Patent ID: 6404962
Filing Date: 2002-06-11
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A fiber optic cable, comprising:a stack of optical fiber ribbons extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein each optical fiber ribbon comprises a laterally extending array of longitudinally extending optical fibers bonded together as a unit by a solidified bonding material that fills interstices between the optical fibers; and a buffer encasement comprising longitudinally extending interior and exterior surfaces, wherein the interior surface extends around and defines a longitudinally extending passage containing the stack, with the interior surface closely bounding the stack, and wherein the buffer encasement has a modulus of elasticity between about 5Ã—103 pounds per square inch and about 5Ã—104 pounds per square inch so that the buffer encasement can be easily torn to obtain access to the stack of optical fiber ribbons.