Abstract: A fiber optic cable having optical fibers disposed in buffer tubes, the buffer tubes defining at least two layers generally stranded about a center area of the cable. The buffer tube layers define a relatively inner layer of buffer tubes being closer to the center area, and an outer layer of buffer tubes being relatively further from the center area. The inner and outer buffer tube layers each having a respective helix value, the respective helix values being substantially the same. Alternatively, the respective helix values can be substantially non-equal. In addition, fiber optic cable systems including balanced helix factors have optical connections between layers of buffer tubes of the respective cables.

Abstract: An optical path for voice, video, and data transmission, and methods for manufacturing optical cables for use in optical transmission systems. The optical path or sub-paths have linearly and or non-linearly length dependant parameters which may have mutual relationships, for which local selection criteria allows a minimally restrictive local selection.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having optical fibers disposed in buffer tubes, the buffer tubes defining at least two layers generally stranded about a center area of the cable. The buffer tube layers define a relatively inner layer of buffer tubes being closer to the center area, and an outer layer of buffer tubes being relatively further from the center area. The inner and outer buffer tube layers each having a respective helix value, the respective helix values being substantially the same. Alternatively, the respective helix values can be substantially non-equal. In addition, fiber optic cable systems including balanced helix factors have optical connections between layers of buffer tubes of the respective cables.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable for use in a dispersion managed cable system, the cable including at least one bridging path having first and second optical fibers and a bridge optical fiber. The first and second optical fibers have predetermined chromatic dispersion characteristics such that the range of the absolute values of the chromatic dispersion of the optical fibers is about ten to about forty ps/nm.km. A mode field diameter differential exists between the first and second optical fibers. The bridge optical fiber is spliced to each of the first and second optical fibers thereby bridging the mode field diameter differential. The bridge optical fiber is spliced in defined splice areas. The fiber optic cable can include at least one marking generally indicating the location of the splice areas and/or bridge optical fiber.

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 fiber unit with optical fibers loosely contained within a flexible tube formed from two plastic strips which are bonded together along edge seams. The structure is completely flexible and the tube is compressible and deformable to assist in packing into channels in a cable while maximizing fiber density in the cable product.

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.