Abstract: A buffer tube design that allows easy access to signal carrying fibers disposed within the buffer tube with risk of damaging the signal carrying fibers. The buffer tube can be made with a ripcord disposed within. Additionally, the buffer tube has the mechanical properties that allow the ripcord to be pulled through the tube wall with less energy than is required to bend the signal carrying fibers within. The buffer tube can also be designed without a ripcord in such a way that the mechanical properties allow the tube to be hand torn using a lower amount of energy than required to bend the signal carrying fibers within.

Abstract: Disclosed is a premises-fiber optical cable with a S-Z stranded-strength member, comprising: a plurality of inner tightly-coated optical fibers disposed at the central region of the optical cable and being S-Z type stranded; a plurality of inner yarns S-Z type-stranded for surrounding the inner tightly-coated optical fibers; a plurality of outer tightly-coated optical fibers S-Z type-stranded for surrounding the inner tightly-coated optical fibers and the inner yarns; a plurality of spirally-stranded outer yarns surround the outer tightly-coated optical fibers; and, an outer jacket disposed at the outer region of the optical cable for surrounding the outer yarns.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for protecting optical fibers embedded in the armor of a tow cable. The method includes the steps of winding a resin-impregnated fiber onto a stainless steel tube, and curing the resin to form a hard protective filament shell around the stainless steel tube. The fiber is a continuous fiber and the step of impregnating is either in combination with the step of winding or prior to the step of winding. The fiber used is any one of a carbon fiber, a Kevlar™ fiber, a boron fiber or the like. The winding is either applied during formation of the steel tube or subsequent to formation of the steel tube. The method further comprises the step of winding galvanized steel armor wires of a predetermined diameter around the tow cable core to form the tow cable and helixing the protected tube amongst the galvanized steel armor wires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber coated with a water blocking material that includes an essentially water free dispersion comprising a superabsorbent polymer and a dispersing medium. The fibers made according to this invention may be used, for example, as fiber reinforcing material used in the manufacture of cables, and in particular in yarns for fiber optical cables that use optical light wave guides for optical communication transmissions.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable is provided that includes a plurality of lengthwise extending, non-jacketed bundles of optical fibers and a cable jacket surrounding the bundles of optical fibers. Each bundle of optical fibers may include a binder, such as a binder thread, for maintaining the integrity of the bundle. The binder may include, for example, a binder thread formed of an air entangled, textured, continuous multi-filament thread. The fiber optic cable may also include a separation element for preventing adhesion between the bundles of optical fibers and the cable jacket without having to separately jacket each bundle of optical fibers.

Abstract: A multi-mode gain fiber is provided which affords substantial improvements in the maximum pulse energy, peak power handling capabilities, average output power, and/or pumping efficiency of fiber amplifier and laser sources while maintaining good beam quality (comparable to that of a conventional single-mode fiber source). These benefits are realized by coiling the multimode gain fiber to induce significant bend loss for all but the lowest-order mode(s).

Abstract: A fiber optic cable and method of manufacturing the same having at least one optical fiber component, at least one strength member and at least one ultra-low shrinking filament. The at least one ultra-low shrinking filament having a shrinkage of about 0.2% or less when heated and held at about 85° C. for about seven days. At least one strength member and at least one ultra-low shrinking filament being disposed generally between the at least one optical fiber component and a cable jacket. The jacket generally surrounding the at least one optical fiber component, the at least one strength member and the ultra-low shrinking filament. The cable can include an interfacial layer interposed between said at least one optical fiber component and the jacket. Additionally, the cable can be riser or plenum rated.

