Preconnectorized fiber optic drop cables and assemblies for efficient deployment

US7090407B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Corning Cable Systems LLC · US

Inventors

• Stuart R. Melton · Hickory, US
• Hieu Vinh Tran · Charlotte, US
• David A. Thompson · San Jose, US
• Richard S. Wagman · Hickory, US
• Michael John Gimblet · Conover, US
• Xin Liu · Hickory, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 27, 2004
• Grant date: Aug 15, 2006
• Expiry date: Aug 3, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G02B6/545
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A preconnectorized outdoor cable streamlines the deployment of optical waveguides into the last mile of a optical network. The preconnectorized outdoor cable includes a cable and at least one plug connector. The plug connector is attached to a first end of the cable, thereby connectorizing at least one optical waveguide. The cable has at least one optical waveguide, at least one tensile element, and a cable jacket. Various cable designs such as figure-eight or flat cables may be used with the plug connector. In preferred embodiments, the plug connector includes a crimp assembly having a crimp housing and a crimp band. The crimp housing has two half-shells being held together by the crimp band for securing the at least one tensile element. When fully assembled, the crimp housing fits into a shroud of the preconnectorized cable. The shroud aides in mating the preconnectorized cable with a complimentary receptacle.