Abstract: Disclosed is a dry, semi-tight optical fiber unit that includes one or more optical fibers positioned within a buffer tube. A protective coating is provided upon the surface of the optical fibers, and an anti-adhesive coating is substantially bonded to the protective coating. One or more of these optical fiber units may be included in an optical cable. Also disclosed is a method for efficiently producing such an optical fiber unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic assemblies having at least one optical fiber and a water-swellable powder within a tube and/or cavity and methods for making the same. Fiber optic assemblies of the present invention use relatively low-levels of water-swellable powder while still effectively blocking the migration of tap water and/or saline solutions of 3% by weight along the tube and/or cavity. Furthermore, cleaning of the optical fibers is not necessary before connectorization like with conventional fiber optic cables that use a gel or grease. Generally speaking, at least some of the water-swellable powder is transferred to the inside surface of the tube, cavity, optical fiber or the like; rather, than being a loose powder that is able to migrate within the tube or cavity. Moreover, the existence of water-swellable powder within the fiber optic assembly or cable is nearly transparent to the craft since relatively low-levels are possible.

Abstract: A tubular and a jacketed cable combination includes a strip of material helically wound about itself to form a tubular structure having an inside dimension and an outside dimension, one or more optic fibers disposed within a filler material, a jacket disposed about the filler material to protect the same and an affixation between the jacket and the tubular and methods of making the combination and the cable.

Abstract: A buffer tube having therein a ribbon stack formed of optical fiber ribbons, and at least one filler ribbon provided on at least a top or bottom surface of the ribbon stack. The filler ribbon is provided to increase coupling between the ribbon stack and the buffer tube and to reduce fiber attenuation.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable having a polymeric component, in particular a buffer tube, suitable for both terrestrial and undersea uses. The polymeric material forming the component has a copolymer of propylene with a C4-C8 ?-olefin and preferably a nucleating agent disbursed therein. The obtained component shows improved dimensional stability, which guarantees its non-deformability, and high transparency and can be extruded at lower extrusion temperatures.

Abstract: A communications ducting system, and method of laying a communications duct assembly below a surface, usually in a carriageway or footpath, using an open slot which is subsequently backfilled. The width of the slot is preferably not substantially greater than the narrowest outer cross sectional width of the duct assembly. In at least one direction, the duct assembly has a dimension of less than 20 mm and thus the slot need be no more than 20 mm wide. The duct assembly can be laid along the bottom of the slot, preferably on a layer of sand or other bedding material. Access chambers may provide fibre blowing points along the slot for installing optical fibre in the duct assembly after the assembly is in place, either for the original installation of the fibres or for repair purposes. The access chambers can also be used to accommodate changes in direction of the slot and for repairs in the duct assembly.

Abstract: A modular cable unit for oilfield wireline includes multiple cable modules. The cable modules are interchangeable to achieve a modular cable unit with desired telemetry and electrical properties to suit a specific application. The cable modules can be an optical fiber module, a power cable or an opto-electrical module assembly. The cable modules that make up the modular cable unit are preferably arranged in a triad configuration defining a substantially triangular tangent periphery and are surrounded by a polymeric casing having a circular periphery. The triad configuration of the modular cable unit contributes to an improved mechanical strength. A floating-tube type optical fiber element with improved mechanical strength is also disclosed.

Abstract: Fiber optic drop cables are disclosed that are suitable for automated preconnectorization. In one embodiment, an optical waveguide is disposed in a buffer tube that has two strength components disposed on opposite sides thereof and a plurality of strength members. The plurality of strength members are disposed at a plurality respective interstices located between the buffer tube and the two strength components and shaped into a plurality of substantially triangular shapes for improving the balancing of the residual stresses in the fiber optic cable caused by the shrinkage of a cable jacket during cooling. In another embodiment, a fiber optic cable includes a tonable lobe connected by a web that is frangible and the web includes predetermined ratios for easily and reliable separation of the tonable lobe.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly comprising a first fiber optic cable having pre-selected optical fibers pre-terminated and branched at a cable access point, a second cable optically connected to the pre-terminated optical fibers, and a flexible body encapsulating the cable access point. A method for manufacturing a fiber optic cable assembly comprising providing a fiber optic cable, making an opening in the cable for access, pre-terminating pre-selected optical fibers, optically connecting the pre-selected optical fibers with optical fibers of a tether cable, and encapsulating at least a portion of the cable access location within a flexible overmolded body.

Abstract: An optical fiber unit having a sheath and a plurality of optical fiber elements loosely housed in the sheath. The sheath is coated with particles of an adherence reducing substance and has a radial thickness that is not substantially greater than 0.3 mm. The coating of adherence reducing particles is applied as a liquid coating. The liquid coating is a dispersion of the particles and heat is applied to evaporate the liquid content of the liquid coating to produce a dry coating of particles on the sheath.

Abstract: An optical cable for communication includes at least one retaining element blocked with respect to the water propagation as well as a process for manufacturing such an optical cable. The optical cable includes, in addition to the retaining element, at least two transmission elements housed within the retaining element and a water swellable yarn housed within the retaining element. The water swellable yarn is selected according to the following equation: V w V TF = k V t + R ( 1 ) in which VW is the volume of the water swellable yarn after swelling upon contact with water; VTF is the total free volume in the retaining element; k is a constant ?180; R is a constant ?1.4; and Vt is the free volume per each transmission element. Advantageously, the optical cable is water-blocked and the water swellable yarn does not induce microbending effects on the transmission elements.

Abstract: A conductor module (M) comprises a jacket (E) tightly accommodating, in the manner of tubing, at least two flexible conductors (C). The conductors (C) are coated with a small amount of oil (H) having a viscosity strictly less than 100 millipascal second (mPa.s) so as to allow control of the slippage of the jacket (E) in relation to the conductors (C) and longitudinal impenetrability inside the module (M).

Abstract: Purging interior regions of a cable reduces or prevents hydrogen darkening of an optical fiber located in the cable. While hydrogen may permeate through an outer surface of the cable, fluid circulating through the cable purges the hydrogen from within the cable. This circulation of the fluid occurs between an inner tube containing the fiber and an outer tube surrounding the inner tube.

Abstract: An optical phase modulator made of lithium niobate or the like phase-modulates the output light of a single-wavelength laser light source 20 that emits CW light, and the phase-modulated light is inputted to a dispersion medium 22. The positive chirp and negative chirp of light to which frequency chirp is applied by phase modulation draw near in the dispersion medium and an optical pulse is generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to side-scattering light guides that generally comprise a core of transparent optically homogenous material seeded with diffuser particles. The light guide also comprises an optically transmitting sheath, having a lower refractive index than the core, surrounding and in contact with the sides of the core to prevent any light being transmitted along the core from escaping through the core's sides. In general, the diffuser particles impart only a small deviation to light rays incident upon them, and are distributed to scatter light being transmitted along the core so that at least some of the scattered light exits the sides of the core. A diffusing jacket is arranged to intercept scattered light exiting the sides of the core.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable maintains an outer jacket, at least one optical fiber tube within the jacket and for each optical fiber tube, four optical fibers, arranged in a substantially squared arrangement. The optical fibers are linearly arranged along the length of the cable. The optical fibers are loosely arranged within the fiber tube in such a manner as to allow shifting of the straight optical fibers to conform to a bending of the cable, while being simultaneously constrained such that the straight arranged fibers do not become crossed-over or overlapped during bending.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable can inhibit water, that may inadvertently enter the cable, from damaging the cable's optical fibers. The fiber optic cable can comprise a buffer tube defining an interior volume extending along the fiber optic cable. Optical fibers can be disposed in the interior volume of the buffer tube, along with water-swellable materials, such as tapes and yarns. The interior volume can be dry or free from water-blocking gels or fluids. The water-swellable materials can provide the fiber optic cable with an unexpected level of protection from seawater. The water-swellable materials can, for example, limit flow of seawater along the interior volume. In an exemplary embodiment, progression of seawater in the interior volume be limited to three meters or less for a twenty four hour test period during which the seawater is under about one meter of head pressure.

Abstract: Fiber optic cables suitable for use in harsh environments such as down hole oil and gas well applications and methods for fabricating the same have been provided. In one embodiment, an optic cable suitable for down hole oil field applications comprises one or more optical fibers disposed in an inner tube and a corrosion resistant metal outer tube disposed over the inner tube, where the inner and outer tubes make intermittent contact. In another embodiment, an optic cable suitable for down hole oil field applications comprise one or more optical fibers disposed in a polymer tube having fins extending therefrom.

