Patent ID: 7280725
Filing Date: 2007-10-09
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An optical fiber furcation tube for transitioning an optical fiber from an optical fiber drop cable to an upjacket, the drop cable including an exterior sheathing, at least one linear strength member, a center tube, and an optical fiber within the center tube, the upjacket including a buffer tube for receiving the optical fiber, an exterior sheathing about the buffer tube, and a linear strength member positioned between the buffer tube and the exterior sheathing, the furcation tube comprising: a body defining a central channel extending from a first end through the body to a second opposing end, and an exterior; the central channel including a first portion adjacent the first end, the first portion sized to receive the exterior sheathing of the optical fiber drop cable that includes the at least one strength member and the center tube, the first portion defining a first shoulder opposite the first end; the central channel including a second portion adjacent the first portion and opposite the first end, the second portion smaller in size than the first portion and sized to receive the center tube of the drop cable, the second portion defining a second shoulder opposite the first portion; the central channel including a third portion between the second portion and the second end, the third portion sized to receive the buffer tube of the upjacket inserted into the central channel through the second end; the exterior of the body adjacent the second end including a first crimp portion to which the strength member of the upjacket may be mechanically connected; and wherein the exterior of the body includes a second connection portion configured to receive and retain a strain relief boot positioned about the upjacket.