Abstract: An optical fiber cable with a plurality of buffer tubes wherein the buffer tubes each encase a bundle of optical fibers. The buffer tubes are color-coded by means of mixing a buffer tube material with a colorant before or during the extrusion process. A polyolefin is used as the base resin for the color concentrate resulting in increased let down ratios. By using less colorant to deliver desired amount of pigment to the buffer tube, cost savings and enhanced processability are achieved.

Abstract: The invention is a cable assembly in which the ripcord is bonded or woven to the cable assembly's armor tape. This arrangement helps to prevent the ripcords from moving from their initial position, therefore allowing better dissection of a cable sheath and/or jacket. The cable assembly includes a cable core (e.g., soft buffer tubes surrounding optical fibers), a tape surrounding the cable core, at least one ripcord attached to the tape, and a cable jacket surrounding the tape. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a cable assembly includes a cable core having a predetermined axial length, a cable jacket for housing the cable core along the predetermined axial length of the cable core, and a ripcord disposed between the cable core and the cable jacket along the predetermined axial length, in a manner that the ripcord is contained within the predetermined axial length, but the ripcord has a length substantially longer that the predetermined axial length.

Abstract: The cable with optical fibers includes a filamentary strength member made of a material with a low coefficient of expansion in longitudinal contact with a contiguous member having a high coefficient of expansion. To increase the friction or adhesion between the strength member and the contiguous member, the strength member and/or the contiguous member has striations on its surface in contact with the other member. The striations for increasing friction or adhesion are preferably formed on the strength member or on the contiguous member using knurling means for knurling said member.

Abstract: Guide tubes are arranged in a loose bundle and are fed into an existing tubular conduit or protective duct by a powered tractor and are pulled through the duct by the volumetric flow of compressed air which is introduced into the inlet end of the duct. The guide tubes are pressurized and closed at their leading end and trailing end. The existing duct is open at both ends. When the filling degree of the guide tube bundle (sum of guide tube cross-sectional areas compared to that of channelization duct) is provided in the range of from about 30% to about 60%, blowing/pushing installation of the guide tube bundle is substantially trouble free, and the bundle of guide tubes can be installed in a flexible and efficient manner over relatively greater distances.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a core and a surrounding protective layer. The core includes an inner tube having one or more optical fibers contained therein, and the surrounding protective layer includes an outer tube received over the inner tube, and a layer of buffer material positioned between the outer tube and the inner tube. The buffer material maintains the inner tube generally centrally located within the outer tube and providing a mechanical link between the inner tube and the outer tube to prevent relative movement therebetween. The inner tube may be coated with a low hydrogen permeability material to minimize the entrance of hydrogen into the inner tube. The low hydrogen permeability material may be coated with a protective layer of hard, scratch resistant material to protect the integrity of the low hydrogen permeability material.

Abstract: The optical cable essentially comprises a core (2), containing at least one optical conductor (3), a non-combustible support element (4) surrounding the core (2) in the shape of a tube or cylinder, a fireproofing layer (6) arranged on the support element (4) and a sheath (8, 12) containing a thermal insulation layer (10). A material solidifying under the action of heat serves as fireproofing layer (6).

Abstract: An optical fiber cable core includes a buffer tube containing at least one optical fiber and reinforced by at least two substantially radially incompressible longitudinal strength members, each strength member having surface portions radially outermost with respect to the tube axis which are at or protrude from the exterior surface of the buffer tube. If the strength members protrude from the exterior surface of the buffer tube, less than 50%, and preferably less than 20%, of the outer surface of the strength members protrudes from the exterior surface of the buffer tube. The positions of the strength members can be readily determined, can be visible and can be easily removed from the buffer tube prior to slitting the buffer tube to achieve midspan access.

