Multiports having connection ports formed in the shell and associated securing features are disclosed. One aspect of the disclosure is directed to a multiport for providing an optical connection comprising a shell comprising a first portion, at least one connection port comprising an optical connector opening, and a connection port passageway formed in the first portion of the shell, where the at least one securing feature is associated with the at least one connection port.
Multiports having connection ports with associated securing features and methods for making the same are disclosed. In one embodiment comprises a multiport for providing an optical connection comprising a shell, a connection port insert, and at least one securing feature. The shell comprises a first end having a first opening leading to a cavity. The connection port insert comprises a body having a front face and at least one connection port comprising an optical connector opening extending from the front face into the connection port insert with a connection port passageway extending through part of the connection port insert to a rear portion, where the connection port insert is sized so that at least a portion of the connection port insert fits into the first opening and the cavity of the shell. The at least one securing feature is associated with the at least one connection port.
Safety power disconnection for remote power distribution in power distribution systems is disclosed. The power distribution system includes one or more power distribution circuits each configured to remotely distribute power from a power source over current carrying power conductors to remote units to provide power for remote unit operations. A remote unit is configured to decouple power from the power conductors thereby disconnecting the load of the remote unit from the power distribution system. A current measurement circuit in the power distribution system measures current flowing on the power conductors and provides a current measurement to the controller circuit. The controller circuit is configured to disconnect the power source from the power conductors for safety reasons in response to detecting a current from the power source in excess of a threshold current level indicating a load.
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the network; Circuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
H04B 10/25 - Arrangements specific to fibre transmission
H04B 10/80 - Optical aspects relating to the use of optical transmission for specific applications, not provided for in groups , e.g. optical power feeding or optical transmission through water
H02H 3/04 - Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition, with or without subsequent reconnection - Details with warning or supervision in addition to disconnection, e.g. for indicating that protective apparatus has functioned
H02H 7/26 - Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occurred
4.
FIBER OPTIC CABLE HAVING LOW THERMAL STRAIN AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME
A polymer composition is provided. The polymer composition includes a polyolefin, at least 30% by weight of a thermoplastic elastomer, and a filler material. When the polymer composition is formed into an article having a longitudinal axis, the polymer composition has an average coefficient of thermal expansion along a longitudinal axis of less than or equal to 150x10-6m/mK as measured from -40C to 25C. Further, the polymer composition has an elastic modulus of less than 3000 MPa as measured using dynamic mechanical analysis (ASTM D4065), and the polymer composition has an elongation at break of greater than 200% along the longitudinal axis (measured according to ASTM D638). An article made from the polymer composition and a cable including the polymer composition are also provided.
C08L 23/02 - Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons having only one carbon-to-carbon double bond; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers not modified by chemical after-treatment
G02B 6/44 - Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
H01B 3/28 - Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materials; Selection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of organic substances natural or synthetic rubbers
H01B 7/17 - Protection against damage caused by external factors, e.g. sheaths or armouring
A fiber optic cable includes a cable core of core elements and a protective sheath surrounding the core elements, an armor surrounding the cable core, the armor comprising a single overlap portion when the fiber optic cable is viewed in cross-section, and a jacket surrounding the armor, the jacket having at least two longitudinal discontinuities extruded therein. A method of accessing the cable core without the use of ripcords includes removing a portion of the armor in an access section by pulling the armor away from the cable core so that an overlap portion separates around the cable core as it is being pulled past the cable core. A protective sheath protects the core elements as the armor is being pulled around the cable core.
G02B 6/036 - Optical fibres with cladding core or cladding comprising multiple layers
G02B 6/04 - Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
An optical communication cable is provided. The optical communication cable includes a cable jacket and a plurality of optical fiber subunits surrounded by the cable jacket. Each optical fiber subunit includes a subunit jacket and a plurality of optical fibers located within the subunit passage. Each optical fiber includes an outer polymer buffer coating, such as a tight buffer coating. The outer cable jacket and/or the outer polymer buffer coating of the optical fibers is formed from a halogen containing polymer material including a fire retardant material, and the subunit jacket is formed from a polyolefin polymer material including a fire retardant material.
A modular optical fiber distribution unit and related distribution system is provided. The distribution unit includes a shifted fiber arrangement that allows for modular network assembly. For example, the distribution unit includes a distribution body including a plurality of body optical fibers and a field optical fiber leg including a plurality of field optical fibers including at least one active field optical fiber and at least one inactive field optical fiber. Each active field tether optical fiber is optically coupled to one of the body optical fibers and at least one body optical fiber is not coupled to an active field optical fiber. The positioning of the active and inactive field tether optical fibers in a predetermined manner disclosed herein allows for modular network assembly.
A low smoke, zero halogen (LSZH) polymer composition is provided. The LSZH polymer composition includes a polymer resin, and a flame retardant package dispersed within the polymer resin. Less than 25% by weight of the polymer composition is the flame retardant package. The flame retardant package includes an acid source, a carbon source, and an LSZH additive. The LSZH additive includes a polyoxometalate ionic liquid and a synergist carrier. The LSZH polymer composition has a limiting oxygen index of greater than 31%. The LSZH polymer compound is suitable for use in electrical or tele- communication cables.
A highly packed, low bend loss optical cable is provided. The cable includes an outer cable jacket and a plurality of buffer tubes surrounded by the cable jacket. Each buffer tube includes an inner surface defining a channel having a diameter, D1, and an outer surface facing an inner surface of the cable jacket. The cable includes a plural number, N, of optical fibers, located within the channel of each buffer tube and surrounded by the inner surface of the buffer tube. Each optical fiber has an outer diameter, D2. The N optical fibers are densely packed within each buffer tube such that a diameter ratio parameter, O, is defined as the ratio D1/D2, and is 2.25+0.143(N) = O = 1.14+0.313(N).
A fiber optic multiport having a housing with an enclosure defining an interior of the housing is disclosed. A plurality of ports is coupled to the housing, and includes at least one input port and a plurality of output ports. A plurality of fiber optic adapters is positioned in respective ones of the plurality of ports. The fiber optic adapters are configured to receive and connect optical fibers at an interior and an exterior connection side. A plurality of optical fibers is disposed within the interior of the housing. Each of the plurality of optical fibers is routed to at least one of the fiber optic adapters at the interior connection side. Port connection indicia visibly discernible from the exterior of the multiport are indicative of a connection type accessible via the respective one of the plurality of output ports.
