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

Abstract: A composite cable for conveying electrical energy and optical signals from a source or sources thereof to electrically energized units which process the optical signals. The cable has one or more buffer tubes, each buffer tube encircling at least two optical fibers for supplying optical signals to at least two of the units, each unit having electrical current and voltage requirements. The cable has a layer of S-Z stranded electrically insulated conductors around the buffer tube or tubes, and pairs of conductors are selected in size to safely supply the current and voltages required by at least two units. The number of pairs of conductors is less than the number of active optical fibers which excludes conductor spares. Preferably, the buffer tubes are S-Z stranded. The cable also includes a strength member and an outer plastic jacket encircling the buffer tubes, the conductors and the strength member.

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: In the optical cable in accordance with the present invention, the reversal angle &phgr; from one reverse portion to the next reverse portion in an S-Z type helical groove is at least 180 degrees; and, letting W, T, and n be the width and thickness of each optical fiber ribbon and the number of stacked sheets of optical fiber ribbons, respectively, and a and b be the width and depth of the helical groove, respectively, at least each reverse portion of the helical groove has a cross-sectional form satisfying: nT<a≦{square root over (W2+L +(nT+L )2+L )}  (1) W<b  (2) whereas the remaining portion of the helical groove has a cross-sectional form satisfying: {square root over (W2+L +(nT+L )2+L )}<min(a, b)  (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: An optical fiber tube includes a core material having multiple nylon filaments twisted with each other in a helical manner, a plurality of single strand optical fibers mounted around the core material and twisted with the core material in a helical manner, a tubular protective film mounted around the plurality of single strand optical fibers, and a plastic sleeve mounted around the protective film.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) having a tube assembly (20) therein. Tube assembly (20) includes an optical fiber group (22) in a tube (21). Optical fiber group (22) comprises a medial optical fiber subgroup (23) and lateral optical fiber subgroups (24a,24b;25a,25b;26a,26b) adjacent thereto. Subgroups (24a,24b;25a,25b;26a,26b) define a step-like profile for maximizing optical fiber packing density of tube assembly (20) and/or defining a high fiber count cable (10). In an exemplary embodiment, fiber optic cable (10) can include strength assemblies (30) on opposing sides of tube assembly (20) for defining a preferential bend plane in fiber optic cable (10).

Abstract: A multi-layer reinforced and stabilized cable construction comprising a core portion (1, 11) and a non-metallic sheathing portion having barrier and protective layers and two or more outer reinforcement layers. In order for the mechanical and barrier properties of the cable to be controlled, the barrier and protective layers and/or the reinforcement layers (12, 13) are oriented in a controlled manner at different angles by fibrous reinforcements or lamellar barriers.

Abstract: Optical cable comprising a reinforcing tube with diameter less than 7 mm, obtained from a metal strip gradually deformed until it assumes a final configuration with overlapping outer edges, at least one optical fiber arranged loosely in the tube, a water-blocking fluid occupying 75% of the useful internal area of the tube and a plastic sheath around the tube. The water-blocking fluid is deposited when the strip is curved with edges a predetermined distance apart.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable has a core with a bore which loosely contains optical fibers and includes a single strength member embedded in an outer jacket which surrounds the core. The strength member allows for relative ease of bending of the cable in directions other than the bending directions in the plane of minimum bending energy for the cable, such as bending in the plane of maximum bending energy (MAX-BP) for the cable, and provides that the neutral surface associated with bending of the cable in the MAX-BP is outside the bore core and within the outer jacket. The single strength member furthermore provides tensile strength and antibuckling properties to the cable during storage and in expected installations, including an aerial installation. The outer jacket is releasably coupled to the core to provide ease of access to the optical fibers contained within the core bore.

Abstract: A spacer having a high-tensile member at the center thereof has grooves extending helically. Coated optical fibers have been disposed in each groove. This assembly is covered with a wound covering and further with a sheath. The proportion of the total sectional area of the coated optical fibers to the sectional area of each groove, i.e., the degree of packing, is regulated to 10 to 50%.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) having a slotted rod (12) with grooves (22) formed therein. At least one groove includes a buffer tube (13) having a ribbon stack (14) supported in a tensile window position within buffer tube (13) by a water blocking material (15). Fiber optic cable (10) has an ample tensile window, whereby macrobending and microbending of optical fibers in the ribbon stacks (14) is minimized.

