Abstract: A cable element and a method of making the same, in which the cable element has a central strength member, a plurality of buffer tubes are disposed on the central strength member, each of the plurality of buffer tubes encloses at least one signal transmission element, and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is provided on the central strength member. The pressure sensitive adhesive is a repositionable adhesive and releasably couples the plurality of buffer tubes to the central strength member such that the plurality of buffer tubes can be coupled and uncoupled repeatedly from the central strength member.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable including a central strength member extending longitudinally; a plurality of buffer tubes housing optical fibers and stranded around the strength member; a pair of filler elements stranded around the strength member along with the buffer tubes and arranged such that one filler element of the pair is diametrically opposite the other filler elements of the pair to protect the buffer tubes when the cable is subjected to a radially inward force; and an outer sheath surrounding the buffer tubes and filler elements.

Abstract: A telecommunication optical cable has a number of optical fibers; at least a microsheath loosely containing the optical fibers, the at least one microsheath loosely containing the optical fibers therein forming at least one corresponding microbundle, wherein the optical fibers are stranded according to an open helix trajectory.

Abstract: A cable system and method including a cable or a microduct provided within the groove extending vertically into, but not through, a pavement. The cable has a central strength member, at least one buffer tube stranded around the central strength member, an outer jacket surrounding the buffer tube and central strength member, and at least one transmission element provided within said at least one buffer tube. Provided within the microduct is a microduct cable including at least one transmission element. A cable including a central strength member, at least one buffer tube stranded around the central strength member, an outer jacket surrounding the buffer tube and central strength member, and at least one transmission element provided within said at least one buffer tube. The cable has a longitudinal thermal expansion force due to a change in temperature from 20° C. to 70° C. of less than 305 lbs when constrained.

Abstract: A method of laying an at least partially buried fiber optic cable includes placing a fiber optic cable with at least one associated alternating electromagnetic field emitting locating transponder (AEFELT) underground such that at least one AEFELT is buried underground.

Abstract: A communications apparatus for transmitting various communication signals is described. The communications apparatus contains at least two conductors or fibers where the first conductor or fiber comprises a first color and the second conductor or fiber comprises a second color having a lighter tint of the first color. In an embodiment of the invention, using this scheme of a dark shade of a color for one of the conductors or fibers and a lighter color for the other conductor or fiber, the conductors or fibers can always be identified as a pair even after they have been untwisted (and even when the remaining pairs in the cable become untwisted). The invention does not use bandmarks or stripes in the insulation of the second conductor, thereby avoiding the accompanying limitations associated with bandmarks and stripes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a distribution fiber optic cable is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of optical fibers for a cable core. Transitioning at least one of the plurality of optical fibers between a first location and a second location, where one of the locations is disposed within the cable core and the other location is disposed apart from the cable core and applying a cable jacket. In other embodiments, the cable can be a portion of a cable assembly.

Abstract: An optical fiber having improved compression strength is disclosed. The optical fiber includes a central tension member positioned in the center of the optical fiber and having at least one groove, at least one metal tube seated in the groove and containing at least one optical fiber, a strength member positioned around the central tension member and the tube, and a sheath positioned around the strength member.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable suitable installation using an air-blown method is disclosed. The optical fiber cable has a center tensile member located at a center of the optical fiber cable to provide tension-resistant force, at least three loose tubes each of which includes at least one optical signal transmitting medium, and located to surround a peripheral portion of the center tensile member, a binder surrounding the loose tubes to maintain an alignment pattern of the loose tubes, and a sheath located at an outermost portion of the optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable has a polygonal sectional shape having smooth edges.

Abstract: A method of installing a cable including at least one communication element, such as an optical fiber, disposed in a buffer tube and a surrounding jacket. The method includes the steps of exposing a portion of the buffer tube over a predetermined length and forming the exposed portion of the buffer tube into a coupling coil having at least one loop. The cable installation method prevents fiber retraction in cable terminations by utilizing at least one coupling coil formed from the exposed buffer tube and advantageously yields coupling coil terminations with small diameter coils, requiring less cable for more efficient installation, and further provides for the coupling coil to be located within a splice closure for more visually pleasing terminations. Preferably, coupling coils are formed at each end of the cable and located in splice enclosures.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber composite power cable having a loose-tube-type optical fiber impregnated therein, wherein the optical fibers are installed in a loose tube made of metal to prevent lateral pressure from being imposed on the optical fibers by the metal conductors, even when tensile force or bending force is applied to the cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic distribution cable assembly includes a distribution cable having at least one predetermined mid-span access location and a tether for mitigating cable length errors at the mid-span access location in a pre-engineered fiber optic communications network. At least one optical fiber of the distribution cable is accessed at the mid-span access location and optically connected to an optical fiber disposed within the tether. Preferably, the first end of the tether is attached to the distribution cable by overmolding the mid-span access location with a flexible encapsulant material. The end of the optical fiber of the tether may be splice-ready or connectorized at the second end of the tether and protected within a crush resistant tube. Alternatively, the second end of the tether may terminate in an optical connection terminal defining at least one optical connection node, or may terminate in a linear chain of articulated optical connection nodes.

Abstract: Optical fiber cables with a central strength member encircled by a jacket having ducts which are disposed around the strength member and which receive one or more optical fibers with jacket material between the ducts and the outer surface of the jacket. The optical fibers are free to move in the ducts, and preferably, the optical fibers are tight buffered. Portions of the jacket intermediate the ducts connect to the strength member which resists longitudinal movement of the jacket relative to the core. However, the jacket can be separated from the core by manual pulling force after the jacket is axially and radially cut at a pair of diametrically opposite ducts. Preferably, the jacket has outer surface indicia showing the positions of the slots, and the cables can include water blocking materials.

Abstract: An optical fibre drop cable for suspension installation includes sheathing having a first portion containing a strengthening arrangement for supporting the cable in a suspension installation and a second portion that is separable from the first portion. The second sheathing portion contains a plurality of electrical conductors. The first sheathing portion defines at least one passage for optical fibers.

Abstract: A water blocking configuration for a low temperature, dry loose tube fiber optic cable includes one or more flexible buffer tubes each having a passage sized to contain one or more optical fibers. A single yarn is disposed in the passage of each buffer tube, and the yarn has a denier of not more than 1500. The yarn is coated with particles of a water absorbent material having a size distribution of between zero and not more than 160 microns. A dry loose tube fiber optic cable having the disclosed configuration meets the Telcordia GR 20 (Issue 2) industry standard with respect to water penetration, change of fiber attenuation, and fiber tensile strength at a low temperature of ?60 degrees C.

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: An electrical cable having a holding member arranged within the cable for an optic fiber, which can be used for temperature sensing and/or communications. The holding member can replace one or more strands of the cable, be placed inside an interstice of the cable, be placed in between various layers of the cable, or placed in the jacket of the cable. At least one strength member may be adjacent to and/or attached to the holding member to provide additional protection for the optic fiber.

Abstract: A flexible fire resistant 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, fire resistance, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.

Abstract: A telecommunication cable of the microcable or minicable type having optical fibers (2) contained in a thin retaining sheath (3) includes an external layer (4) extending concentrically around the retaining sheath. The external layer has a friction coefficient lower than that of the retaining sheath and a stiffness greater than that of the retaining sheath. These characteristics reduce friction and increase the stiffness of the cable when the latter is installed by blowing or floating in a conduit.

Abstract: A method and modular mechanism are provided for protecting fiber optic cables. The modular mechanism includes an inner member for receiving the fiber optic cable, and an outer container receiving and retaining the inner member, such as, an inner tube and outer tube. The inner member and the outer container have predefined shapes to create an interference with each other, limiting a bend radius of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cable having a substantially gastight metal tube receiving at least one optical conductor and a hydrogen-absorbent substance. The inside face of the tube is covered with a layer of a catalyst substance such as nickel or chromium for catalyzing the reaction whereby the hydrogen-absorbent substance absorbs hydrogen. Said layer is itself covered with at least one layer of hydrogen-absorbent substance which constitutes a filler material for filling the tube, or which merely forms a layer deposited on the layer of catalyst substance.

Abstract: The present invention is an easy access tape with peelable sections to allow easy access to the internal components of the cable or tube. The tape of the present invention contains at least one removable, peelable section which can be easily positioned within the cable and can be removed easily. The removable section of the tape is separated from the remainder of the tape by a number of different methods, including the use of perforation and channels. Additionally, the removable section of the tape can have a different thickness than the remainder of the tape, can be made of different materials, or have different physical properties.