Abstract: An undersea telecommunications cable comprises a buffer tube which protects a plurality of optical fibers disposed therein from externally applied forces. To this end, the buffer tube contains a thixotropic, water blocking gel that has a viscosity and a critical yield shear stress sufficient to couple, upon application of a tensile load capable of producing up to a 0.8% strain in the cable, tensile forces from the buffer tube to the optical fibers to thereby induce strain in the fibers that is proportional to that induced in the tube, without preventing the return of the optical fibers to a substantially unstrained condition upon the removal of such tensile load. Should it become necessary to repair a section of the undersea cable as by retrieving it from the sea bed and inserting a spliced segment, existing sections of the fiber will be sufficiently protected from any damage which might otherwise have been caused during the cable retreival and recovery operation.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having strength assemblies (30) adjacent a tube for imparting crush resistance to the cable, at least one of the strength assemblies including a strength member in contact with a tube having at least one optical fiber therein. The strength member is coupled to a first jacket, and may be surrounded a single jacket, or by an armor tape and a second jacket. The strength member may be disposed in a recess of the tube. When crush loads are applied to the fiber optic cable, the stresses created in the cable are advantageously distributed by strength assemblies (30) whereby stress concentrations and undue deflection of the cable in response to the crush loads are avoided. Tight coupling and minimized gaps between the cable components in strength assemblies (30) inhibits slippage and/or warping of the components under stress, and thereby evenly distribute the stress for preventing crush induced attenuation in the optical fibers.

Abstract: A cable containing at least one optical fiber within a tube, a space between the optical fiber and the tube and a filling material at least partially filling the space. The filling material contains thermoplastic polymeric molecules which have bonded to form a three-dimensional network substantially throughout said filling material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable, in particular an optical fiber cable, which is resistant to the radial permeation and to the longitudinal propagation of water. This cable contains a water-soluble polymer material which is a water-swellable and water-soluble material. In particular, this cable is characterized in that, following the ingress of water into this cable, the propagation of water is impeded on account of the combined effect of the swelling of the water-soluble material and the formation of an aqueous solution of said material which has a predetermined viscosity, so as to impede the passage of the residual water. Preferably, the water-soluble material is chosen from polyacrylamide, modified polyvinyl alcohol, vinyl alcohol/vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and mixtures thereof, the material preferably being a vinyl alcohol/vinyl acetate copolymer.

Abstract: An optical-fiber cable includes an assembly of buffer tubes including at least two flexible buffer tubes that are held together compactly by adhesion to one another. The cable further includes a plurality of optical fibers, which are housed within the buffer tubes, a jacket surrounding the assembly of buffer tubes, and at least one longitudinal strength member that is provided at the periphery of the assembly of buffer tubes. According to one aspect, the jacket is formed of polyethylene, the buffer tubes are formed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or a thermoplastic elastomer possessing flexible diol segments, and the buffer tubes are contained within the jacket in a helical or SZ stranding configuration. According to a second aspect, a fiber optic buffer tube includes low and high melting point materials forming domains and a matrix, respectively, and preferably further includes a filler. The domains are embedded in the matrix. The latter buffer tubes are bonded together by thermal activation of the domains.

Abstract: A self-supporting fiber optic cable includes messenger and carrier sections and at least one interconnecting web. The messenger section includes at least one support member and a protective jacket. The carrier section includes a tube, at least one optical fiber disposed within the tube, and a jacket. In order to protect the optical fiber from tensile forces and to facilitate mid-span access, the carrier section can have an overlength. In order to accommodate the overlength, the web can include a plurality of intermittent webs that permit the carrier section to bend. The carrier section can also include at least one strength member. The at least one strength member is preferably positioned in a reference plane that also generally extends through the messenger section, the carrier section and the web. By appropriately positioning the strength members relative to the tube, the carrier section preferentially bends in a plane generally orthogonally disposed to the reference plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical clocking signal distribution article that comprises a substrate that has a front surface and a back surface that are parallel planar. A dielectric layer is disposed upon the front surface, and a recess in the substrate exposes a portion of the dielectric layer when viewed from the back surface. A first light reflecting structure is disposed in the dielectric layer. The first reflecting structure is disposed within the exposed portion of the dielectric layer. At least one light receiver is disposed upon the front surface. Also disclosed is a method of forming an optical distribution structure. The method comprises forming a recess through a substrate to expose a dielectric layer. The method further comprises forming a waveguide in the dielectric layer, wherein the waveguide has a length, a first end, and a second end, and wherein the recess is disposed over the first end of the waveguide.

