US5384880A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Dielectric ribbon optical fiber cable
Assignee: Radio Frequency Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1993-12-03
•
Granted: 1995-01-24
•
Expires: 2013-12-03
Abstract
Abstract The optical fiber cable has a plurality of centrally located optical fiber ribbons. Carrying the optical fiber ribbons is a gel-filled plastic buffer tube. An adhesive layer is applied along the outside of the buffer tube and yarns extend in a contra-helical pattern over the adhesive. The yarns are impregnated with a gel for lubricating the contact points between the yarns and a longitudinally applied mylar tape layer. The mylar tape layer is coated with a thin layer of sealant which permits application of final polyethylene outer jacket provided for additional cable protection. Embedded within the outer jacket is a pair of diametrically opposed, longitudinally extending strength members.
Inventors
- 👤 David A. Keller
- 👤 Frank Davidson
- 👤 Kevin Black
- 👤 George Webb
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 11:34
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4401; G02B6/4429; G02B6/443; G02B6/4403; G02B6/441; G02B6/4411; G02B6/4431; G02B6/4432; G02B6/4433; G02B6/44384
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
An optical fiber cable comprised of: a single, hollow buffer tube with a first water blocking gel-like compound and at least one optical fiber disposed therein; at least one layer of yarn adhesively bonded to an outer portion of said buffer tube; a second water blockable gel-like compound impregnating said at least one layer of yarn; a tape layer applied over said at least one layer of yarn and said second water blockable gel-like compound; a sealant compound applied over said tape layer; a plastic jacket which encapsulates said tape layer and bonds to said sealant compound; and two longitudinally extending strength members adjacent said tape layer and at least partially embedded in said jacket approximately 180 degrees apart.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
An optical fiber cable comprised of: a single, hollow buffer tube with a first water blocking gel-like compound and at least one optical fiber disposed therein; at least one layer of yarn adhesively bonded to an outer portion of said buffer tube; a second water blockable gel-like compound impregnating said at least one layer of yarn; a tape layer applied over said at least one layer of yarn and said second water blockable gel-like compound; a sealant compound applied over said tape layer; a plastic jacket which encapsulates said tape layer and bonds to said sealant compound; and two longitudinally extending strength members adjacent said tape layer and at least partially embedded in said jacket approximately 180 degrees apart.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein said second water blockable gel-like compound impregnating said at least one layer of yarn has a viscosity lower than that of said sealant compound applied over said tape layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one optical fiber is a plurality of optical fibers in a protective coating forming at least one optical fiber ribbon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one optical fiber is a stack of optical fiber ribbons.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A cable as described in claim 4, wherein said stack is helically twisted within said buffer tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one layer of yarn comprises two contra-helically applied layers of yarns.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein said at least one layer of yarn comprises strength yarns and water swellable yarns.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A cable as described in claim 1, further including at least one ripcord longitudinally disposed over said at least one layer of yarns.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein said tape layer is longitudinally applied over said at least one layer of yarn and said second water blockable gel-like compound.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein said tape layer is non-metallic.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein said tape layer is a mylar tape layer.
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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) | 1998-01-23 | 1998-07-25 | 1999-01-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-01-23 | 2002-07-25 | 2003-01-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-01-23 | 2006-07-25 | 2007-01-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |