Emtelle UK Limited

George Henry Platt Brown

David J Stockton

Greig Iain McIlwraith

John A Tansey

Kevin Thomas Cockburn

Steven King

Jonathan Paul Taylor

David John Stockton

A fibre optic cable includes a core of primary coated optical fibres embedded in an inner layer of acrylate material, having sufficient tensile strength when cured to lock at least the outermost fibres in place and still allow the fibres to be easily broken out of the assembly for termination and splicing purposes. The hardness of the acrylate layer is such that at least the outermost fibres of the bundle are restricted from moving axially relative to the inner layer. The inner layer is then surrounded by a loose thin jacket formed from a mixture of high density polyethylene having a Shore hardness greater than or equal to 60 and a generally uniformly distributed slip agent, including a polyether modified poly (dimethylsiloxane) material such as polyether modified hydroxy functional poly (dimethylsiloxane) material. The mixture from which the outer layer is formed is compacted by means of heat and pressure. The outer layer may also contain a mineral filler, such as calcium carbonate and/or titanium dioxide, in order to improve the stability of the dimensions of the outer layer as the temperature changes.

Signal transmitting cable

A cable () has (8) fibers () are encapsulated by a UV curable layer () having a diameter of approximately (1010) microns, and (16) outer fibers () arranged in a circular formation around the inner fibers (). The optical fibers () are held in position by means of the UV curable layer () so that the UV curable material of the layer () does not penetrate into the gaps between the optical fibers () and the outermost optical fibers () are restrained by the layer from moving axially. It is found that such an arrangement provides surprisingly favorable bending properties, making the cable particularly suitable for installation in a tube by means of blowing.

An optical fibre cable ( ) for installation in a duct ( ) by means of fluid flow is described. The cable ( ) has a signal transmitting portion comprising a plurality of elongate, flexible optical fibres, surrounded by a braided covering ( ) formed from textile yarns ( ). The apparatus ( ) for installing the cable includes an air compressor ( ) for supplying a blowing head ( ) with a conditioned air supply substantially free of static electricity or moisture. The blowing head ( ) includes drive wheels (not shown), the speed of rotation of which (and hence the speed of installation of the fibre cable ( ), ( ) is adjusted by means of s control unit ( ) powered by power supply ( ). The fibre cable ( ), ( ) is fed from a fibre pan ( ) over guide ( ) to the blowing head ( ), which is fed with an air supply from compressor ( ) which is regulated by dispenser ( ).

An optical fibre cable ( ) for installation in a duct by means of fluid flow is described. The cable ( ) has a signal transmitting portion comprising a plurality of elongate, flexible optical fibres, surrounded by a braided covering ( ) formed from textile yarns ( ).

Signal transmitting cable with outer covering that facilitates installation in a duct by fluid flow

A method of inserting an unreinforced fiber optic member into a duct is disclosed. An elongate, flexible pull cord is inserted into the duct and is attached adjacent its rearward end to the fiber optic member adjacent a forward end thereof. The forward end of the fiber optic member is then introduced into the duct, and fluid such as air is caused to flow along the duct to cause the pull cord and fiber optic member to move into the duct.

Method of inserting a light transmitting member into a tube

A method for installing a lightweight optical fiber unit, preferably less than approximately 10 g/m, into a tube, by pulling the optical fiber unit through the tube using a pulling member. The pulling member may be attached to the optical fiber unit by a braided sheath. Alternatively, the pulling member itself may be a braided tube.

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Galashiels, United Kingdom

George Henry Platt Brown