Abstract: Durable optical fiber ribbons are formed by promoting a strong bond between fiber ink layers and ribbon matrix material. During curing of the ink layer desired oxygen levels are maintained in the curing environment of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: An anonymous trading system for financial instruments comprises a network of broking nodes each performing a bid and offer matching function and a market view distribution function. Trader terminals are connected to the network via trading agent nodes. During deal execution a credit check is performed and once the deal is complete the identity of the counterparty becomes known to the other counterparty to the deal. The originating counterparty may send a More quantity message to the other party proposing a further deal at the same price. The other party may decline, partially accept, accept or accept and propose a still further amount. Credit for the further deal is drawn from an external source and the internal credit limits are temporarily increased or disabled to prevent the deal from being rejected.

Abstract: An anonymous trading system for financial instruments comprises a network of broking nodes each performing a bid and offer matching function and a market view distribution function. Trader terminals are connected to the network via trading agent nodes. During deal execution a credit check is performed and once the deal is complete the identity of the counterparty becomes known to the other counterparty to the deal. The originating counterparty may send a More quantity message to the other party proposing a further deal at the same price. The other party may decline, partially accept, accept or accept and propose a still further amount. Credit for the further deal is drawn from an external source and the internal credit limits are temporarily increased or disabled to prevent the deal from being rejected.

Abstract: Durable optical fiber ribbons are formed by promoting a strong bond between fiber ink layers and ribbon matrix material. During curing of the ink layer desired oxygen levels are maintained in the curing environment of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A wallpaper template can be used to cut wallpaper pieces in order to cover a closure such as a door, shutter or blind that may have a plurality of segments and frame elements. The wallpaper template has a plurality of indicia or apertures that are placed on a separate sheet or on a container for the closure. The indicia and apertures are arranged to define: (a) a segment pattern for outlining each of the segments; and (b) a closure pattern for outlining the closure. Thus, wallpaper can be cut by following the indicia or apertures.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable component, for example, an optical ribbon (20,22,24,26), individual optical fiber, fiber bundle, or a non-optical fiber component, having a radiation markable section, the radiation markable section including a radiation reactive ingredient compounded with a base matrix material, and methods for creating markings in the radiation markable section. When irradiated with a suitable radiation source, a photochemical reaction occurs that creates markings in the radiation markable section, so that the ribbon classification task may be done with ease and reliability. The marking of fiber optic cable components according to the present invention may, for example, be accomplished by a radiation source of the laser type.

Abstract: A wallpaper template can be used to cut wallpaper pieces in order to cover a closure such as a door, shutter or blind that may have a plurality of segments and frame elements. The wallpaper template has a plurality of indicia or apertures that are placed on a separate sheet or on a container for the closure. The indicia and apertures are arranged to define: (a) a segment pattern for outlining each of the segments; and (b) a closure pattern for outlining the closure. Thus, wallpaper can be cut by following the indicia or apertures.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable component, for example, an optical ribbon (20, 22, 24, 26), individual optical fiber, fiber bundle, or a non-optical fiber component, having a radiation markable section, the radiation markable section including a radiation reactive ingredient compounded with a base matrix material, and methods for creating markings in the radiation markable section. When irradiated with a suitable radiation source, a photochemical reaction occurs that creates markings in the radiation markable section, so that the ribbon classification task may be done with ease and reliability. The marking of fiber optic cable components according to the present invention may, for example, be accomplished by a radiation source of the laser type.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable component, for example, an optical ribbon (20,22,24,26), individual optical fiber, fiber bundle, or a non-optical fiber component, having a radiation markable section, the radiation markable section including a radiation reactive ingredient compounded with a base matrix material, and methods for creating markings in the radiation markable section. When irradiated with a suitable radiation source, a photochemical reaction occurs that creates markings in the radiation markable section, so that the ribbon classification task may be done with ease and reliability, so that substantial physical damage to the layer by the radiation source is avoided. The marking of fiber optic cable components according to the present invention may, for example, be accomplished by a radiation source of the laser type.

Abstract: An optical article including at least one optical fiber and a printable layer connected to the optical fiber. The printable layer including randomly spaced printed ink shapes for avoiding or controlling optical attenuation. A method and an apparatus for making optical articles with the randomized ink shape spacings are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical ribbon (20) includes optical fibers (28) encased in a ribbon common layer (21). Ribbon common layer (21) is printed with ink dots (23) such that ample spacing between dots (23), and controlled print spacing intervals, reduce delta attenuation.

Abstract: An optical fiber (20) includes a silica-based core (22) which is operative to transmit light and is surrounded by a silica-based cladding (24) having a lower index of refraction than the core (22). A primary coating (26) surrounds cladding (24), and a secondary coating (28) surrounds primary coating (26). Optical fiber ribbon (40) includes a ribbon matrix material (42) which surrounds a plurality of optical fibers (20). Primary coating (26) comprises a photinitiator which has a peak absorbance in a relatively short wavelength UV spectrum. Secondary coating (28) comprises a photinitiator which has a peak absorbance in a relatively long wavelength UV spectrum.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon includes an interfacial layer between a plurality of coated optical fibers and a common coating layer. The interfacial layer includes a liquid lubricant material dispersed in a cross-linked solid material. The optical fiber ribbon is both peelable and thermally strippable. The interfacial layer adheres more strongly to the common coating material than to the coated optical fibers. The interfacial layer may be provided either as the outer layer of each of the individual coated optical fibers or as an inner layer of the common matrix coating.

Abstract: A method for accessing individual coated optical fibers in an optical fiber ribbon includes securing an adhesive tape to a substrate surface. The adhesive tape has a backing which faces away from the substrate surface to which it is secured. A glue is placed on the tape backing. The optical fiber ribbon is placed over the glue. After the glue is set, the optical fiber ribbon is pulled to burst the optical fiber ribbon common coating and delaminate one surface of the optical common coating. The process may be repeated to delaminate the other surface of the common coating.

Abstract: In a ribbon type fiber optic cable there is disposed a stack of fiber optic ribbons, each composed of a set of individually coated optical fibers in a planar relationship to one another with the set of coated optical fibers also coated by a common coating of ultraviolet light cured material. The coefficient of friction between adjacent ribbons in a stack is equal to or less than 0.70.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ribbon cable subunit and a method of making same. The subunit is composed of a plurality of elongated fibers aligned one to another in a planar array with a predetermined number of the fibers bearing on their respective surfaces one or more discrete layers of ink which by themselves convey no intelligence but in combination with discrete layers of ink on other predetermined aligned optical fibers form a configuration conveying intelligence, and a transparent coating circumscribing and in contact with the optical fibers and the printed intelligence.

Abstract: A method of making a strippable tight buffered cable is disclosed, the cable comprising an optical waveguide fiber, a first protective coat circumscribing and in contact with the outer surface of the optical waveguide an interfacial layer circumscribing and in contact with the external surface of the first protective coating composed of particles of solid lubricant held together with a cross-linked film-forming binder, and a second protective coating circumscribing the external surface of the interfacial layer. Apparatus for making the strippable cable is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical service cable has a flexural modulus of elasticity of less than 300 MPa. Water absorptive and strength members are laid over a light waveguide core. The cable is suitable for buried service cable applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for making precise radial slits in the exterior of a cylindrical object, such as a coated optical waveguide filament. The tool has an interior passage and two blades to make radial slits. The blades are kept from penetrating too far into the interior passage by shims having a calculated thickness dependent on the angle separating the blades and the size of the interior of the object which is to be left uncut.