US 5,410,629 A · Optical fiber cable which includes waterblocking and freeze preventing provisions

Abstract

The foregoing problems of the prior art have been overcome by cables of this invention. An optical fiber cable includes a core comprising at least one optical fiber transmission medium, a tubular member in which is disposed the core and which is made of a plastic material and a sheath system which is disposed about the tubular member. Additionally, a compositional blend is disposed in the tubular member and capable of performing dual functions by blocking the longitudinal flow of water as well as preventing freezing of water or moisture within the cable. Preferably, the composition includes a superabsorbent constituent blended with an antifreeze constituent, which is then disposed along one longitudinally extending member. In addition to being sprayed onto a tape or other longitudinal member, the compositional blend may also be electronically deposited directly onto the transmission matter, sheath system or core tube.

Claims16

Dependent claims

An optical fiber cable, which includes:

a core comprising at least one optical fiber transmission medium;
a tubular member in which is disposed said core;
a sheath system which is disposed about said tubular member;
and
means disposed within said cable for blocking the longitudinal flow of water and for preventing freezing of water within said cable, said means including a compositional blend of a superabsorbent constituent and an antifreeze constituent, wherein said antifreeze constituent is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene glycol and polyethylene glycol.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Optical fiber cable which includes waterblocking and freeze preventing provisions

Life of this patent

Optical fiber cable which includes waterblocking and freeze preventing provisions

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16