Abstract: A tight buffered optical fiber and methods of manufacturing the same include an optical fiber and a tight buffer layer. The tight buffer layer has a predetermined wall thickness generally surrounding the optical fiber and at least one preferential tear portion generally formed along a longitudinal axis of the tight buffer layer. In one embodiment, the tight buffered optical fiber has a delta attenuation of about 0.300 dB/km or less at a temperature of about ?40° C. at a reference wavelength of about 1550 nm, thereby making the tight buffered optical fiber suitable for outdoor environments. Other embodiments can include a buffer layer surrounding one or more optical fiber ribbons. In other embodiments, the buffer layer can be formed from a material having an elongation to break ratio of about 500% or less.

Abstract: A tight buffered optical fiber and methods of manufacturing the same include an optical fiber and a tight buffer layer. The tight buffer layer has a predetermined wall thickness generally surrounding the optical fiber and at least one preferential tear portion generally formed along a longitudinal axis of the tight buffer layer. In one embodiment, the tight buffered optical fiber has a delta attenuation of about 0.300 dB/km or less at a temperature of about −40° C. at a reference wavelength of about 1550 nm, thereby making the tight buffered optical fiber suitable for outdoor environments. Other embodiments can include a buffer layer surrounding one or more optical fiber ribbons. In other embodiments, the buffer layer can be formed from a material having an elongation to break ratio of about 500% or less.

Abstract: A mark sensor and methods for detecting a core mark disposed on a fiber optic cable core having a core receiving area for receiving the fiber optic cable core. The mark sensor includes emitter/receiver sensor devices that can be disposed about the core receiving area for observing a portion of the core for detecting the core mark. The mark sensor can include a sensor positioning system for moving the sensors relative to the core receiving area. The sensor positioning system is operative to move the sensors upon insertion of the cable core in the core receiving area. The sensor positioning system can include a linkage to another mark sensor for transmitting sensor motion to the other mark sensor. Alternatively, the mark sensor can include stationary sensors that sweep the core with radiation, for example, a bar code reader. Methods for using the foregoing sensors can result in the direct or offset marking of reverse oscillation of lay areas in a fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A mark sensor and methods for detecting a core mark disposed on a fiber optic cable core having a core receiving area for receiving the fiber optic cable core. The mark sensor includes emitter/receiver sensor devices that can be disposed about the core receiving area for observing a portion of the core for detecting the core mark. The mark sensor can include a sensor positioning system for moving the sensors relative to the core receiving area. The sensor positioning system is operative to move the sensors upon insertion of the cable core in the core receiving area. The sensor positioning system can include a linkage to another mark sensor for transmitting sensor motion to the other mark sensor. Alternatively, the mark sensor can include stationary sensors that sweep the core with radiation, for example, a bar code reader. Methods for using the foregoing sensors can result in the direct or offset marking of reverse oscillation of lay areas in a fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A mark sensor and methods for detecting a core mark disposed on a fiber optic cable core having a core receiving area for receiving the fiber optic cable core. The mark sensor includes emitter/receiver sensor devices that can be disposed about the core receiving area for observing a portion of the core for detecting the core mark. The mark sensor can include a sensor positioning system for moving the sensors relative to the core receiving area. The sensor positioning system is operative to move the sensors upon insertion of the cable core in the core receiving area. The sensor positioning system can include a linkage to another mark sensor for transmitting sensor motion to the other mark sensor. Alternatively, the mark sensor can include stationary sensors that sweep the core with radiation, for example, a bar code reader. Methods for using the foregoing sensors can result in the direct or offset marking of reverse oscillation of lay areas in a fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A manufacturing process (10) for producing a product (50,50') comprises a product making section (20) and an operation section (60). Product making section (20) is operative to produce, for example, a complete but unmarked cable product (50). Operation section (60) is operative to affect a manufacturing operation on product (50), for example, indent marking of reversal points of product (50). A completed product (50') comprising markings over reversal points is then stored on a product storage device comprising a take-up reel (98).

Abstract: Methods for marking sections of a fiber optic cable (22) so that carrier tube reversal points will be indicated on an exterior surface of the fiber optic cable. The method including the steps of: determining a current length value of the cable; measuring an offset distance value (39), the offset distance being a length measurement between a carrier lay direction reversal point of the cable and a marking device (28); entering the offset distance value into a memory; as a lay direction reversal point is being made, adding the current length value to the offset distance to define a sum value; comparing the sum value to the current cable length value; and when the sum value equals the current cable length value, activating the marking device (28) whereby the marking device marks the cable section.