Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an optical fiber cable having improved optical fiber densities and no central strength member. The optical fiber cable includes one or more multi-fiber unit tubes having an optical fiber ribbon stack snugly positioned therein. The diagonal length of the ribbon stack is approximately equal or, alternatively, at least 90% of the inner diameter of the unit tube. The multi-fiber unit tube is made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or other material soft and flexible enough to allow the ribbon stack to be relatively firmly positioned therein without affecting the optical fiber performance. The optical fiber cable includes one or more filling materials such as yarn fillers positioned, e.g., between the ribbon stack and the inner walls of the unit tube, to maintain the shape of the multi-fiber unit tube. The yarn filler material includes super absorbent polymers to reduce propagation of water down the unit tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an optical communication system having an optical cable with an improved configuration for multi-fiber arrangements. In particular, the invention is embodied in an optical communication system including an optical cable having an improved dry filling compound for protecting and maintaining multi-fiber arrangements therein and yet enabling relatively easy access thereto. The system includes a source of optical energy, an optical cable coupled to the source for transmitting optical energy from the source, and a receiver coupled to the optical cable for receiving optical energy from the source. The optical cable includes at least one multi-fiber unit tube having therein a plurality of optical fibers such as individual fibers or one or more fiber ribbons, and a dry filling compound formed around the at least one multi-fiber unit tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating one or more optical fibers from an optical fiber ribbon is disclosed by the present invention. This device includes a housing with a base and a cap, the base providing support for the optical fiber ribbon and the cap providing a slotted member for exerting lateral force on the ribbon to separate one or more fibers therefrom without damaging the separated fibers or compromising the integrity of the remainder of the ribbon.