Corning Cable Systems

William S Jackman

David Alan Seddon

Warren Welborn McAlpine

Richard Steven Wagman

James Phillip Luther

Thomas Theuerkorn

Michael James Ott

David Lee Dean, Jr

William Carl Hurley

Michael John Gimblet

Robert Bruce Elkins, Ii

Kenneth Darrell Temple, Jr

Lars K Nielsen

Jody L Greenwood

Alan Todd Parsons

Keith H Lail

Michael deJong

Louis Alexander Barrett

James D Mohler

Kenneth F Dunn, Jr

Michael S Fedoroff

A buffered optical fiber includes at least one optical fiber and a buffer layer. In one embodiment, the buffer layer generally surrounds the optical fiber and has a non-round cross-section that includes a plurality of wings that are an integrally formed by the buffer layer. Additionally, the buffered optical fiber may form a portion of a fiber optic cable that allows a relatively small bend radius while maintaining optical performance. Optionally, the optical fiber may be a bend resistant optical fiber for preserving optical performance. Additionally, other fiber optic cables that allow relatively small bend radii are also disclosed.

Fiber optic structures that allow small bend radii

Fiber optic cables are disclosed that allow a relatively small bend radius and/or may kink while still preserving optical performance. In one embodiment, the fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber, a first strength member, a second strength member, a core material, and a cable jacket. The core material generally surrounds the optical fiber, the first strength member, and the second strength member and the core material is deformable for cushioning the optical fiber. The cable jacket generally surrounds the core material and allows a bending radius of about 10 millimeters or less while maintaining a suitable level of optical performance.

Fiber optic cables that kink with small bend radii

A fiber optic cable and methods of manufacturing the same includes at least one optical fiber, and at least one ferrule. The at least one ferrule is attached to the at least one optical fiber before the cable jacket is applied. The cable jacket surrounds the at least one optical fiber and the at least one ferrule so that when the cable jacket is opened the at least one optical fiber having the at least one ferrule attached may be accessed. Consequently, the when opening the cable, the craft is presented with an optical fiber that is preterminated with a ferrule. Optionally, the ferrule can have a cover or be a portion of a fiber optic connector. The cable is manufactured so that one or more of the ferrules are appropriately placed along the length of the fiber optic cable for distribution into the fiber optic network.

Distribution fiber optic cables for fiber to the subscriber applications

A method of laying an at least partially buried fiber optic cable includes placing a fiber optic cable with at least one associated alternating electromagnetic field emitting locating transponder (AEFELT) underground such that at least one AEFELT is buried underground.

Methods and apparatus for facilitating cable locating

A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical waveguide, at least one strength member, and a jacket. The at least one strength member is a material having an average residual angle in the range of about 30 degrees to about 65 degrees during a bending test using a mandrel having a wire ratio (D/d) of about 200. The strength member is suitable, if necessary, for self-attaching to studs, hooks, or the like by bending it therearound and is also suitable for hardware such as P-clamps or other grips. In other embodiments, strength memberis annealed to relieve work hardening. Preferred embodiments use a steel strength member with a carbon content between about 0.30 percent to about 0.75 percent. Additionally, a coating may be applied to the strength member for environmental/corrosion protection or conductivity.

Fiber optic cable having a strength member

A fiber optic cable having optical fibers disposed in buffer tubes, the buffer tubes defining at least two layers generally stranded about a center area of the cable. The buffer tube layers define a relatively inner layer of buffer tubes being closer to the center area, and an outer layer of buffer tubes being relatively further from the center area. The inner and outer buffer tube layers each having a respective helix value, the respective helix values being substantially the same. Alternatively, the respective helix values can be substantially non-equal. In addition, fiber optic cable systems including balanced helix factors have optical connections between layers of buffer tubes of the respective cables.

Optical fiber cable with controlled helix values

Fiber optic cables, and methods of manufacturing the same, include a plurality of carriers having at least one optical fiber therein. In one embodiment, the carriers are arranged in two layers within the cable and are generally disposed about a center area of the cable. Each layer has a respective helix-plus-EFL value. A difference between the respective helix-plus-EFL values of the layers defines a differential range being, preferably, about 1% or less. Additionally, the fiber optic cables can be used in fiber optic cable systems such as dispersion managed cable systems (DMCS).

Optical fiber cable with controlled helix-plus-EFL values and methods therefor

A fiber optic cable having at least two interfaces being formed by first and second members. Between the interfaces is at least one retention area having an optical fiber component disposed therein. The retention area is disposed generally longitudinally and non-helically relative to an axis of the cable. The cable may also include a cable jacket substantially surrounding the members, a cushioning zone adjacent the optical fiber component, a water-blocking component and/or an interfacial layer. In another embodiment, a fiber optic cable includes a strength group having at least one strength member and an optical fiber being proof-tested to 125 KPSI or greater.

Fiber optic cables

A fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber and a strength member surrounding the optical fiber. The strength member can include a plurality of fibers disposed in a matrix such that the resulting strength member preferably has a modulus of elasticity of at least about 20 GPa and, more preferably, at least about 40 GPa. While the strength member can be an integral member, the strength member can be formed of at least two physically distinct portions in order to more precisely tailor the characteristics of the fiber optic cable. In this regard, the strength member can include a first strength member surrounding the optical fiber that includes a first matrix and a plurality of first fibers embedded within the first matrix, and a second strength member surrounding the first strength member that includes a second matrix and a plurality of second fibers embedded within the second matrix. The fiber optic cable can also include a release layer disposed between the optical fiber and the strength member to facilitate separation of the strength member from the optical fiber.

Growing community of inventors

Hickory, NC, United States of America

William S Jackman