Abstract: A buffered optical fiber includes at least one optical fiber and a buffer layer. In one embodiment, the buffer layer generally surrounds the optical fiber and has a non-round cross-section that includes a plurality of wings that are an integrally formed by the buffer layer. Additionally, the buffered optical fiber may form a portion of a fiber optic cable that allows a relatively small bend radius while maintaining optical performance. Optionally, the optical fiber may be a bend resistant optical fiber for preserving optical performance. Additionally, other fiber optic cables that allow relatively small bend radii are also disclosed.

Abstract: Fiber optic cables are disclosed that allow a relatively small bend radius and/or may kink while still preserving optical performance. In one embodiment, the fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber, a first strength member, a second strength member, a core material, and a cable jacket. The core material generally surrounds the optical fiber, the first strength member, and the second strength member and the core material is deformable for cushioning the optical fiber. The cable jacket generally surrounds the core material and allows a bending radius of about 10 millimeters or less while maintaining a suitable level of optical performance.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable and a method of making the same include at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert and a cable jacket. The at least one optical waveguide and at least one dry insert are at least partially disposed within a cavity of the cable jacket. In one embodiment, the cable includes a first dry insert and a second dry insert disposed within the cavity so that the at least one optical waveguide is disposed between the first dry insert and the second dry insert.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly and methods of manufacturing the same include a tube, at least one optical waveguide, and a dry insert. In one embodiment, the dry insert generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide and forms a core that is disposed within the tube. In one embodiment, the dry insert is compressed at least about 10 percent for coupling the at least optical waveguide to the interior surface of the tube.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber, at least one strength member, at least one dry insert, and a cable jacket. The cable jacket has a cavity with a generally rectangular cross-section with the at least one optical fiber and the at least one dry insert disposed therein. The at least one optical fiber has a predetermined level of coupling to the cable jacket that is provided by the at least one dry insert within the cavity of cable jacket. The predetermined level of coupling is about 0.1625 Newtons or more per optical fiber for a thirty meter length of fiber optic cable. Additionally, fiber optic cables of the present invention are also suitable as a portion of a cable assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber optic drop cable including at least one optical waveguide, at least one roving, and a cable jacket. In one embodiment, the at least one roving includes a resin matrix having a water-based acrylic composition that includes an ethylene-acrylic acid and a water-swellable component. The resin matrix has a percent by weight of about 10 percent or less of the flexible roving so that the at least of one roving is at least partially bonded with the cable jacket, thereby inhibiting buckling of the cable jacket. In another embodiment, a plurality of rovings are arranged in clusters in the cable for influencing the bonding between the rovings and cable jacket. Also, disclosed is a protective casing for protecting and routing optical fibers along with preconnectorized cable assemblies.

Abstract: A fiber optic drop cable including at least one optical waveguide, at least one roving, and a cable jacket. In one embodiment, the at least one roving includes a resin matrix having a water-based acrylic composition that includes an ethylene-acrylic acid and a water-swellable component. The resin matrix has a percent by weight of about 10 percent or less of the flexible roving so that the at least of one roving is at least partially bonded with the cable jacket, thereby inhibiting buckling of the cable jacket. In another embodiment, a plurality of rovings are arranged in clusters in the cable for influencing the bonding between the rovings and cable jacket. Also, disclosed is a protective casing for protecting and routing optical fibers along with preconnectorized cable assemblies.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one optical transmission component, a strength component axially aligned with the fiber optic cable and having a predetermined elongate shape and a cable sheath surrounding the at least one optical transmission component and the strength component and having a predetermined geometric configuration. A strength component positioned generally adjacent the at least one optical transmission component such that the strength component and the at least one optical transmission component are positioned along a common axis in order to provide the fiber optic cable with a preferential bend. A strength component having a predetermined elongate shape to protect against crush, impact and rotational forces applied to the cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable and a method of making the same include at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert and a cable jacket. The at least one optical waveguide and at least one dry insert are at least partially disposed within a cavity of the cable jacket. In one embodiment, the cable includes a first dry insert and a second dry insert disposed within the cavity so that the at least one optical waveguide is disposed between the first dry insert and the second dry insert.

Abstract: A fiber optic drop cable is disclosed that includes at least one optical waveguide disposed within a tube, a first and second strength assembly, and a cable jacket. Each strength assembly includes a strength component and a plurality of strength members, wherein the respective plurality of strength members are radially disposed about at least half of the circumference of the respective strength component. In one embodiment, the first and second strength assemblies are generally disposed on opposite sides of the tube.

Abstract: A fiber optic drop cable is disclosed that includes at least one optical waveguide disposed within a tube, a first and second strength assembly, and a cable jacket. Each strength assembly includes a strength component and a plurality of strength members, wherein the respective plurality of strength members are radially disposed about at least half of the circumference of the respective strength component. In one embodiment, the first and second strength assemblies are generally disposed on opposite sides of the tube.