Abstract: Signal cable for transmission of optical signals, especially in oil and gas wells, includes at least one elongated optical fiber, and an elongated, generally tubular container within which the optical fiber is disposed, the container having an inner wall and an outer wall, a space being defined between the optical fiber and the inner wall. At least one of the inner wall and the outer wall has a thin continuous surface coating of gold or a gold alloy.

Abstract: A cable containing at least one optical fiber and at least one material. The at least one optical fiber being at least partially embedded within the at least one material, and the at least one material forming a housing that protects the at least one optical fiber. The at least one material having a Shore A hardness of about 75 or less.

Abstract: At neutral or messenger wire for a power distribution system comprises a plastics tube supported by metal wires extending along the outside of the tube. Optical fibers arc located within the plastics tube and a coating is applied to the outside of the tube to enhance wear characteristics.

Abstract: In order to prevent microcurvatures in the optical fibers when the cable is subjected to temperature variations in the range from approximately −40° C. to approximately +85° C., a cable with N optical fibers (FO) each having a core (1) and a coating (2) with coefficients of thermal expansion/compression &agr;1 and &agr;2, Young's modulus in traction E1 and E2 and sections S1 and S2 comprises a retaining sheath (3) enveloping the optical fibers buried in a filling material (4) having a coefficient of thermal expansion/compression &agr;4, Young's modulus in traction E4 and section S4. The sheath (3) satisfies the condition: (&agr;3.E3.S3)≦[(&agr;1.E1.S1)+(&agr;2.E2.S2)](N/14)+(&agr;4.E.4.S4) in which &agr;3, E3 and S3 are respectively the coefficient of thermal expansion/compression, the Young's modulus in traction and the section of the sheath.

Abstract: In order to prevent an optical cable which is used with a high-tension cable from being damaged by Corona discharge, the optical cable has a cable cladding provided with a Corona-resistant skin layer.

Abstract: In an optical fiber configuration having an optical fiber within a flexible insulating sleeve, which has, at least on one section, peripheral shields made of an insulating material, it is envisaged to apply the shields directly to a sheath made of a glass fiber reinforced plastic. The sheath in turn receives the optical fiber. Such a configuration involves low costs and protects the optical fiber from mechanical influences.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the cable of the present invention incorporates a core, an outer jacket surrounding the core, and a commercially available super-absorbent fibers disposed between the core and the outer jacket as well as inside the core. The fibers may also be applied to a tape to be provided between the core and the outer jacket. The tape incorporates a first layer and super-absorbent fibers, with the super-absorbent fibers being 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 fibers preferably are provided with a moisture content of greater than approximately 0 percent, by weight, thereby improving the flame-retarding characteristics of the tape.

Abstract: An optical module includes a stack of optical fiber ribbons that are within a buffer encasement, such as a thin sheath, that closely bounds the periphery of the stack. The optical modules can be rectangular, so that the optical modules can be readily stacked in a manner that results in a very space efficient fiber optic cable. The optical modules can be tested prior to being incorporated into the fiber optic cable so as to maximize the probability of the fiber optic cable being fully operable. The sheath cushions all of the sides of the stack. In some optical modules, the stack is movable relative to the sheath and the optical fiber ribbons are movable relative to one another.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes multiple differently sized stacks of optical fiber ribbons. The stacks include a central stack that is approximately centrally located in a jacket passage and peripheral stacks positioned radially around the central stack. A difference exists between the dimensions of the central stack and the dimensions of one or more of the peripheral stacks. Another fiber optic cable has multiple longitudinally extending stacks of optical fiber ribbons that are within a jacket passage. The stacks include a central stack that is approximately centrally located in the jacket passage, and peripheral stacks positioned radially around the central stack. Buffer encasements that respectively contain the peripheral stacks are longitudinally stranded around the central stack.

Abstract: In order to prevent microcurvatures in the optical fibers when the cable is subjected to temperature variations in the range from approximately −40° C. to approximately +85° C., a cable with N optical fibers (FO) each having a core (1) and a coating (2) with coefficients of thermal expansion/compression &agr;1 and &agr;2, Young's modulus in traction E1 and E2 and sections S1 and S2 comprises a retaining sheath (3) enveloping the optical fibers buried in a filling material (4) having a coefficient of thermal expansion/compression &agr;4, Young's modulus in traction E4 and section S4.

