Abstract: A coating applicator for continuously applying matrix material to a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a ribbon configuration is described. The coating applicator has a first contacting means for contacting the plurality of optical fibers on a first side of the plurality of optical fibers and for contacting a first end fiber of the plurality of optical fibers. The coating applicator also has a second contacting means for contacting the plurality of optical fibers on a second side of the plurality of optical fibers and for contacting a second end fiber of the plurality of optical fibers. The second contacting means is located downstream of the first contacting means, and is located relative to the first contacting means so that the optical fibers are forced to contact the first and second contacting means as described above.

Abstract: A coating applicator for continuously applying matrix material to a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a ribbon configuration is described. The coating applicator has a first contacting means for contacting the plurality of optical fibers on a first side of the plurality of optical fibers and for contacting a first end fiber of the plurality of optical fibers. The coating applicator also has a second contacting means for contacting the plurality of optical fibers on a second side of the plurality of optical fibers and for contacting a second end fiber of the plurality of optical fibers. The second contacting means is located downstream of the first contacting means, and is located relative to the first contacting means so that the optical fibers are forced to contact the first and second contacting means as described above.

Abstract: An optical fiber multi-ribbon and method for making the same is disclosed. The optical fiber multi-ribbon comprises N, where N is an integer greater than one, optical fiber ribbon members arranged in a common plane. Each of the N optical fiber ribbon members further comprise a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a planar array and an ultraviolet light curable primary matrix ribbonizing layer enveloping the plurality of optical fibers. The material forming the primary matrix ribbonizing layer of at least one of the N optical fiber ribbon members has a surface cure of at least about 80 percent. An ultraviolet light curable secondary matrix ribbonizing layer envelopes the primary matrix ribbonizing layers of the N optical fiber ribbon members. The secondary matrix ribbonizing layer material has a percent elongation to break greater than about 20 percent.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon is disclosed. The optical fiber ribbon comprises a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a parallel planar array, the planar array being further defined by first and second planar sides spanning between first and second ends. A matrix material coating envelops the optical fibers so as to bond the optical fibers together in the parallel planar array. The matrix material coating forms a first substantially planar surface section spanning the first planar side of the planar array of optical fibers. A second substantially planar surface section spans the second planar side of the planar array of optical fibers. A first hinge section bridges the first and second substantially planar surface sections at the first end of the planar array and a second hinge section bridges the first and second substantially planar surface sections at the second end of the planar array.

Abstract: A composite reinforced buffer tube for an optical fiber cable is disclosed. The composite reinforced buffer tube comprises an extruded elongated thermoplastic matrix having an elongated, substantially continuous, reinforcement incorporated therein along its length between its inside and outside walls. The substantially continuous reinforcing is co-extruded with the elongated thermoplastic matrix and bonded to the matrix at interface regions therebetween. The material forming the reinforcement has a higher modulus of elasticity than the material forming the thermoplastic matrix, and the reinforcement material has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than the thermoplastic matrix material. The strength properties of the buffer tube can be finely tailored by the size, shape and positioning of the co-extruded reinforcement as well as the number of reinforcements.

Abstract: A method of making an optical fiber ribbon with improved planarity and an optical fiber ribbon having improved planarity are described. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of optical fibers and arranging the plurality of optical fibers to form a planar optical fiber arrangement. The planar optical fiber arrangement defines a first common tangent plane and a second common tangent plane. Matrix material is applied to the planar optical fiber arrangement to form a first uncured layer of matrix material such that the first layer does not extend beyond the first or the second common tangent plane by more than twenty micrometers. The first uncured layer of matrix material is then cured to achieve a degree of cure between 70% and 95% to provide a cured first layer of matrix material on the planar arrangement. Next, matrix material is applied over the first cured layer to form a second uncured layer of matrix material.