Richard T Small

US Patent:

6600859, Jul 29, 2003

Filed:

Jul 2, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/897684

Inventors:

Vidyananda B. Chandraiah - Lawrenceville GA
Kenneth W. Jackson - Snellville GA
Kariofilis Konstadinidis - Decatur GA
Richard Dalton Small - Lilburn GA

Assignee:

Fitel USA Corp. - Norcross GA

International Classification:

G02B 644

US Classification:

385114, 385100, 385127, 385128, 385141

Abstract:

A composite modular optical fiber ribbon structure has one or more separate sub-ribbons, each encased in a first matrix having a relatively high elastic modulus at room temperature. The sub-ribbons are assembled in a planar array which is encased in a second matrix having a relatively low elastic modulus at room temperature.

US Patent:

20040091221, May 13, 2004

Filed:

Aug 23, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/938107

Inventors:

Harold Debban - Snellville GA, US
Clyde Lever - Buford GA, US
Richard Norris - Powder Springs GA, US
Dennis Slaton - Gainsville GA, US
Richard Small - Lilburn GA, US
Phillip Thomas - Suwanee GA, US
Peter Weimann - Atlanta GA, US

International Classification:

G02B006/44

US Classification:

385/114000

Abstract:

Embodiments of the invention include an optical fiber cable having improved optical fiber densities and no central strength member. The optical fiber cable includes one or more multi-fiber unit tubes having an optical fiber ribbon stack snugly positioned therein. The diagonal length of the ribbon stack is approximately equal or, alternatively, at least 90% of the inner diameter of the unit tube. The multi-fiber unit tube is made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or other material soft and flexible enough to allow the ribbon stack to be relatively firmly positioned therein without affecting the optical fiber performance. The optical fiber cable includes one or more filling materials such as yarn fillers positioned, e.g., between the ribbon stack and the inner walls of the unit tube, to maintain the shape of the multi-fiber unit tube. The yarn filler material includes super absorbent polymers to reduce propagation of water down the unit tube.

US Patent:

60350881, Mar 7, 2000

Filed:

Sep 18, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/154670

Inventors:

Vidyananda Bangalore Chandraiah - Lawrenceville GA
Kenneth Wade Jackson - Snellville GA
Richard D. Small - Lilburn GA
Neil Wilbur Sollenberger - Duluth GA

Assignee:

Lucent Technologies Inc. - Murray Hill NJ

International Classification:

G02B 644

US Classification:

385114

Abstract:

A method for performing fiber break-out in an optical fiber ribbon, which does not require shutting down the fibers in the ribbon while break-out is being performed, includes the step of placing the ribbon on a smooth surface that is either flat or curved with a radius much greater than the critical bend radius after the matrix material of the ribbon has been softened and swollen. The ribbon is temporarily affixed to the surface, and the softened matrix is then pulled away therefrom. The ribbon is then turned over and temporarily affixed to the surface and the remaining matrix is removed. The fibers that remain are then cleaned with an alcohol solution. In a variation of the method, the matrix is removed by rubbing or abrading it with a textured cloth or pad.

US Patent:

62178091, Apr 17, 2001

Filed:

Sep 29, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/163279

Inventors:

Raymond P. DeFabritis - Lilburn GA
Richard D. Small - Lilburn GA
Carlos F. Solis - Atlanta GA
Priya L. Tabaddor - Alpharetta GA

Assignee:

Lucent Technologies, Inc. - Murray Hill NJ

International Classification:

B32B 3100

US Classification:

264261

Abstract:

A method for splicing an improved strength tape having longitudinally extended strands comprises the trimming or patterning of the strands of the respective ends that are to be joined so that the ends can be mated together in a meshing arrangement. The two ends are placed in a splicing tray. An adhesive film is interposed between the two ends and the splice tray is closed. The splice tray is placed in a compression molding press which applies a predetermined time-temperature-pressure treatment profile which cures the adhesive film. The resulting splice has essentially the same physical dimensions of the strength tape, and similar stiffness characteristics to that of the strength tape. Further, the strength of the splice is more than sufficient for use in a communication cable. Because the complete splice process can be completed in less than 4 to 5 minutes, the splice can be performed on-line with the use of a strength tape accumulator.