Abstract: A ground wire for a power transmission system has a plastic tube to carry a bundle optical fibers. The plastic tube is clad with a metal strip, preferably aluminium and is supported by a set of wire strands disposed about the tube.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable with at least one optical transmission component having a nominal radius, and at least two strength components, at least one of the strength components being generally adjacent to the optical transmission component. At least one of the strength components having a nominal radius that is less than the nominal radius of the optical transmission component. A cable jacket surrounds the optical transmission component and the strength components. The optical transmission component being generally disposed adjacent generally flat surfaces of the cable jacket. The cable can be made by an extrusion tooling apparatus with a tip and a die, the extrusion tooling apparatus being operative to extrude jacketing material about the strength components and the optical transmission component. The tip has an orifice defined within the end of the tip for receiving the strength and optical transmission components therein.

Abstract: An optical cable has tensile elements and supporting elements embedded in an extruded outside cladding. The tensile elements are hauled-off from a supply reel and introduced into an extruder head serving to manufacture the outside cladding. The supporting elements are manufactured in a coextrusion with the outside cladding by appropriate channels formed in the extruder head.

Abstract: A flexible innerduct structure is configured to contain a cable within a conduit. The innerduct structure includes a pair of adjacent strip-shaped layers of flexible material that are joined along their longitudinal edges to define a channel through which the cable can extend longitudinally through the innerduct structure between the layers. The adjacent layers have differing widths between their longitudinal edges, whereby the wider layer bulges away from the narrower layer to impart an open configuration to the channel. Other features of the innerduct structure relate to the material of which it is formed. Such features includes the structure of the material, such as a woven structure, and further include properties such as melting point, tensile strength, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable is provided which can perform a long-distance signal light transmission at high bit rates even if any temporal temperature change or regional temperature difference occurs. Also provided is an optical transmission system in which signal light can be transmitted at high bit rates over a long distance, from a transmitting station to a receiving station, even if a temporal temperature change or a regional temperature difference occurs to the fiber optic cables installed between the transmitting station and the receiving station. The fiber optic cable comprises a plurality of optical fibers bundled therein having an absolute value of 0.001 ps·nm−1·km31 1·K−1 or less, more preferably 0.0005 ps·nm−1·km−1·K−1 or less, of chromatic dispersion variation quantity per unit temperature at a wavelength of 1550 nm. The fiber optic cable preferably has a loose tubal structure or loose slotted structure.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) includes a conventional optical fiber ribbon stack (12) with optical fiber ribbons having optical fibers. Ribbon stack (12) is disposed in a water blocking material (13) which, in turn, is surrounded by a core tube (14). Core tube (14) is surrounded by an outer jacket (15). The space between core tube (14) and jacket (15) includes fiber optic cable components (20,30,40). Cable component (20) provides strength and flame inhibiting capabilities to fiber optic cable (10) and may include a water blocking capability. Cable component (30) comprises a flame inhibiting capability, and may include a water blocking capability. Cable component (40) provides anti-buckling and flame inhibiting capabilities to fiber optic cable (10) and may include a water blocking capability. Fiber optic cable (10) meets flame and water blocking requirements, is manufactured at a low unit cost, and is easy to route through cable passageways.

Abstract: A communications cable network, in a duct or tube system used primarily for other purposes, wherein the communications cables are mounted on the walls of the duct or tube system. The communications cable (3), is made of a core (7-10) and a sheath (11). The core (7-10) of the communications cable (3) is extremely flexible and the sheath (11) is sufficiently rigid that cable sag is less than 20 mm for a 2000-mm distance between fastenings. The sheath (11) is removed from the core (7-10) in the area of the shafts (2) of the duct or pipe system (1).

