Abstract: Control systems and methods for aligning multimode optical fibers are provided. A method includes producing a brightness profile for a first and second multimode optical fiber. The method further includes determining a cladding center position and a core center position from the brightness profile of the first multimode optical fiber and from the brightness profile of the second multimode optical fiber. The method further includes calculating a concentricity error for the first multimode optical fiber based on the cladding center position and the core center position from the brightness profile of the first multimode optical fiber and for the second multimode optical fiber based on the cladding center position and the core center position from the brightness profile of the second multimode optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical fiber fan-out assembly includes multiple optical fibers arranged in a one-dimensional array in a transition segment in which spacing between fibers is varied from a first pitch (e.g., a buffered fiber diameter of 900 ?m) to a second pitch (e.g., a coated fiber diameter of 250 ?m). A polymeric material encapsulates the optical fibers in the transition segment, and the assembly further includes multiple optical fiber legs each terminated with a fiber optic connector. Optical fibers extending beyond a boundary of the polymeric material are subject to being mass fusion spliced to another group of multiple optical fibers, and the fusion splices encapsulated with polymeric material, to form a fiber optic cable assembly. Methods for fabricating multi-fiber assemblies providing fan-out functionality are further provided, and the need for furcation tubes is avoided.

Abstract: An optical fiber colored core wire includes: a bare optical fiber; a primary layer that comprises a UV curable resin that covers the bare optical fiber; a secondary layer that comprises a UV curable resin that covers the primary layer; and a colored layer disposed outside the secondary layer and that comprises a colored UV curable resin. The primary layer has a Young's modulus that is greater than or equal to 70% of a saturated Young's modulus of the primary layer.

Abstract: An optical-fiber ribbon having excellent flexibility, strength, and robustness includes optical fibers having a sacrificial, outer release layer that facilitates separation of an optical fiber from the optical-fiber ribbon without damaging the optical fiber's glass core, glass cladding, primary coating, secondary coating, and ink layer, if present.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an intermittently-fixed optical fiber ribbon includes: collectively coating a plurality of optical fibers with a coating material by applying an uncured coating material that intrudes between the plurality of optical fibers and curing the intruded uncured coating material; and cutting the coating material positioned between the plurality of optical fibers at a predetermined interval in a longitudinal direction of the optical fibers with a plurality of rotary blades disposed side by side in a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, while delivering the collectively-coated optical fibers at a velocity V1 in the longitudinal direction. The velocity V1 is greater than a peripheral velocity V2 of the plurality of rotary blades.

Abstract: A flexible optical ribbon and associated systems and methods of manufacturing are provided. The ribbon includes a plurality of optical transmission elements and an inner layer comprising a cross-linked polymer material and an outer surface. The outer surface of the inner layer includes first areas having first concentrations of uncrosslinked polymer material and second areas having second concentrations of uncrosslinked polymer material. The first concentrations are greater than the second concentrations. The ribbon includes an outer polymer layer having an inner surface interfacing with the outer surface of the inner layer. The outer polymer layer has a higher level of bonding to the inner layer at the first areas than at the second areas due to the ability of the outer polymer material to bond or crosslink with the larger numbers of uncrosslinked polymer material in the first areas.

Abstract: A flat drop cable has notches or other structures for enhancing the stripability of the jacket from a core of the flat drop cable. The notches can have an angled configuration with surfaces that converge as the notches extend into the jacket. Inner edges, or rounded valleys, at the bottoms of the notches can be positioned along a tear path that intersects the core of the flat drop cable at an angle relative to a major axis of the flat drop cable. For example, the notches can be offset from a minor axis of the flat drop cable a sufficient distance such that the notches are positioned outside a central boundary region that extends tangent to sides of the core and parallel to a minor axis of the flat drop cable. The shoulders of the notches, where the notches transition to an outer jacket wall, may also include a radius of curvature.