A polyurethane composition is provided. The polyurethane composition includes a first part of a first polytetramethylene oxide, a second polytetramethylene oxide, and a castor oil based polyol. The second polytetramethylene oxide has a higher viscosity than the first polytetramethylene oxide. The polyurethane composition also includes a second part of methylene diphenyl diisocyanate. Also provided is a fiber optic cable assembly incorporating the polyurethane composition as an overmold. The overmold has a glass transition temperature of less than -40 C measured according to differential scanning calorimetry. Further provided is a method of applying an overmold to a fiber optic cable assembly.
An optical fiber distribution system is provided. The system includes a distribution cable having a plurality of cable optical fibers. The system includes a plurality of optical fiber tethers each including a tether optical fiber optically coupled to a cable optical fiber. The tethers provide access to and distribute the optical network at positions along the length of the optical fiber. The system is configured to provide access area organization and/or low profiles, such as through staggered tether lengths, tether webbing and/or access area sleeve arrangements.
G02B 6/04 - Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
A ferrule-based fiber optic connectors having a ferrule retraction balancing characteristic for preserving optical performance are disclosed. The fiber optic connector comprises a connector assembly, a connector sleeve assembly and a balancing resilient member. The connector assembly comprises a ferrule and a resilient member for biasing the ferrule forward and the connector sleeve assembly comprises a housing and a ferrule sleeve, where the connector assembly is at least partially disposed in the passageway of the housing and the ferrule of the connector assembly is at least partially disposed in the ferrule sleeve. The balancing resilient member biases the housing to a forward position with a the biasing resilient member having a predetermined resilient force that is greater than the friction force required for displacement of the ferrule within the ferrule sleeve.
A ferrule-based fiber optic connectors having a ferrule retraction balancing characteristic for preserving optical performance are disclosed. The fiber optic connector comprises a connector assembly, a connector sleeve assembly and a balancing resilient member. The connector assembly comprises a ferrule and a resilient member for biasing the ferrule forward and the connector sleeve assembly comprises a housing and a ferrule sleeve, where the connector assembly is at least partially disposed in the passageway of the housing and the ferrule of the connector assembly is at least partially disposed in the ferrule sleeve. The balancing resilient member biases the housing to a forward position with a the biasing resilient member having a predetermined resilient force that is greater than the friction force required for displacement of the ferrule within the ferrule sleeve.
Hardened fiber optic connectors having a mechanical splice assembly are disclosed. The mechanical splice assembly is attached to a first end of an optical waveguide such as an optical fiber of a fiber optic cable by way of a stub optical fiber, thereby connectorizing the hardened connector. In one embodiment, the hardened connector includes an inner housing having two shells for securing a tensile element of the cable and securing the mechanical splice assembly so that a ferrule assembly may translate. Further assembly of the hardened connector has the inner housing fitting into a shroud of the hardened connector. The shroud aides in mating the hardened connector with a complimentary device and the shroud may have any suitable configuration. The hardened connector may also include features for fiber buckling, sealing, cable strain relief or a pre-assembly for ease of installation.
Design tools and methods of use for designing, ordering, and providing manufacturing and installation instructions for waveguide system networks include a system design tool including a location selection module to determine a selected location, a satellite imagery component to provide an image based on the selected location, an overlay module to overlay a design on the image, and a customization module to customize the design. The system design tool includes one or more design modules to at least one of automatically output and build via user input one or more design options based on the image, and a design customization module to select the design from the one or more design options. The system design tool includes a positioning module to set a pair of connectivity points such that a cable length may be automatically calculated based on a calculated distance between the pair of connectivity points.
G06F 30/18 - Network design, e.g. design based on topological or interconnect aspects of utility systems, piping, heating ventilation air conditioning [HVAC] or cabling
A fiber optic cable comprises a core subassembly comprising at least one optical fiber and a tube surrounding the optical fiber. A multi-layered jacket surrounds the core subassembly, wherein the jacket comprises an inner layer comprising a flame retardant (FR) material and an outer layer comprising a non flame retardant material having a lower coefficient of friction than the flame retardant material. A method of manufacturing an optical fiber cable includes providing a core subassembly and co-extruding a multi-layered jacket around the core subassembly, wherein the multi-layered jacket includes an inner layer comprising a flame retardant (FR) material and an outer layer comprising a non flame retardant material having a lower coefficient of friction than the flame retardant.
An optical cable is provided. The optical cable includes a tubular, elongate body having an inner surface defining a cavity extending between first and second ends of the elongate body and an optical transmission element located with the cavity. The optical cable includes a coupling or bonding structure non-permanently and non-rigidly joining the outer surface of the optical transmission element to the elongate body at a plurality of periodic contact zones such that relative movement between the optical transmission element and the elongate body is resisted.
A system and method of delivering fiber optic communication service is provided. The method includes monitoring a strain signal generated by a strain-sensing optical fiber embedded in a roadway. The method includes comparing the strain signal to a predetermined allowable strain threshold of an optical communication cable associated with the strain-sensing optical fiber. The method includes relieving strain at a position along a length of the optical communications cable when the strain signal is determined to exceed the predetermined allowable strain threshold.
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
G01B 11/16 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. optical strain gauge
G01D 5/353 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre
20.
DISTRIBUTION POINT UNIT FOR COUPLING EXTERNAL ELECTRICAL AND OPTICAL CABLES
A distribution point unit for coupling an external electrical and optical cable comprises a casing comprising a first port to receive the external optical cable and a second port to receive the external electrical cable. The distribution point unit comprises an electronic board comprising electronic components and at least one heat transferring device. A tray comprises at least one hole to receive a section of the at least one heat transferring device. The at least one heat transferring device is thermally coupled to at least one of the electronic components to thermally couple the at least one electronic component to the casing.
An optical communication cable bundle is provided. The cable bundle includes a bundle jacket having an inner surface defining a bundle passage and an outer surface defining an exterior surface of the cable bundle, and a plurality of optical fiber subunits located within the bundle passage and surrounded by the bundle jacket, each optical fiber subunit having a subunit jacket defining a subunit passage and a plurality of optical fibers located with the subunit passage. A thickness of the bundle jacket is less than a thickness of each of the subunit jackets and the bundle jacket is extruded tight around the subunit jackets to couple the subunits and the bundle jacket.
G02B 6/036 - Optical fibres with cladding core or cladding comprising multiple layers
G02B 6/04 - Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
A flame retardant and/or crush-resistant optical cable is provided. The cable includes a plurality of optical fibers and an inner jacket surrounding the plurality of optical fibers. The inner jacket includes an inner layer and an outer layer.The cable includes an armor layer surrounding the inner jacket. The cable includes an outer jacket surrounding the armor layer. The inner layer of the inner jacket, the outer layer of the inner jacket and/or the outer jacket are formed from one or more different material providing different properties to the cable. For example, the outer jacket may be formed from a flame-retardant, zero-halogen polymer material, the inner layer of the inner jacket may be chemically resistant to inorganic material, and the outer layer of the inner jacket may be chemically resistant to organic material.
