Abstract: A package (20) of wound optical fiber (22) includes a spool (23) on which are wound a plurality of layers with each layer comprising a plurality of convolutions of the optical fiber. The winding is accomplished such that each successive convolution is spaced from a preceding convolution. The spacing is such that on the third and further outer layers, each optical fiber is tangent to each of two adjacent convolutions of a previously wound layer and to one convolution of the next inner layer. Also, each convolution in each layer after an innermost layer crosses transversely optical fiber of an immediately preceding layer in two relatively closely spaced locations and such that crossovers in successive layers are staggered circumferentially of a winding surface. Because of the nesting which is caused to occur, excellent density, package rigidity and stability are achieved.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling the quantity and distribution of a waterproofing material (26) on an advancing strip (76) of plastic material which is wrapped subsequently about an advancing cable core (22) to form a core wrap. When the plastic strip is wrapped about the core, which has been filled with the same waterproofing material, the waterproofing material on the strip fills any spaces between the strip and the core, between the strip and an inner metallic shield (31) and a longitudinal overlapped seam of the core wrap. In another cable structure, a controlled amount of waterproofing material is disposed along a longitudinal edge portion of the advancing strip of plastic material to insure a sealed seam when the strip is wrapped about the core.