Corning Cable Systems

Draka Comteq B.v.

Paul Randall Baird

Richard Steven Wagman

Eric Raymond Logan

Jeffrey Scott Barker

Thomas Andrew Rasmussen, Iii

The present invention provides optical fiber communication cable assemblies useful for separating and conveying individual fibers from a multiple optical fiber cable to connectors in a protective manner. The optical fiber cable assembly is suitable for outdoor use and includes a (i) cable with multiple optical fibers; (ii) a furcation unit attached to the cable for directing individual optical fibers from the cable to furcation legs; and (iii) multiple furcation legs receiving at least one of the optical fibers. The furcation legs include (i) a buffer tube surrounding the optical fiber; (ii) strength members surrounding the buffer tube; and (iii) a jacket surrounding the strength members. The furcation legs typically exhibit a tensile rating of at least about 50 pounds (lb), more typically 100 pounds (lb) or more. Moreover, the furcation legs typically exhibit total shrinkage of less than about 2 percent when cycled from +23&#xb0; C. to &#x2212;40&#xb0; C. to +70&#xb0; C. to &#x2212;40&#xb0; C.

Optical fiber cable assembly

A tubeless fiber optic cable is disclosed, including at least one optical fiber extending in a longitudinal direction, and an outer jacket extending in the longitudinal direction so as to surround the optical fiber. The outer jacket has a cross-section defining an inner surface and an outer surface. At least one strength member extends in the longitudinal direction along the outer jacket and is disposed so that a portion thereof protrudes from the inner surface of the outer jacket, so that when a ripcord is pulled from the outer jacket separation of the outer jacket occurs, thereby allowing access to a cavity containing the optical fiber. In another embodiment, the ripcord protrudes from the inner surface of the outer jacket.

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Hickory, NC, United States of America

Paul Randall Baird