An optical cable assembly (12) is provided. The cable assembly (12) includes a plurality of subunits (16) surrounded by an outer cable jacket (22), a furcation unit (14) and optical connectors (20) coupled to the end of each of the subunits (16). Each of the subunits (16) includes an inner jacket (28), a plurality of optical fibers (30); and a tensile strength element (34). The first tensile strength element (32) and the inner jackets (28) of each subunits (16) are coupled to the furcation unit (14), and the optical fibers (30) and tensile strength elements (34) of each subunit extend through the furcation unit (14) without being coupled to the furcation unit (14). The subunit tensile strength element (34) and optical fibers (30) of each subunit are balanced such that both experience axial loading applied to the assembly and, under various loading conditions, the compression of the subunits (16) is controlled and/or the axial loading of the optical fibers (30) is limited to allow proper function of the optical connector,
An optical communication cable and related systems and methods are provided. The cable includes an adhesion control material between a reinforcement sheet and a cable jacket. The adhesion control material includes a carrier fluid and a particulate material dispersed in the carrier fluid. The method includes extruding a polymer material over the wrapped sheet of reinforcement material to form a cable jacket, and the adhesion control material is located between an outer surface of the wrapped reinforcement sheet and an inner surface of the cable jacket.
An optical adaptor for mounting to a receptacle to optically couple connectorized optical cables comprises an assembly of an optical extension comprising an optical lens to provide an optical bridging path between a first and a second one of the connectorized optical cables to optically couple the first and the second connectorized optical cable. The assembly of the optical extension has a first side to optically couple the first connectorized optical cable to the optical lens and a second side to optically couple the second connectorized optical cable to the optical lens. A mounting element is configured to receive the assembly of the optical extension and to mount the optical adaptor to the receptacle.
An adapter for grounding a protector module in a network interface device (NID) is provided. The adapter includes a body, and at least one ground mount area on the body. Each ground mount area includes a ground post extending from the body and configured to conductively couple to the protector module. A connector extends from the body and is configured to conductively couple to a grounding element of the NID. The body, the at least one ground post and the connector are conductive. The adapter allows for reuse of existing protector modules that do not have a ground adapter for direct mounting to a ground post by using the vertical grounding feature found in the protector module.
A hybrid cable includes a jacket defining a cavity therein, a central strength member, a ribbon unit having a plurality of optical fibers, and a conductor cable, wherein the conductor cable and the ribbon unit are stranded around the central strength member to extend through the cavity of the jacket. A method of manufacturing a hybrid optical and power cable includes stranding at least one ribbon unit and at least one conductive power cable around a strength member and extruding a jacket around the stranded at least one ribbon unit and at least one conductive power cable.
An optical communication cable is provided. The optical communication cable includes an outer cable layer and a plurality of optical fiber bundles surrounded by the outer cable layer. Each optical fiber bundle includes a bundle jacket surrounding a plurality of optical fiber subunits located within the bundle passage. The plurality of optical subunits are wrapped around each other within the bundle passage forming a wrapped pattern. Each optical fiber subunit includes a subunit jacket surrounding a elongate optical fiber located within the subunit passage. The cable jacket, bundle jacket and subunit jacket may be fire resistant, and strength strands of differing lengths may be located in the bundles and the subunits.
An optical communication cable is provided. The optical communication cable includes an outer cable layer and a plurality of optical fiber bundles surrounded by the outer cable layer. Each optical fiber bundle includes a bundle jacket surrounding a plurality of optical fiber subunits located within the bundle passage. The plurality of optical subunits are wrapped around each other within the bundle passage forming a wrapped pattern. Each optical fiber subunit includes a subunit jacket surrounding a elongate optical fiber located within the subunit passage. The cable jacket, bundle jacket and subunit jacket may be fire resistant, and strength strands of differing lengths may be located in the bundles and the subunits.
An optical cable is provided. The optical cable includes a cable body having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a lumen and one or more optical transmission elements located within the lumen. The optical cable includes a groove array comprising a plurality of grooves located on the outer surface of the cable body. Each groove defines a trough having a lower surface located between peaks on either side of the trough, and the groove anay includes an average groove spacing. The optical cable includes an ink layer applied to the cable body at the location of the groove anay. The groove array and the ink layer are formed to limit abrasion experienced by the ink layer.
G02B 6/00 - Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
B41F 17/10 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on filamentary or elongated articles or material, or on articles with cylindrical surfaces on articles or material of indefinite length, e.g. wires, hoses, tubes or yarns
G02B 6/44 - Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
31.
OPTICAL FIBER DISTRIBUTION HUB WITH FIBER ROUTING STRUCTURES
An optical fiber distribution housing is provided. The housing includes an active fiber routing structure positioned between the splitter module and the plurality of optical splice ports and/or a guide structure defining an inactive fiber routing channel. The active fiber routing structure includes a plurality of channels, and each of the plurality of channels of the active fiber routing structure is associated with a subset of optical splice ports. Each channel receives a subset of active fibers from the splitter module and guides the active fibers to the subset of optical splice ports associated with the channel. The inactive fiber guide structure receives an inactive fiber and the fiber follows a path from the splitter modules along the first wall and through the inactive fiber routing channel to the inactive fiber retainer.
A modular optical fiber distribution housing is provided. The housing includes a first row of splitter modules and a second row of splitter modules both supported from the inner surface of one of the plurality of walls, and each splitter module is receives an input optical fiber and includes a splitting device configured to split a signal carried by the received input optical fiber into a plurality of signals carried by respective output optical fibers. The first row of splitter modules is located between the second row of splitter modules and the inner surface of the wall supporting the first and second rows of splitter modules.
An optical fiber distribution housing is provided. The housing includes an active fiber routing structure positioned between the splitter module and the plurality of optical splice ports and/or a guide structure defining an inactive fiber routing channel. The active fiber routing structure includes a plurality of channels, and each of the plurality of channels of the active fiber routing structure is associated with a subset of optical splice ports. Each channel receives a subset of active fibers from the splitter module and guides the active fibers to the subset of optical splice ports associated with the channel. The inactive fiber guide structure receives an inactive fiber and the fiber follows a path from the splitter modules along the first wall and through the inactive fiber routing channel to the inactive fiber retainer.
