Abstract: There is provided a seating device having a group of three or more rigid compression members with successively smaller outer diameters that are sized to form a single nested structure. The seating device further has a seat having three or more seat connection points spaced about a flexible supporting web, a base having three or more base connection points, the three or more base connection points being connected by base tension members, and three or more flexible side tension members. Each compression member is removably engaged between a combination of a selected seat connection point and a selected base connection point, and each side tension member is engaged between a combination of a selected seat connection point and a selected base connection point, the combination of connection points engaged by each side tension member being different than the combination of connection points engaged by each compression member.

Abstract: There is provided a seating device having a group of three or more rigid compression members with successively smaller outer diameters that are sized to form a single nested structure. The seating device further has a scat having three or more seat connection points spaced about a flexible supporting web, a base having three or more base connection points, the three or more base connection points being connected by base tension members, and three or more flexible side tension members. Each compression member is removably engaged between a combination of a selected seat connection point and a selected base connection point, and each side tension member is engaged between a combination of a selected seat connection point and a selected base connection point, the combination of connection points engaged by each side tension member being different than the combination of connection points engaged by each compression member.

Abstract: A plurality of fiber optic cables are manufactured as an assembly of fiber optic cables that are later separated into independent fiber optic cables. A method of manufacturing the fiber optic cable assembly is also described. A jacketing cover is extruded over components of the fiber optic cables with a portion connecting the fiber optic cables, and the fiber optic cables can separated from each other by tearing, cutting, or removing a filling element between the fiber optic cables.

Abstract: An optical fiber array having a plurality of intermittent weakened portions allows subunit or groups of the fibers in the optical fiber array to be accessed without the need for special tools and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. In one embodiment, the optical fiber array includes at least two subunits, each of the subunits having a respective subunit matrix, and the optical fiber array also includes a common matrix having a plurality of intermittent weakened portions. In another embodiment, the plurality of intermittent weakened portions of the optical fiber array are formed by a common matrix having two different thickness profiles adjacent along respective portions of a subunit interface.

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 buffered optical waveguide includes an optical waveguide having a core, a cladding, and at least one coating and a buffer layer. The buffer layer being disposed around the optical waveguide for protecting the same so that the coupling/adhesion of the buffer layer is reduced. In one embodiment, at least one coating on the optical waveguides has an undulating profile for reducing contact area of the optical waveguide, thereby reducing coupling/adhesion of the buffer layer thereto. In another embodiment, the buffer layer has an internal profile with at least one recessed portion that extends along a longitudinal length of the buffer layer for reducing the contact area of the buffer layer for reducing coupling adhesion thereto. In preferred embodiments, the buffered optical waveguide is about 900 microns or smaller.

Abstract: A buffered optical waveguide includes an optical waveguide, at least one filament, and a buffer layer. The optical waveguide includes a core, a cladding, and at least one coating. The at least one filament is disposed adjacent to the optical waveguide for reducing the contact area of the buffer layer. In other embodiments, the buffer layer being at least partially formed from a foamed polymer, thereby making it useful for cushioning and/or distributing compression forces. In preferred embodiments, the buffered optical waveguide is about 900 microns or smaller.