Abstract: Loose tube fiber optic cable containing a core of S-Z stranded strands comprising optical fibers having first and second alternatively repeating first and second sections, and a sheath circumscribing the core. The ROL transition points defined by the junctures of first and second strand sections along the length of the cable have been provided at an optimized reduced distance therebetween that is approximately 1/2 of the longitudinal length of the sheath entry window created during mid-span entry of the loose tube fiber optic cable. Thus, at least one (1) ROL transition point will be located within the sheath entry window during mid-span entry access to the cable, and most suitably either two (2) or three (3) ROL transition points will be located.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical cable comprising a reinforcing structure (1) for providing sufficient tensile and compression strength for the cable, and one or more longitudinally extending fibre channels (4) in which optical fibres in the form of single fibres (2), fibre bundles or fibre ribbons are positioned. In the cable of the invention, the fibre channel/fibre channels (4) is/are defined directly by said reinforcing structure (1), and the reinforcing structure is made of plastic reinforced with fibre bits (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing an improved cable and an improved optical fiber cable comprising a central reinforcement member and a plurality of loose tubes as laying elements, placed longitudinally around the central reinforcement member. The loose tubes comprising at least one or more optical fiber filaments. A gel filling material is contained in both the inner section as well as the outer section of the loose tubes. A layer encircling the assembly is selected from the group consisting of an aramide fiber layer, a fiber glass and combination thereof. At least one or more plastic cover is placed longitudinally over the fiber layer to support metal ribbons which are peripherally incorporated to the assembly and a second layer of plastic cover is placed over the metal ribbon.

Abstract: A communication cable, which has a cable core provided in the center as well as outside cladding and strain relief elements applied in the region of the outside cladding, has at least one optical transmission element which includes at least one light waveguide, provided in the region of the strain relief elements.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable comprises a central tube containing at least one optical fiber, a plurality of outer tubes, each containing at least one optical fiber, and at least two strength members, wherein the outer tubes and strength members are disposed around and in contact with the central tube, the strength members being between intermediate pairs of outer tubes. Preferably, a cord is wound around the outer tubes and strength members to hold them against the outer tube. Preferably, the optical fiber in the central tube is part of an optical fiber ribbon. Preferably, a plurality of individual optical fibers are provided in the outer tubes. The optical fibers are loosely contained within the central and outer tubes. One or several additional tubes containing insulated copper pairs or a coaxial cable may also be provided. Preferably, the cable tubes and the strength members are disposed in a reverse oscillating lay or S-Z fashion around the central tube.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable having a minimum bend radius and comprising at least one U-shaped carrier helically stranded about a coaxial rod having a central axis and including in its lateral peripheral surface at least one groove, said groove containing at least one optical fiber element, is characterized in that the maximum compressive force on said U-shaped carrier caused by bending the cable to its minimum bend radius is less than the minimum such force which could cause said U-shaped carrier to buckle toward said groove. A cable with 16-fiber ribbons containing 250 .mu.m outer diameter (OD) fibers may contain up to 3200 optical fibers. The cable cross-section packing density may be 2.13 fibers/mm.sup.2.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing excess lengths of light waveguides in relation to a metal tube containing the waveguide comprises an arrangement for forming a metal tube and an arrangement for inserting the light waveguides into the metal tube at a greater rate of feed than the advancement of the tube being formed by the arrangement for forming a metal tube. The apparatus and method also include introducing a filling compound into the metal tube upstream of the point of introducing the waveguides and an arrangement of rollers for shaping the formed tube to its final cross sectional shape.

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: In an optical cable according to the present invention, a grooved spacer has a plurality of grooves in its circumference, and the cutting direction of the grooves is inverted at predetermined periods. Optical fibers are received in the respective grooves. On the circumference of the grooved spacer, a linear member is provided around the grooved spacer along the longitudinal direction of the optical cable at a predetermined period. The linear member is fixed to the grooved spacer by welding or bonding in the portions where they touch the outer circumferences of the grooved spacer so as to restrain the optical fibers. The linear member restraining the optical fiber to be taken out are cut in positions above the groove in which the optical fiber is received so that the required optical fiber can be taken out.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable provided with a grooved spacer having on its outer circumference at least one SZ-spiral groove formed continuously along its longitudinal direction and at least one optical fiber tape accommodated in the groove of the grooved spacer, wherein the inverting angle, showing the rotational angle in the circumferential direction of the grooved spacer from one inverting portion of the SZ-spiral groove of the grooved spacer to the next inverting portion, is at least 180.degree.

