Lucent Technologies Inc.

Fitel USA Corporation

Western Electric Company, Inc.

American Telephone and Telegraph, Co.

At&t Technologies, Inc.

American Telephone & Telegraph Co., At&t Bell Laboratories

At&t Bell Laboratories, At&t Technology, Inc.

Kenneth Wade Jackson

Clyde Jefferson Lever, Jr

Carl Raymond Taylor

Richard Dalton Small, Jr

Vidyananda Bangalore Chandraiah

Peter A Weimann

Jim Jenqtsong Sheu

Nathan E Hardwick, Iii

Neil Wilbur Sollenberger

Kariofilis Konstadinidis

Richard Hartford Norris

Norman Roger Lampert

Shahabuddin Siddiqui

Harold F Muth, Jr

James R Petisce

Parbhubhai D Patel

John Michael Turnipseed

Richard Norris

Richard D Small

Robert J Brown

Raymond P DeFabritis

Kenneth M Kroupa

Gregory A Lochkovic

David Tatwai Au

Kyoyul Oh

Michael L Pearsall

Stephanie Holland Webb

Edgar E Daugherty

Wesley W Jones

Naif T Subh

A fiber optic cable is disclosed that buffers against loss, where the cable includes an outer jacket, and an optical fiber ribbon disposed within the outer jacket, wherein the ribbon includes more than one optical fiber, and at least two distinct matrix coatings disposed on the optical fibers, the coatings having distinct characteristics. Preferably, the inner coating is relatively soft, with a lower elastic modulus than the relatively stiff, hard outer coating. Also disclosed is a method of buffering loss in an optical fiber transmission, including providing an optical fiber ribbon, wherein the ribbon includes more than one optical fiber, and at least two distinct matrix coatings disposed on the optical fibers, the coatings having distinct characteristics; and transmitting in at least one of the C-band, L-band and U-band of wavelengths.

Fiber optic ribbon and method of buffering loss

A composite modular optical fiber ribbon structure has one or more separate sub-ribbons, each encased in a first matrix having a relatively high elastic modulus at room temperature. The sub-ribbons are assembled in a planar array which is encased in a second matrix having a relatively low elastic modulus at room temperature.

Composite modular optical fiber ribbon

An assembly for curing a linear work product which is passed through a curing oven at high speed along a first path the assembly having a first path altering member, such as a sheave, re-directing the work product through the oven along at least a second path spaced from the first path. A plurality of such sheaves in a first embodiment redirect the work product through the entrance end of the oven for travel along a second path in the same direction as in the first path. In a second embodiment, the path altering members re-direct the work product into the exit end of the oven for travel in a second path in the opposite direction to the first path. Additional curing may be realized by passing the work product through the curing oven in the same or in opposite directions, as desired or as necessary.

Method and apparatus for increasing UV dose and throughput of high speed UF curing processes

The present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning an optical fiber ribbon without splitting the ribbon. The apparatus comprises a first element that has a channel formed therein, which preferably has a width that is substantially equal to the width of an optical fiber ribbon. A ribbon is cleaned by disposing it in the channel and by pulling it through the channel while applying a force to the top surface of the ribbon. The force may be applied, for example, by a user who applies a cleaning cloth to the top surface of the ribbon as it is pulled through the channel. The contact between the channel, the cleaning device and the exterior surface of the ribbon effectuates removal of foreign material from the exterior surface of the ribbon. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second element. The second element includes a bottom surface that is disposed over the channel when the first and second elements are placed in their operative positions. In order to clean a ribbon, the ribbon is pulled through the channel in a direction parallel to the length-wise direction of the ribbon. As the ribbon is pulled through the channel, the channel and the bottom surface of the second element wipe the exterior surface of the ribbon and thereby remove unwanted particles or matter from the exterior surface of the ribbon. The channel and the bottom surface of the second element maintain the ribbon in a substantially coplanar configuration as the ribbon is being pulled through the channel, thereby preventing the ribbon from being split during the cleaning process.

