Patent ID: 6546712
Filing Date: 2003-04-15
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An apparatus for improving reverse oscillating lay (ROL) consistency of an optical fiber cable received from a reverse oscillating lay (ROL) machine during an optical fiber cable manufacturing process, the apparatus comprising:a torque capstan, the torque capstan receiving an optical fiber cable from a reverse oscillating lay (ROL) machine, the optical fiber cable comprising a plurality of subunit cables, the ROL machine placing reverse-oscillating lay on the core of the optical fiber cable, but also generating undesirable fluctuating back-tension in a direction opposite a direction in which the optical fiber cable is being pulled during the optical cable manufacturing process; a drive system coupled to the torque capstan; and a control system in communication with the drive system, the control system controlling the drive system such that the torque capstan forces the optical fiber cable in a direction substantially parallel to the direction in which the optical fiber cable is being pulled during the optical fiber cable manufacturing process, and wherein the force applied to the optical fiber cable by the torque capstan reduces said undesirable fluctuating back-tension on the optical fiber cable, wherein the control system controls the drive system in accordance with Line Operator interference signals delivered to the control system.