Coated central strength member for fiber optic cables with reduced shrinkage
US7346244B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 18, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4434
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A foam polymer jacketed rigid strength member for a fiber optic cable is disclosed, as is the method for its production. The foam jacket is made by feeding into an extruder a base polymer material, preferably a resin, such as polypropyene. The base material is melted in the extruder and a blowing agent is admixed. As the mixture exits the extruder, the polymer is expanded into a cellular foam. The polymer is foamed onto a rigid strength member by means of a crosshead. The resulting jacketed rigid strength member demonstrates improved resistance to thermal contractions reducing the contribution of stresses in the fiber optic cable components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.