Abstract: A low cost, high performance, low profile flexible reinforcement member that can be used for both optical and copper communications cable. The reinforcement members made according to the preferred process are more rigid than known reinforcement members, but are less rigid than glass pultruded rods. Communications cables utilizing these members are lightweight and exhibit an improved combination of strength and flexibility compared to traditional communications cables. Further, these communication cables may then be installed into underground ducts using more economical and faster installation techniques.

Abstract: A low cost, high performance flexible reinforcement member that can be used for both optical and copper communications cable. The reinforcement members made according to the preferred process are more rigid than known reinforcement members, but are less rigid than glass pultruded rods. Communications cables utilizing these members are lightweight and exhibit an improved combination of strength and flexibility compared to traditional communications cables. Further, these communication cables may then be installed into underground ducts using more economical and faster installation techniques.

Abstract: A low cost, high performance flexible reinforcement member that can be used for both optical and copper communications cable. The reinforcement members made according to the preferred process are more rigid than known reinforcement members, but are less rigid than glass pultruded rods. Communications cables utilizing these members are lightweight and exhibit an improved combination of strength and flexibility compared to traditional communications cables. Further, these communication cables may then be installed into underground ducts using more economical and faster installation techniques.

Abstract: A premise cable having a plurality of inorganic fibers for protecting and suspending a plurality of optical fibers within a polymer jacket. The inorganic fibers, preferably fiberglass fibers, do not generate smoke or fire and thus offer an improvement over traditional polyaramid fibers used as reinforcement materials in premise cables. A sizing composition is applied to the inorganic fibers to prevent ribbonization of the inorganic fibers, thereby preventing attenuation of the optical fibers caused by such a ribbonization and also allowing a uniform distribution of fiberglass fibers around the optical fibers to further protect the optical fibers.

Abstract: Fiber reinforcement rods having a combination of reinforcing fiber members coated with a UV curable vinyl ester resin material and a polybutylene terephthalate/polyether glycol or ethylene acrylic acid topcoat layer. The reinforcing fiber members may be S-type fiber members, E-type glass fiber members, a combination thereof, or E-type glass fiber members and/or S-type glass fiber members with high strength synthetic strands of poly(p-phenylene 2,6 benzoisoxazole fiber members. The topcoat layer provides enhanced properties of specific adhesion, enhanced environmental protection, resistance to surface fiber breakage, and to some degree resistance from delamination. The fiber reinforcement rod permits higher translation of strain energy due to reduced defects and residual stresses to allow a tougher and more resilient cured composite rod to be used.

Abstract: A coating composition for forming a water-resistant coating on fiber-reinforced articles such as rods or cables. The composition comprises an aqueous solution of a superabsorbent water-soluble polymer, a viscosity modifying agent, and optionally a lubricant. The coating formed by applying the composition effectively prevents the treated surface from water-permeation damage by absorbing water that contacts the layer containing the superabsorbent component.

Abstract: Articles coated with a water-resistant coating that absorbs water to provide the water-resistant effect, and desorbs water when the coating is dried, and a method of providing water resistance and corrosion resistance to articles prepared with such coatings. The coating is formed by applying a composition comprising an aqueous solution of a superabsorbent water-soluble polymer precursor, optionally a viscosity modifying agent, and optionally a lubricant onto the surfaces of the article, and curing to form a coating comprising the superabsorbent polymer.

Abstract: A coating composition for forming a water-resistant coating on fiber-reinforced articles such as rods or cables. The composition comprises an aqueous solution of a superabsorbent water-soluble polymer, a viscosity modifying agent, and optionally a lubricant. the coating formed by applying the composition effectively prevents the treated surface from water-permeation damage by absorbing water that contacts the layer containing the superabsorbent component.

Abstract: A coating composition for forming a water-resistant coating on fiber-reinforced articles such as rods or cables. The composition comprises an aqueous solution of a superabsorbent water-soluble polymer, a viscosity modifying agent, and optionally a lubricant. The coating formed by applying the composition effectively prevents the treated surface from water-permeation damage by absorbing water that contacts the layer containing the superabsorbent component.

Abstract: A cable (100, 120) for transmitting electrical energy is constructed with a layer (104) of insulating and shielding material made up of pre-impregnated strands, for example glass strands (105), carrying a nonlinear dielectric material concentrically formed about an electrical conductor (102). A portion of the layer (104) is displaced by stranded material (116) pre-impregnated with a thermally conducting material to define a longitudinal heat distributing channel (114) along the cable (100, 120). The layer (104) of nonlinear dielectric material improves field control within the cable (100, 120) and also the temperature profile along the cable (100, 120), both of which improve performance and life expectancy. In addition, the electric field and the electromagnetic interference (EMI) around the cable (100, 120) are reduced. The longitudinal heat distributing channel (114) further improves the temperature profile along the cable (100, 120).

Abstract: An optical cable reinforcement in the form of glass fiber strands ?30! having a first coating ?32! of a binding agent such as a latex mixture and a second coating ?34! of particles ?36! of a water blocking agent such as a polyacrylate salt. The particles ?36! of water blocking agent are adhered to the glass fiber strands ?30! by the binding agent without the binding agent entirely coating the particles of water blocking agent. The unoccluded surface areas of water blocking agent thus provided serve to rapidly absorb/desorb water and protect the optical cable from moisture. A unique powder coating station ?60! is used to apply the particles ?36! of water blocking agent to glass fiber strands ?30! which have been coated with wet binding agent so that the proper adherence of the particles ?36! of water blocking agent without complete embodiment, is obtained.

Abstract: An aqueous coating composition for fibers comprising, a thermoplastic polyurethane latex, and acrylic latex, the balance being water. The coating also contains a paraffin wax or a second acrylic latex. When coated onto a bundle or strand of glass fibers the coated glass fibers are useful in optical fibers and cables. This coating is especially useful in reducing water wicking into the coated glass strand.

Abstract: The invention provides for a dielectric optical fiber cable reinforced by a yarn made by spinning synthetic staple fibers around a glass core. The optical fibers are sheathed by the yarn reinforced glass core and then enclosed in a polyethylene jacket. When heated, the yarn fuses with the polyethylene jacket forming a rigid cable member.

Abstract: A resin compatible size composition for glass fibers having a small fiber diameter is disclosed. The size contains a film former, a nonionic lubricant, a cationic lubricant, at least one silane coupling agent and at least one acid, such as acetic or citric acid. The sized glass fibers are compatible with epoxy and polyester resins and are useful in producing yarns which are then braided, twisted or woven to form structural reinforcements.

Abstract: A method for impregnating a bundle of sized glass fibers with a composition comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene resin, a film-forming acrylic resin, a thickening agent and a polyhydrolyzable organosilane having nonhydrolyzable amine functionality is described. The impregnated bundles are especially suited for at least the warp of fabrics for filtering entrained particulates from gases such as flue gases from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels such as coal.

Abstract: A method for impregnating a bundle of sized glass fibers with a composition comprising a polytetrafluoroethylene resin, a film-forming acrylic resin, a thickening agent and a polyhydrolyzable organosilane having nonhydrolyzable amine functionality is described. The impregnated bundles are especially suited for at least the warp of fabrics for filtering entrained particulates from gases such as flue gases from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels such as coal.