Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic cable assemblies having a composite covering disposed about a portion of a transition location for providing a fiber optic assembly suitable for indoor or indoor/outdoor applications. The composite covering provides a combination of an underlying heat dissipative structure, such as a metal foil along with a high temperature capable substrate, such as mica, thereby providing the desired characteristics for indoor or indoor/outdoor use that a single layer of either material is incapable of providing. The covering may also include an optional flame-retardant wrap as an outer portion for sealing and/or mechanical protection.

Abstract: An optical component cutting device for cutting at least one optical component has a clamping station with clamping members associated with a clamp drive mechanism operative to move at least one of the clamping members into dynamic clamping contact with the at least one optical component, and a cutting station having cutting members associated with a cutting drive mechanism operative to move at least one cutting member into dynamic cutting relationship with the at least one optical component as the optical component is translating along the line. An exemplary method of cutting the least one optical component including the steps of: a) guiding the optical component so that it is generally aligned with a cutting station; b) accelerating rotating clamping members to a speed generally complementary to that of the optical component line speed; and then c) cutting the optical component at the cutting station.

Abstract: An optical cable with a loosely contained optical fiber which is inside a weak walled sheath together with water swellable powder. The sheath is surrounded by grease or gel. If the powder contacts water within the sheath, it expands, splits the sheath, and displaces the grease into the sheath to surround the fiber. Hence although grease is employed immediately around the fiber as a water block, under installation procedures the fiber surface is not contaminated with grease.

Abstract: Optical cable with optical fibers and a water blocking element extending together along a passageway. The water blocking element swells upon contact with water so as to block the passageway against water migration. The water blocking element may be of filamentary structure, e.g. string or tape which acts as a carrier for water swellable particles, e.g. polyacrylate. The water blocking element may, however, be a filament of the swellable material which is spun with other filaments, e.g. polyester to form a string. The cable may be air pressurizable.