Abstract: A figure-eight fiber optic drop cable includes a messenger section and a carrier section connected by a web. The carrier section has at least one optical waveguide and at least one roving. In one embodiment, the carrier section has an average shrinkage of about 0.5% or less when separated from the messenger section during an average shrinkage test. Also the carrier section of the figure-eight fiber optic drop cable can have an average coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) section after being separated from the messenger section of about 5.0×10?3%/° C. or less for preserving optical performance. Furthermore, a maximum delta attenuation of the at least one optical waveguide during thermal cycling may be about 0.3 dB/20 meters or less at a reference wavelength of about 1550 nm at a temperature of about ?40° C. Other cable configurations are also possible with the invention.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly and methods of manufacturing the same include a tube, at least one optical waveguide, and a dry insert. In one embodiment, the dry insert generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide and forms a core that is disposed within the tube. In one embodiment, the dry insert is compressed at least about 10 percent for coupling the at least optical waveguide to the interior surface of the tube.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly and methods of manufacturing the same include a tube, at least one optical waveguide, and a dry insert. In one embodiment, the dry insert generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide and forms a core that is disposed within the tube. In one embodiment, the dry insert is compressed at least about 10 percent for coupling the at least optical waveguide to the interior surface of the tube.

Abstract: A figure-eight fiber optic drop cable includes a messenger section and a carrier section connected by a web. The carrier section has at least one optical waveguide and at least one roving. In one embodiment, the carrier section has an average shrinkage of about 0.5% or less when separated from the messenger section during an average shrinkage test. Also the carrier section of the figure-eight fiber optic drop cable can have an average coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) section after being separated from the messenger section of about 5.0×10?3%/° C. or less for preserving optical performance. Furthermore, a maximum delta attenuation of the at least one optical waveguide during thermal cycling may be about 0.3 dB/20 meters or less at a reference wavelength of about 1550 nm at a temperature of about ?40° C. Other cable configurations are also possible with the invention.

Abstract: A fiber optic drop cable including at least one optical waveguide, at least one roving, and a cable jacket. In one embodiment, the at least one roving includes a resin matrix having a water-based acrylic composition that includes an ethylene-acrylic acid and a water-swellable component. The resin matrix has a percent by weight of about 10 percent or less of the flexible roving so that the at least of one roving is at least partially bonded with the cable jacket, thereby inhibiting buckling of the cable jacket. In another embodiment, a plurality of rovings are arranged in clusters in the cable for influencing the bonding between the rovings and cable jacket. Also, disclosed is a protective casing for protecting and routing optical fibers along with preconnectorized cable assemblies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber optic drop cable including at least one optical waveguide, at least one roving, and a cable jacket. In one embodiment, the at least one roving includes a resin matrix having a water-based acrylic composition that includes an ethylene-acrylic acid and a water-swellable component. The resin matrix has a percent by weight of about 10 percent or less of the flexible roving so that the at least of one roving is at least partially bonded with the cable jacket, thereby inhibiting buckling of the cable jacket. In another embodiment, a plurality of rovings are arranged in clusters in the cable for influencing the bonding between the rovings and cable jacket. Also, disclosed is a protective casing for protecting and routing optical fibers along with preconnectorized cable assemblies.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical waveguide, at least one strength member, and a jacket. The at least one strength member is a material having an average residual angle in the range of about 30 degrees to about 65 degrees during a bending test using a mandrel having a wire ratio (D/d) of about 200. The strength member is suitable, if necessary, for self-attaching to studs, hooks, or the like by bending it therearound and is also suitable for hardware such as P-clamps or other grips. In other embodiments, strength member 14 is annealed to relieve work hardening. Preferred embodiments use a steel strength member with a carbon content between about 0.30 percent to about 0.75 percent. Additionally, a coating may be applied to the strength member for environmental/corrosion protection or conductivity.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having optical fibers disposed in buffer tubes, the buffer tubes defining at least two layers generally stranded about a center area of the cable. The buffer tube layers define a relatively inner layer of buffer tubes being closer to the center area, and an outer layer of buffer tubes being relatively further from the center area. The inner and outer buffer tube layers each having a respective helix value, the respective helix values being substantially the same. Alternatively, the respective helix values can be substantially non-equal. In addition, fiber optic cable systems including balanced helix factors have optical connections between layers of buffer tubes of the respective cables.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical waveguide, at least one strength member, and a jacket. The at least one strength member is a material having an average residual angle in the range of about 30 degrees to about 65 degrees during a bending test using a mandrel having a wire ratio (D/d) of about 200, The strength member is suitable, if necessary, for self-attaching to studs, hooks, or the like by bending it therearound and is also suitable for hardware such as P-clamps or other grips. In other embodiments, strength member 14 is annealed to relieve work hardening. Preferred embodiments use a steel strength member with a carbon content between about 0.30 percent to about 0.75 percent. Additionally, a coating may be applied to the strength member for environmental/corrosion protection or conductivity.