Abstract: A fiber optic buffer tube containing fiber optic ribbons centrally located within the buffer tube and a gel compound surrounding the fiber optic ribbons. Disposed within the gel compound, between the walls of the buffer tube and the fiber optic ribbons are gel swellable yarns and/or particles. The gel swellable yarns/particles volumetrically expand when in contact with the gel compound causing greater force to hold the gel compound in place, especially when the fiber optic buffer is heated. The gel swellable yarns/particles also provide greater surface area and help to prevent the fiber optic ribbons from coming into contact with the walls of the buffer tube, thereby preventing signal attenuation problems.

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: In at least some embodiments, an optical module package includes a housing, a plurality of optical fiber cables connected to the housing, and optical fiber connectors terminating each cable. Each optical fiber cable may include an optical fiber, two concentric flexible protective tubes enclosing the fiber, and aramid (e.g. Kevlar®) fibers disposed between the protective tubes. Each protective tube is capable of longitudinally sliding relative to the optical fiber along at least part of the cable, to release stresses resulting from differential thermal expansion of the optical fiber and the protective tubes. Each optical fiber may be held fixed relative to the housing and distal connectors, and one or both of the ends of the protective tubes may be free to move. The protective tubes may also be held fixed relative to the housing, and the optical fiber(s) allowed to move within the housing.

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: Flexible joint which is used for the repair during the production of metallic tubes which enclose loosely inside them optical fibers, surrounded by a suitable filling material or for the connection of long lengths of the above mentioned tubes during the manufacturing of submarine cables which contain these tubes. The joint comprises a connecting metallic tube (6), which connects externally with overlapping at its ends the metallic tubes (3, 10) after splicing is performed between the optical fibers which they enclose and which are separated in bundles (1, 2). The mechanical connection of the joint is achieved through plastic deformation of the over-applied connecting metallic tube by creating grooved rings (11) at the sections where it overlaps the metallic tubes to be connected (3,10). The water tightness of the joint is obtained by welding the ends (8) of the over-applied connecting metallic tube (6) to the external surface of the metallic tubes to be connected (3, 10).

Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes a number of optical fiber bundles. Each bundle contains a number of optical fiber cable units, and a relatively thin skin surrounds the cable units and retains the units in a desired configuration another over the length of the bundle. Each cable unit includes a number of optical fibers, and a first outer jacket that surrounds the fibers. The bundles are protectively enclosed by a second outer jacket of the cable. In an illustrated embodiment, each cable unit has 12 fibers, each bundle contains 12 cable units, and six bundles are protectively enclosed by the second outer jacket, so that the cable contains 432 optical fibers each of which is traceable by color and/or indicia markings.

Abstract: An air blown fiber tube cable having improved thermal stability in contrast to conventional air blown fiber (ABF) tube cables and within which one or more air blown optical fiber units can be installed. The air blown fiber tube is formed from a cross-linked polyolefin (preferably cross-linked high density polyethylene) comprising at least one non-polymer filler material having a coefficient of thermal expansion less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of said tube.

Abstract: The present invention adds a gel-swellable layer in fiber optic cables to aid in protecting the fibers within the cable. The gel-swellable layer can be placed on the fibers, individual ribbons, stacks of ribbons and on the inner surface of tubes by various methods, such as co-extrusion, and can be cured by either heat curing or UV curing. The gel-swellable layers of this invention can be either smooth or textured. When the fibers are placed into the tubes and the tubes are filled with the water resistant gel, the gel-swellable layer absorbs some of the gel causing it to “swell”. As a result of the “swelling” a certain volume of gel is absorbed by the layer, thus reducing the capability of the gel to flow at elevated temperatures.

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 fiber optic dry tube assembly and a method of manufacturing the same includes at least one optical waveguide and a tube. The tube houses at least a portion of the at least one optical fiber and is formed from a bimodal polymeric material. The tube has an average ovality of about 10 percent or less. In other embodiments, the bimodal polymeric material that forms the tube has a melt index of about 1.0 g/10 minutes or less, a melt strength in the range of about 8 cN to about 35 cN at 190° C,. and/or a polydisperity of about 7 or greater. Additionally, the dry tube assemblies of the present invention can form a portion of a cable.

