Abstract: A buffer optical fiber (20) includes an optical fiber (21) comprising a core and a cladding. The optical fiber is enclosed by a plastic buffer layer (50). Interposed between the optical fiber and the buffer layer are a plurality of fibrous strands (25--25) which are strength members for the buffered optical fiber. In a preferred embodiment, the strength members are layless and as such are generally linear and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the buffered optical fiber. The buffer layer has a predetermined compressive engagement with the strength members which allows the stripability of the buffer layer from the fiber to be controlled.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for forming S-Z twisted strand units which comprises a frame and an elongated body mounted to the frame for rotation about a longitudinal body axis. The body is comprised of an assembly of tubules extending side by side longitudinally between opposite body ends. A first twisting head is rigidly mounted to one end of the elongated body which has a sheave mounted for rotary movement about a sheave axis transversing the longitudinal body axis. A second twisting head is rigidly mounted to the other end of the body having another sheave mounted for rotary movement about another sheave axis which transverses the longitudinal body axis. Means are also provided for rotating the elongated body in alternate directions about the longitudinal body axis.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming strands into twisted strand units having a twist direction that reverses from section to section wherein the strands are advanced side-by-side successively through first and second mutually spaced twister heads. The strands are formed into twisted strand units by the steps of operating the twister heads simultaneously by revolving the twister heads in a common rotary direction about the strands at substantially the same speed of head revolution thereby causing a first progression of twists of one lay direction to pass from the first twister head towards the second twister head, and a second progression of twists of opposite direction lay to emanate from the second twister head. Twisting operations by the first and second twister heads are simultaneously terminated as the leading end of the first progression of twists reaches the second twister head and a trailing end of the second progressing of twists emanating therefore.