A fiber optic cable includes a core and a jacket surrounding the core. The jacket includes a base layer, a surface layer defining an exterior surface of the fiber optic cable, and an interface between the surface and base layers. The base layer is formed from a first composition that includes polyethylene. The surface layer has a thickness of at least 300 micrometers and is formed from a second composition that differs from the first composition. The second composition includes polyethylene as well as one or more additives, including paracrystalline carbon. The interface cohesively bonds the surface and base layers to one another at least in part due to molecular chain entanglement of the polyethylene of the first and second compositions.
A fiber optic cable includes a core and a jacket surrounding the core. The jacket includes a base layer formed from a foamed material including a polymer. A surface layer of the jacket is formed from a second composition that differs from the first composition and also includes the polymer. An interface bonds the surface and base layers to one another.
A large and small diameter optical fiber carrying cable (10) is provided. The cable includes a cable body (12) including an inner surface (14) defining a channel (16) within the cable body, a first group of optical fibers comprising a plurality of first optical fibers (18) located within the channel and a second group of optical fibers comprising a plurality of second optical fibers (20) located within the channel. The optical core diameter of the first optical fibers is larger than the optical core diameter of the second optical fibers.
An optic fiber branch distribution cable and system is provided. The branch distribution cable is pre-connectorized. The pre-connectorized branch distribution cable is configured for use in outdoor optical network installations. The branch distribution cable includes a pre-formed, head-end connectorized access point and a pre-formed, rear-end connectorized access point. Each access point includes one or more optical fiber tethers optically coupled at one end to an optical fiber of branch distribution cable and each includes an optical connector at the other end of the tether.
An optical communication cable is provided. The cable includes a plurality of elongate optical transmission elements wrapped around an elongate central strength member such that a portion of the length of the plurality of wrapped elongate optical transmission elements form a spiral portion around the elongate central strength member. The cable includes an elastic sleeve surrounding the plurality of elongate optical transmission elements, and the elastic sleeve is formed from an extruded first material. The cable includes a cable body formed from an extruded second material different from the first material, and the cable body surrounds the film, and the cable body has an inner surface that faces the outer surface of the film.
An optical communication cable is provided. The cable includes a plurality of elongate optical transmission elements wrapped around an elongate central strength member such that a portion of the length of the plurality of wrapped elongate optical transmission elements form a spiral portion around the elongate central strength member. The cable includes an elastic sleeve surrounding the plurality of elongate optical transmission elements, and the elastic sleeve is formed from an extruded first material. The cable includes a cable body formed from an extruded second material different from the first material, and the cable body surrounds the film, and the cable body has an inner surface that faces the outer surface of the film.
A fiber optic cable includes a strength member, tubes coupled to the strength member, and optical fibers. The strength member provides tensile and anti-buckling strength. The tubes have a cavity into which the optical fibers are packed. The cable is stretchable in that the optical fibers experience less than 0.5 dB/km of increased average attenuation at 1310 nanometers wavelength when the cable experiences strain of up to 2x10-3.
Cassettes (1) for optical cables (50) with a plurality of adapters (20) for connecting external devices to the cassette. The cassettes may be hingedly connected to a drop handle (30) that is configured to inhibit access to the plurality of adapters when in a stored position, and allows access when in an open position. The drop handle includes a channel (310) configured to guide cables to at least one side of the cassette while maintaining their connection to the plurality of adapters. The cassettes may also include an opening (330) configured to allow the cables to exit the drop handle on at least one side of the cassette. A flexible radius controller (35) may be connected to the opening and is configured to flex when the cassette is removed from a housing.
An optical communication cable includes a core, armor surrounding the core, a jacket surrounding and bonded to the armor, and a binder film also surrounding the core and interior to the armor. The core includes buffer tubes surrounding sets of optical fibers and a central strength member. The buffer tubes are stranded around the central strength member in a pattern of stranding including reversals in lay direction of the buffer tubes and the binder film holds the buffer tubes in position. The binder film is bonded to an interior of the armor, thereby providing a quick access capability to access the core via simultaneous removal of the binder film when the armor and jacket are removed.
An optical communication cable includes a core, armor surrounding the core, a jacket surrounding and bonded to the armor, and a binder film also surrounding the core and interior to the armor. The core includes buffer tubes surrounding sets of optical fibers and a central strength member. The buffer tubes are stranded around the central strength member in a pattern of stranding including reversals in lay direction of the buffer tubes and the binder film holds the buffer tubes in position. The binder film is bonded to an interior of the armor, thereby providing a quick access capability to access the core via simultaneous removal of the binder film when the armor and jacket are removed.
A connector assembly that includes an insulation displacement member including a hydrophobic organosilane mono-layer protective coating is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connector assembly may be manufactured by a method that includes assembling the connector assembly, contacting the connector assembly with an organosilane coating solution, and curing the organosilane coating solution. The connector assembly may be assembled by mechanically supporting the insulation displacement member with a connector framework. The connector assembly may be contacted with the organosilane coating solution by contacting at least the wire engaging portion of the insulation displacement member and at least a portion of the connector assembly with the organosilane coating solution.
H01R 43/01 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for connecting unstripped conductors to contact members having insulation cutting edges
H01R 13/03 - Contact members characterised by the material, e.g. plating or coating materials
Splice cassettes for optical cables may include a tray base having a tray top surface and a tray bottom surface. The tray base may include a transition passage through which a slack cable can be routed from the tray top surface to the tray bottom surface. A continuous slack passage may be defined outwardly on the tray bottom surface from a substructure wall of a tray-bottom substructure protruding from the tray bottom surface. The continuous slack passage may include a first slack region and a second slack region on opposite sides of the tray-bottom substructure. The splice cassette may also include slack covers hingedly attached to opposite outer edges of tray base. When closed, the slack covers may enclose at least a portion of the first slack region and at least a portion of the second slack region.
A female hardened fiber optic connector for terminating an end of a fiber optic cable that is suitable for making an optical connection with another hardened cable assembly and cable assemblies using the same are disclosed. The female hardened fiber optic connector includes a connector assembly, a crimp body, a connector sleeve, and female coupling housing. The connector sleeve has one or more orientation features that cooperate with one or more orientation features inside the female coupling housing. The crimp body has a first shell and a second shell for securing the connector assembly at a front end of the shells and a cable attachment region rearward of the front end for securing a cable.
A female hardened fiber optic connector for terminating an end of a fiber optic cable that is suitable for making an optical connection with another hardened cable assembly and cable assemblies using the same are disclosed. The female hardened fiber optic connector includes a connector assembly, a crimp body, a connector sleeve, and female coupling housing. The connector sleeve has one or more orientation features that cooperate with one or more orientation features inside the female coupling housing. The crimp body has a first shell and a second shell for securing the connector assembly at a front end of the shells and a cable attachment region rearward of the front end for securing a cable.
