Abstract: The invention concerns a method of SZ stranding into one strand a bundle of two or more flexible micromodules, each micromodule comprising one or more optical fibers. A first pulley is located with its winding surface adjacent to a longitudinal axis of a cabling line. The bundle of micromodules is guided over the winding surface of the first pulley, the first pulley being rotating around the longitudinal axis of the cabling line. The rotational speed, or the rotational direction of the first pulley, is alternating.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aerial micromodule cable with excess length of an optical core is disclosed, the cable comprising a cable jacket defining a cavity in which the optical core is arranged, said cable having two rigid strength members embedded in the wall of the jacket; the method comprising guiding the cable over a wheel; wherein a first plane (P1) intersecting the center of gravity (C1) of the cable cavity is parallel to a second plane (P2) intersecting the two rigid strength members, said first and second planes (P1, P2) being offset from each other, and wherein, during said guiding, the two rigid strength members are positioned closer to the wheel than the first plane (P1) so as to cause the optical core to have a core excess length of at least 0.05%.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an aerial micromodule cable with excess length of an optical core is disclosed, the cable comprising a cable jacket defining a cavity in which the optical core is arranged, said cable having two rigid strength members embedded in the wall of the jacket; the method comprising guiding the cable over a wheel; wherein a first plane (P1) intersecting the centre of gravity (C1) of the cable cavity is parallel to a second plane (P2) intersecting the two rigid strength members, said first and second planes (P1, P2) being offset from each other, and wherein, during said guiding, the two rigid strength members are positioned closer to the wheel than the first plane (P1) so as to cause the optical core to have a core excess length of at least 0.05%.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of SZ stranding into one strand a bundle of two or more flexible micromodules, each micromodule comprising one or more optical fibers. A first pulley is located with its winding surface adjacent to a longitudinal axis of a cabling line. The bundle of micromodules is guided over the winding surface of the first pulley, the first pulley being rotating around the longitudinal axis of the cabling line. The rotational speed, or the rotational direction of the first pulley, is alternating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reduced-diameter optical-fiber cable that possesses a high fiber count and a high cable fiber density.

Abstract: A buffered optical fiber (10) comprises a central core (11) surrounded by an optical cladding (12), a coating (13) surrounding the optical cladding, a protective buffer (15) surrounding the coating and an intermediate layer (14) between the coating and the protective buffer. The intermediate layer consists of hot melt seal and peel material. The intermediate layer (14) may be extruded in tandem with the outer protective buffer (15).

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved optical fiber possessing a novel coating system. When combined with a bend-insensitive glass fiber, the novel coating system according to the present invention yields an optical fiber having exceptionally low losses. The coating system features (i) a softer primary coating with excellent low-temperature characteristics to protect against microbending in any environment and in the toughest physical situations and, optionally, (ii) a colored secondary coating possessing enhanced color strength and vividness. The secondary coating provides improved ribbon characteristics for structures that are robust, yet easily entered (i.e., separated and stripped). The optical fibers in accordance in the present invention may be incorporated into a reduced-diameter optical-fiber cable that possesses a high fiber count and a high cable fiber density.

Abstract: A buffered optical fiber structure includes an optical fiber, a mechanical reinforcement member extending along the optical fiber, a protective sheath having a cavity containing the optical fiber and the mechanical reinforcement member, and an intermediate material contacting the protective sheath and surrounding the optical fiber and the mechanical reinforcement member.

Abstract: A buffered optical fiber (10) comprises a central core (11) surrounded by an optical cladding (12), a coating (13) surrounding the optical cladding, a protective buffer (15) surrounding the coating and an intermediate layer (14) between the coating and the protective buffer. The intermediate layer consists of hot melt seal and peel material. The intermediate layer (14) may be extruded in tandem with the outer protective buffer (15).

Abstract: Disclosed is a reduced-diameter optical-fiber cable that possesses a high fiber count and a high cable fiber density.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved optical fiber possessing a novel coating system. When combined with a bend-insensitive glass fiber, the novel coating system according to the present invention yields an optical fiber having exceptionally low losses. The coating system features (i) a softer primary coating with excellent low-temperature characteristics to protect against microbending in any environment and in the toughest physical situations and, optionally, (ii) a colored secondary coating possessing enhanced color strength and vividness. The secondary coating provides improved ribbon characteristics for structures that are robust, yet easily entered (i.e., separated and stripped). The optical fibers in accordance in the present invention may be incorporated into a reduced-diameter optical-fiber cable that possesses a high fiber count and a high cable fiber density.

Abstract: A buffered optical fiber structure includes an optical fiber, a mechanical reinforcement member extending along the optical fiber, a protective sheath having a cavity containing the optical fiber and the mechanical reinforcement member, and an intermediate material contacting the protective sheath and surrounding the optical fiber and the mechanical reinforcement member.