Reinforced tight-buffered optical fiber and cables made with same
AssigneePirelli Communications Cables and Systems USA, LLC
InventorJohn C. Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tight-buffered optical fiber includes an optical fiber, at least a first buffer layer of a polymer material enclosing the optical fiber, and a plurality of strength members embedded in the first buffer layer and longitudinally disposed around the optical fiber. A second buffer layer of polymer material may also be formed to enclose the first buffer layer. The first and second buffer layer may be made of acrylate and may be either radiation or thermally curable. The second buffer layer may also have a plurality of strength members embedded in it and longitudinally disposed around the optical fiber.
Claims22
A tight-buffered optical fiber, comprising:
- an optical fiber;
- at least a first buffer layer of a polymer material enclosing said optical fiber;
- and
- a plurality of strength members embedded in said first buffer layer and longitudinally positioned with respect to said optical fiber.
A method of making a tight-buffered optical fiber, comprising:
- passing an optical fiber through an applicator;
- placing a plurality of strengthening yarns longitudinally around said optical fiber in said applicator;
- applying a first buffer layer in liquid form over said optical fiber;
- and
- curing said first buffer layer.
An optical fiber cable, comprising:
- at least one tight-buffered optical fiber including an optical fiber, at least a first buffer layer of a polymer material enclosing said optical fiber, a plurality of strength members embedded in said first buffer layer and longitudinally positioned around said optical fiber;
- and
- an overall jacket enclosing said at least one tight-buffered optical fiber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.