Abstract A strength member is paid off from a neutralizer payoff in such a manner that the strength member is rotating. A tape having longitudinal grooves is paid off from a fixed payoff and passed through a forming die. The strength member is also passed through the forming die, and the tape is there applied to the exterior of the strength member. As a result of the rotation of the strength member, the tape obtains a helical lay about the strength member. An optical fiber is paid off from a neutralizer payoff and laid into a groove on said tape. An outer tape may be helically laid over the corrugated tape and a filling compound may be applied under and over the grooves of the corrugated tape. A binder may be provided to secure the outer tape over the fiber.
A method of manufacturing an optical fiber cable unit comprising the steps of: paying off an axial strength member such that said strength member rotates; paying off a corrugated tape; applying said tape to said rotating strength member so that said tape is helically wrapped about said strength member and so that the corrugations form helical grooves; paying off an optical fiber and laying said fiber in a helical groove formed by the corrugations; and winding the cable on a reel.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
81 words
A method of manufacturing an optical fiber cable unit comprising the steps of: paying off an axial strength member such that said strength member rotates; paying off a corrugated tape; applying said tape to said rotating strength member so that said tape is helically wrapped about said strength member and so that the corrugations form helical grooves; paying off an optical fiber and laying said fiber in a helical groove formed by the corrugations; and winding the cable on a reel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of: applying filling compound to said groove.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of: applying filling compound about said strength member before said tape is applied.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step of: applying an outer tape around said corrugated tape after said fiber is laid in said groove.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as claimed in claim 4 further comprising the step of: providing a binder to secure said outer tape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as claimed in claim 1 wherein: a plurality of optical fibers are paid off and laid in said grooves.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as claimed in claim 6 wherein: not more than one fiber is laid in any one groove.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as claimed in claim 6 further comprising the steps of: applying filling compound to said grooves.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as claimed in claim 6 further comprising the step of: applying filling compound about said strength member before said corrugated tape is applied.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as claimed in claim 6 further comprising the step of: applying an outer tape over said corrugated tape after said optical fiber is laid in said groove.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as claimed in claim 10 further comprising the step of: providing a binder to secure said outer tape.