Abstract: A rollable optical fiber ribbon utilizing low attenuation, bend insensitive fibers and cables incorporating such rollable ribbons are provided. The optical fibers are supported by a ribbon body, and the ribbon body is formed from a flexible material such that the optical fibers are reversibly movable from an unrolled position to a rolled position. The optical fibers have a large mode filed diameter, such as ?9 microns at 1310 nm facilitating low attenuation splicing/connectorization. The optical fibers are also highly bend insensitive, such as having a macrobend loss of ?0.5 dB/turn at 1550 nm for a mandrel diameter of 15 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and a method for obtaining a quality of service parameter of a voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service is presented. The apparatus obtains a quality of service parameter of a VoIP service, and the apparatus sends a quality parameter report of the VoIP service to a centralized processing device. The quality parameter report of the VoIP service includes the quality of service parameter of the VoIP service, so that a network system obtains quality of service of the VoIP service according to the quality of service parameter of the VoIP service, further helping an operator control and adjust the network system based on the quality of service of the VoIP service.

Abstract: An optical fiber distribution system is provided. The system includes a distribution cable having a plurality of cable optical fibers. The system includes a plurality of optical fiber tethers each including a tether optical fiber optically coupled to a cable optical fiber. The tethers provide access to and distribute the optical network at positions along the length of the optical fiber. The system is configured to provide access area organization and/or low profiles, such as through staggered tether lengths, tether webbing and/or access area sleeve arrangements.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon includes a plurality of optical fibers arranged side by side in a width direction. Each of the optical fibers includes a colored section that is colored by an identification color for identifying the optical fiber from the other optical fibers. The respective colored sections of the optical fibers are formed by coloring a portion, in a length direction, of the respective optical fibers according to a common pattern.

Abstract: A method of cutting and stripping ribbonized fiber to aid in loading and separating rows of fibers in a laser cleaver adapter assembly comprises obtaining ribbonized fiber having at least a first row of fibers and a second row of fibers, cutting the first row of fibers to a first cut length, cutting the second row of fibers to a second cut length, stripping the first row of fibers a first stripped length, and stripping the second row of fibers a second stripped length. The second cut length is longer than the first cut length, and the second stripped length is longer than the first stripped length.

Abstract: The electric wire according to one aspect of the present invention is an electric wire comprising an insulated electric wire and one or more coating layers covering the insulated electric wire, wherein at least one layer of the one or more coating layers is formed from a resin composition containing a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and an allophanate crosslinking agent. The electric wire having such a characteristic feature is excellent in abrasion resistance and heat resistance and can be produced at low costs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical module, including a circuit board, an optical chip and an optical chip driver. Where the circuit board includes a first layer provided with a first ground plane, a second layer provided with a second ground plane and a high-speed signal line between the first ground plane and the second ground plane. At least a part of the high-speed signal line is enclosed in a shielding cage which is formed by the first ground plane, the second ground plane and a plurality of metal vias connecting the first ground plane and the second ground plane in a way that the at least a part of the high-speed signal line is electromagnetic shielded by the shielding cage.

Abstract: To provide an optical fiber ribbon whereby a plastic optical fiber can be used in such a state that the tensile strength is good. A plastic optical fiber ribbon 10 characterized in that at least one plastic optical fiber 1 and at least one plastic wire 2 having a Young's modulus of at least 3,000 MPa are arranged so that their central axes are parallel to each other in the same plane, and integrated by a collective coating 3.

Abstract: A method for splicing a first optical fiber ribbon cable to a second optical fiber ribbon cable includes separating an end of the first optical fiber ribbon cable into loose optical fibers, and re-ribbonizing the loose optical fibers into a ribbonized end having a second pitch different from the first pitch of the original first optical fiber ribbon cable. The method further includes inserting the ribbonized end into a mass fusion splicer having the second pitch, and splicing the ribbonized end to the end of the second optical fiber ribbon cable using the mass fusion splicer.

Abstract: A plurality of holes are formed in a ferrule. The holes are at sites penetrated by the tips of optical fibers. An opening is formed in the upper surface of the ferrule and an internal housing section is exposed from the opening. The housing section is at a site at which an optical fiber holding member is housed. The optical fibers are held by the optical fiber holding member. The optical fibers are multi-core fibers. In other words, the optical fibers have a specified axis of symmetry in a cross-section vertical to the longitudinal direction of the optical fibers and have orientation relative to a rotation direction having the longitudinal direction as the axis thereof.

Abstract: An optical cable including a load bearing core includes a longitudinally and radially extending slot housing at least one optical fiber, wherein the slot has a width providing a low clearance for the optical fiber(s) housed therein and preventing two optical fibers being stuck to one another; and the slot has a depth equal to or lower than a radius of the core.

Abstract: A system (90) for routing a stack of fiber optic ribbons (100) includes a fiber optic cable (50) and a fiber guide tube (300). The fiber optic cable (50) includes a jacket (54) and a ribbon stack (110). The jacket (54) extends from a first end (56) to a second end (58). The ribbon stack (110) extends from a first end (112) to a second end (114). A jacketed portion (60) of the ribbon stack (110) is surrounded by the jacket (54) from the first end (56) of the jacket (54) to the second end (58) of the jacket (54). The fiber guide tube (300) extends from a first end (302) to a second end (304) along a central longitudinal axis (A1). The fiber guide tube (300) is positioned between the first end (56) of the jacket (54) and the first end (112) of the ribbon stack (110). The fiber guide tube (300) includes a round exterior (308) and an interior (310) with a rectangular cross-section (318).

Abstract: A treated monomer for optical fiber coatings, a coating composition containing the treated monomer, a coating formed from a coating composition containing a treated monomer, and a fiber coated with the coating formed from a coating composition containing a treated monomer. The monomer is an alkoxylated alkyl acrylate and is formed by acrylating a polyol precursor. The monomer may include residual unreacted polyol precursor. The monomer is treated with a derivatizing agent to convert residual unreacted polyol to a derivative form. The derivative form is less susceptible to degradation to the corresponding non-alkoxylated alcohol or other lower alkoxylated alcohol. The treated monomer includes the alkoxylated alkyl acrylate and the derivative form of the polyol.

Abstract: Fiber optic ribbon assemblies having improved ribbon stack coupling are described. A fiber optic ribbon assembly may include a buffer tube and an optical fiber ribbon stack extending within the buffer tube. Additionally, at least one friction inducing component may be helically wrapped around the optical fiber ribbon stack along a longitudinal direction with gaps between longitudinally adjacent sections.

Abstract: An optical fiber strip has a stair-shaped base element, a cover element, an adapter and an internal optical fiber array. The stair-shaped base element has a plurality of holes and a first bearing surface. The holes are integrally formed and extends from the first receiving surface to a bottom surface of the stair-shaped base element. The cover element includes an internal curved space between the first curved part and second curved part. The internal optical fiber array is selectively and optically coupled to tan optical-electrical conversion unit via the holes. A curved portion of the internal optical fiber array is located in the internal curved space for changing direction of the internal optical fiber array.

Abstract: An electrical cable has a plurality of generally rectangular cross-section conductors superposed in a stack, the stack surrounded by a polymer jacket. The stack may be provided with a lubrication layer provided between at least two of the conductors. Conductors of the stack may have a thickness that is greater proximate the middle of the stack than at the top and bottom of the stack and/or a width that is less at the top and the bottom than at the middle. Further stacks may also be provided parallel and coplanar with the first stack, also surrounded by the polymer jacket.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, as well as a fiber coupling unit, for coupling optical fibers to optical waveguides that are integrated into a substrate. The coupling unit features a contact surface for contacting the surface of the substrate with the integrated waveguides, as well as trench structures for accommodating optical fibers. The end faces of inserted fibers and/or a raised structure on the edge of the contact surface form a coupling or stopping face for the end face of the substrate with the integrated waveguides. At least one opening is produced in the contact surface and designed for accommodating a mechanical connecting element in a form-fitting fashion or guiding a mechanical connecting element parallel to the contact surface and perpendicular to the coupling or stopping face in a form-fitting fashion. Alternatively, the contact surface may also be rigidly connected to a connecting element protruding from the contact surface.

Abstract: A plastic optical fiber ribbon excellent in efficiency for positioning to V grooves is provided. The ribbon contains plural plastic optical fibers integrated by a collective coating and arranged so that their center axes are parallel to one another in the same plane. At least one outer surface in the thickness direction of the ribbon has a mountain-valley shape following the outer surfaces of the plastic optical fibers, in which an inclined portion is present where the thickness of the collective coating gradually increases in a direction from the peak toward the valley of the mountain, and in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the ribbon, a central angle of the sector formed by connecting an arc from the apex of the mountain to the starting point of the inclined portion and a center of the plastic optical fiber is from 30 to 80°.

