Patent ID: 6487348
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A variable fiber count optical fiber cable core for use as a part of an optical fiber cable, the optical fiber cable having an elongate cylindrical core tube formed symmetrically about a longitudinal axis within which the cable core is received, said cable core comprising:at least a first optical fiber unit having a first predetermined number of optical fiber therein; and at least a second optical fiber unit having a second predetermined number of optical fibers therein; at least a third optical fiber unit having a third predetermined number of optical fibers therein; said first predetermined number of optical fibers differing from said second predetermined number of optical fibers and said at least first and second optical fiber units, respectively, being formed as a stack of optical fiber units within the core tube said third predetermined number of optical fibers differing from both of said first and second predetermined numbers of optical fibers, respectively; said third optical fiber unit being stacked with said at least a first optical fiber unit and said at least a second optical fiber unit, respectively, as a part of said stack of optical fiber units; wherein said first predetermined number of optical fibers comprises thirty-six optical fibers, said second predetermined number of optical fibers comprises twenty-four optical fibers, and said third predetermined number of optical fibers comprises twelve optical fibers; and wherein said stack of optical fiber units comprising fourteen of said first optical fiber units, twelve of said second optical fiber units, and six of said third optical fiber units, respectively.