Abstract: A breakout assembly includes a distribution cable, a tether cable, and at least one optical fiber. The distribution cable includes a breakout location having a length. The tether cable is secured to the distribution cable. The optical fiber extends along the length of the breakout location from the distribution cable to the tether cable. A polymeric tube including ring-type reinforcements extends along the length of the breakout location and encloses the optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable that sustains reduced increase in transmission loss and optical fiber breakage when subject to external pressure exerted thereon, comprises an aggregate of elements including central buffer filaments disposed in the center part of the optical fiber cable and a plurality of optical fibers disposed around the central buffer filaments, as well as circumferential strength filaments disposed around the outer periphery of the aggregate of elements, and a sheath covering the circumferential strength filaments.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable can comprise loose spheres or balls disposed in the cable's interstitial spaces, for example between the cable's optical fibers and a surrounding buffer tube. The spheres can have a diameter in a range of 20 microns to 2.5 millimeters. The composition of the spheres can include a material that absorbs water, such as a super absorbent polymer (“SAP”). The SAP material can be distributed uniformly within each sphere. The spheres not only can provide a carrier to facilitate inserting SAP material in the cable during manufacturing, but also can cushion the cable's fibers when the cable is placed in service. When the cable receives stress, motion among the spheres can absorb the stress to shield the fibers from damage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber optic cable that includes optical fibers and a water-swellable element, such as a powder-free fabric tape, that are enclosed within a buffer tube. Adhesive material, such as discrete domains of adhesive foam, may be optionally employed to provide adhesive coupling of the optical fibers and the water-swellable element.

Abstract: A plurality of fiberoptic strands is provided. Each fiberoptic strand has a free end. A plurality of groups is provided. Each group is formed of a plurality fiberoptic strands. A plurality of beads is provided. Each bead has a generally cylindrical configuration. Each bead has an exterior diameter, an interior diameter and an axial length. The beads have exterior surfaces. The exterior surfaces are of different colors. In this manner intended functions are designated.

Abstract: A method of managing and playing a title of a medium, the medium playing a deleted video title set (VTS) even after finalization of recording of a medium. The medium includes a first area recording video title sets and a second area recording search information used to play a deleted video title set among video title sets that have been recorded to the first area before recording of the medium is finalized.

Abstract: Optical cable, in particular for submarine connections. A water blocking resin filling composition of reduced hardness is disposed into interstices. Preferably, the resin composition is a polyurethane resin having less than about 35% by weight of a polyol/polyisocyanate mixture and about 60% to about 90% by weight of a mineral oil. The polyurethane resin preferably has less than about 12% by weight of a coupling agent. The cable has an optical core surrounded by a plurality of metallic wires and an outer polymeric sheath. The optical core is of the “tight” type with a plurality of optical fibers embedded into a polymeric matrix disposed around a strength member.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes a plurality of loose tubes, each of which contain at least one optical fiber therein. The loose tubes are constructed of a polymer with the tubes arranged in at least two layers, each of which are rotated in the same uni-helical direction and are ranged having substantially the same lay length. A jacket encases the loose tubes, where any one of the optical fibers in one of the loose tubes is accessible when the jacket is opened and the at least two layers are untwisted.

Abstract: Slickline cables and methods for preparing such cables are disclosed. A slickline cable includes a pre-manufactured polymer composite rod having a channel therein; an optical fiber disposed in the channel; a fastener securing the optical fiber in the channel, wherein the fastener is selected from the group comprising a polymer tape, a polymer layer, and a combination thereof, and an outer tube disposed outside the polymer composite rod having the optical fiber therein. A method for manufacturing a slickline cable includes preparing a polymer composite rod having at least one channel therein; placing at least one optical fiber in the at least one channel in the polymer composite rod; securing the at least one optical fiber in the at least one channel using a polymer tape, a polymer layer, or a combination of a polymer tape and a polymer layer; disposing an outer tube over the polymer composite rod.

Abstract: A method includes incorporating an optical fiber into a buffer tube, wherein the buffer tube has a first length. The buffer tube contains the optical fiber and a filler compound to create a buffer tube assembly. The buffer tube assembly is heated to an elevated temperature for a period of time, wherein the first length of the buffer tube decreases to a second length, such that extra optical fiber length is created relative to the second length. The buffer tube assembly is cooled to stabilize the second length and to retain the excess fiber length in the buffer tube.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable has a highly reduced diameter. The cable has a central strength member; a number of tubes containing loosely arranged optical fibers, each tube having a thickness, and each optical fiber having a coating; and a protective outer jacket, wherein the filling coefficient of optical fibers in at least one loose tube is ?45°/0. The tubes are made of a material having an elasticity modulus ?700 MPa; and the optical fibers are SM-R fibers having a microbending sensitivity ?4.0 dB·km?1/g·mm?1 at a temperature of about ?30° C. to +60° C. at about 1550 nm.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrical cable reuse method which reduces a long time stock of cables. For assembling a wiring harness, step S1 reuses special electrical cables stocked in an electrical cable storehouse, and the cables having been colored in a first color are coated with a second color. Step 2 cuts ordinary cables and special cables each in a desired length, removes a part of a cable sheath of each cable, and fits a terminal piece to the exposed part. Step 3 connects ordinary cables and the special cables with each other. Step 4 inserts the terminal piece into a connector housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a loose tube optical cable having an unstranded structure, which includes a tensile strength member longitudinally elongated and having a central axis deviated from the center of the optical cable, a loose tube optical fiber unit longitudinally elongated without intended twist against the tensile strength wire, and a cable coating for wrapping an aggregation in which the tensile strength member and the loose tube optical fiber unit are straightly aggregated. By suitably selecting geometric parameters of the tensile strength member and the loose tube optical fiber unit, the center of mass of the aggregation is positioned within the tensile strength member and the maximum modulus of elongation of the optical fiber is restricted within a predetermined range in a predetermined bending radius.

