Alcatel Na Cable Systems, Inc.

Alcatel Na, Inc.,

John C Nelson

Richard C Nilsson

Kenneth E Cornelison

Gary W Edmundson

A branch point for an optical fiber stub or drop cable from a main distribution cable has an optical fiber cable splice module for protecting the optical fibers and splices from moisture and mechanical damage, providing a strong anchoring point for the optical fiber drop cable, and insuring that the minimum fiber bend radius is not violated. The splice module forms an enclosure for the splices which are held in place mechanically by rows of pins. The stub cable may also be preconnectorized.

Optical fiber cable having spliced fiber branch and method of making the

A predetermined optical fiber cable has a main trunk cable comprising a plurality of optical fibers disposed therein and multiple drop cables spliced to the trunk cable at various branch points, the preterminated fiber optic cable being completely assembled at the time of manufacture and is easily installed thereafter. At each branch point an optical fiber cable splice closure is utilized for protecting the optical fibers and splices from moisture and mechanical damage, providing a strong anchoring point for the optical fiber drop cable, and insuring that the minimum fiber bend radius is not violated. The splice closure is cylindrical in shape and has a cavity providing room for the splices and for excess optical fiber storage. Because the splice closure is relatively small (an outer diameter of no greater than 4 inches and a length of no greater than 7 inches), the preterminated fiber optic cable, after manufacture, may be wound in reels for installment without incurring cable or fiber damage and, further, may be depolyed within standard PVC piping having a 4 inch inner diameter. The preterminated fiber optic cable may also be preconnectorized.

Preterminated fiber optic cable

An optical fiber cable having a predetermined length includes a plurality of optical fibers, each fiber having first and second ends. The first ends of the fibers are located coincidental with a first end of the optical fiber cable. The optical fibers are provided with differing lengths so that the second ends of the optical fibers are disposed at different locations along the length of the optical fiber cable. Indicia are provided on the cable to indicate the locations of the second ends of the fibers.

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Hickory, NC, United States of America

John C Nelson