Alcatel Na, Inc.,

Kenneth E Cornelison

John C Nelson

Michael L Oglesby

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.

Optical fiber cable having optical fibers with various lengths

The present invention is directed toward a fiber optic cable comprising a central core which has one or more helical channels in its periphery. One or more tubes containing a dielectric water-blocking compound and one or more optical fibers are positioned in the channels. The fibers are randomly arranged within the tubes in such a way that tensile stresses on the cable are not transmitted to them, thus providing an elongation window. Finally, the assembly formed by the core and the tube or tubes is wrapped with a serving of metal wires. In one embodiment, the core and tubes may be wrapped with a tape layer before the outer metal wires are applied. Any interstices among the core, the tube or tubes, and tape may also be filled with another dielectric water-blocking compound.

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Hickory, NC, United States of America

Kenneth E Cornelison