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having optical sub-units each respectively including at least one optical fiber ribbon. The optical sub-units are removably connected together by a web of jacketing material. The optical fiber ribbons are generally twisted about their respective longitudinal axes by stranded strength fibers disposed about the optical ribbons. The fiber optic cable can be used as a stand alone component or, for example, in fan-out or break-out cables.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes a central strength or structural member, buffer tubes of the desired flexibility are S-Z wound around the central member with a predetermined lay, preferably with alternating single turn S-Z lays and the buffer tubes loosely receive optical fiber ribbon stacks, the pitch of the twist being selected to provide a predetermined ratio of the pitch of the buffer tube lay. The wall thickness of the buffer tubes is selected to provide the desired buffer tube strength and crush resistance, and the diameters of the buffer tubes bores are selected in relation to the size of the optical fiber ribbon stacks so as to provide a predetermined clearance. The clearance C is between about 1 mm and about 2 mm with the relation: C=(TI2−WR2)½−HR Where TI is the inner diameter of the tube, WR is the width of said stack and HR is a thickness of the stack.

Abstract: Described is an optical cable or cable element with a plurality of optical waveguide elements which are stranded together and each consist of several optical waveguides, collected into a bundle, and of a plastic covering surrounding the bundle with a maximum free space of 0.1 mm, and of a non-compressible filling compound filling the intermediate spaces between the optical waveguides, and with a layer of longitudinally aligned glass or plastic fibers surrounding the optical waveguide elements and with an extruded outer jacket of a polymer, the outer jacket compressing the layer radially.

Abstract: In an optical cable consisting of a metallic core (1) with at least one channel (2), which extends in the longitudinal direction of the core (1) and in which at least one optical waveguide (13) is arranged, the at least one channel (2) is arranged within the sheath encasing the core (1) and is closed to the exterior.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the cable of the present invention incorporates a core, an outer jacket surrounding the core, and a super-absorbent foam disposed between the core and the outer jacket as well as inside the core. The super-absorbent foam comprises a polyurethane or similar type foam loaded with super-absorbent polymers (SAPs) which exhibit both water-blocking and flame-retarding characteristics. Additionally, the foam preferably is provided with a moisture content of greater than approximately 0 percent, by weight, thereby improving the flame-retarding characteristics of the foam.

Abstract: An optical fibre cable includes at least one optical fibre and a polymer-based outer sheath, characterized in that the sheath is an extruded double-layer sheath, including an extruded first inner polymer layer and an extruded second outer polymer layer. The first inner polymer layer is substantially devoid of tracking resistance, and the second outer polymer layer has high tracking resistance. The second outer polymer layer includes a polymeric mixture containing a polymer and an inorganic oxide or hydroxide in an amount of at least 40% by weight with respect to the total weight of the second outer polymer layer.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable that includes an armor layer having inner and outer surfaces and defining a passageway therethrough, a protective jacket surrounding the armor layer, a plurality of optical fibers extending lengthwise through the passageway, and a water swellable element for inhibiting water migration through the passageway. The water swellable element can be a water swellable layer on at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the armor layer and/or a water swellable yarn extending through the passageway. The fiber optic cable is preferably tubeless, i.e., free of buffer tubes. In instances in which a water swellable layer is on the inner surface of the armor layer, the optical fibers are capable of contacting the water swellable layer.

Abstract: A cable includes an optical fiber, a buffer tube having the optical fiber arranged therein, and a thermoset material for connecting the optical fiber to the buffer tube. The thermoset material will not melt or appreciably soften and will maintain basic elastomeric flexibility in a temperature range of −40 to 70 degrees Celsius. The thermoset material may be a flame-retardant silicone elastomer, base and curing agent, as well as a liquid rubber molded compound, which is not flame-retardant. The thermoset material allows for fiber helix movement as the cable expands and contracts from −40 to +70 degrees Celsius, and is cyclically placed for connecting the optical fiber to the buffer tube at intervals of about every ½ meter, as well as at intervals of about every 10 meters.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable comprising a plurality of tubes each having at least one optical fiber therein and at least one strength component. A center of the strength component being generally offset from a center-zone of the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable includes a center-zone interstice, the center-zone interstice spanning generally the center of the fiber optic cable between the tubes and the strength component. The center-zone interstice may include a water swellable substance for blocking the flow of water therein.

Abstract: Fiber optic and composite zip cord cables (40;50) having at least one respective buffer unit (30) therein. Each zip cord (40;50) includes at least two cords (42;52,54) having respective jackets (46;56) attached by a frangible web (43;53). At least one cord includes a buffer unit (30) generally surrounded by a layer of filaments, the buffer unit comprising at least two optical fibers (31) in a buffer layer (32). The buffer units (30) can be stranded about a central member (22) and enclosed in a jacket (28).