Abstract: A variable fiber count optical fiber cable core is disclosed. The cable core is intended for use as a part of an optical fiber cable, the optical fiber cable having an elongate cylindrical core tube formed about a longitudinal axis, and within which the cable core is received. The cable core comprises a stack of a plurality of variable fiber count optical fiber units formed about the longitudinal axis of the core tube, and housed therein. The stack of the optical fiber units will comprise at least a first optical fiber unit having a first predetermined number of fibers therein, and at least a second optical fiber unit having a second predetermined number of optical fibers therein, where the first and second predetermined numbers of optical fibers differ from one another within the stack of optical fiber units.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having at least one interface being formed by a plurality of adjacent support members. Adjacent the interface is at least one retention area having an optical fiber component disposed therein. The retention area is disposed generally longitudinally and non-helically relative to an axis of the cable. The cable can also include a cable jacket substantially surrounding the support members, a cushioning zone adjacent the optical fiber component, a water-blocking component and/or an interfacial layer at least partially disposed between an outer surface of the support members and the cable jacket.

Abstract: A system for sensing water temperature includes a tow cable with an exterior surface having at least one helical groove formed therein and a metal tube lying in each helical groove. At least one optical temperature sensing element is provided in each metal tube. A thermally-conducting material fills each metal tube and surrounds each optical temperature sensing element contained therein. An outer jacket layer is formed over the tow cable and metal tube.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (10) type comprises at least one tube (12) having optical fibers (14) housed therein. The optical fibers (14) extend helically in a longitudinal direction inside the tube (12). In the method of the invention, the tube (12) is fed to the die for manufacturing the cable (10) by unreeling the tube (12) from the storage reel (24) while the storage reel (24) is held stationary, thereby conferring longitudinal twist on the tube (12) constraining the optical fibers (14) it contains to follow a helical path of pitch substantially equal to the length of one turn of the tube (12) wound on the storage reel (24).

Abstract: An optical fiber interconnection apparatus includes a flat flexible body member defined by a peripheral edge void of any projections. A plurality of optical fibers are mounted to the body member so that their ends extend beyond the peripheral edge and the ends of a plurality of the fibers extend to different locations of the edge. A method of fabricating the interconnection apparatus includes providing a flat release substrate onto which the flat flexible body member is adhered. After the optical fibers are mounted to the body member, the assembly of the body member and fibers are peeled off of the release substrate.

Abstract: A cable comprising a stress-bearing matrix extending substantially through the length of the cable; and a plurality of conducting elements extending substantially through the length of the cable, the plurality of said conducting elements being located within and spaced from one another by said stress-bearing matrix, wherein at least one of the plurality of conducting elements is in intimate contact with a low friction liner disposed about the at least one of the plurality of conducting elements and the at least one of the conducting elements is longitudinally movable relative to the stress-bearing matrix.

Abstract: A system for sensing water temperature includes a tow cable with an exterior surface having at least one helical groove formed therein and a metal tube lying in each helical groove. At least one optical temperature sensing element is provided in each metal tube. A thermally-conducting material fills each metal tube and surrounds each optical temperature sensing element contained therein. An outer jacket layer is formed over the tow cable and metal tube.

Abstract: A coaxial cable includes an inner conductor, a multifilament twisted and drawn or swaged tubular cable outer conductor, and a dielectric (insulative) material therebetween. According to one embodiment, the filaments of the multifilament twisted and drawn or swaged outer conductor are twisted about a central inner conductor provided with an insulative sheath. The outer conductor filaments are arranged such that when they are drawn or swaged, the compressive forces are directed on neighboring filaments and not directed radially inward toward the inner conductor, thereby preventing deformation of the inner conductor. According to another embodiment, each of the filaments is provided with an insulative sheath. According to other embodiments, a cable is formed with a central filament harder than the surrounding filaments. The central filament is withdrawn leaving behind a twisted and drawn or swaged tube with a hollow.

Abstract: An optical cable for routing in sewers, with a cable core and a metallic cladding (5) encircling the cable core in which the cable core is composed of several stranding elements (3) which have a sheath (2) in which several optical waveguides (1) are accommodated, wherein each stranding element (3) comprises a bundle of plural optical waveguides (1) running parallel to each other and unstranded or stranded with large pitch, each bundle is encircled by a sheath (2) which fits closely around the bundle, and plural such stranding elements (3) are stranded to the cable core with the cable core being built up exclusively from such bundles.

