US4645298A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical fiber cable
Assignee: Nokia Bell Labs
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Filing: 1983-07-28
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Granted: 1987-02-24
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Expires: 2003-07-28
Abstract
Abstract An optical fiber cable comprises one or more "units" surrounded by a sheath. Each unit comprises a dielectric central strength member, a smooth cushion layer thereon, and one or more optical fibers helically wrapped thereon. A tube surrounds this structure, with the space therebetween optionally filled with a waterproofing gel that has a low modulus over a wide temperature range. The tube is made of a material (typically PVC) that obtains a low modulus during cooling after extrusion so that substantially no compressive stresses are transmitted to the optical fibers. In an alternate embodiment, the optical fibers do no lay directly on the cushion layer but "float" in the waterproofing gel. In another embodiment, a spacer fiber of larger diameter than the optical fibers provides for clearance between the tube and the optical fibers. The resulting structure provides for ease of manufacture and low microbending losses for the optical fibers over a wide temperature range.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles H. Gartside, III
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:24
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4401; G02B6/4429; G02B6/443; G02B6/4432; G02B6/441; G02B6/4413; G02B6/44384
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of making an optical fiber cable by steps comprising helically laying at least one optical fiber around, and in contact with, a strength member CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said strength member is stressed during said laying sufficiently to produce a strain greater than the strain induced in said at least one optical fiber during said laying, and thereafter releasing the strain in said strength member sufficiently to move said at least one optical fiber out of contact with said strength member.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
82 words
A method of making an optical fiber cable by steps comprising helically laying at least one optical fiber around, and in contact with, a strength member CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said strength member is stressed during said laying sufficiently to produce a strain greater than the strain induced in said at least one optical fiber during said laying, and thereafter releasing the strain in said strength member sufficiently to move said at least one optical fiber out of contact with said strength member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the strain in said strength member is in the range of from 0.05 to 0.3 percent greater than the strain in said at least one optical fiber during said laying.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said strength member comprises fiberglass in a polymeric matrix material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said strength member includes a substantially smooth buffer layer that provides said contact with said at least one optical fiber during said laying.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
83 words
An optical fiber cable comprising at least one unit CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said unit comprises a longitudinal strength member and at least one optical fiber helically disposed around said member, and further comprises a tube disposed around said at least one optical fiber, and still further comprises a spacer cord having a diameter larger than said at least one optical fiber and being helically disposed around said strength member, thereby substantially preventing contact between said at least one optical fiber and said tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
83 words
An optical fiber cable comprising at least one unit CHARACTERIZED IN THAT said unit comprises a longitudinal strength member and at least one optical fiber helically disposed around said member, and further comprises a tube disposed around said at least one optical fiber, and still further comprises a spacer cord having a diameter larger than said at least one optical fiber and being helically disposed around said strength member, thereby substantially preventing contact between said at least one optical fiber and said tube.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cable of claim 5 wherein said strength member includes a substantially smooth buffer layer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The cable of claim 6 wherein said at least one optical fiber is in contact with said buffer layer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The cable of claim 6 wherein said at least one optical fiber is not in contact with said buffer layer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
The cable of claim 1 wherein said tube is formed of a material having a shear modulus of less than 500 pounds per square inch at a temperature of 100° C. as measured at a frequency of 1 radian per second.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cable of claim 1 wherein said tube substantially comprises poly(vinyl chloride).
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cable of claim 1 wherein said tube substantially comprises a copolymer of poly(vinyl chloride).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The cable of claim 1 wherein said tube substantially comprises a terpolymer of poly(vinyl chloride).
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The cable of claim 1 wherein said tube comprises ethylenevinyl acetate and poly(vinyl chloride)
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cable of claim 1 wherein said tube substantially comprises amorphous material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The cable of claim 1 wherein said at least one optical fiber has a coating thickness of less than 0.005 inch.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cable of claim 1 wherein said spacer cord is a dielectric.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
13 words
The cable of claim 1 wherein said longitudinal strength member is a dielectric.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
12 words
The cable of claim 1 wherein said longitudinal strength member comprises fiberglass.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
39 words
The cable of claim 1 having interstices within said tube that are substantially filled with a waterproofing material having a modulus of less than 5 pounds per square inch over a temperature range of -40° F. to 170° F.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
16 words
The cable of claim 1 wherein said cable comprises a multiplicity of units within a sheath.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-02-23 | 1990-08-25 | 1991-02-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-02-23 | 1994-08-25 | 1995-02-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-02-23 | 1998-08-25 | 1999-02-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |