Patent · US Expired

Use of buffer tube coupling coil to prevent fiber retraction

US7162128B2 · kind B2 · utility

93Cited by
3References
26Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 25, 2005
Grant dateJan 9, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 25, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B6/4457
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method of installing a cable including at least one communication element, such as an optical fiber, disposed in a buffer tube and a surrounding jacket. The method includes the steps of exposing a portion of the buffer tube over a predetermined length and forming the exposed portion of the buffer tube into a coupling coil having at least one loop. The cable installation method prevents fiber retraction in cable terminations by utilizing at least one coupling coil formed from the exposed buffer tube and advantageously yields coupling coil terminations with small diameter coils, requiring less cable for more efficient installation, and further provides for the coupling coil to be located within a splice closure for more visually pleasing terminations. Preferably, coupling coils are formed at each end of the cable and located in splice enclosures.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.