Abstract: The apparatus for non-contact damping vibration of a vibrating optical fiber moving over an optical fiber path includes an air bearing and an air supply. The air bearing includes a body having an aperture defined by an inner surface and a central axis that passes through the center of the aperture and along which lies the optical fiber path. A plurality of nozzles is distributed around the inner surface and directed toward the central axis. An air conduit within the body is in pneumatic communication with the plurality of nozzles. The air supply is pneumatically connected to the air conduit and is configured to supply pressurized air to the air bearing. The pressurized air is directed through the nozzles to the vibrating optical fiber and impinges on the optical fiber to damp the vibration of the vibrating optical fiber.

Abstract: The apparatus for non-contact damping vibration of a vibrating optical fiber moving over an optical fiber path includes an air bearing and an air supply. The air bearing includes a body having an aperture defined by an inner surface and a central axis that passes through the center of the aperture and along which lies the optical fiber path. A plurality of nozzles is distributed around the inner surface and directed toward the central axis. An air conduit within the body is in pneumatic communication with the plurality of nozzles. The air supply is pneumatically connected to the air conduit and is configured to supply pressurized air to the air bearing. The pressurized air is directed through the nozzles to the vibrating optical fiber and impinges on the optical fiber to damp the vibration of the vibrating optical fiber.

Abstract: A machine for incorporating filament(s) into a fiber optic cable, e.g. a fly-off type strander (20). Strander (20) includes a frame (22) and a carriage (30) rotatably mounted to the frame. Carriage (30) includes filament packages (50) respectively mounted on fixed arbors (38) in protective barrels (33). For the prevention of snagging of the filaments on the packages, each barrel includes a respective filament guard (35) adjacent to or against which respective packages (50) are disposed. Each package (50) includes a respective filament tensioner (40) mounted to carriage (30) for tensioning a respective filament (52). As tensioners (40) are generally parallel to the axis of rotation of carriage (30), loosening or tightening of tensioner (40) during rotation of carriage (30) is avoided, whereby filaments (52) are firmly wrapped about a cable component at a controlled tension and an optimal speed.

Abstract: An optical cable or optical cable element and a method of manufacturing the same. The cable or cable element includes a tubular jacket containing a single optical fiber and a layer of loose tensile strength fibers applied without an intended lay surrounding the optical fiber. The tension applied to the tensile strength fibers during manufacturing does not exceed the tension applied during manufacturing to the optical fiber.