Abstract: A composite cable unit having an optical sub-unit including at least one optical fiber, and an electrical sub-unit including at least one electrical conductor for power or transmission. The optical and electrical sub-units are removably connected together by a common jacket material. The composite cable unit can be used singly or in, for example, fan-out or break-out cables.

Abstract: An optical cable (1) has at least two optical fibers (2, 3), composed of plastic, which are surrounded by a common sheath (6) made of insulating material. To ensure functional endurance, even with frequent bending, the optical fibers (2, 3) are stranded together with a short length of lay which is smaller than six times the diameter (D) of an optical fiber (2, 3). In addition, at least two layers of high tensile strength fibers (5) composed of insulating material are stranded around the optical fibers (2, 3), which are stranded together.

Abstract: A hybrid cable includes an optical fiber and a multifilament twisted and drawn or swaged electrical conductor. According to one embodiment, the filaments of the multifilament twisted and drawn or swaged electrical conductor are twisted about the optical fiber and then drawn through one or more dies or swaged. In a second embodiment, a metal tube is drawn through one or more dies, an optical fiber is provided in the tube, and then the tube is drawn again with the optical fiber contained therein to result in a drawn filled tube having a central optical fiber. The drawn filled tube is then used a central filament and a plurality of conductive filaments are twisted and about the central filament and the twisted assembly is then drawn or swaged to result in a hybrid cable. In a third embodiment, a multifilament twisted and drawn or swaged cable is formed with a central filament harder than the surrounding the filaments.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wound insulator pipe, in particular for a high voltage insulator, having one or more ducts for conductors of any kind is provided. A laminate structure is achieved by winding a material onto a spindle and impregnating with a resin. Initially first layers of the material to be wound are applied; then at least one groove is made in the surface obtained and then the winding is completed until the final diameter is attained.

Abstract: In an optical cable, at least one optical fiber is enclosed in a cover. The cover has an outer surface which in cross-section is in the shape of a trapezium formed by removing the right-angled isosceles corner region from a right-angled isosceles triangle. The optical cable can be installed running along a corner with its two perpendicular side faces lying against the surfaces which define the corner. Alternatively, the cable can be installed on a flat surface with the wider of the mutually parallel faces lying against the flat surface.

Abstract: In an optical fiber cable with a jacket in which a plurality of optical fibers are assembled as being S-Z stranded about a central member, a ferromagnetic member is disposed near an inner peripheral surface of the jacket along an S-Z stranded line formed by one of the optical fibers.

Abstract: A process for the extrusion of microcellular polymeric material onto data communications material such as wire and optical fiber is described. Electrical conductors and optical fibers coated with microcellular polymeric material exhibit unexpected strength sufficient to pass certain industry tests necessary for use in a variety of applications, even without an exterior coating of structurally-supporting polymeric material. Polymeric microcellular materials provided in contact with the electrical connectors for a variety of purposes are described where the strength of microcellular material provides required structural support.

