Corning Incorporated

Bicc Plc

Rodney J Davey

Alan A Sadler

John A Tansey

Graham R Handley

Alfred J Ward-Smith

A method is described for introducing one or more optical fibre members (1) into a tubular passageway (2). The method involves passing a current of fluid, preferably air, into and through a venturi (6) the downstream side of which communicates with the passageway (2). The optical fibre member (1) is introduced into the venturi (6) via a hypodermic tube (7) and then into the passageway (2). Apparatus for carrying out the method are described.

Method and apparatus for blowing an optical fibre member

An optical fibre cable comprises an inner sheath containing at least one optical fibre member, and an outer sheath containing the inner sheath. The inner sheath is of a material which is soft and has a low modulus of elasticity. The outer sheath of a material having bulk properties, such as density and stiffness, and surface properties, such as surface texture and friction such that the cable can be propelled along a duct by a flow of air travelling along the duct. An intermediate sheath may be provided between the inner and outer sheaths.

Propellable optical fiber cable

An optical fibre cable comprises a plurality of optical fibre structures each of which comprises an optical fibre surrounded by at least one sheath layer. The optical fibre structures are separably held together side-by-side. The optical fibre cable is propellable along a tubular pathway by fluid drag of a gaseous medium passing over the cable, and each of the individual optical fibre structures is preferably also so propellable when the said structures are separated from one another.

Growing community of inventors

Rainhill, United Kingdom

Rodney J Davey