Apparatus for cleaning an optical fiber ribbon

A variable fiber count optical fiber cable core is disclosed. The cable core is intended for use as a part of an optical fiber cable, the optical fiber cable having an elongate cylindrical core tube formed about a longitudinal axis, and within which the cable core is received. The cable core comprises a stack of a plurality of variable fiber count optical fiber units formed about the longitudinal axis of the core tube, and housed therein. The stack of the optical fiber units will comprise at least a first optical fiber unit having a first predetermined number of fibers therein, and at least a second optical fiber unit having a second predetermined number of optical fibers therein, where the first and second predetermined numbers of optical fibers differ from one another within the stack of optical fiber units. So constructed, the number of optical fibers within selected ones of the stack of optical fiber units will be varied dependent on the position of the selected ones of the optical fiber units within the stack of optical fiber units, and so that the stack of optical fiber units takes on the approximate shape of a cylindrical cable core within the cable core tube. Each of the optical fiber units comprised a first predetermined number of optical fibers sub-units joined together, each of the optical fiber sub-units being comprised of a second predetermined number of optical fibers, where both the first and second predetermined numbers of sub-units and optical fibers, respectively, comprise integers.

Variable fiber count optical fiber cable core

A buffer encasement has a longitudinally extending interior surface that extends around and defines a longitudinally extending passage containing a stack of optical fiber ribbons. The interior surface closely bounds the stack, and the buffer encasement is easily removable from the stack. The buffer encasement can be is easily removable from the stack because the buffer encasement is thin and is constructed of a material that is capable of being easily torn. The buffer encasement can be is easily removable from the stack because the buffer encasement defines a longitudinally extending weakened portion that is capable of being more easily torn than the remainder of the buffer encasement. The weakened portion is operative so that when the weakened portion is torn the buffer encasement defines longitudinally extending edges on the opposite sides of the tear. The edges can be separated from one another to define an opening therebetween through which the stack of optical fiber ribbons can be accessed. The buffer encasement can be in the form of a longitudinally extending piece of tape having longitudinally extending opposite edges defining an overlapping configuration so that the tape encloses the stack of optical fiber ribbons. The edges of the tape can be separated to provide a nonoverlapping configuration in which an opening is defined between the edges and through which the stack of optical fiber ribbons can be accessed. Therefore, the edges of the tape can be reclosed, if desired.

Groups of optical fibers closely bound by easily removable buffer encasements, and associated fiber optic cables

An optical module includes a stack of optical fiber ribbons that are within a buffer encasement, such as a thin sheath, that closely bounds the periphery of the stack. The optical modules can be rectangular, so that the optical modules can be readily stacked in a manner that results in a very space efficient fiber optic cable. The optical modules can be tested prior to being incorporated into the fiber optic cable so as to maximize the probability of the fiber optic cable being fully operable. The sheath cushions all of the sides of the stack. In some optical modules, the stack is movable relative to the sheath and the optical fiber ribbons are movable relative to one another. The sheath is preferably sufficiently rigid to maintain the stack in a stacked configuration, and sufficiently flexible to allow the optical fiber ribbons to slide laterally relative to one another so that, in an end elevation view of the stack, the stack and the sheath can transition from a non-skewed configuration to a skewed configuration. The lateral displacement between the optical fiber ribbons in the skewed configuration is different from the lateral displacement between the optical fiber ribbons in the non-skewed configuration. The stack can be in a longitudinally twisted configuration, and the sheath is sufficiently rigid to hold the stack in the longitudinally twisted configuration. Further, the sheath can be thin such that the exterior surface of the sheath defines ridges that correspond to the twist of the stack.

Stacks of optical fiber ribbons closely bound by respective buffer encasements, associated methods, and associated fiber optic cables

A fiber optic cable includes multiple differently sized stacks of optical fiber ribbons. The stacks include a central stack that is approximately centrally located in a jacket passage and peripheral stacks positioned radially around the central stack. A difference exists between the dimensions of the central stack and the dimensions of one or more of the peripheral stacks. Another fiber optic cable has multiple longitudinally extending stacks of optical fiber ribbons that are within a jacket passage. The stacks include a central stack that is approximately centrally located in the jacket passage, and peripheral stacks positioned radially around the central stack. Buffer encasements that respectively contain the peripheral stacks are longitudinally stranded around the central stack. Each buffer encasement includes a longitudinally extending interior surface that extends around and defines a longitudinally extending passage that contains the respective peripheral stack, and each interior surface closely bounds and engages a substantial portion of the periphery of the respective peripheral stack. Another fiber optic cable includes multiple optical modules within a longitudinally extending jacket and longitudinally stranded around a central member. Each optical module includes a stack of optical fiber ribbons enclosed in a buffer encasement. Each buffer encasement includes a longitudinally extending interior surface that extends around and defines a longitudinally extending passage that contains the respective stack, and the interior surface closely bounds and engages a substantial portion of the periphery of the respective stack.