A female hardened fiber optic connector for terminating an end of a fiber optic cable that is suitable for making an optical connection with another hardened cable assembly and cable assemblies using the same are disclosed. The female hardened fiber optic connector includes a connector assembly, a crimp body, a connector sleeve, and female coupling housing. The connector sleeve has one or more orientation features that cooperate with one or more orientation features inside the female coupling housing. The crimp body has a first shell and a second shell for securing the connector assembly at a front end of the shells and a cable attachment region rearward of the front end for securing a cable.
An apparatus for releasably attaching a fiber optic module to equipment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a latch configured to releasably attach the fiber optic module to equipment. The apparatus further comprises a pushrod configured to deactivate the latch from a back end of the fiber optic module, wherein the fiber optic module is re- leased from the equipment. In one embodi- ment, the fiber optic module is a high-density fiber optic module. The pushrod may be fur- ther configured to maintain a position of the latch. The pushrod may also be further con- figured to be positioned in a groove disposed in a side of a main body of the fiber optic module, wherein the pushrod and the groove are configured to prevent the pushrod from binding while moving within the groove.
A high-density fiber optic module is disclosed. The high-density fiber optic module comprises an interior, at least one adapter disposed in one end of the high-density fiber optic module having a fiber optic connector configured to connect to one or more optical fibers, and a splice holder assembly positioned in the interior of the high-density fiber optic module. The splice holder assembly may have a single fiber splice holder assembly and a ribbon fiber splice holder feature mounted on a common base. The splice holder assembly is configured to provide fiber management for the one or more optical fibers within the interior of the high-density fiber optic module. The splice holder assembly may be configured to provide fiber management for a fiber harness spliced to a ribbon cable by a first ribbon fiber splice, or may be configured to provide fiber management for a plurality of fiber pigtails.
A fiber optic cable assembly includes first and second optical fibers and a splice protector. The optical fibers are fusion spliced together such that the spliced fibers at the splice have a common lengthwise axis, widthwise axis orthogonal to the lengthwise axis, and thickness axis orthogonal to the lengthwise and widthwise axes. The splice protector supports the optical fibers that are spliced to one another at the splice. The splice protector may include or even consist essentially of an ultra-violet light (UV-) curable adhesive that provides a flexible support for the splice. The splice protector may be at least half as flexible when cured over the splice as the first and second fibers in bending about the widthwise axis. The first and second optical fibers may respectively be part of first and second fiber optic ribbons.
Cables jacket (30) are formed by extruding discontinuities (50) in a main cable jacket portion (55). The discontinuities allow the jacket to be torn to provide access to the cable core (20). The discontinuities can be longitudinally extending strips of material in the cable jacket, and can be introduced into the extrudate material flow used to form the main portion through ports in the extrusion head. The discontinuities allow a section of the cable jacket to be pulled away from a remainder of the jacket using a relatively low peel force.
Removable strain relief brackets for securing fiber optic cables (44) and/or optical fiber to fiber optic equipment, and related assemblies and methods are disclosed. The removable strain relief brackets comprise lances (48) protruding from a platform and receiving cable ties (40) for securing optical fibre cables (44). The platform is mounted on a tray surface (26) or the like via pin fastener (134) and an angled tab (140, 132) received in a mounting part (102) of the tray surface.
Fiber optic cable assemblies having a preconnectorized hardened connector on at least one end of a fiber optic cable that includes a subunit cable surrounded by an upjacketed portion having strength components and method for making are disclosed. The subunit cable has the optical fiber and a plurality of tensile yarns disposed within a subunit jacket. The hardened connector is attached to the optical fiber at a first end and strain-relieves at least some of the plurality of tensile yarns and the strength components. The cable assembly may also include a non-hardened connector on the second end of the optical fiber along with an optional pulling grip.
Fiber optic equipment assemblies employing non-U-width-sized hous¬ ings supporting U-sized fiber optic modules, and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the assembly may include the non-U- width-sized housing (58), at least one fiber optic equipment support member (68), and at least one U-sized fiber optic module (54). The non-U-width-sized housing may include an enclosure (60) forming an internal cavity (66). The at least one fiber optic equipment support member may be disposed within the internal cavity and configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The at least one U- sized fiber optic module may be disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member (68) which may be disposed with¬ in the internal cavity. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may have a height dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U- sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity.
Transformable cable reels (22, 92), related assemblies and methods are disclosed. The transformable cable reels may be provided in a first reel configuration for spooling on cable to the transformable cable reel and to pay out the spooled cable from the transformable cable reel. Cable spooled on the transformable cable reel may be payed out during cable installations. The transformable cable reel may also be configured in a second reel configuration for storage of any excess cable after cable payout. As one non-limiting example, the volume of the cable reel may be less in the second reel configuration than in the first reel configuration so that less volume is required to store the transformable cable reel. Providing the transformable cable reel in the second reel configuration may make it more feasible to store the transformable cable reel in fiber optic equipment, and/or avoid storing excess cable removed from a cable reel.
Fiber optic bundles include helically stranded subunit cables. The assemblies have small cross sections and low bend radii while maintaining acceptable attenuation losses. Binders can be omitted to improve ease of processing and installation. Helically stranding of the subunit cables allows ease of access to the individual cables during installation.
G02B 6/44 - Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
G02B 6/04 - Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
A fiber optic adapter mount is disclosed. The fiber optic adapter mount has receiving area for receiving an adapter ( 10 ), a retention feature ( 412, 414 ) and a mounting feature. The retention feature is configured to releasably retain the adapter in the receiving area. The mounting feature is for mounti the adapter mount to a surface.
A fiber optic drop cable assembly (10), including: a fiber optic cable (12) including one or more strength members (16) and one or more optic fibers (14) and a fiber optic connector (22) mounted to the one or more optic fibers (14). A demarcation section (26) is positioned behind the fiber optic connector (22) and is operable to separate the fiber optic connector (22) from strength member forces from the one or more strength members (16) of the fiber optic cable (12). The demarcation section (26) includes a protective tube (28) around the one or more optic fibers (14) and a fiber lock down arrangement (34,38) for inhibiting one or more optical fibers (14) from being pulled from the fiber optic connector (22) exerted via the fiber optic cable (12).
A fiber optic apparatus including a retainer assembly having at least one retainer configured to toollessly, releasably retain a fiber body and or one or more optical fibers is disclosed. An attachment feature may toollesslly, removably attach the retainer assembly to a mounting surface. The at least one retainer is configured to releasably retain the fiber body via mounting bosses on the fiber body. A stacking feature may be configured to removably attach a second retainer assembly to the retainer assembly. The at least one retainer may be configured to releasably retain the one or more optical fibers to strain relief the one of more optical fibers. The mounting surface may be fiber optic equipment. The fiber optic equipment may be a shelf mounted to a chassis in a fiber optic equipment rack.
