Abstract: A fiber optic cable is disclosed that buffers against loss, where the cable includes an outer jacket, and an optical fiber ribbon disposed within the outer jacket, wherein the ribbon includes more than one optical fiber, and at least two distinct matrix coatings disposed on the optical fibers, the coatings having distinct characteristics. Preferably, the inner coating is relatively soft, with a lower elastic modulus than the relatively stiff, hard outer coating. Also disclosed is a method of buffering loss in an optical fiber transmission, including providing an optical fiber ribbon, wherein the ribbon includes more than one optical fiber, and at least two distinct matrix coatings disposed on the optical fibers, the coatings having distinct characteristics; and transmitting in at least one of the C-band, L-band and U-band of wavelengths.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable is disclosed that buffers against loss, where the cable includes an outer jacket, and an optical fiber ribbon disposed within the outer jacket, wherein the ribbon includes more than one optical fiber, and at least two distinct matrix coatings disposed on the optical fibers, the coatings having distinct characteristics. Preferably, the inner coating is relatively soft, with a lower elastic modulus than the relatively stiff, hard outer coating. Also disclosed is a method of buffering loss in an optical fiber transmission, including providing an optical fiber ribbon, wherein the ribbon includes more than one optical fiber, and at least two distinct matrix coatings disposed on the optical fibers, the coatings having distinct characteristics; and transmitting in at least one of the C-band, L-band and U-band of wavelengths.

Abstract: An assembly for curing a linear work product which is passed through a curing oven at high speed along a first path the assembly having a first path altering member, such as a sheave, re-directing the work product through the oven along at least a second path spaced from the first path. A plurality of such sheaves in a first embodiment redirect the work product through the entrance end of the oven for travel along a second path in the same direction as in the first path. In a second embodiment, the path altering members re-direct the work product into the exit end of the oven for travel in a second path in the opposite direction to the first path. Additional curing may be realized by passing the work product through the curing oven in the same or in opposite directions, as desired or as necessary.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning an optical fiber ribbon without splitting the ribbon. The apparatus comprises a first element that has a channel formed therein, which preferably has a width that is substantially equal to the width of an optical fiber ribbon. A ribbon is cleaned by disposing it in the channel and by pulling it through the channel while applying a force to the top surface of the ribbon. The force may be applied, for example, by a user who applies a cleaning cloth to the top surface of the ribbon as it is pulled through the channel. The contact between the channel, the cleaning device and the exterior surface of the ribbon effectuates removal of foreign material from the exterior surface of the ribbon. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second element. The second element includes a bottom surface that is disposed over the channel when the first and second elements are placed in their operative positions.

Abstract: A method for performing fiber break-out in an optical fiber ribbon, which does not require shutting down the fibers in the ribbon while break-out is being performed, includes the step of placing the ribbon on a smooth surface that is either flat or curved with a radius much greater than the critical bend radius after the matrix material of the ribbon has been softened and swollen. The ribbon is temporarily affixed to the surface, and the softened matrix is then pulled away therefrom. The ribbon is then turned over and temporarily affixed to the surface and the remaining matrix is removed. The fibers that remain are then cleaned with an alcohol solution. In a variation of the method, the matrix is removed by rubbing or abrading it with a textured cloth or pad.