Abstract: A flame-retardant fiber optic cable includes core elements, a film surrounding the core elements, and a jacket surrounding the film. The core elements include one or more optical fibers and at least one tube surrounding the one or more optical fibers. The material composition of the film differs from the jacket and the film is relatively thin.

Abstract: A fire resistant optical communication cable is provided. The fire-resistant optical communication cable includes an extruded cable body including an inner surface defining a passage in the cable body and an outer surface. The fire-resistant optical communication cable includes a plurality of elongate optical transmission elements located within the passage of the cable body. The fire-resistant optical communication cable includes a layer of intumescent particles embedded in the material of the cable body forming an intumescent layer within the cable body. The cable may include one or more elements having flame resistant coatings that, upon exposure to heat, form a ceramic layer increasing the combustion time of the coated element.

Abstract: A drop cable includes a jacket, first and second support members, and at least one optical fiber. The jacket has a oval-shaped cavity defined therein, where the minor dimension of the cavity is as small as about 0.25 mm and wherein the major dimension of the cavity is in a range of 0.25 mm to 10 mm. The first and second support members are arranged on opposing sides of the cavity and run generally longitudinally. The optical fiber is within the cavity and has a length greater than a length of the drop cable. Further, the optical fiber is in a substantially serpentine configuration in the cavity, where the serpentine configuration is substantially along a plane defined by a major axis of the oval-shape of the cavity.

Abstract: A drop cable includes a jacket, first and second support members, and at least one optical fiber. The jacket has a oval-shaped cavity defined therein, where the minor dimension of the cavity is as small as about 0.25 mm and wherein the major dimension of the cavity is in a range of 0.25 mm to 10 mm. The first and second support members are arranged on opposing sides of the cavity and run generally longitudinally. The optical fiber is within the cavity and has a length greater than a length of the drop cable. Further, the optical fiber is in a substantially serpentine configuration in the cavity, where the serpentine configuration is substantially along a plane defined by a major axis of the oval-shape of the cavity.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly includes a buffer tube forming an elongate passage and a plurality of optical fibers positioned therein. The buffer tube includes at least one layer of a composite material that includes a base material and a filler material blended therein. Particles of the filler material have an acicular structure, having a longest dimension that is on average at least ten times a narrowest dimension of the particles. Further the buffer tube has kink resistance.

Abstract: A fire resistant optical communication cable is provided. The fire-resistant optical communication cable includes an extruded cable body including an inner surface defining a passage in the cable body and an outer surface. The fire-resistant optical communication cable includes a plurality of elongate optical transmission elements located within the passage of the cable body. The fire-resistant optical communication cable includes a layer of intumescent particles embedded in the material of the cable body forming an intumescent layer within the cable body. The cable may include one or more elements having flame resistant coatings that, upon exposure to heat, form a ceramic layer increasing the combustion time of the coated element.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly includes a buffer tube forming an elongate passage and a plurality of optical fibers positioned therein. The buffer tube includes at least one layer of a composite material that includes a base material and a filler material blended therein. Particles of the filler material have an acicular structure, having a longest dimension that is on average at least ten times a narrowest dimension of the particles. Further the buffer tube has kink resistance.

Abstract: A method of forming a low-cost drop cable (10) is disclosed. The method includes providing a protective cover material (352) having an extrusion temperature of 140° C.?TE?160° C. The protective cover material is extruded through a die (420) having a single aperture (424) that defines the cable's elongate cross-sectional shape. The extrusion process involves covering first and second strength members (30) on either side of at least one optical fiber (50). The combination of the low temperature of the extrudable protective cover material and the elongate shape of the single die aperture cause the formation of an oval cavity (20) within the extruded protective cover material. The oval cavity has major and central axes (A1, AC) and surrounds the at least one optical fiber. The strength members lie along the cavity major axis. Tensioning the strength members during extrusion and then releasing the tension causes the drop cable length to be reduced.