Abstract: A high mechanical and heat performance optical cable for aerial or underground applications comprises a dielectric central member, a plurality of polymeric tubes helically arranged around the dielectric central member, a plurality of optical fiber loosely housed in the polymeric tubes and separated from the polymeric tubes by a filling, a binder comprising polymeric tapes helically arranged around the tubes, a peripheral pulling element arranged around the polymeric tubes, a flame resistant external sheath surrounding the peripheral pulling element, and metallic elements helically arranged around the flame resistant external sheath to form an external ring.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable (40,50) having a cellularized cable component (10,10′,10″), the cellularized cable component including at least one optical fiber and a cable jacket (45,55). The cable jacket can include surface irregularities (46,56) having crests and hollows (46a,46b;56a,56b) for reducing surface-to-surface contact with a surface (60) in the cable passage way. The cable jacket can include a friction reducing additive for lubricating the interface between the cable jacket and the cable passageway or objects in the cable passageway. A method and apparatus for producing the cables is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a wound insulating conduit, in particular for a high-voltage insulator, with at least one empty channel for subsequent insertion of a conductor, e.g., an optical fiber. First layers of a material to be wound are applied first, then a molded body provided with at least one empty conduit is applied to a resulting surface and wrapped by additional layers. The molded body has lateral projections which extend over an entire length of the empty conduit and are designed so that they correspond to the surface to which it is secured.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the dry core optical fiber cable of the present invention incorporates a plurality of sub-units with each of said sub-units being arranged adjacent another of the sub-units so that the plurality of sub-units define an outer periphery. Preferably, each of the sub-units includes a plurality of optical fibers, a yarn layer and a sub-unit jacket, with each of the optical fibers being arranged adjacent another of the optical fibers. The sub-unit jacket surrounds the optical fibers, with the yarn layer being disposed between the optical fibers and the sub-unit jacket. An outer jacket surrounds the plurality of sub-units, with water-blocking tape being disposed between the outer jacket and the outer periphery of the sub-units. A method of manufacture of the cable also is provided.

Abstract: An optical fiber tube includes a core material having multiple nylon filaments twisted with each other in a helical manner, a plurality of single strand optical fibers mounted around the core material and twisted with the core material in a helical manner, a tubular protective film mounted around the plurality of single strand optical fibers, and a plastic sleeve mounted around the protective film.

Abstract: A mono-fiber type optical fiber cord comprising: a coated optical fiber which is an optical fiber with a fiber coat therearound, a synthetic resin coat having a substantially rectangular sectional surface for further covering the coated optical fiber, and a reinforcing member within the coat for coated optical fiber, wherein the reinforcing member is located along one of the shorter sides of the coat in the substantially parallel direction with the shorter sides in such a manner as to be embedded along the longitudinally extending direction of the coated optical fiber. An optical cord ribbon is formed by mutually bonding the longer sides of the adjacent substantially rectangular sectional surfaces of a plurality of the mono-fiber type optical fiber cords, and thereafter by coating the external surface of the thus aligned optical fiber cords by a bundling coating method.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the cable of the present invention incorporates a core, an outer jacket surrounding the core, and a tape disposed between the core and the outer jacket. The tape includes a first layer and superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) which are applied to the first layer. Preferably, the first layer is formed of spun bonded non-woven polyester material, nylon spun bonded fabric, non-woven glass, polypropylene melt blown non-woven fabric, polyurethane spun bonded fabric, or TCF cellulose fabric, among others. Additionally, the SAPs preferably are provided with a moisture content of greater than approximately 2 percent, by weight, thereby improving the flame-retarding characteristics of the tape.

Abstract: An inner layer of strands comprises at least one strand; each strand consists of three or four twisted elementary fibers without any central elementary fiber. The ratio of the twist pitch of the strand to its diameter is between 7 and 19. The inner layer may be surrounded by an outer layer which also comprises twisted strands.

Abstract: Multiple groups of optical fibers are laid in concentric helical layers around a central core. A first layer is wound or laid around the core with adjacent lap segments touching each other, thus eliminating axial spacing between the lap segments along the core. The next group contains a greater number of optical fibers and is helically laid around the first layer, with adjacent lap segments touching each other. This winding process is continued, with the number of optical fibers in each successive winding group progressively increasing until a desired cable diameter is obtained. Improved surface uniformity is provided by laying the helical layers with a reversed direction of lay and with increased length of lay in each successive layer. According to another arrangement, improved luminosity is provided by laying the helical layers with reversed direction of lay and with the same length of lay in each successive layer.