Abstract: In a device for placing a structural element in a cable installation conduit in order to sub-divide it, the structural element has a width close to the size of the internal perimeter of the conduit and comprises a plate surmounted by ribs. The device comprises a hot air inlet designed to soften the plate of the structural element; an external cylinder whose diameter is identical to that of the conduit, the cylinder comprising a shaping cone at one end in order to enable the softened structural element in order to gradually take a cylindrical shape; and an internal core fixedly held at a position located in the shaping cone of the external cylinder and positioned inside the softened structural element in order to give it a constant internal diameter when it is being shaped.

Abstract: An optical cable with one or more fiber optics conductors (4) that are located in a strand (1) with a polypropylene envelope or in a polypropylene support element (8), as well as with an outer jacket (6). The polypropylene contains a fire-retardant additive, the basis of which is an ammonium polyphosphate, and the jacket (6) is made of a halogen-free, flame-resistant material.

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: An optical fiber cable which is constructed so as to minimize optical transmission loss, and which comprises one or more compliant core units retained within a surrounding sheath. Each compliant core unit is composed of a bundle of parallel optical fibers, such as a stack of ribbons, enclosed in and supported by a compliant unitizing structure. The structure may derive its compliance from a foamed material, such as polyethylene, that is extruded to surround the fiber bundle. The foam material sufficiently cushions the bundle of fibers from external stresses that are applied when the cable is bent or encounters compressive loading.

Abstract: A stack of optical fiber ribbons is enclosed in a buffer encasement having a relatively soft inner portion and an relatively hard outer portion. The inner portion has an interior surface extends around and defines a longitudinally extending passage that contains the stack, and the interior surface closely bounds the stack. The outer portion extends around, closely bounds and contacts the inner portion, and has a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the inner portion. In accordance with one example of the invention, the inner portion has an exterior surface that extends around and is spaced apart from the passage, and the outer portion has an interior surface that extends around, closely bounds, and engages the exterior surface of the inner portion, whereby the buffer encasement has multiple plies. In contrast, in accordance with another example of the invention, a surface is not defined between the inner portion and the outer portion.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having a plurality of buffer tubes. Within at least one of the buffer tubes is a plurality of main fibers. Within the cable outer sheath, the main fibers are factory-spliced with optical splitters at predetermined distances. Distribution fibers are factory-spliced to the outputs of the optical splitters. The distribution fibers reside within distribution buffer tubes, and are available for access at substantially any location along the length of the fiber optic cable. A certain number of the distribution fibers from a particular optical splitter extend in an upstream direction of the fiber cable, and the remaining distribution fibers from that optical splitter extend in a downstream direction.

Abstract: A telecommunications cable element having a transmission element disposed in a buffer tube made from thermoplastic polyolefin elastomeric buffer material is disclosed. The polyolefin elastomeric buffer material has a modulus of elasticity below about 500 MPa at room temperature and a modulus of elasticity below about 1500 MPa at −40° C. Preferentially, the thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer material forming the buffer tube has an elongation to break below about 500% and a Melt Flow Index above about 3.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable is constituted by a cylindrical spacer having on its surface helical grooves reversing their direction at a given pitch in which a stack of ribbon optical fibers is received.

Abstract: A telecommunications cable comprising a communications element, such as an optical fiber, and a jacket surrounding the communications element having at least one elongated strength member embedded therein is disclosed. The jacket of the telecommunications cable is formed by extruding a blend of a polyolefin material and a copolymer adhesion promoting material, such as graft copolymer of polyethylene and ethylene acrylic acid or a graft copolymer of polyethylene and maleic anhydride. The copolymer adhesion promoting material promotes adhesion between the strength member and the jacket. The resulting increase in adhesion between the strength member and the jacket improves the cable's resistance to water penetration, low temperature buckling and shrinkage as well as excessive high temperature expansion. The blending of an adhesion promoting material in the jacketing material also reduces the risk of armor cracking during cyclic flexing and strength member pistoning within the jacket.