초록 ▼

A process and apparatus for fabricating an optical fiber cable core assembly having at least one optical fiber encapsulated with an ultra-small diameter metallic tube are described. The optical fiber cable core assembly is formed by passing a metal or metal alloy strip through at least one die to fo

A process and apparatus for fabricating an optical fiber cable core assembly having at least one optical fiber encapsulated with an ultra-small diameter metallic tube are described. The optical fiber cable core assembly is formed by passing a metal or metal alloy strip through at least one die to form the ultra-small diameter tube, inserting at least one optical fiber or fibers into the tube during the tube formation operation and passing the assembly through a sealing station to seal the tube and provide a hermetic core assembly. To reduce the likelihood of breaking the tube and damaging the optical fiber or fibers therein, the deformation energy for forming the strip into the tube is provided by wrapping the assembly about a tensioning device positioned between the tube forming station and the tube sealing station.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for fabricating an optical fiber cable for use in communication applications, said apparatus comprising: means for forming an assembly having at least one optical fiber encapsulated in a metallic tube having an ultra-small diameter, said assembly forming means comprising means for formi

An apparatus for fabricating an optical fiber cable for use in communication applications, said apparatus comprising: means for forming an assembly having at least one optical fiber encapsulated in a metallic tube having an ultra-small diameter, said assembly forming means comprising means for forming said tube from a strip of metal or metal alloy in a desired condition; said tube being characterized by a longitudinally extending seam; means for sealing said seam to provide a hermetic tubular structure; and means for applying a tensile force to said metal or metal alloy strip to pull said metal or metal alloy strip through said tube forming means, said tensile force applying means being positioned between said tube forming means and said sealing means so as to apply said tensile force to said metal or metal alloy before deration of the condition of said metal or metal alloy.