Fiber optic cable assembly and method of making same

摘要

Optical fibers are lightly tacked together in parallel relation to prevent relative sliding between the fibers (12) along their lengthwise directions, by forming a longitudinally extending frangible web (14) bonded between the fibers. The web in one embodiment is formed by applying a coating (20) of a hardenable composition in a fluid state to the adjacent fibers and then removing the composition from the fibers by passing them through an aperture (22) of a tool (24) except on the opposing surfaces of the adjacent fibers, and causing or allowing the composition remaining between the fibers to harden. Alternatively, a coloring compound is coated onto each fiber and the fibers are pressed and held together until the compound solidifies. In yet another embodiment a solid coating of material soluble in a volatile solvent is provided on each fiber, and the coatings are contacted by solvent to render them tacky, the fibers then being pressed and held together until the coatings resolidify, <IMAGE> <IMAGE> <IMAGE>