OPTICAL FIBER CABLE

摘要

OPTICAL FIBER CABLE An optical fiber cable includes a core comprising at least one optical fiber which is enclosed in a tubular member and which includes a sheath system. The sheath system includes two strength members which extend linearly longitudinally along the cable parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cable. The strength members are enclosed in a plastic jacket. The strength members have predetermined relative tensile and compressive stiffnesses. The stiffnesses are such that the strength members are capable of withstanding expected compressive as well as tensile loading and are coupled sufficiently to the jacket to provide a composite arrangement which is effective to inhibit contraction and which controls the position of the neutral axis during bending while providing suitable flexibility. The strength members in a preferred embodiment are made of a metallic material such as steel and have tensile and compressive stiffness which are substantially equal to cause the plane of bending to extend through the strength members. In other embodiments, the core is filled with a waterblocking material, the tubular member is enclosed by a water absorbent tape and/or a metallic shield and metallic conductors may extend colinearly with the strength members.