudinal channel extending continuously along substantially the entire length thereof. A propellable fiber optic cable is later installed in the channel by a fluid flow which creates a sufficient drag to advance the fiber optic cable into the channel. The fiber optic cable is installed to meet increasing communications demands or when otherwise desired. The coaxial cable may include an empty electrically conductive tube serving as the center conductor for later receipt therein of the fiber optic cable. In other embodiments, the coaxial cable may have a channel provided in a dielectric material between the center and outer conductors, or a channel formed in the outer protective jacket.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a talk path in a longitudinal cavity of an enhanced crush, impact, and cut-through resistant communications cable. The talk path is especially suited for a fiber optic communications cable. The cable jacket is formed of a deformable material having a plurality of longitudinal cavities spaced about the cable core. A longitudinal cavity may contain a copper pair or optical fiber to serve as a talk path during servicing of the cable. The talk path may be readily accessed by a service technician without exposing the inner core or the communications cable.

Abstract: An optical fiber circumscribed by a wax forming a free standing composite disposed in a buffer tube.

Abstract: A flame resistant dielectric optical drop cable having a first tube containing an optical fiber in a filling compound of hydrophobic gel; a first layer of densely packed loose glass yarn material circumscribing the first tube; a second layer of glass fiber members impregnated with resinous material circumscribing the first layer; and a second tube which is made of a flame retardant material circumscribing the second layer.