Methods of making optical fiber assemblies having relatively low-levels of water-swellable powder

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 mi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors Bringuier, Anne G, McAlpine, Warren W, Quinn, Christopher M, Rowe, John A, Seddon, Dave A, Tedder, Catharina L, Tugman, Gilbert D, Witz, Brian S, Ndayizeye, George
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 19.07.2011
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Summary: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.