Patent ID: 6504979
Filing Date: 2003-01-07
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A communications cable with a longitudinal axis, comprising:a. a centrally disposed core extending along the longitudinal axis of the cable, b. a core tube which defines a substantially circular area disposed generally concentrically about the longitudinal axis of the cable and which encloses the core, c. a sheath system which includes a jacket which comprises a plastic material and which encloses the core tube; d. at least one optical fiber in the core, arranged so as to leave intentional voids in the core tube, e. at least one longitudinally extending water blocking member which is disposed within said core tube and essentially encloses the optical fiber to prevent the flow of water longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the cable, the water blocking member comprising: i. a substrate tape comprising a non-woven fibrous polymer matrix, ii. a superabsorbent polymer powder coating on at least one side of the substrate tape, the superabsorbent polymer coating consisting essentially of particles having less than 10% weight fraction over 250 microns in diameter, and less than 2% weight fraction over 300 microns in diameter.