Abstract: A cable comprises a leakproof tube containing at least one optical fiber together with a filler material which holds the fiber(s) in place inside the tube and which provides the tube with longitudinal sealing. The filling ratio of the fiber-holding material is less than a determined limit so as to provide at least one expansion volume inside the tube so that the partial pressure of hydrogen remains low enough to avoid giving rise to significant attenuation in the transmission properties of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical fiber, whereby a fiber is drawn from a molten extremity of a preform and is subsequently subjected to a torque, thereby causing a portion of the fiber to be twisted about its longitudinal axis and to be endowed with a spin. The torque is applied by running the fiber between a pair of wheels which rotate in mutually opposite senses about two different rotational axes, each wheel having a peripheral curved surface, the wheels being thus arranged that the fiber runs substantially tangential to their curved surfaces and is pressed therebetween, the wheels being moved back and forth relative to one another in a direction substantially perpendicular to the fiber so as to cause the fiber to be rolled back and forth between their curved surfaces.

Abstract: An optical cable has a plurality of optical fibers. The optical fibers are contained in fiber containing cavities of chamber elements. Each chamber element has a bottom part and a pair of side wall parts, which defines a fiber containing cavity. The individual chamber elements containing the optical fibers are assembled around a thickening layer in an S-Z strand. Each side wall part is formed such that its thickness gradually decreases from its base end portion toward free end portion. Also, the thickness of the bottom part is greater than the thickness of each side wall part.

Abstract: An optical cable has an S-Z stranded part in which plurality of chamber elements containing optical fibers are assembled around a central member in an S-Z strand in the state where their bottom faces are in contact with the central member. Each chamber element has such a characteristic that its flexural rigidity in the depth direction of its fiber containing cavity is smaller than that in the widthwise direction thereof. Assuming, of distortion energy of the chamber element in an S-Z reverse portion within the S-Z stranded part, the distortion energy in the case where the bottom face of the chamber element is in contact with the central member to be U.sub.1, and the distortion energy in the case where a side face of the chamber element is in contact with the central member to be U.sub.2, a relational expression of .DELTA.U=U.sub.1 -U.sub.2 .ltoreq.0.2(mJ/mm) is satisfied.

Abstract: A mono-fiber type optical fiber cord comprising: a coated optical fiber which is an optical fiber with a fiber coat therearound, a synthetic resin coat having a substantially rectangular sectional surface for further covering the coated optical fiber, and a reinforcing member within the coat for coated optical fiber, wherein the reinforcing member is located along one of the shorter sides of the coat in the substantially parallel direction with the shorter sides in such a manner as to be embedded along the longitudinally extending direction of the coated optical fiber. An optical cord ribbon is formed by mutually bonding the longer sides of the adjacent substantially rectangular sectional surfaces of a plurality of the mono-fiber type optical fiber cords, and thereafter by coating the external surface of the thus aligned optical fiber cords by a bundling coating method.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable has a kingwire (10) provided with inner and outer extruded layers (12, 18) of a thermoplastic elastomer. A plurality of optical fibers (14) are disposed on the outer surface (16) of the inner layer (12) and are embedded in the outer layer (18). The cable is constructed by extruding a thermoplastic elastomer around a kingwire, setting the elastomer layer, laying a plurality of optical fibers along the set elastomer layer and extruding a further layer of thermoplastic elastomer over the fibers.

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: An optical fiber cable comprises a slender base body having spiral grooves formed on the outer circumferential surface, and at least one optical fiber tape housed within each of said grooves, said tape including a plurality of insulated optical fibers and a resin coating layer covering said optical fibers. The base body is formed of a mixture of at least two materials differing from each other in the molecular weight distribution. The particular construction permits markedly suppressing an increase of transmission loss derived from micro-bend occurring in the optical fiber tape arranged within the base body, and also permits arranging optical fiber tapes within the base body at a higher density.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tight buffered optical waveguide fiber which includes an optical waveguide fiber, a first protective coating which surrounds and is in contact with an external surface of the optical waveguide fiber and an interfacial layer which surrounds and is in contact with an external surface of the first protective coating. The interfacial layer includes a surfactant and an antifoaming agent. The tight buffered optical waveguide fiber further includes a second protective coating which surrounds and is in contact with an external surface of the interfacial layer. The present invention further relates to a method of producing the tight buffered optical waveguide fiber.