Abstract: A fiber optic cassette includes a body defining a front and an opposite rear. A cable entry location is defined on the body for a cable to enter the cassette, wherein a plurality of optical fibers from the cable extend into the cassette and form terminations at non-conventional connectors adjacent the front of the body. A flexible substrate is positioned between the cable entry location and the non-conventional connectors adjacent the front of the body, the flexible substrate rigidly supporting the plurality of optical fibers. Each of the non-conventional connectors adjacent the front of the body includes a ferrule, a ferrule hub supporting the ferrule, and a split sleeve surrounding the ferrule.

Abstract: An optical fiber comprises a glass fiber, and a coating resin layer having a primary resin layer and a secondary resin layer, wherein the primary resin layer consists of a cured resin composition containing an oligomer, a monomer and a photopolymerization initiator, the oligomer is a reaction product of a specific polyol compound, a polyisocyanate compound, and a hydroxyl group-containing acrylate compound, the photopolymerization initiator includes 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenyl phosphine and 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone at a mass ratio of 5:1 to 1:1, and a content of 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenyl phosphine in the resin composition is 1.5 to 2.5% by mass.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide, by a configuration or method different from conventional art, a coated optical fiber enabling reduced interface delamination between a glass fiber and a primary coating layer when the coated optical fiber is immersed in water, and a reduction of transmission loss increase. A coated optical fiber according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a glass fiber, a primary coating layer coated on the glass fiber, a secondary coating layer coated on the primary coating layer, and a colored layer coated on the secondary coating layer. The coated optical fiber is configured so that small water bubbles are generated substantially evenly within the primary coating layer when the coated optical fiber is immersed for 200 days in warm water of 60° C.

Abstract: An optical fiber sensor system and method for monitoring a condition of a linear structure such as a pipeline is provided which is capable of providing continuous monitoring in the event of a break in the sensing optical fiber or fibers. The system includes at least one sensing fiber provided along the length of the linear structure, and first and second interrogation and laser pumping sub-systems disposed at opposite ends of the sensing fiber, each of which includes a reflectometer. The reflectometer of the first interrogation and laser pumping sub-system is connected to one end of the sensing fiber. The reflectometer of the second interrogation and laser pumping sub-system is coupled to either (i) an end of a second sensing fiber provided along the length of the linear structure which is opposite from the one end of the first sensing fiber, or (ii) the opposite end of the first sensing fiber.

Abstract: Cables jacket are formed by extruding discontinuities in a main cable jacket portion. The discontinuities allow the jacket to be torn to provide access to the cable core. The discontinuities can be longitudinally extending strips of material in the cable jacket, and can be introduced into the extrudate material flow used to form the main portion through ports in the extrusion head. The discontinuities allow a section of the cable jacket to be pulled away from a remainder of the jacket using a relatively low peel force.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to lighting diffusing fibers (LDFs) having a flame retardant coating thereon. The LDFs comprise a glass RAL fiber core having a primary polymer coating of a clear, colorless polymeric material having an index of refraction less than that of the glass fiber core and a flame retardant coating applied over the primary coating. The flame retardant coating consist of approximately 35-85 wt. % UV curable polymer forming monomers and 15-65 wt. % of an inorganic, halogen free filler, along with at least one photoinitiator and an antioxidant. In an embodiment phosphor-containing polymer layer can be applied between the primary coating and the flame retardant coating. In another embodiment the phosphor can be added to the flame retardant coating.

Abstract: A multicore optical fiber with a reference section having a material defining a marked multicore glass optical fiber. The multicore fibers can be in groupings, for example, the groupings can be in the form of one of an optical fiber ribbon covered by a matrix, and a tight buffered cable. Fiber optic connectors can be assembled to the multicore optical fiber at either or both ends, and the colored portion can be associated with the optical fiber connector aligning the optical core elements with the optical connectors. The assembly can have at least one transceiver device with a transmit port and a receive port defining a two-way communication channel. Further aspects describe methods of manufacturing multicore fibers including application of curable coatings and reference sections.

Abstract: An optical fiber assembly including an optical fiber ribbon and an optical connector is provided. The optical fiber ribbon includes a ribbon matrix, a first group of optical fibers embedded in the ribbon matrix, a second group of optical fibers embedded in the ribbon matrix, and a split in the ribbon matrix at a first end of the ribbon forming a space between a first end of the first group of optical fibers and a first end of the second group of optical fibers. The optical connector includes a body, a first array of openings defined in the body, and a second array of openings defined in the body. The second array is spaced from the first array. The bond between the ribbon matrix and the optical fibers prevents elongation of the split.

