Abstract: An optical cable has optical transmission elements stranded about a central reinforcing member. The optical transmission elements are alternatively stranded in a first and second direction of rotation. A sheath surrounds the optical transmission elements, and markings are applied to the sheath to indicate switchback locations in the cable. The markings are applied to the sheath, which is separate from the optical transmission elements. Therefore, the markings need not be applied directly to the transmission elements, so the same control signal can be used to switch the direction of stranding and to apply the marking.

Abstract: An optical cable comprises a plurality of bands, each containing a plurality of light waveguides, and the bands are stranded on a cable core with a long side of the bands extending in a radial direction. The light waveguides are introduced in each of the pre-fabricated bands so that the light waveguide lying on the outside as viewed in the radial direction, will have a longer length than the inwardly disposed light waveguides.

Abstract: A longitudinally divided cable sleeve characterized by a strip-like sleeve member which is composed of a heat-shrinkable material and has two longitudinal edges with reinforcing inserts to form first and second edges with reinforced portions, and coacting closure elements for joining the edges together with the elements on the first edge being bent from strips of material and having a head portion that is received in a slot or opening in the second edge. Preferably, each of the elements bent from a strip of material has a link portion, which is received in a slot of the first edge up to an abutment surface and a projecting closure part which is inserted through the opening of the second edge is provided with a latch element to prevent accidental and unintentional disassembly of the closure elements after the projecting closure part is inserted through the opening of the second edge.