Abstract: An underwater optical fiber cable is constructed from a terrestrial optical fiber cable by hermetically enclosing the terrestrial optical fiber cable with a hydrogen barrier such as a copper tube or by using a terrestrial optical fiber cable having a hydrogen barrier therein, and by wrapping at least one layer of galvanized armor wires outside of the hydrogen barrier. As so reinforced, the terrestrial optical fiber cable has the strength needed for an underwater optical fiber cable by using relatively inexpensive galvanized armor wires. Although the galvanized armor wires generate hydrogen by contact with water, this hydrogen is prevented from adversely affecting optical fibers in the terrestrial optical fiber cable by the presence of the hydrogen barrier. Advantageously, a standard terrestrial optical fiber cable can be chosen from the many types available including high fiber count designs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating one or more optical fibers from an optical fiber ribbon is disclosed by the present invention. This device includes a housing with a base and a cap, the base providing support for the optical fiber ribbon and the cap providing a slotted member for exerting lateral force on the ribbon to separate one or more fibers therefrom without damaging the separated fibers or compromising the integrity of the remainder of the ribbon.

Abstract: A communications cable (20) comprising a core (22) of at least one transmission media and a plastic jacket (34) includes provisions for preventing the movement of water within the cable. The cable includes a strength system (32) including longitudinally extending fibrous strength members (33--33) having a relatively high modulus and having water blocking provisions. In one embodiment, each fibrous strength member is treated with a superabsorbent liquid material which when dry fills interstices and covers portions of the exterior thereof. In another embodiment, a filamentary strand material comprising a water swellable fibrous material is wrapped about each fibrous strength member.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed optical fiber cable (20) includes a core (21) comprising a plurality of optical fiber ribbons (22,22) disposed within a core tube (30) comprised of a high temperature resistant polymeric material. The core tube is disposed within a hermetic sealing member (40) which comprises a metal of low electrochemical activity having a sealed seam. An outer jacket (50) is disposed about the hermetic sealing member. The core may be filled with a waterblocking filling material (35). The material of the core tube undergoes only limited degradation because of the limited amount of oxygen and/or moisture trapped in the hermetically sealed cable. The filling material and/or other materials of the cable scavenge moisture and oxygen which travel longitudinally of the cable and reach portions of the cable subjected to a high temperature because of a leak in an adjacent steam line.

Abstract: A steam-resistant optical fiber cable (20) includes a core (21) comprising a plurality of optical fiber ribbons (22,22) disposed within a tubular member (30) comprised of a high temperature resistant material. The tubular member is disposed within a hermetic sealing member (40) which comprises a metal of low electrochemical activity having a sealed seam. An outer jacket (50) is disposed about the hermetic sealing member and in a preferred embodiment is characterized by resistance to degradation in high temperature, high humidity environments. The core may be unfilled or filled with a waterblocking material and in a preferred embodiment, a waterblocking member is interposed between the tubular member and the hermetic sealing member.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (20) which is particularly suited for shipboard use includes a core (22) and a sheath system (30). The core includes a plurality of optical fiber cable components (24,24) each including a buffered fiber (26) and high strength aramid yarn (27). About the four optical fiber cable components which are arranged about a central organizer (25) is a waterblocking-strength member system (32) which includes at least two spaced layers (33,33) each comprising a superabsorbent material. A strength member layer (40) is disposed between each two adjacent superabsorbent layers. An outer jacket (34) comprises a plastic material which in a preferred embodiment includes a low halogen, fire-resistant material.

Abstract: A communications cable (20) comprising a core (22) of at least one transmission media and a plastic jacket (34) includes provisions for preventing the movement of water within the cable. The cable includes a strength system (32) including longitudinally extending fibrous strength members (32-33) having a relatively high modulus and having water blocking provisions. In one embodiment, each fibrous strength member is treated with a superabsorbent liquid material which when dry fills interstices and covers portions of the exterior thereof. In another embodiment, a filamentary strand material comprising a water swellable fibrous material is wrapped about each fibrous strength member.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (20) which may be used in a high temperature environment for a substantial period of time without degradation of transmission includes an optical fiber core (22) which is enclosed by an inner tubular member (32) having suitable temperature resistant properties. A braided metallic outer tubular member (50) encloses the inner tubular member and provides suitable mechanical protection and strength for the cable. The integrity of the cable and its performance is further enhanced by a corrugated metallic tube having a sealed periphery and being interposed between the inner and outer tubular members to prevent the ingress of liquid contaminants and to provide the cable with flexibility.