Preterminated fiber optic distribution cable

Abstract

A factory-manufactured, preterminated fiber optic distribution cable having at least one predetermined access location for providing access to at least one preterminated optical fiber. A preterminated fiber optic distribution cable comprising at least one buffer tube comprising at least one optical fiber, a buffer tube transition piece operable for transitioning the at least one optical fiber from the at least one buffer tube into at least one protective tube, a C-shaped molded member defining a longitudinally extending optical fiber guide channel operable for storing a length of the at least one preterminated optical fiber and a protective means. A method of mid-span accessing at least one optical fiber from a fiber optic distribution cable. A buffer tube transition piece operable for transitioning a plurality of preterminated optical fibers from a buffer tube into protective tubing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to a preterminated fiber optic distribution cable and, more particularly, to a fiber optic distribution cable having at least one predetermined access location for providing access to at least one preterminated 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, sever the pre-selected optica...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a preterminated fiber optic distribution cable with at least one predetermined access location for providing access to at least one preterminated optical fiber. The cable has a small outer diameter, flexibility, and can be installed through a conduit system. The cable includes a factory-manufactured preterminated fiber optic distribution cable with at least one predetermined access location. The access location has a predetermined length of cable sheath removed to expose a predetermined length of buffer tube. The buffer tube has at least one optical fiber accessible through slits and flared back to the cable sheath. The cable also includes a protective means to protect the buffer tube, transition piece, and C-shaped molded member during installation. The preterminated fiber optic distribution cable can be installed through a conduit system and provides flexibility in accessing optical fibers.

Problems solved by technology

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

While the preterminated fiber optic cable assembly described in the '458 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 may greatly hamper the winding of the assembled cable onto a cable reel.

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