Abstract: One or a plurality of reverse-lay grooves the direction of which is inverted periodically are cut in the outer circumference of a spacer, and an optical fiber tape unit or a stack of optical fiber tape units is accommodated in this groove. The length of the diagonal lines of the optical fiber tape unit or a stack of optical fiber tape units is larger than the width and depth of a bottom portion of the groove. In the inverted portion of the groove, the normal vector of the optical fiber tape unit or the stack of optical fiber tape units points to a direction perpendicular to an opening direction of the groove in the inverted portions of the groove.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable comprises a stacked plurality of optical fiber ribbons each including a plurality of optical fibers disposed side by side in substantially the same plane and all embedded in a common covering or matrix of the ribbon. A protective outer sheath protects the cable against radial compression loads. Reinforcing members withstand traction loads applied to the cable, which further comprises filler members of a material based on reinforcing fibers and having a coefficient of expansion similar to that of the optical fibers embedded in a connecting matrix. The filler members occupy all or part of a volume delimited by the outside surface of the stacked ribbons and by the inside surface of the outer sheath so that the combination of the stack and the filler members has an external contour in cross-section that is substantially circular. The filler members protect the ribbons against radial and longitudinal loads applied to the cable and oppose contraction of the cable by more than 0.2%.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable according to the present invention includes at least one lengthwise extending channel surrounding an elongate central support member with each channel defining a channel axis. At least one optical fiber is positioned within each channel and has an average position offset in a direction generally radially inward from the channel axis toward the central support member at about room temperature. In one embodiment, the at least one channel is defined by one or more buffer tubes stranded about the central support member. In another embodiment, the at least one channel is defined by core having one or more lengthwise extending slots. The fiber optic cable may also include a protective jacket surrounding the central support member and the channel defining means. The optical fibers typically have a coefficient of thermal expansion less than the respective coefficient of thermal expansion of at least one of the protective jacket, the channel defining means and central support member.

Abstract: The present invention is a well logging cable including first conductor elements, each of the first elements consisting of a steel wire surrounded by copper strands and covered in an electrically insulating material, and at least one second conductor element including at least one optical fiber enclosed in a metal tube, copper strands surrounding the tube and the strands covered by the electrically insulating material. The first elements and the at least one second element are arranged in a central bundle. The second conductor element is positioned within the bundle so as to be helically wound around a central axis of the bundle. The bundle is surrounded by armor wires helically wound externally to the bundle.

Abstract: A waveguide pack for transmission of information that includes a length of a dielectric waveguide wound into a free-standing coil with an inner diameter of less than three inches and coated with a binder suited to maintaining the waveguide in the coil, and a method for preparing the pack.

Abstract: The presence of (typically unintended) birefringence in single mode optical fiber can severely limit the usefulness of the fiber for, e.g., high bit rate or analog optical fiber communication systems, due to the resulting polarization mode dispersion (PMD). It has now been discovered that PMD can be substantially reduced if, during drawing of the fiber, a torque is applied to the fiber such that a "spin" is impressed on the fiber. Desirably the torque is applied such that the spin impressed on the fiber does not have constant spatial frequency, e.g., has alternately clockwise and counterclockwise helicity. At least a portion of optical fiber according to the invention has spin alternately clockwise and counterclockwise.

Abstract: The optical fiber cable has a plurality of centrally located optical fiber ribbons. Carrying the optical fiber ribbons is a gel-filled plastic buffer tube. An adhesive layer is applied along the outside of the buffer tube and yarns extend in a contra-helical pattern over the adhesive. The yarns are impregnated with a gel for lubricating the contact points between the yarns and a longitudinally applied mylar tape layer. The mylar tape layer is coated with a thin layer of sealant which permits application of final polyethylene outer jacket provided for additional cable protection. Embedded within the outer jacket is a pair of diametrically opposed, longitudinally extending strength members.

Abstract: A high-strength, waterproof cable capable of transmitting large quantities of information over great distances in a reliable and durable fashion and a method of making the cable is provided. The cable includes a first central core portion having a pair of opposed ends, with each end having a locking surface. The cable further includes a second central core portion having a pair of opposed ends, each end having a locking surface. The second core portion is sealed to the first core portion by engagement of the respective locking surfaces. The sealed first and second core portions form a central core having a hollow interior chamber. A water-blocking material is located in the sealed chamber and an optical fiber array is located in the sealed chamber and embedded in the water-blocking material. A multiplicity of high tensile strength steel wires are helically wrapped around the core and a thermoplastic jacket is positioned outwardly of and surrounding the steel wires.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable and method for making the cable includes a plurality of buffer tubes positioned around a central member with three levels of color coding to enhance identification of individual optical fibers within the cable. Each of the buffer tubes has a predetermined color for identifying each individual buffer tube from the other buffer tubes, and a plurality of optical fibers are positioned within each buffer tube and arranged in a plurality of optical fiber bundles within each buffer tube. Each optical fiber bundle includes a binder yarn surrounding respective ones of the optical fibers with each of the binders having a predetermined color for identifying each individual optical fiber bundle from the other optical fiber bundles within a respective buffer tube. In addition, each of the optical fibers has a predetermined color for identifying each individual optical fiber from other optical fibers within a respective optical fiber bundle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber optic cable in which a plurality of buffer tubes each contain optical fibers and a filling compound. The cable outer jacket and the coating on a central member are each made from a flame resistant plastic material. The cable has an NEC listing of OFNR.