Abstract: A securement system includes at least one retention arrangement securing a tether to a distribution cable; and a release device secured to the distribution cable. The release device extends along at least a portion of the length of tether. Pulling the release device away from the distribution cable disengages the retention arrangement to free the tether from the distribution cable. Multiple retention arrangements can be used to secure the tether.

Abstract: A foam polymer jacketed rigid strength member for a fiber optic cable is disclosed, as is the method for its production. The foam jacket is made by feeding into an extruder a base polymer material, preferably a resin, such as polypropyene. The base material is melted in the extruder and a blowing agent is admixed. As the mixture exits the extruder, the polymer is expanded into a cellular foam. The polymer is foamed onto a rigid strength member by means of a crosshead. The resulting jacketed rigid strength member demonstrates improved resistance to thermal contractions reducing the contribution of stresses in the fiber optic cable components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication cable buffer tube having a flexural modulus ranging from about 180 kpsi to about 280 kpsi.

Abstract: The present invention relates to loose tube optical waveguide fiber cable which is optimized for easy and fast installation as plenum cable, such as in customer premises for FTTH (fiber to the home) applications. One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a loose tube optical waveguide fiber cable which is suitable for fixed in-house cabling at extremely low-cost for a large-scale installation of FTTH.

Abstract: Fiber optic cables are disclosed that include at least one optical fiber and a flame-retardant cable jacket. The flame-retardant cable jacket has a cavity wherein the at least one optical fiber is disposed within the cavity. The flame-retardant cable jacket includes one or more flame-retardant additives and the flame-retardant cable jacket is essentially free of a water-soluble component that can dissolve and migrate into the cavity. By way of example, the flame-retardant cable jacket is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) essentially free of ammonium octamolybdate. Other variations include fiber optic cables having a barrier layer for inhibiting the migration of water into a cable cavity.

Abstract: A telecommunication optical fiber cable and in particular a reduced diameter optical cable with improved installation features for use in the end part of an access telecommunication network. The optical fiber cable has a number of optical fibers; at least a core tube containing the optical fibers; a jacket surrounding the core tube; and at least one strength rod spaced from the central axis, the cable having a twisting stiffness G*Jp, wherein G is the elastic shear modulus; and Jp is the polar moment of inertia of a cable section, wherein the twisting stiffness G*Jp is lower than or equal to 0.10 Nm2, preferably lower than or equal to 0.05 Nm2, and more preferably lower than or equal to 0.02 Nm2. The cable is profitably installable by a blown method.

Abstract: Flexible closures and other flexible optical assemblies that are installed within a factory, or in the field, and then deployed using cable installation methods, wherein the flexible closures and assemblies have the ability to bend and twist without incurring physical damage to their structure, optical fibers and splices disposed within, and without significant attenuation in the optical fibers when exposed to conventional installation stresses. Flexible closures that replace conventional substantially rigid closures in order to facilitate pre-engineered and assembled distribution cable installation within an optical network, and the physical, bending and material properties of such closures, and methods of manufacturing and installing the same.

Abstract: A fiber cable having at least one fiber optic element, a water swellable powder, disposed on the fiber optic element and a tube surrounding the fiber element and the water swellable powder. The fiber optic element is in a loose non-coupled arrangement with respect to the inside of the tube such that during installation, mechanical installation stresses applied to the cable and the tube are not imparted to the fiber optic element therein.