Cables are constructed with discontinuities (50) in the cable jacket (30) that allow the jacket to be torn to provide access to the cable core. The discontinuities can be longitudinally extending strips of material in the cable jacket. The discontinuities allow a section of the cable jacket to be pulled away from a remainder of the jacket using a relatively low peel force between 20 and 40 Newton.
B29C 48/15 - Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor incorporating preformed parts or layers, e.g. extrusion moulding around inserts
G02B 6/44 - Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
H01B 7/17 - Protection against damage caused by external factors, e.g. sheaths or armouring
H01B 13/14 - Insulating conductors or cables by extrusion
A sealing and strain relief device having at least one sealing element is disclosed. The device is arranged in the manner of a sandwich between outer, plate-like bearing elements made from a relatively hard or rigid material and which is made from a relatively soft or elastic material. Slots are introduced both into the outer bearing elements and into the or each central sealing element in such a way that the slots run respectively next to one another and respectively one behind the other, in relation to the sandwich-like arrangement thereof, within the respective bearing element and within the respective sealing element. The strain relief elements are associated with at least one plate-like bearing element in such a way that each data cable, which is sealed and is guided in the region of slots arranged one behind the other of the sandwich-like arrangement, can be restrained using a strain relief element.
Fiber optic housings having a removable top, and related components and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic housing is provided having a removable top or cover. In one embodiment, the fiber optic housing comprises a top, a bottom, a right side, and a left side defining at least one interior chamber configured to support fiber optic equipment. The top comprises a base and a cover in one embodiment. The cover of the top is configured to provide a gap between the base and the cover such that at least one of the right side and the left side of the fiber optic housing is configured to be slidably engaged into and out of the gap. In this manner, the top can be easily removed to provide access to the interior of the fiber optic housing.
Apparatuses, related components, and methods for expanding capacity of fiber optic housings are disclosed. A fiber optic apparatus comprising an attachment housing (494) comprising a side (497), a top (493), and a bottom (495) defining an attachment interior chamber (499 ) configured to support at least a portion of fiber optic equipment is provided. The attachment housing is tool-lessly, and by other than external fasteners, configured to removably attach to a fiber optic housing (492 ) comprising a housing interior chamber configured to support fiber optic equipment to couple the attachment interior chamber and the housing interior chamber, which may be done by means of snap attachments integral to at least one of the attachment housing and the fiber optic housing. One or more optical components, which may include, without limitation, one or more splitter trays, fiber optic jumper slack storage, and one or more strain relief devices, may be mounted within the attachment housing.
A multi-layer module that includes a multi-fiber cable storage layer having a cable entry opening and a cable winding structure is disclosed. Also included is a splice storage layer that is discrete from the multi-fiber cable storage layer, the splice storage layer having a splice layer receiving opening in communication with the multi-fiber cable storage layer and a slack storage area. The multi-layer module includes a pigtail storage layer that is discrete from both the multi-fiber cable storage layer and the splice storage layer, the pigtail storage layer having a pigtail connector area and a pigtail storage area, the pigtail storage area comprising a pigtail storage layer receiving opening in communication with the splice storage layer.
Splice holders for managing and storing splices between optical fibers in fiber optic hardware and equipment are disclosed herein. The splice holder include a base portion and an array of splice holding partitions extending from the base portion. In some embodiments the array of splice holding partitions define a plurality of rows for receiving a respective first splice component along a first direction and a plurality of columns intersecting the plurality of fiber rows for receiving a second splice component along a second direction. Similarly, in some embodiments, selected pairs of splice holding partitions define a column width and selected pairs of splice holding partitions define a row width. Additionally, in some embodiments, the column width is sufficiently greater than the row width to accommodate the second splice component oriented along one of the plurality of columns that could not otherwise be accommodated if oriented along one of the plurality of rows.
A system for aligning and connecting adjacent distribution devices (10) is disclosed. At least two mutually opposite side walls (14, 16), which preferably run parallel to one another, of the housing of each distribution device have associated alignment and connection means (17,18). The alignment and connection means associated with the directly adjoining side walls of the distribution devices align in each case directly adjacent distribution devices with respect to one another in the horizontal direction and/or in the vertical direction connect each to one another.
A system of distribution devices is disclosed. The housing of each distribution device has at least two physically and functionally separate functional regions (15, 16). At least one first functional region (15) is for connecting and/or storing data conductors. At least one second functional region (16) exclusively for guiding data cables having the data conductors. When a plurality of such distribution devices are grouped next to one another and/or one above the other to form a system of a plurality of distribution devices, the functional regions which are used exclusively for guiding data cables having the data conductors form at least one cable guide channel, which extends continuously in the horizontal and/or vertical direction over a plurality of distribution devices.
A fiber optic network device comprising an input port adapted to receive a multi-fiber cable having active optical fibers designated in a consecutive sequence is disclosed. A first plurality of optical fibers is disposed within the fiber optic network device and extends from the input port. The first plurality of optical fibers aligns to a first section of the consecutive sequence. A second plurality of optical fibers is disposed within the fiber optic network device and extends from the input port. The second plurality of optical fibers aligns to a second section of the consecutive sequence. A plurality of drop ports open into the fiber optic network device. The plurality of drop ports are adapted to optically couple ones of the first plurality of optical fibers to at least one drop cable external to the fiber optic network device. A pass-through port is included in the fiber optic network device and adapted to optically couple the second plurality of optical fibers to a second fiber optic network device through a multi-fiber adapter. The multi-fiber adapter has a plurality of connection ports such that the second plurality of optical fibers optically connects to the plurality of connection points in a central alignment at the pass-through port.
A support shelf for fiber optic hardware is disclosed. Generally, the support shelf includes a plurality of component mounting features that permits releasably mounting of fiber optic hardware at a plurality of locations on the support shelf. The component mounting features are generally openings in a base of the support shelf and may be slots in the base as well. With this improved configuration, fiber optic hardware such as adapter panels can be mounted at a variety of locations on the support shelf ranging from flush with a front edge of the support shelf to a recessed mounting, which is a distance from the front edge.
