Corning Cable Systems

Dave A Seddon

Warren Welborn McAlpine

Anne Germaine Bringuier

Christopher Mark Quinn

Catharina Lemckert Tedder

Brian S Witz

John Arthur Rowe

George Ndayizeye

Gilbert D Tugman

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

Methods of making optical fiber assemblies having relatively low-levels of water-swellable powder

Optical fiber assemblies having relatively low-levels of water-swellable powder and methods therefor

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Hickory, NC, United States of America

Dave A Seddon