Fiber optic cables with multiple stacks of optical fiber ribbons

A stack of optical fiber ribbons is enclosed in a buffer encasement having a relatively soft inner portion and an relatively hard outer portion. The inner portion has an interior surface extends around and defines a longitudinally extending passage that contains the stack, and the interior surface closely bounds the stack. The outer portion extends around, closely bounds and contacts the inner portion, and has a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the inner portion. In accordance with one example of the invention, the inner portion has an exterior surface that extends around and is spaced apart from the passage, and the outer portion has an interior surface that extends around, closely bounds, and engages the exterior surface of the inner portion, whereby the buffer encasement has multiple plies. In contrast, in accordance with another example of the invention, a surface is not defined between the inner portion and the outer portion.

Stacks of optical fiber ribbons closely bound by respective buffer encasements with relatively hard exteriors and relatively soft interiors, associated methods, and associated fiber optic cables

An optical fiber ribbon capable of being divided into two or more robust sub-units along predetermined dividing lines has a plurality of optical fibers in a substantially flat array which have a first, low, matrix-to-fiber coating, which may be a coloring ink, adhesion for facilitating mid-array or mid-span fibers access. The two fibers on either side of each of the dividing lines and adjacent thereto and to each other, have an enhanced or high matrix-to-fiber coating adhesion whereby the sub-units created by the division are sufficiently robust to retain the fibers within the matrix.

Optical fiber ribbon having differentially enhanced matrix to ink adhesion

An optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality of optical fibers are held in an array has a matrix material for bonding to the fibers to form the ribbon. The matrix material has certain characteristics which serve to enhance fiber access, among which are an elastic modulus from 600 to 1200 MPa at room temperature, from 100 to 280 MPa at 100.degree. C., and from 15 to 45 MPa at temperatures greater than 170.degree. C. The matrix material swells in ethanol more than 15% by volume within 20 minutes, and is virtually immune to the action of cleaning solvents. The matrix material has a surface tension of 20-35 mJ/m.sup.2 as do the color coding inks which identify the fibers.

Optical fiber ribbon

A method for performing fiber break-out in an optical fiber ribbon, which does not require shutting down the fibers in the ribbon while break-out is being performed, includes the step of placing the ribbon on a smooth surface that is either flat or curved with a radius much greater than the critical bend radius after the matrix material of the ribbon has been softened and swollen. The ribbon is temporarily affixed to the surface, and the softened matrix is then pulled away therefrom. The ribbon is then turned over and temporarily affixed to the surface and the remaining matrix is removed. The fibers that remain are then cleaned with an alcohol solution. In a variation of the method, the matrix is removed by rubbing or abrading it with a textured cloth or pad.

Method and apparatus for access of optical fibers in a ribbon

An optical fiber storage reel has a central axis of rotation and a plurality of arcuate surface members extending radially and spaced about the axis of rotation. Each arcuate surface has a radius of curvature that is equal to or greater than the critical bend radius of the optical fiber. The arcuate surfaces are spaced from the axis of rotation a distance such that a cable wound on the reel has a substantially straight line path between the arcuate surfaces, with the sum total of the straight line distances being sufficient to reduce the false loss readings on the cable which can occur when a cable is wound upon a circular drum or hub.

Low loss optical fiber reel

A modular optical fiber ribbon has a repetitive color identifier arrangement for the individual coated fibers defining one or more adjacent modules. Each module is identified by a digital code imprinted or otherwise marked on the top surface of the ribbon so that each individual fiber in the entire ribbon structure is uniquely identified. Each module or portion thereof can be broken out from the ribbon by means of a break-out tool which is sufficiently hard to cut the matrix bonding material which holds the fibers in the ribbon configuration, but which is not hard enough to cut the fiber coating.

Modular optical fiber ribbon

An alignment sleeve (66) for holding two conically shaped portions (30--30) of plugs (24--24) each of which terminates an optical fiber (25) includes two conically shaped cavities (68, 70) communicating through a common minimal diameter plane (72). After the sleeve has been molded, a tool (100) faced with an abrasive material is inserted into each cavity of the sleeve and turned rotatably while a force is applied in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool. This causes material to be removed from the walls defining the cavities so that when the two plugs are inserted into the cavities, the axes of the fibers will be aligned coaxially and the end faces of the fibers will have a predetermined separation. The apparatus of this invention also may be used to adjust a length measurement of plugs. This is accomplished by inserting a plug into a conically shaped cavity of a tool. A wall which defines the cavity of the tool is faced with an abrasive material which upon turning the plug abrades the plug to thereby increase the distance from a reference circumference of the plug to a pedestal (36) in which the free end of the optical fiber terminates.

Growing community of inventors

Snellville, GA, United States of America

Kenneth Wade Jackson