Alcatel

Richard T Robinson

Houching Michael Yang

Alfred L Hinson

James J Puzan

An optical fiber ribbon is disclosed. The optical fiber ribbon comprises a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a parallel planar array, the planar array being further defined by first and second planar sides spanning between first and second ends. A matrix material coating envelops the optical fibers so as to bond the optical fibers together in the parallel planar array. The matrix material coating forms a first substantially planar surface section spanning the first planar side of the planar array of optical fibers. A second substantially planar surface section spans the second planar side of the planar array of optical fibers. A first hinge section bridges the first and second substantially planar surface sections at the first end of the planar array and a second hinge section bridges the first and second substantially planar surface sections at the second end of the planar array. At least one of first hinge sections has a surface portion which extends outwardly normal to and beyond at least one of the planes defined by either the first or second planar surface sections of the matrix material coating. The shapes of the hinge sections enable them to be removed without special tools and enable the ribbons to be stacked. Removal of the hinged sections enables access to the optical fibers without special tools by compromising the structural integrity of the matrix material coating.

Optical fiber ribbon

A method and apparatus for determining and controlling the excess length of a communications element disposed in a conduit is disclosed. The method includes the steps of measuring the length of a communications element being disposed within the conduit, placing a mark on the conduit each time a pre-determined length of the communications element is disposed within the conduit, and measuring the distance between the marks on the conduit. The excess length is determined by comparing the distance between the initial mark and the subsequent mark on the conduit to the measured length of the communications element disposed within the conduit. To control the excess length ratio, the conduit may be stretched, or process parameters related to formation of the conduit may be changed.

Growing community of inventors

Newton, NC, United States of America

Richard T Robinson