A fiber optic network for a multiple dwelling unit (MDU) is disclosed. The fiber optic network comprises a riser cable preconnectorized with a first riser optical connector. The riser cable is optically connected to a feeder cable providing optical communication service to the MDU. The riser cable has one or more preset mid-span access points along the length of the riser cable. One or more optical fibers of the riser cable extend from the riser cable at the one or more preset mid-span access points and are preconnectorized with a second riser optical connector. A first adapter is located at a lower level of the MDU. The first adapter has a first end and a second end and configured to receive the first riser optical connector at the first end of the first adapter. A second adapter is located at one of the one or more distribution levels. The second adapter has a first end and a second end. A payout reel is adapted to pay out the riser cable such that the riser cable extends between the lower level and at least one of the one or more distribution levels. The second adapter is configured to receive the second riser optical connector at the first end of the second adapter and to optically connect a drop cable via the second end of the second adapter to establish optical connection between the feeder cable, the riser cable and the drop cable. The payout reel is adapted to store a length of the riser cable when the first riser optical connector is received by the first adapter and the second riser optical connector is received by the second adapter.
High-density fiber optic modules and fiber optic module housings and related equipment are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a front opening of a fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing is configured to receive fiber optic components. The width and/or height of the front opening can be provided according to a designed relationship to a width and/or height, respectively, of a front side of a main body of the fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing. In this manner, a high density of fiber optic components and/or connections for a given space of the front side of the fiber optic module can be supported by the fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing. The fiber optic modules and fiber optic module housings disclosed herein can be disposed in fiber optic equipment including but not limited to a fiber optic chassis and a fiber optic equipment drawer.
High-density fiber optic modules and fiber optic module housings and related equipment are disclosed. In certain embodiments, a front opening of a fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing is configured to receive fiber optic components. The width and/or height of the front opening can be provided according to a designed relationship to a width and/or height, respectively, of a front side of a main body of the fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing. In this manner, a high density of fiber optic components and/or connections for a given space of the front side of the fiber optic module can be supported by the fiber optic module and/or fiber optic module housing. The fiber optic modules and fiber optic module housings disclosed herein can be disposed in fiber optic equipment including but not limited to a fiber optic chassis and a fiber optic equipment drawer.
Fiber optic cable assemblies (40) and fiber optic terminals (318-1,318-2) supporting port mapping for series connected fiber optic terminals are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic cable assembly (40) is provided. The fiber optic cable assembly (40) includes a fiber optic cable (41) having a plurality of optical fibers disposed therein between a first end (42) and a second end (43) of the fiber optic cable (41). The plurality of optical fibers on the first end (42) of the fiber optic cable (41) are provided according to a first mapping. The plurality of optical fibers on the second end (43) of the fiber optic cable (41) are provided according to a second mapping. In this regard, the fiber optic cable assembly (40) provides port mapping of optical fibers to allow multiple fiber optic terminals (318-1, 318-2) having the same internal fiber mapping to be connected in series in any order, while providing the same connectivity to each of the terminals (318-1, 318-2) in the series.
Fiber optic drawers supporting fiber optic modules are disclosed. The drawer is movable about a chassis. At least one fiber optic equipment tray is received in the drawer. The fiber optic equipment tray(s) is movable about the drawer and configured to receive at least one fiber optic module. The fiber optic module(s) is movable about a fiber optic equipment tray. In this manner, enhanced access can be provided to the fiber optic module(s) and their fiber optic connections. The drawer can moved out from the chassis to provide access to fiber optic equipment tray(s) and fiber optic module(s). The fiber optic equipment tray(s) can be moved out from the drawer to provide enhanced access to fiber optic module(s). The fiber optic module(s) can be moved from fiber optic equipment tray(s) to provide further enhanced access to fiber optic module(s). The drawer may also be tiltable about the chassis.
Fiber optic equipment guides and rails and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fiber optic equipment guides and rails have at least one stopping member disposed therein to provide at least one stopping position during movement. The fiber optic equipment guides and rails can be included in fiber optic equipment to support movement or transla-tion of the fiber optic equipment for access. Such fiber optic equipment can include, but is not limited to, fiber optic equipment chassis, drawers, equipment trays, and fiber optic modules. The fiber optic equipment guides and/or rails include at least one stopping member configured to provide at least one stopping position during movement. Stopping positions allow fiber optic equip-ment to be retained in a given position during access to the fiber optic equipment. The stopping positions are configured to be overcome with additional force to allow further movement of the fiber optic equipment.
Duplex fiber optic connectors and fiber optic cable assemblies (110) suitable for polarity reversal along with meth-ods of polarity reversal are disclosed. The duplex fiber optic connector assemblies and fiber optic cable assemblies (110) allow ro-tation of individual fiber optic connectors (10A, 10B) within the housing assembly (30) for polarity reversal. In one embodiment, the duplex fiber optic cable assembly (110) may use a single boot (60) and a single fiber optic cable, thereby reducing the back-side footprint of the cable assembly for improved access and/or airflow. In another embodiment, the housing (30) of the duplex as-sembly (110) has integral detents (45) to limit rotation, and may further include a removable trigger mechanism (20) and/or a ro-tatable boot (60) to facilitate polarity reversal.
A method for port mapping a fiber optic network device is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a first fiber optic network device and configuring the first fiber optic network device by disposing therein a first plurality of ports and a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to a distribution cable. The method also comprises routing predetermined ones of the plurality of optical fibers to respective predetermined ones of the plurality of ports. The first plurality of ports may comprise a first drop port and a first pass-through port. At least one of the predetermined ones of the plurality of optical fibers routes to the first drop port and at least one of the predetermined ones of the plurality of optical fibers routes to the first pass-through port. The method may also comprise providing and configuring a second fiber optic network device optically coupled to the first fiber optic network device through the first pass-through port. The configuring may also comprise disposing one or more splitters in the first and second fiber optic network devices.
A fiber optic network having a branch cable with a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to a distribution cable, and first and second optical connection terminals connected in series is disclosed. The first optical connection terminal is adapted to receive a first segment of the branch cable. The first optical connection terminal is configured such that predetermined ones of a first plurality of ports comprise one or more of a first drop port and a first pass-through port. The first drop port is operable for optically coupling a first respective predetermined one of the plurality of optical fibers to a first drop cable. The first pass-through port is operable for optically coupling a second respective predetermined one of the plurality of optical fibers to a second segment of the branch cable extending externally from the first optical connection terminal. The second optical connection terminal is adapted to receive the second segment of the branch cable. The second optical connection terminal is configured such that a predetermined one of a second plurality of ports comprises a second drop port operable for optically coupling the second respective predetermined one of the plurality of optical fibers to a second drop cable.
G02B 6/28 - Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals
80.