Abstract: A method of coating a silica-silica optical fiber, comprising, in a single pass on a fiber coating machine: applying a primary layer of UV curable acrylate carrying a first color, on said fiber; and applying a second layer of UV curable acrylate carrying a second color different from the first color, on top of the primary layer, the second layer being applied in patterns over the primary layer. The method is used to identify fibers in bundles or loose tubes where there are more fibers than there are basic colors.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include an optical fiber routing mat for routing optical fibers. The optical fiber routing mat includes a first layer of material and a second layer of material. A surface of the first layer of material is adhesively coupled to a surface of the second layer of material. The optical fiber routing mat includes one or more optical fibers disposed between the first layer of material and the second layer of material. The one or more optical fibers are bent to a radius at least large enough to prevent damage to the one or more optical fibers.

Abstract: A fiber optic cassette includes a body defining a front and an opposite rear. A cable entry location is defined on the body for a cable to enter the cassette, wherein a plurality of optical fibers from the cable extend into the cassette and form terminations at non-conventional connectors adjacent the front of the body. A flexible substrate is positioned between the cable entry location and the non-conventional connectors adjacent the front of the body, the flexible substrate rigidly supporting the plurality of optical fibers. Each of the non-conventional connectors adjacent the front of the body includes a ferrule, a ferrule hub supporting the ferrule, and a split sleeve surrounding the ferrule.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hybrid cable having a jacket with a central portion positioned between left and right portions. The central portion contains at least one optical fiber and the left and right portions contain electrical conductors. The left and right portions can be manually torn from the central portion.

Abstract: Durable optical fiber ribbons are formed by promoting a strong bond between fiber ink layers and ribbon matrix material. During curing of the ink layer desired oxygen levels are maintained in the curing environment of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an optical fiber ribbon, in which: a plurality of optical fibers are arranged in parallel and the neighboring optical fibers are partially coupled with each other at given intervals in a longitudinal direction to form a subunit; and the optical fibers positioned at side edges of the neighboring subunits are partially coupled with each other at a given intervals in the longitudinal direction, includes: sending out the optical fibers in a parallel manner with intervals provided therebetween, applying an uncured resin to the optical fibers, continuously changing positions at which the uncured resin is interrupted by a plurality of interrupt members, and forming coupled portions at which the optical fibers are coupled to each other by irradiating resin curing energy, wherein a moving period or phase of the interrupt members is changed for every arbitrary optical fibers.

Abstract: A fiber optic ribbon cable includes a stack of fiber optic ribbons, strength members surrounding the stack, and a jacket defining an exterior of the cable. The jacket forms a cavity through which the stack and the strength members extend. The stack has a bend preference, but the strength members are positioned around the stack or are flexible in bending such that the strength members do not have a bend preference. Furthermore, the jacket is structured such that the jacket does not have a bend preference. The cavity is sized relative to the stack in order to allow the stack to bend and twist within the cavity with respect to the jacket as the cable bends, facilitating movement of the optical fibers of the fiber optic ribbons to low-stress positions within the cavity and decoupling the bend preference of the stack from transfer to the jacket.

Abstract: A fiber optic ribbon cable includes a jacket having a cavity and a stack of fiber optic ribbons in the cavity. Each of the fiber optic ribbons includes optical fibers arranged side-by-side with one another and bound to one another with a common matrix in bound sections of the respective fiber optic ribbon. Each fiber optic ribbon additionally has loose sections thereof where the optical fibers of the respective fiber optic ribbon are loose and unbound. The bound sections are spaced apart from one another and separated from one another by the loose sections, while matrix of each of the bound sections contiguously extends across each of the optical fibers of the fiber optic ribbon. Bound sections of adjoining fiber optic ribbons of the stack are at least partially non-overlapping one another as arranged in the stack, which facilitates flexibility and compactness of the stack.

Abstract: A fiber optic ribbon cable includes a fiber optic ribbon or stack of ribbons, strength members surrounding the ribbon or stack, and a jacket defining an exterior of the cable. The jacket forms a cavity through which the strength members and the ribbon or stack extend. The ribbon or stack has a bend preference, but the strength members are flexible and do not have a bend preference. Furthermore, the jacket is structured such that the jacket does not have a bend preference. The cavity is sized relative to the ribbon or stack in order to allow the same to bend and twist within the cavity with respect to the jacket as the cable bends, facilitating movement of the corresponding optical fibers to low-stress positions within the cavity and decoupling the bend preference of the ribbon or stack from transfer to the jacket.

