Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an optical fiber minicord cable and a communication system employing the minicord cable. The optical fiber minicord cable includes a buffered optical fiber having a first strength layer formed around the buffered optical fiber, a first fire resistant jacket formed around the first strength layer, a second strength layer formed around the first fire resistant jacket, and a second fire resistant jacket formed around the second strength layer. The first and/or second fire resistant jackets are made of a fluoropolymer such as poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) or poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), including PVDF Solef® 32008 and low smoke poly(vinyl chloride) (LSPVC) Apex® 910. The first and/or second strength layers are made of, e.g., polyaramid yarns such as Kevlar® and Nomex®. The buffered optical fibers typically have conventional structure, with the buffer region made of a suitable material such as nylon (e.g.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes one or more component cables. In one embodiment, the component cable has an elongated central aramid yarn member surrounded by at least one, and preferably six, optical fibers. An aramid yarn layer surrounds and contacts the optical fibers, and a plastic jacket envelopes and contacts the aramid yarn layer. In a second embodiment, the component cable includes optical fibers, preferably twelve in number, embedded in aramid fibers. A plastic jacket in contact with the aramid fibers, encloses the aramid fibers with its embedded optical fibers. In the cable of this invention, component cables of the first and/or second embodiments are wound about an elongated, central strength member with a reverse-oscillated lay. An outer jacket encloses and holds the reverse-oscillated lay of the component cables. The invention also includes a system for manufacturing the cables of this invention.

Abstract: A plastic jacketed cable; having a corrugated metallic shield which encloses a core comprising a plurality of insulated conductors, for use in underground ducts exposed to elevated temperatures includes an inner jacket which is capable of providing and maintaining adequate strength properties notwithstanding imprinting thereof by the corrugations of the shield contiguous thereto, and an outer jacket superimposed over the inner jacket and suitable for resisting degradation while being exposed to the elevated temperatures for sustained periods of time.