Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic cables and assemblies for routing optical networks closer to the subscriber. The fiber optic cables have a robust design that is versatile by allowing use in aerial application with a pressure clamp along with use in buried and/or duct applications. Additionally, the fiber optic cables and assemblies have a relatively large slack storage capacity for excess length. Assemblies include hardened connectors such as plugs and/or receptacles suitable for outdoor plant applications attached to one or more ends of the fiber optic cables for plug and play connectivity.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert and a cable jacket. The at least one optical waveguide and at least one dry insert are at least partially disposed within an offset cavity of the cable jacket. The at least one dry insert is disposed in the offset cavity with the at least one optical waveguide near the central axis of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber and at least one dry insert disposed within a cavity of a cable jacket and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The dry insert has a first thickness and a second thickness located at different longitudinal locations along the dry insert, where the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The region of the cable having the first thickness of the dry insert provides and/or increases the coupling level of the at least one optical fiber to the cable jacket. In further embodiments, the optical fiber(s) have a predetermined level of coupling to the cable jacket that is about 0.1625 Newtons or more per optical fiber for a thirty meter length of fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber, at least one strength member, at least one dry insert, and a cable jacket. The cable jacket has a cavity with a generally rectangular cross-section with the at least one optical fiber and the at least one dry insert disposed therein. The at least one optical fiber has a predetermined level of coupling to the cable jacket that is provided by the at least one dry insert within the cavity of cable jacket. The predetermined level of coupling is about 0.1625 Newtons or more per optical fiber for a thirty meter length of fiber optic cable. Additionally, fiber optic cables of the present invention are also suitable as a portion of a cable assembly.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly having at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert, and a tube. The at least one optical waveguide is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide. In one embodiment, the dry insert has a first layer comprising a felt having at least one type of non-continuous filament. The dry insert may also include a plurality of water-swellable filaments. In another embodiment, a dry insert has a first layer, a second layer, and a plurality of water-swellable filaments. The first and second layers are attached together at least along the longitudinal edges thereof, thereby forming at least one compartment between the first and second layers and the plurality of water-swellable filaments are generally disposed in the at least one compartment. The dry insert also is advantageous in tubeless cable designs.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly having at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert, and a tube. In one embodiment, the dry insert has a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is a polyurethane foam and the second layer is a water-swellable layer, wherein the dry insert is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber and at least one dry insert disposed within a cavity of a cable jacket and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The dry insert has a first thickness and a second thickness located at different longitudinal locations along the dry insert, where the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The region of the cable having the first thickness of the dry insert provides and/or increases the coupling level of the at least one optical fiber to the cable jacket. In further embodiments, the optical fiber(s) have a predetermined level of coupling to the cable jacket that is about 0.1625 Newtons or more per optical fiber for a thirty meter length of fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber disposed within a cavity of a cable jacket and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The cavity has a first cavity cross-sectional area and a second cavity cross-sectional area located at different longitudinal locations along the cable, where the first cavity cross-sectional area is greater than the second cavity cross-sectional area. The region of the second cavity cross-sectional area of the cable provides and/or increases the coupling level of the at least one optical fiber to the cable jacket. In further embodiments, the fiber optic cable is a dry cable having one or more dry insert within the cavity for cushioning and/or optionally providing water-blocking for the cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber, at least one strength member, at least one dry insert, and a cable jacket. The cable jacket has a cavity with a generally rectangular cross-section with the at least one optical fiber and the at least one dry insert disposed therein. The at least one optical fiber has a predetermined level of coupling to the cable jacket that is provided by the at least one dry insert within the cavity of cable jacket. The predetermined level of coupling is about 0.1625 Newtons or more per optical fiber for a thirty meter length of fiber optic cable. Additionally, fiber optic cables of the present invention are also suitable as a portion of a cable assembly.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly having at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert, and a tube. The at least one optical waveguide is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide. In one embodiment, the dry insert has a first layer comprising a felt having at least one type of non-continuous filament. The dry insert may also include a plurality of water-swellable filaments. In another embodiment, a dry insert has a first layer, a second layer, and a plurality of water-swellable filaments. The first and second layers are attached together at least along the longitudinal edges thereof, thereby forming at least one compartment between the first and second layers and the plurality of water-swellable filaments are generally disposed in the at least one compartment. The dry insert also is advantageous in tubeless cable designs.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable has at least one optical fiber, at least one strength member having a major strength member dimension, and a cable jacket. The cable jacket has two major surfaces that are generally flat and includes a cavity with a cavity minor dimension generally orientated with a minor dimension of the fiber optic cable, wherein the at least one optical fiber is disposed within the cavity. In one embodiment, the cavity minor dimension of the fiber optic cable is about the same size or larger than the strength member dimension that is generally aligned with a minor dimension of the cable, thereby allowing access to the cavity when the fiber optic cable is entered while inhibiting damage to the at least one optical fiber. Fiber optic cables of the present invention are also suitable as a portion of a cable assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic cables having a cable jacket or buffer tube with a cavity. Disposed within the cavity are at least one optical fiber and a coupling agent. The coupling agent acts to couple the at least one optical fiber to the cable jacket or buffer tube with a predetermined force, but the coupling agent does not substantially fill a cross-section area of the cavity, thereby providing a nearly “dry” fiber optic cable. Additionally, the fiber optic cable can optionally include one or more water-swellable components for blocking the migration of water within the cavity. Variations include fiber optic cables having the desired flame-retardant ratings for indoor use, outdoor cables with adequate water-blocking, and/or cables suitable for indoor/outdoor use.