Abstract: An optical-fiber incorporated longer-sized subaqueous unit comprises optical fiber units arranged inside or outside a plastic sheath provided on the periphery of the core body of the longer-sized subaqueous unit such as power cable core or water supply tube. Each optical fiber unit includes an optical fiber accommodated in a metal pipe having on its periphery a coating layer made of plastic material with a melting point higher than that of the material of the plastic sheath, and armoring iron wire bundles are further provided outside the plastic sheath on the periphery of the core body, thereby preventing any buckling in the optical fiber units.

Abstract: An all dielectric self-supporting fiber optic communication cable for use between spaced-apart support towers of an electrical power transmission network. A central core including at least one optical fiber is surrounded by a layer of non-conductive stranded strength members that are wound about the core. The core includes a plurality of pliable buffer tubes, each of which houses a bundle of optical fibers. The buffer tubes are helically wound about a cylindrical element in order to provide temperature performance by preventing the buffer tubes from experiencing thermally induced movement when exposed to varying temperatures. Each of the stranded strength members comprises a bundle of non-conducting filaments or fibers that are formed about a reinforcing element and encapsulated by individual polyethylene jackets. The reinforcing element reduces the tendency of the filaments to compress as the extruded jacket cures. The stranded strength members are helically wound about the central core.

Abstract: A mining machine is controlled by a fiber optic controlled remote control system that includes one or more fiber optic cables that extend from a remote control station through a hose supplying water to the mining machine. The fiber optic cables exit the water hose for connection to electrically operated equipment onboard the mining machine. Connectors having sealing glands with apertures therethrough allow for insertion of the cables into the water hose and exiting of the cables from the hose at the mining machine while preventing the escape of water from the hose at the points of insertion and exiting. The fiber optic cable is supported and positioned for movement in the hose to relieve tension on the cable when the hose is stretched.

Abstract: A stranding element for use in forming optical cables has an envelope and a plurality of bands, which are each formed of a plurality of light waveguide fibers arranged in a band stack. The band stack is received in a cavity of the envelope of the stranding element. In one embodiment, the envelope has a cross sectional cavity corresponding to the band and the envelope and band stack are longitudinally twisted substantially the same amount. In another embodiment, the band stack is received in a skin and is twisted in an envelope, which has a hollow tubular form.

Abstract: The optical waveguide (AD) has a substantially rectangular internal opening in the form of a chamber (CA) for accepting the optical fibers arranged in the form of ribbon conductors (BL1-BLn). The optical fibers (AD) (sic) has a preferred bending plane (BP), the ribbon conductors being arranged with their broad sides substantially parallel to this preferred bending plane (BP), and the ribbon conductors (BL1-BLn) being guided in an undulating fashion such that their excursion extends transverse to the preferred bending plane.

Abstract: Optical cable with optical fibers and a water blocking element extending together along a passageway. The water blocking element swells upon contact with water so as to block the passageway against water migration. The water blocking element may be of filamentary structure, e.g. string or tape which acts as a carrier for water swellable particles, e.g. polyacrylate. The water blocking element may, however, be a filament of the swellable material which is spun with other filaments, e.g. polyester to form a string. The cable may be air pressurizable.

Abstract: A joint, and a method for forming such joint, between two optical fiber cables or cores having closed-helix grooves each loosely receiving at least one optical fiber. A cylindrical body having open-helix grooves is interposed between the two cores so that the latter grooves interconnect corresponding grooves of the cores. The ends of the optical fibers are joined, and the fibers are then placed in the grooves of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (20) includes a core (21) comprising a plurality of optical fibers (24--24) without intended stranding. The plurality of optical fibers are enclosed in a common tube (34) which provides a predetermined packing density and which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable. In one embodiment, a waterblocking material (36) is disposed within the tube to fill the interstices between the optical fibers and between the fibers and the tube. The waterblocking material is such that its critical yield stress does not exceed about 70 Pa at 20.degree. C. and such that it has a shear modulus of less than about 13 KPa at 20.degree. C. The common tube is enclosed with non-metallic or metallic strength members and a plastic inner jacket and by another layer of strength members and by a plastic outer jacket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing an optical line, in which at least one LWG (4, 11, 15, 19) extends in an envelope (3, 9, 13, 18) with excess length and is fixed with respect to the envelope by positioning elements (7, 8, 12, 20). The adjustment of an exactly defined excess length of one or several LWGs is made possible without the use of expensive manufacturing devices in that the positioning elements (7, 8, 12, 20) are provided on the LWGs (4, 11, 15, 19) prior to or during the insertion in the envelope (3, 9, 13, 18) and that the LWGs are pulled in by unreeling forces acting on the envelope (3, 9, 13, 18).