OPTICAL CONNECTION TERMINAL HAVING PORT MAPPING SCHEME
A fiber optic network device for optically coupling a fiber optic distribution cable with a fiber optic drop cables is disclosed. Disposed within the fiber optic network device is a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to the distribution cable. A plurality of ports opens into the fiber optic network device. Predetermined ones of the plurality of ports are operable for optical-ly coupling respective predetermined ones of the plurality of optical fibers each to at least one drop cable external to the fiber op-tic network device. At least one of the predetermined ones of the plurality of ports is a pass-through port operable for optically coupling at least one of the respective pre-determined ones of the plurality of optical fibers to the at least one drop cable through another fiber optic network device. A pass-through connector comprising a plurality of connection ports adapted for receiving in a predetermined alignment the respective pre-determined ones of the plurality of optical fibers may be seated within the pass-through port. The fiber optic network device may be an optical connection terminal and/or a distribution closure. The fiber optic network device may further include one or more splitters. The predetermined ones of a plurality of ports may be operable for opti-cally coupling at least one of the respective predetermined ones of the plurality of optical fibers to a drop cable through one or more splitters.
G02B 6/28 - Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals
A fiber optic network having a multi-level architecture is disclosed. A first level of the fiber optic network comprises a first branch. The first branch comprises a plurality of first branch optical fibers optically coupled to a distribution cable and a first branch fiber optic network device. The first branch fiber optic network device is configured to optically couple a first predetermined one of the plurality of first branch optical fibers to a respective first predetermined sub-branch optical fiber, and a second predetermined one of the plurality of first branch optical fibers to a second predetermined sub-branch optical fiber. A second level of the fiber optic network comprises a sub-branch. The sub-branch comprises a first sub-branch fiber optic network de- vice and a second sub-branch fiber optic network device. The first sub-branch fiber optic network device is configured to optically couple a first drop cable with the respective first predetermined sub-branch optical fiber and thereby to the distribution cable. The second sub-branch fiber optic network device is configured to optically couple a second drop cable with the respective second predetermined sub-branch optical fiber and thereby to the distribution cable.
Fiber optic assemblies include subunit cables wrapped in binders. The assemblies have small cross sections and low bend radii while maintaining acceptable attenuation losses. SZ stranding of the subunit cables allows ease of access to the individual cables during installation.
Fiber optic cables and assemblies for routing optical networks closer to the subscriber. The fiber optic cables have a small-cross section yet robust design that is versatile by allowing use in aerial application with a pressure clamp along with use in buried and/or duct applications. Additionally, the fiber optic cables and assemblies have a relatively large slack storage capacity for excess length. Assemblies include hardened connectors such as plugs and/or receptacles suitable for outdoor plant applications attached to one or more ends of the fiber optic cables for plug and play connectivity.
Fiber optic equipment that supports independently translatable fiber optic modules and/or fiber optic equipment trays containing one or more fiber optic modules (104) is disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more fiber optic modules are disposed in a plurality of independently translatable fiber optic equipment trays which are received in a tray guide system. In this manner, each fiber optic equipment tray is independently translatable within the guide system. One or more fiber optic modules may also be disposed in one or more module guides disposed in the fiber optic equipment trays to allow each fiber optic module to translate independently of other fiber optic modules in the same fiber optic equipment tray. In other embodiments, a plurality of fiber optic modules are disposed in a module guide (108) system disposed in the fiber optic equipment that translate independently of other fiber optic modules disposed within the module guide system.
Fiber optic equipment that supports one or more rear-installable fiber optic modules is disclosed. The fiber optic equipment is comprised of a chassis defining a front end and a rear section. At least one guide system is disposed in the chassis and configured to receive at least one fiber optic module. The guide system may be provided in the form of a rail guide system. The at least one guide system receives the at least one fiber optic module from the rear section on the chassis and is configured to guide the fiber optic module toward the front end of the chassis. In this manner, a technician can make fiber optic connections to fiber optic modules and also install the fiber optic modules into the fiber optic equipment from the rear section of the chassis to reduce time and/or labor in making fiber optic connections.
Methods for manufacturing cables and cables assemblies include providing particulate matter within a tube extruded about optical fiber. The particles may be accelerated so that they strike the tube they mechanically attach to the tube.
B29D 11/00 - Producing optical elements, e.g. lenses or prisms
G02B 6/10 - Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type
87.
OPTICAL FIBER ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR THE MANUFACTURE THEREOF
Methods for manufacturing cables and cables assemblies include providing particulate matter within a tube extruded about optical fiber. The particles may be accelerated so that as they strike the tube they mechanically attach to the tube.
There is provided fiber drop terminal ("FDT") assemblies for providing selective connections between optical fibers of distribution cables and optical fibers of drop cables, such as in multiple dwelling units. The FDT assemblies include a base and a cover that define a tongue and groove that selectively engage to seal the base and cover. The FDT assemblies also include a mounting plate for mounting of the base and cover, as well as a mounting plate extension for mounting of a skirt. The skirt provides slack storage for drop cables exiting the FDT. The components of the FDT assembly are selectively interlockable to prevent unauthorized access to the interior cavity of the base and cover and to the slack storage area of the skirt.
An enclosure for housing communications equipment at subscriber premises includes at least one cable port for receiving service provider cable, a subscriber cable, and ground cable. The enclosure further includes housing having base and outer cover movably attached to base between opened position and closed position to define housing interior volume when outer cover is in closed position. A grounding post extends from base within the housing interior volume and is electrically connectable with ground cable. Active electronic components located in the housing interior volume connect service provider cable with subscriber cable. Service provider security nut attachable to the grounding post both fixes the active electronic components within the housing and grounds active electronic components to grounding post and ground cable. The active electronic components may be mounted to movable inner cover and outer cover may include skirt extending in first direction to obscure cable ports, mounting feet, and hinges.
A line module includes a plurality of pivoting insulation displacement connector holders, an insulation displacement connector (IDC) positionable in at least one holder when the holder is in a connected position, and a gel-less jack in electrical communication with at least one IDC.
A preconnectorized outdoor cable streamlines the deployment of optical waveguides into the last mile of an optical network. The preconnectorized outdoor cable includes a cable and at least one plug connector. The plug connector is attached to a first end of the cable, thereby connectorizing at least one optical waveguide. The cable has at least one optical waveguide, at least one tensile element, and a cable jacket. Various cable designs such as figure-eight or flat cables may be used with the plug connector. In preferred embodiments, the plug connector includes a crimp assembly having a crimp housing and a crimp band. The crimp housing has two half-shells being held together by the crimp band for securing the at least one tensile element. When fully assembled, the crimp housing fits into a shroud of the preconnectorized cable. The shroud aides in mating the preconnectorized cable with a complimentary receptacle.
G02B 6/10 - Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type