Patent ID: 8346040
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: G02B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A buffered optical fiber structure, comprising: a protective sheath defining a cavity; at least one optical fiber positioned within said protective sheath's cavity; at least one mechanical reinforcement member acentrally positioned within said protective sheath's cavity, said at least one mechanical reinforcement member extending along said at least one optical fiber; and a peelable thermoplastic material positioned within said protective sheath's cavity, said peelable thermoplastic material contacting said protective sheath and surrounding said at least one optical fiber and said at least one mechanical reinforcement member; wherein said thermoplastic material possesses the consistency of a flexible gel over a temperature range of −40° C. to +70° C., said thermoplastic material possessing a softening temperature higher than +70° C. and a glass transition temperature below −40° C.