Abstract: A tube assembly of the present invention has at least one subunit with at least one dry insert generally surrounding the subunit which may be disposed within a tube, thereby forming a tube assembly. The subunit includes a fiber optic ribbon and a sheath, wherein the sheath is tight-buffered about the fiber optic ribbon, thereby inhibiting buckling of the ribbon during temperature variations. Additionally, the tube assembly can be a portion of a fiber optic cable having a sheath that may include a plurality of strength members and a cable jacket. In other embodiments, the subunits and dry insert are disposed within a cavity, thereby forming a tubeless cable. Additionally, subunits may include a marking indicia for denoting the security level.

Abstract: A distribution fiber optic cable including a plurality of optical fibers, a plurality of tubes, at least one filling component, and least one access location, and a cable jacket. Each tube has at least one optical fibers therein, where some of the plurality of tubes are stranded together over at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the fiber optic cable, thereby forming at least a portion of a cable core. The access location includes at least one access tube. The one access tube being one of the plurality of tubes that transitions during manufacturing from a first location within the cable core to a second location apart from the cable core and the at least one filling component is introduced into the cable core for taking the position of the access tube within the cable core. Also disclosed are cable assemblies.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a distribution fiber optic cable is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of optical fibers for a cable core. Transitioning at least one of the plurality of optical fibers between a first location and a second location, where one of the locations is disposed within the cable core and the other location is disposed apart from the cable core and applying a cable jacket. In other embodiments, the cable can be 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 attached together with an adhesive. The dry insert also includes a plurality of particles having an average particle size of about 600 microns or less for inhibiting microbending. The first layer may be a polyurethane foam having an average cell size of about 1000 microns or less and the second layer is a water-swellable layer. The dry insert is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide and the tube assembly can be a portion of a fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic dry tube assembly and a method of manufacturing the same includes at least one optical waveguide and a tube. The tube houses at least a portion of the at least one optical fiber and is formed from a bimodal polymeric material. The tube has an average ovality of about 10 percent or less. In other embodiments, the bimodal polymeric material that forms the tube has a melt index of about 1.0 g/10 minutes or less, a melt strength in the range of about 8 cN to about 35 cN at 190° C,. and/or a polydisperity of about 7 or greater. Additionally, the dry tube assemblies of the present invention can form a portion of a cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic dry tube assembly and a method of manufacturing the same includes at least one optical waveguide and a tube. The tube houses at least a portion of the at least one optical fiber and is formed from a bimodal polymeric material. The tube has an average ovality of about 10 percent or less. In other embodiments, the bimodal polymeric material that forms the tube has a melt index of about 1.0 g/10 minutes or less, a melt strength in the range of about 8 cN to about 35 cN at 190° C,. and/or a polydisperity of about 7 or greater. Additionally, the dry tube assemblies of the present invention can form a portion of a cable.

Abstract: A tube assembly of the present invention has at least one subunit with at least one dry insert generally surrounding the subunit which may be disposed within a tube, thereby forming a tube assembly. The subunit includes a fiber optic ribbon and a sheath, wherein the sheath is tight-buffered about the fiber optic ribbon, thereby inhibiting buckling of the ribbon during temperature variations. Additionally, the tube assembly can be a portion of a fiber optic cable having a sheath that may include a plurality of strength members and a cable jacket. In other embodiments, the subunits and dry insert are disposed within a cavity, thereby forming a tubeless cable. Additionally, subunits may include a marking indicia for denoting the security level.

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 attached together with an adhesive. The dry insert also includes a plurality of particles having an average particle size of about 600 microns or less for inhibiting microbending. The first layer may be a polyurethane foam having an average cell size of about 1000 microns or less and the second layer is a water-swellable layer. The dry insert is disposed within the tube and generally surrounds the at least one optical waveguide and the tube assembly can be a portion of a fiber optic cable.

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 model racing toy including a convertible model transport vehicle, a model vehicle and model vehicle accessories. The model transport vehicle may be converted by means of a push button or other such device into a model racing pit stop. The convertible transport includes a storable deployment ramp which is ejected when the conversion button is pressed, allowing the model vehicle to move from an exemplary position atop the model transport vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with activation points, motors and a speaker. The activation points compose a variety of different switches, designed to resemble vehicle parts. When a specific activation point is activated, it triggers a series of actions by the motors and speaker, prompting the user to make certain repairs. The successful making of repairs activates other activation points, which provide affirming messages and vehicle motion to simulate the continuance of a race after repair has been made.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying filling compound or the like to a rotating optical ribbon stack comprising a stationary bearing through which a viscous substance is applied under pressure, a rotatable journal, and a ribbon wiping die secured within the journal through which a light waveguide ribbon stack may be passed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tube slitting tool having at least one blade extending into a passage and the side of the passage opposing the blade is curved such that it curves away from the blade on either side in the longitudinal direction. The side of the passage holding the blade may also be curved.