Abstract: A splittable optical fiber ribbon has a decreased propensity for fiber fallout along a longitudinal split. Fibers adjacent to a split location, called border fibers, have increased bond strength between their ink-coating and a surrounding matrix material. The bond strength is increased by first partially curing an ink that covers the border fibers, coating the partially-cured fibers with a matrix material, and then substantially fully curing the ink and the matrix material substantially simultaneously. The ribbon may include one or more grooves to enhance splitting the ribbon into subsets.

Abstract: A splittable optical fiber ribbon has a decreased propensity for fiber fallout along a longitudinal split. Fibers adjacent to a split location, called border fibers, have increased bond strength between their ink-coating and a surrounding matrix material. The bond strength is increased by first partially curing an ink that covers the border fibers, coating the partially-cured fibers with a matrix material, and then substantially fully curing the ink and the matrix material substantially simultaneously. The ribbon may include one or more grooves to enhance splitting the ribbon into subsets.

Abstract: A splittable optical fiber ribbon has a decreased propensity for fiber fallout along a longitudinal split. Fibers adjacent to a split location, called border fibers, have increased bond strength between their ink-coating and a surrounding matrix material. The bond strength is increased by first partially curing an ink that covers the border fibers, coating the partially-cured fibers with a matrix material, and then substantially fully curing the ink and the matrix material substantially simultaneously. The ribbon may include one or more grooves to enhance splitting the ribbon into subsets.

Abstract: An all-dielectric self-supporting optical fiber cable utilizes a single layer reverse oscillated lay (ROL) design and includes a fiber count of more than 288 fibers. By arranging buffer tubes in a single layer, the ADSS cable effectively isolates the tensile and thermo strain of the cable in central and outer strength members, thus preventing strain from aerial installation from impairing or otherwise inversely impacting the performance of the optical fibers. Moreover, fibers are loosely housed in bundles to permit fiber movement and further prevent strain on the fibers.

Abstract: A splittable optical fiber ribbon has a decreased propensity for fiber fallout along a longitudinal split. Fibers adjacent to a split location, called border fibers, have increased bond strength between their ink-coating and a surrounding matrix material. The bond strength is increased by first partially curing an ink that covers the border fibers, coating the partially-cured fibers with a matrix material, and then substantially fully curing the ink and the matrix material substantially simultaneously. The ribbon may include one or more grooves to enhance splitting the ribbon into subsets.

Abstract: An all-dielectric self-supporting optical fiber cable utilizes a single layer reverse oscillated lay (ROL) design and includes a fiber count of more than 288 fibers. By arranging buffer tubes in a single layer, the ADSS cable effectively isolates the tensile and thermo strain of the cable in central and outer strength members, thus preventing strain from aerial installation from impairing or otherwise inversely impacting the performance of the optical fibers. Moreover, fibers are loosely housed in bundles to permit fiber movement and further prevent strain on the fibers.

Abstract: A tube slitting tool for cutting a buffer tube and allowing access to one or more individual optical fibers or ribbons containing optical fibers encased therein, includes a first holder and a second holder in slidable contact with one another, each holder having a channel which when said holders engage forms a passageway therebetween to receive the buffer tube. Cutting blades are mounted to the holders and extend into the passageway such that when the fully-engaged tube slitting tool moves relative to the buffer tube, the tube is cut longitudinally, facilitating access to the optical fibers or the ribbons within the buffer tube.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable which is flame resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, which includes a central strength member, a fluid impervious tube wound around the strength member, a plurality of optical fibers loosely received in the tube, a sheath of plastic material encircling the tube and the central member, a thermal barrier layer intermediate the tube and the sheath and encircling the tube and the central member to protect the elements inwardly of the heat barrier from heat and flame external to the barrier layer and a water blocking material in any otherwise empty spaces within the tube and between the barrier layer and the tube.