Abstract: Covered optical fibers are provided comprising at least on optical fiber; and a buffer tube covering surrounding the optical fiber. The buffer tube covering is comprised of a blend of at least 40% by weight of a copolyether ester elastomer, at least 10% by weight of a rubbery modifier, and at least 10% by weight of an amorphous thermoplastic polymer, and has a melting point of at least 165° C. and a Trouser Tear Strength of less than 65 N/mm.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one at least one bundle having a plurality of non-tight buffered optical fibers and a binder element for maintaining the integrity of the bundle. The binder element may be, for example, a binder thread. The fiber optic cable may exclude a grease or a grease-like composition being in contact with the at least one bundle for filling interstices of the cable thereby blocking water from flowing through the cable. The fiber optic cable also includes a separation layer for inhibiting adhesion between the bundles of optical fibers and the cable jacket. In another embodiment, a fiber optic cable includes a plurality of optical fibers and a binder element forming at least one bundle. The at least one bundle is surrounded by an armor layer and the fiber optic cable excludes a cable jacket within the armor layer.

Abstract: This invention greatly improves the quality of images obtained using optical systems illuminated by coherent light. It does so by removing the undesirable psuedo-random variations in the final image due to interference speckle and inhomogeneities in the spatial intensity distribution of the light source. A bundle of light-guiding fibers is interposed between the illumination source and the imaging system. Non-uniform propagation within the fiber bundle creates a psuedo-random phase variation across the illumination beam, which gives rise to a dynamic interference speckle pattern superimposed upon the desired image acquired by the optical system. Rotating the fiber bundle around the axis of propagation, whilst simultaneously integrating the output of the photosensitive detector over a period of time, substantially removes variations due to source inhomogeneities and coherent interference.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable assembly comprising an optical fiber slidably enclosed within a hollow tubing, both the fiber and the tubing having corresponding first and second ends. The cable is terminated with the first and second ends of the tubing and the fiber constrained with respect to each other such that fiber and the tubing are approximately the same length when the cable is at a first temperature. The tubing is made of a material which contracts more than the optical fiber when the cable is exposed to temperatures below the first temperature, such that the fiber is longer than the tubing and excess fiber length is formed. An intermediate portion of the tubing permits the excess fiber length to accumulate without bending in a radius smaller than a minimum bend radius.

Abstract: A flexible fire resistant 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, fire resistance, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.

Abstract: The present invention adds a gel-swellable layer in fiber optic cables to aid in protecting the fibers within the cable. The gel-swellable layer can be placed on the fibers, individual ribbons, stacks of ribbons and on the inner surface of tubes by various methods, such as co-extrusion, and can be cured by either heat curing or UV curing. The gel-swellable layers of this invention can be either smooth or textured. When the fibers are placed into the tubes and the tubes are filled with the water resistant gel, the gel-swellable layer absorbs some of the gel causing it to “swell”. As a result of the “swelling” a certain volume of gel is absorbed by the layer, thus reducing the capability of the gel to flow at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: Optical fiber cable with a central strength member structure and with four or five buffer tubes each loosely receiving optical fiber ribbons in a stack and is disposed around and contacting the strength member. The optical fiber count is in excess of 1000 and the fill factor is not greater than 85% in a two inch duct. Each buffer tube contacts adjacent buffer tubes, and the buffer tubes are encircled by a jacket. Optionally, spaces bounded by pairs of buffer tubes and the jacket have optical fibers therein and can also include flexible longitudinal strength members and/or water blocking filaments. Preferably, the strength member structure and/or the buffer tubes are encircled by a water blocking tape. The optical fiber ribbons in the stacks can include different numbers of fibers, and hence, can have different width.

Abstract: A termination assembly for use in an optical hydrophone module, comprising a module oil seal and an optical fiber seal. The termination assembly is used at the ends of modules and provides a means for filling individual modules with fill fluid. A module oil seal comprises a cylindrical wall defining a cavity, with one end substantially closed and the other end open. An annular face plate on the open end makes a seal dividing a coupling and a clevis. A check valve is mounted to an orifice that passes through the substantially closed end of the module oil seal. Optical fibers pass through the substantially closed end and the optical fiber seal is provided around the optical fiber that passes therethrough. The fiber seal fits snugly in a module oil seal opening. Both components serve to provide a seal that can withstand high pressures and maintain optical fiber integrity.

