Pre-connectorized fiber optic distribution cable

Abstract

A factory prepared fiber optic distribution cable has at least one predetermined access location for providing access to at least one pre-connectorized optical fiber. The fiber optic distribution cable includes at least one preterminated optical fiber withdrawn from a tubular body at the access location, a connector attached to the preterminated optical fiber, a transition piece for transitioning the preterminated optical fiber from the tubular body into a protective tube, and a protective shell encapsulating the access location for protecting the pre-connectorized optical fiber. Alternatively, the fiber optic distribution cable includes at least one preterminated optical fiber withdrawn from a tubular body, a transition piece for transitioning the preterminated optical fiber from the tubular body into a protective tube, a connector attached to the preterminated optical fiber, a plurality of cable centralizers, and a protective shell for encapsulating the access location and protecting the pre-connectorized optical fiber.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to a fiber optic distribution cable and, more particularly, to a factory assembled fiber optic distribution cable having at least one predetermined access location for providing access to at least one preterminated and pre-connectorized optical fiber. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] Optical fibers are used for a variety of applications including voice communication, data transmission and the like. With the ever-increasing need for connecting remote locations to a fiber optic distribution cable, it is apparent that more efficient methods of performing a mid-span access of a distribution cable are required. Typically, to perform a mid-span access, a technician must remove a portion of the cable sheath in the field at a convenient location along an installed distribution cable. Once the sheath is removed, the technician must access pre-selected optical fibers, sev...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a pre-connectorized fiber optic distribution cable that has at least one predetermined access location for connecting optical fibers. The cable has a low profile and is easy to install and flexible. The cable can be wound onto a reel and installed through a conduit. The access locations have a small outer diameter, making them ideal for field installation. The cable can be protected with a variety of closure designs and can be easily concealed and secured after installation. The pre-connectorized optical fibers can be routed through a transition piece and protected by a protective tub. The cable is designed to be easily assembled and installed in an optical network. The technical effects of the invention include improved labor efficiency, cost savings, and flexibility in installation.

Problems solved by technology

This time consuming process is typically accomplished by a highly skilled field technician at a significant cost and under field working conditions.

While the preterminated fiber optic cable assembly described in the Nilsson et al. patent is useful in certain applications, its use is limited to applications in which it is installed through a conduit having an outer diameter of about 4 inches or greater.

In addition, the relatively large outer diameter of the splice closure greatly hinders winding the assembled cable onto a cable reel.

A disadvantage of this system is that the outer diameter of the assembly exceeds the inner diameter of the conduit through which the cable system is typically installed within when multiple drop cables are connected at a single branch point.

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