Abstract: A non-round fiber optic cable that has improved crush performance is disclosed. The fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber, at least one strength element, and a cable jacket having a cavity. The at least one optical fiber is disposed within the cavity. The cable jacket further includes a concave upper wall and a concave lower wall disposed on opposite sides of the cavity, thereby improving the crush performance along the major axis of the optical fiber cable. In other embodiments, the fiber optic cable is a portion of a cable assembly.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert and a cable jacket. The at least one optical waveguide and at least one dry insert are at least partially disposed within an offset cavity of the cable jacket. The at least one dry insert is disposed in the offset cavity with the at least one optical waveguide near the central axis of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A non-round fiber optic cable that has improved crush performance is disclosed. The fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber, at least one strength element, and a cable jacket having a cavity. The at least one optical fiber is disposed within the cavity. The cable jacket further includes a concave upper wall and a concave lower wall disposed on opposite sides of the cavity, thereby improving the crush performance along the major axis of the optical fiber cable. In other embodiments, the fiber optic cable is a portion of a cable assembly.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly having at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert, and a tube. In one embodiment, the dry insert has a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is a polyurethane foam and the second layer is a water-swellable layer, wherein the dry insert is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable and a method of making the same include at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert and a cable jacket. The at least one optical waveguide and at least one dry insert are at least partially disposed within a cavity of the cable jacket. In one embodiment, the cable includes a first dry insert and a second dry insert disposed within the cavity so that the at least one optical waveguide is disposed between the first dry insert and the second dry insert.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable and methods of manufacturing the same includes at least one optical fiber, and at least one ferrule. The at least one ferrule is attached to the at least one optical fiber before the cable jacket is applied. The cable jacket surrounds the at least one optical fiber and the at least one ferrule so that when the cable jacket is opened the at least one optical fiber having the at least one ferrule attached may be accessed. Consequently, the when opening the cable, the craft is presented with an optical fiber that is preterminated with a ferrule. Optionally, the ferrule can have a cover or be a portion of a fiber optic connector. The cable is manufactured so that one or more of the ferrules are appropriately placed along the length of the fiber optic cable for distribution into the fiber optic network.

Abstract: An optical tube assembly having at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert, and a tube. The at least one optical waveguide is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide. In one embodiment, the dry insert has a first layer comprising a felt having at least one type of non-continuous filament. The dry insert may also include a plurality of water-swellable filaments. In another embodiment, a dry insert has a first layer, a second layer, and a plurality of water-swellable filaments. The first and second layers are attached together at least along the longitudinal edges thereof, thereby forming at least one compartment between the first and second layers and the plurality of water-swellable filaments are generally disposed in the at least one compartment. The dry insert also is advantageous in tubeless cable designs.

Abstract: A flexible cross-connect apparatus for cross-connecting fiber optic cables includes a transition strength member, at least one cable clamp assembly, at least one fiber storage device, and a cover for protecting the cross-connect apparatus. The cross-connect apparatus is flexible about a preferential bending plane because the transition strength member includes a preferential bending plane for influencing bending. The at least one cable clamp assembly is used for securing one or more cables with the transition strength member at the ends. In one embodiment, a splice carriage is removably attached to the transition strength member for aiding the craftsman to work at a splicing station.