Abstract: A fiber optic buffer tube containing fiber optic ribbons centrally located within the buffer tube and a gel compound surrounding the fiber optic ribbons. Disposed within the gel compound, between the walls of the buffer tube and the fiber optic ribbons are gel swellable yarns and/or particles. The gel swellable yarns/particles volumetrically expand when in contact with the gel compound causing greater force to hold the gel compound in place, especially when the fiber optic buffer is heated. The gel swellable yarns/particles also provide greater surface area and help to prevent the fiber optic ribbons from coming into contact with the walls of the buffer tube, thereby preventing signal attenuation problems.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having optical fibers disposed in buffer tubes, the buffer tubes defining at least two layers generally stranded about a center area of the cable. The buffer tube layers define a relatively inner layer of buffer tubes being closer to the center area, and an outer layer of buffer tubes being relatively further from the center area. The inner and outer buffer tube layers each having a respective helix value, the respective helix values being substantially the same. Alternatively, the respective helix values can be substantially non-equal. In addition, fiber optic cable systems including balanced helix factors have optical connections between layers of buffer tubes of the respective cables.

Abstract: An air blown fiber tube cable having improved thermal stability in contrast to conventional air blown fiber (ABF) tube cables and within which one or more air blown optical fiber units can be installed. The air blown fiber tube is formed from a cross-linked polyolefin (preferably cross-linked high density polyethylene) comprising at least one non-polymer filler material having a coefficient of thermal expansion less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of said tube.

Abstract: An optical assembly and methods of manufacturing the same include a longitudinal cavity, at least one optical waveguide being disposed in the longitudinal cavity having a predetermined length, and at least one water-swellable yarn being disposed within the longitudinal cavity and having a predetermined length. The predetermined length of the at least one water-swellable yarn being greater than the predetermined length of the at least one optical waveguide. The at least one water-swellable yarn is disposed longitudinally relative to the at least one optical waveguide so that the at least one water-swellable yarn and the at least one optical waveguide generally act as independent bodies within the longitudinal cavity.

Abstract: To provide an optical fiber cable having a plurality of GI-POFs and a resin cable body confining these, and excellent in the thermal durability, pressure resisting property and flexural mechanical property, wherein the increase of the attenuation of the light is suppressed. The resin cable body has as many holes as the number of the GI-POFs, extending longitudinally therethrough, and the GI-POFs are distributed and arranged one by one in the holes so that they are freely movable in two directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A fiber optic dry tube assembly and a method of manufacturing the same includes at least one optical waveguide and a tube. The tube houses at least a portion of the at least one optical fiber and is formed from a bimodal polymeric material. The tube has an average ovality of about 10 percent or less. In other embodiments, the bimodal polymeric material that forms the tube has a melt index of about 1.0 g/10 minutes or less, a melt strength in the range of about 8 cN to about 35 cN at 190° C,. and/or a polydisperity of about 7 or greater. Additionally, the dry tube assemblies of the present invention can form a portion of a cable.

Abstract: A copper and optical fiber filling material that comprises a hydrocarbon component, which is semisolid at use temperatures in combination with an antioxidant system comprising of (a) sulfur containing primary phenolic antioxidant; (b) a mixture of mono- and di-alkyl butyl/octyl diphenylamine; (c) an organic phosphite or phosphonite and (d) optionally one or more hindered phenol antioxidants exhibits excellent oxidative stability.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including a cable core having at least one optical fiber and a ripcord. In one embodiment, the ripcord is a conductive material operative, upon application of a sufficient pulling force, to rip at least one cable component for facilitating access to said at least one optical fiber. In other embodiments, the ripcord is formed from a semi-conductive material, the ripcord is removably attached to at least one cable component, and/or the ripcord has an excess length.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes an outer jacket, a first core tube positioned within the outer jacket, and a first plurality of optical fibers positioned within the first core tube, wherein the cross-sectional area of the first plurality of optical fibers is less than 60 percent of the cross-section inside area of the first core tube and wherein the length of each optical fiber in the first plurality of optical fibers is between 1.0 and 1.001 times the length of the first core tube.

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.