摘要 |
<p>A method and apparatus for forming grooves in a reinforced, thermoplastic filament and for inserting optical fibers in the grooves. The reinforced filament is pulled longitudinally through a die having rollers corresponding to the number of grooves, and the rollers are pressed against the thermoplastic material to form the grooves. The rollers may be at room temperature or may be heated to temperature above room temperature and below the melting point temperature of the thermoplastic material. The fibers are inserted in the grooves as the filament leaves the die and preferably, the filament is wrapped with a binding, e.g. a tape, after the fibers are inserted in the grooves so as to seal the grooves.</p> |