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Optical cable having an improved strength system

  • US 5,838,864 A
  • Filed: 04/30/1997
  • Issued: 11/17/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/30/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An optical cable including a core having at least one glass fiber disposed in a core tube that extends along a longitudinal axis of the cable, said cable further including a plastic jacket that encloses the core tube, said cable being characterized by an improved strength system comprising:

  • a plurality of rigid strength rods that extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cable and are coupled to the cable, said rods having a tensile stiffness for receiving a first portion of a tensile load applied to the cable, and a compressive stiffness that effectively inhibits contraction of the plastic jacket; and

    a strength tape that extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cable, the tape comprising a linear array of substantially straight flexible strands that are prefabricated as a unit and coupled to the cable, said tape having a tensile stiffness for receiving a second portion of the tensile load applied to the cable, the tensile stiffness of the strength tape exceeding the tensile stiffness of the plurality of strength rods;

    whereby the greater portion of an applied tensile load is carried by the strength tape.

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