Abstract: A process for marking an outer jacket of an oscillating lay cable to indicate the locations of switchbacks thereunder. The process includes the step of providing detectable markings on an unjacketed cable core in predetermined position relative to the switchback. The process further includes the steps of sensing the detectable markings with a sensor prior to extruding an outer jacket over the cable core, predicting the location of the sensed markings on the cable core after a cable jacket has been extruded, and providing a marking on the cable jacket at a predetermined position relative to the predicted location of the sensed marking.

Abstract: A polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composition includes an active fluorescence or phosfluorescence inducing agent which causes the composition to emit a brighter or hotter appearing light, as compared to conventional PVC compositions, when exposed to white light. In one form, the PVC composition includes barium diphenylaminesulfonate as an additive in a clear or transparent composition and light passing through the composition appears to be hotter than the impinging light. In another form, the additive is barium carbonate and the PVC includes a tinting agent to induce a colored glow when exposed to white light. In all forms, the fluorescence or phosfluorescence inducing agent is selected from a class of materials having the characteristics of creating a compound having an outer electron shell which will permit an electron shift between shells when exposed to light.

Abstract: An improved integral composite cable jacket or tubing is disclosed wherein a fluoropolymer fiber array is disposed between a first and second elastomer jacket layer. At least one of the elastomer jacket layers is comprised of silicone. The first and second elastomer jacket layers are bonded together through predetermined open spaces defined by the fiber array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical unit for an optical fiber telecommunications cable, the unit comprising a tube of a plastics material in which at least one optical fiber is loosely received, wherein the thickness of said tube is less than or equal to 0.5 mm, and wherein said material has a modulus of elasticity less than 1500 MPa at 20.degree. C. and a stress/elongation curve without a yield point.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable comprises a slender base body having spiral grooves formed on the outer circumferential surface, and at least one optical fiber tape housed within each of said grooves, said tape including a plurality of insulated optical fibers and a resin coating layer covering said optical fibers. The base body is formed of a mixture of at least two materials differing from each other in the molecular weight distribution. The particular construction permits markedly suppressing an increase of transmission loss derived from micro-bend occurring in the optical fiber tape arranged within the base body, and also permits arranging optical fiber tapes within the base body at a higher density.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for marking an outer jacket of an S-Z stranded cable to indicate the locations of switchbacks thereunder. The process comprises passing a portion of a cable core within a field of view of an imaging means to acquire an image thereof. The quantity of visually distinguishable conductors in the acquired image is compared to a reference value. If the reference value is exceeded, a transition region or switchback is indicated. Once a transition region is indicated, its position is tracked through a outer jacketing step. A marking to indication the location of the transition region is applied to the outer jacket according to the tracked position of the transition region.

Abstract: A polyethylene resin composition for spacer for optical fiber cable provided with a plurality of channels spirally formed on the periphery surface thereof for receiving the optical fiber comprising polyethylene resin having a melt index of more than or equal to 0.01 g/10 min to less than 0.30 g/10 min, a density of 0.941 to 0.955 g/cm.sup.3 and a flow ratio (HLMI/MLMI) in accordance with JIS K7210 of 20 to 55, and optionally fluorine elastomer.

Abstract: Fiber optic cable containing a core of S-Z stranded strands comprising optical fibers having first and second alternatively repeating first and second sections, a sheath circumscribing the core, and a plurality of indicators located beneath the sheath and in a medial position between a corresponding plurality of pairs of junctures of first and second strand sections along at least a portion of the length of the cable.

Abstract: A tube sheet is formed by integrating a plurality of tubes into the form of a sheet. The tube sheet is constricted in junction portions of the respective tubes so that the tube sheet is deformed in these junction portions. At least one such tube sheet is disposed around a center member to form a tube-aggregated cable.