Methods of Making Optical Fiber Assemblies Having Relatively Low-Levels of Water-Swellable Powder

• Main Authors: QUINN CHRISTOPHER M, ROWE JOHN A, SEDDON DAVE A, TUGMAN GILBERT D, BRINGUIER ANNE G, MCALPINE WARREN W, WITZ BRIAN S, TEDDER CATHARINA L, NDAYIZEYE GEORGE
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 07.01.2010
• Subjects: PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCESIN A PLASTIC STATE; TRANSPORTING; WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE, IN GENERAL

Disclosed are fiber optic assemblies having at least one optical fiber and a water-swellable powder within a tube and/or cavity and methods for making the same. Fiber optic assemblies of the present invention use relatively low-levels of water-swellable powder while still effectively blocking the migration of tap water and/or saline solutions of 3% by weight along the tube and/or cavity. Furthermore, cleaning of the optical fibers is not necessary before connectorization like with conventional fiber optic cables that use a gel or grease. Generally speaking, at least some of the water-swellable powder is transferred to the inside surface of the tube, cavity, optical fiber or the like; rather, than being a loose powder that is able to migrate within the tube or cavity. Moreover, the existence of water-swellable powder within the fiber optic assembly or cable is nearly transparent to the craft since relatively low-levels are possible.