Abstract: A fiber optic termination includes a homogeneous flexible body comprising a first polymer comprising a plurality of grooves defined therein, each groove configured to receive a corresponding filament of the fiber optic ribbon; each groove carrying a coating comprising a second polymer, each coating forming a melt-bond adhesive for attaching the associated groove to a first portion of a corresponding filament while leaving a second opposing portion of the corresponding filament and lateral side portions of the corresponding filament between the first and second portions substantially accessible for connection to a mating component; wherein the first polymer has a first melting point that is higher than a second melting point of the second polymer causing the second polymer to melt to bond the filaments to the grooves without melting the first polymer when the second polymer is heated to a temperature between the first and second melting points.

Abstract: A fiber optic trunk cable that can be used for connecting multi-channel transceivers includes: a plurality of optical fibers; and first and second terminals attached to opposite ends of the fibers, each of the terminals having an alignment key. The fibers enter the first terminal in an arrangement of 2N rows, wherein N is an integer, and enter the second terminal in an arrangement of 2N rows. Each fiber defines a position in the first terminal that is row-inverted to the position the fiber defines in the second terminal. Such a cable can be employed with appropriate equipment cords and transceivers.

Abstract: An optical communication cable includes a cable body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a channel defined by the inner surface and a longitudinal axis extending through the center of the channel. The outer surface of the cable body defines a profile feature such that the outer surface at the profile feature is asymmetric about the longitudinal axis. The profile feature having at least two peaks and at least one trough between the peaks, and the profile feature extends axially along at least a portion of the length of the outer surface of the cable body. The cable includes an optical transmission element located in the channel, and an ink layer positioned along an outer surface of the trough of the profile feature. The peaks are configured to limit contact of the ink layer with surfaces during installation and thereby act to protect the ink layer from abrasion.

Abstract: A colored optical fiber including a glass optical fiber; a primary coating layer that covers the glass optical fiber; a secondary coating layer that covers the primary coating layer; and a colored layer that coats the secondary coating layer. The relaxation modulus after 24 hours at 60° C. of of the layers coated is 140 MPa or less.

Abstract: An optical fiber array connector includes a ribbon fiber and a ribbon fiber holder. The ribbon fiber includes optical fibers having fixed pitch. The ribbon fiber holder includes a connection plate and a support member connected to the connection plate. The connection plate defines a ribbon shaped through hole. The support member includes a top surface and two rails. The two rails are supported by the top surface and parallel to each other. The two rails and the top surface cooperatively define a ribbon shaped receiving channel. The ribbon shaped receiving channel communicates with the ribbon shaped through hole. The ribbon fiber is received in the ribbon shaped receiving channel. The optical fibers are received in the ribbon shaped through hole.

Abstract: A flat cable includes at least two conductors offset from and in parallel with one another, and an insulating covering disposed over a periphery of the conductors. The insulating covering includes a vinyl chloride-based resin composition with a brittle temperature from ?40° Celsius to ?25° Celsius, a hardness D from 35 to 55, and heating deformation of 10% or below. The vinyl chloride-based resin composition substantially contains only vinyl chloride homopolymer as the resin component.

Abstract: A splittable optical fiber ribbon has a decreased propensity for fiber fallout along a longitudinal split. Fibers adjacent to a split location, called border fibers, have increased bond strength between their ink-coating and a surrounding matrix material. The bond strength is increased by first partially curing an ink that covers the border fibers, coating the partially-cured fibers with a matrix material, and then substantially fully curing the ink and the matrix material substantially simultaneously. The ribbon may include one or more grooves to enhance splitting the ribbon into subsets.

Abstract: A combination of a pulling grip assembly and a fiber optic cable assembly for installing the fiber optic cable, including: a flexible grip having an open loop region for pull-force engagement and a closed region engaged with the strength member in a fiber optic cable assembly; a first heat shrunk member positioned about a portion of the distal end of the fiber optic cable assembly and the distal end of cable; and a second heat shrunk member positioned about a portion of the closed region of the flexible grip and the proximal end of the fiber optic cable assembly. A method of using the pulling grip assembly and a quick release pulling grip kit for installing fiber optic cable, as defined herein, are also disclosed.