At&t Bell Laboratories

Andrew H Williamson, Jr

John F Malluck

Robert H Gladden, Jr

William H Bensel, Iii

Robert R Ross

An optical fiber cable closure (20) includes a cable termination assembly (22) and a cover (23) into which the termination assembly is inserted. The cable termination assembly includes two spaced end plates (34,36) through which cables (28,29) to be spliced extend. One of the end plates supports a frame (101) which supports a plurality of optical fiber splicing trays (120--120). Adjacent end portions of the trays are staggered and hinged so that some trays may be moved pivotally to expose others. Optical fibers from each incoming cable are routed in individual tubes (115--115) from an optical fiber breakout (110) mounted in the framework to selected ones of the trays. Hinge lock plates (130--130) which complete a hinge for each tray also serve to clamp the tubes incoming to each tray to prevent unintended movement.

Optical fiber cable closure

A closure (20) for a cable splice includes two mating covers (23, 24) and two end plate assemblies (30--30). Each of two cables to be spliced is wrapped with convolutions of a sealing tape (32) disposed between two washers (34--34). The washers and sealing tape are received in a circular groove (53) formed by mating semi-circular hub portions (54--54) of two halves (42, 44) of an end plate assembly. The end plate assembly has a truncated conical shape with a smaller diameter portion terminating in a hub (52) which is disposed inside the closure. As a result of this conical shape, fasteners (64--64) inside the closure and aligned with the hub are used to secure together the halves of the end plate assembly and apply a balanced force system to the sealing tape within the hub. Longitudinally extending joints between the covers and a circumferential channel (45) in each end plate assembly are each filled with a sealing gasket. The covers are assembled together to enclose the end plate assemblies. Then, the covers are secured together by a plurality of latching fingers (126--126). As the covers are secured together, the longitudinal and circumferential gaskets are caused to seal the joints between the covers and between the covers and the end plate assemblies.

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Doraville, GA, United States of America

Andrew H Williamson, Jr