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: In accordance with this invention, fiber optic cables are provided whose shape may be formed and retained while maintaining a limited bend radius. These features are produced by incorporating a compact compliant internal cable member into the cable structure. The compliant internal member consists not only of the fiber optic cable, but also of ductile and non-ductile elements. The ductile element is advantageously a tube or a wire which readily deforms to retain a given shape, and may be reshaped if desired. The non-ductile element, which resists sharp bending of the cable during shaping, comprises a substantially non-ductile elongated element disposed within the cable and configured to oppose excessively sharp bending along its length. Proper selection of the cross-sections and materials used in these elongated members produces a proper balance between shape retention and bending radius.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed relates to a manufactured multi-fiber cable for optical systems. The multi-fiber cable is manufactured to include a plurality of individual fiber cables, each individual fiber cable including a single optical fiber surrounded by a protective covering. There is a main cable hose around the individual fiber cables, and there is a connector on each end of each individual fiber cable. The individual fiber cables in the multi-fiber cable are preconfigured to be visually distinct from each other. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing an optical fiber cable which improves stability by attaching an Aramid yarn near the core in parallel to an axial direction of the optical cable and solves structural problems of the cable by soaking an Aramid yarn into an epoxy resin is disclosed. This optical cable producing method uses a tensile material for improvement of tensile property, and includes the steps of soaking the tensile material into an epoxy resin, and attaching the tensile material to the optical cable in parallel to the axial direction of the optical cable.

Abstract: A telecommunications cable includes a distribution cable, a tether, and a tube. One end of a length of optical fiber optically couples to the distribution cable and the opposite end of the length of optical fiber optically couples to the tether cable. The tube is mounted over the length of optical fiber. The tube defines an opening adjacent one end of the tube. The tube includes fingers adjacent the opening having sufficient flexibility to enable the one end of the tube to wrap around buffer tubes of the distribution cable.

Abstract: A tether assembly includes a tether cable containing optical fibers and adapted to be attached to a fiber optic distribution cable at a mid-span access location. A furcation at the end of the tether cable separates and transitions the optical fibers into furcation legs terminating in individual connector ports. Each connector port may be a receptacle for receiving a connector mounted upon one of the optical fibers and a mating connector of a drop cable, a plug mounted upon one of the optical fibers that is received within a plug alignment member operable to align the plug with a mating plug of a drop cable, or a connector that is routed to a receptacle disposed within an external wall of a network connection terminal from within the enclosure. The tether assembly provides a distribution cable assembly and method for mitigating a span length measurement difference in a pre-engineered communications network.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable and methods of manufacturing the same includes at least one optical fiber, and at least one ferrule. The at least one ferrule is attached to the at least one optical fiber before the cable jacket is applied. The cable jacket surrounds the at least one optical fiber and the at least one ferrule so that when the cable jacket is opened the at least one optical fiber having the at least one ferrule attached may be accessed. Consequently, the when opening the cable, the craft is presented with an optical fiber that is preterminated with a ferrule. Optionally, the ferrule can have a cover or be a portion of a fiber optic connector. The cable is manufactured so that one or more of the ferrules are appropriately placed along the length of the fiber optic cable for distribution into the fiber optic network.

Abstract: Herein described is a method and system for identifying buffer tubes in a cable by including at least one colored filling material within a transparent or translucent buffer tube.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly with an optical fiber extending through first and second overlapping cable jackets. The first cable jacket is slidably received within a longitudinal opening of the second cable jacket. A first end of the optical fiber is fixed with respect to the first cable jacket and a second optical fiber is fixed with respect to the second cable jacket. The two cable jackets overlap and are slidably movable with respect to each other. A method forming a cable assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of processes for the production of an optical transmission cable as well as to the apparatus for carrying out such a process. The method is a process for producing an optical transmission cable from at least one tube (1) inside of which a plurality of optical fibers (2) are arranged, and strengthening elements (3, 4, 5), one of the said strengthening elements, constituting a central strengthening member (4), being arranged at the center of said cable and certain strengthening elements constituting peripheral strengthening members (3), said tube (1) being twisted about said central strengthening member (4) using a tubular machine so as to form a peripheral layer around said central strengthening member (4), the peripheral strengthening members (3) and the tube (1) having diameters sufficiently close to each other to ensure said peripheral layer is homogeneous.

Abstract: An optical device for changing polarization comprises a waveguide having a waveguide end facet coupled to a quarter-wave plate/reflector combination to rotate the polarization of incident light to the waveguide by 90 degrees. In one embodiment, a polarization beam splitter/rotator combination (PBSR) uses a quarter-wave plate in reflection at the end facet of the waveguide. The polarization beam splitter/rotator combination and variations of that structure are applied in various useful topologies as polarization mode dispersion (PMD) compensators and polarimeters.