An optical fiber cable includes a core that includes an assembled plurality of optical fibers; an inner sheath that accommodates the core therein, a pair of tension members that are embedded in the inner sheath and that are disposed on opposite sides of the core, and an outer sheath that covers the inner sheath. The inner sheath is formed with a dividing portion that divides an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of the inner sheath in a circumferential direction. The dividing portion extends along a longitudinal direction in which the optical fiber cable extends.

The disclosed fiber optic cable may include (1) a plurality of optical fibers, (2) a core tube surrounding the plurality of optical fibers, (3) a thixotropic gel filling an interstitial space among the optical fibers within the core tube, (4) an intermediate layer surrounding the core tube, where the intermediate layer includes a plurality of linear elements contra-helically wrapped about the core tube, and (5) an outer layer surrounding the intermediate layer, where the outer layer includes a combination of a moisture-cure cross-linked material and an activation catalyst, where the outer layer is formed by masticating and extruding the combination onto the intermediate layer. Various other cables, assemblies, and methods are also disclosed.

An optical fiber comprises a glass fiber having a core and a cladding with which the core is covered, and a coating resin layer with which the glass fiber is covered, the coating resin layer having a colored layer of a thickness of 10 μm or more, wherein a change rate of a yellow index of the coating resin layer after aging due to temperature and humidity under an environment of 85° C. and 85% RH for 30 days is 5 or less per day.

A method of treating a buffered optical fiber or jacketed cable having a relatively low surface energy, e.g., fibers or cables that meet low smoke zero halogen (LSZH) standards, so they can be bonded to a supporting substrate at a customer premises by a water soluble, non-flammable adhesive. One or more burners produce a flame that treats the surface of the fiber or cable by oxidizing the surface as the fiber or cable moves past the burners. The surface energy increases enough for the adhesive to wet the surface so that, when cured, the adhesive bonds the fiber or cable to the supporting substrate. In another embodiment, a blown-ion discharge is directed at a determined rate over the surface of the fiber or cable, thereby treating the surface by removing contamination and micro-etching, and increasing the surface energy enough for the adhesive to wet the surface.

A recirculating powder applicator includes an applicator body having an inlet on an upstream surface and an outlet on a downstream surface, wherein the inlet and outlet define a passage that extends transversely through the thickness of the applicator body, a powder conduit, an air inlet, an exhaust aperture located on one of the upstream or downstream surfaces, and a circulation chamber located on the interior of the applicator body. The powder conduit and air inlet are in fluid communication with the passage and the passage is in fluid communication with the circulation chamber. A method of applying powder to a substrate during a continuous process includes using a recirculating powder applicator.

Disclosed is a method for manufacturing an intermittently connected optical fiber ribbon that includes a plurality of optical fibers arranged side by side, and connection parts arranged intermittently and each connecting two adjacent optical fibers. The method involves: a step of applying, between the optical fibers, a UV-curable resin including a siloxane structure in its molecule; a step of removing a portion of the UV-curable resin applied between the optical fibers; and a step of irradiating the UV-curable resin between the optical fibers with UV rays and forming the connection parts.

Buffered optical fibers are formed by extruding discontinuities in the buffer layer. The discontinuities allow the buffer layer to be torn to provide access to the buffered optical fiber. The discontinuities can be longitudinally extending strips of material in the buffer layer, and can be introduced into the extrudate material flow used to form the first section of the buffer layer in the extrusion head.

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.

Methods for providing flammability protection for plastic optical fiber (POF) embedded inside avionics line replaceable units (LRUs) or other equipment used in airborne vehicles such as commercial or fighter aircrafts. A thin and flexible flammability protection tube is placed around the POF. In one proposed implementation, a very thin (100 to 250 microns in wall thickness) polyimide tube is placed outside and around the POF cable embedded inside an LRU or other equipment. The thin-walled polyimide tube does not diminish the flexibility of the POF cable.

The present invention relates to central loose optical-fiber cables. An exemplary optical-fiber cable includes a central buffer tube that encloses loose optical fibers. Stranded strength yarns surround the central buffer tube and the optical fibers positioned within the central buffer tube's annular space, and a cable jacket surrounds the stranded strength yarns.