Patent Publication Number: US-11640036-B2

Title: Indexing architecture including a fan-out arrangement

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/999,156, filed Aug. 21, 2020, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,243,359, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/363,636, filed Mar. 25, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,754,102, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/707,252, filed Sep. 18, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,247,888, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 14/176,940, filed Feb. 10, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,766,413, which application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 12/782,929, filed May 19, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,646,989, issued Feb. 11, 2014, which application claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/179,673, filed May 19, 2009, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to equipment for fiber optic communications networks. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to fiber optic networks including indexing architectures and fan-outs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Optical networks are becoming increasingly prevalent in part because service providers want to deliver high bandwidth communication capabilities to customers. As the demand for optical networks increases, there is a need to extend fiber optic networks closer to the edge (i.e., closer to subscriber locations). In this regard, there is a need for cost-effective architectures for extending fiber optic networks. One example of a cost-effective architecture is an indexing architecture. Example indexing architectures are disclosed by PCT Int&#39;l Publication No. WO 2014/190281. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to fiber optic networks having indexing architectures that utilize fan-outs. 
     Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to fiber optic networks having indexing architectures with indexing components adapted for indexing a relatively large number of optical fibers (e.g., greater than 12 fibers, or greater than 18 fibers, or greater than or equal to 24 optical fibers). 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to indexing components that can be daisy-chained (e.g., coupled end-to-end) together to form an indexing architecture. In one example, each indexing component can include separate first multi-fiber connection interfaces defining a first set of sequential fiber positions defined by a combination of the first multi-fiber connection interfaces such that the sequential fiber positions are sequenced across the first multi-fiber connection interfaces. The indexing component can also include separate second multi-fiber connection interfaces defining a second set of sequential fiber positions defined by a combination of the second multi-fiber connection interfaces such that the sequential fiber positions are sequenced across the second multi-fiber connection interfaces. The indexing component also includes sets of optical fibers including a drop fiber that is routed from the first set of sequential fiber positions to a drop location and also including indexing fibers that are routed in an indexed configuration between the first set of sequential fiber positions and the second set of sequential fiber positions. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an indexing component including stub-cables (e.g., break-out cables) terminating at multi-fiber connectors. The stub-cables include sets of optical fibers having ends supported at a first set of sequential fiber positions defined by a combination of the multi-fiber connectors such that the sequential fiber positions are sequenced across the multi-fiber connectors. The indexing component also includes a main cable including the sets of optical fibers, and a fan-out for coupling the stub-cables to the main cable. The indexing component further includes separate multi-fiber connection interfaces defining a second set of sequential fiber positions defined by a combination of the multi-fiber connection interfaces such that the sequential fiber positions are sequenced across the multi-fiber connection interfaces. The sets of optical fibers include a drop fiber that is routed from the first set of sequential fiber positions to a drop location. The sets of optical fibers also include indexing fibers that are routed in an indexed configuration between the first set of sequential fiber positions and the second set of sequential fiber positions. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an indexing component including first and second stub-cables (e.g., break-out cables) terminating respectively at first and second multi-fiber connectors. The first stub cable includes a first set of optical fibers having ends supported at first sequential fiber positions defined by the first multi-fiber fiber connector. The second stub cable includes a second set of optical fibers having ends supported at second sequential fiber positions defined by the second multi-fiber connector. The indexing component also includes a main cable including the first and second sets of optical fibers, and a fan-out for coupling the first and second stub-cables to the main cable. The indexing component further includes a first multi-fiber connection interface defining third sequential fiber positions, and a second multi-fiber connection interface defining fourth sequential fiber positions. The first set of optical fibers includes a drop fiber that is routed from the first multi-fiber connector to a drop location. The first set of optical fibers also includes indexing fibers that are routed in an indexed configuration between the first sequential fiber positions and the third sequential fiber positions. The second set of optical fibers includes first indexing fibers that are routed in an indexed configuration between the second sequential fiber positions and the fourth sequential fiber positions. In certain examples, the second set of optical fibers can also include a second indexing fiber that is routed in an indexed configuration from the second multi-fiber connector to the first multi-fiber connection interface. 
     Certain other aspects of the present disclosure relate to fan-out configurations that can be used in components for supporting indexing architectures as well as other components where separating or fanning-out optical fibers are desired. 
     In one example, a specialty cable is utilized to provide a fan-out location. The fiber optic cable can include a pre-defined tear-location for separating the cable into two separate sections that function as stub-cables (e.g., break-out cables). In certain examples, the pre-defined tear-location is defined at a central location of the cable. In certain examples, the pre-defined tear-location is defined by notches that provide a reduced cross-sectional area for facilitating separating the two segments apart from one another. In certain examples, each of the separate segments includes a passage for receiving a set of optical fibers and a passage for receiving a strength member such as a glass reinforced polymeric (GRP) rod. In certain examples, the cable has an elongate transverse cross-sectional profile that defines a major axis extending through the fiber passages and the strength members and a minor axis that extends through the notches. In certain examples, a reinforcing structure such as a clip, housing, bracket or retainer can be mounted on the cable to prevent the cable from separating beyond a predetermined location. In certain examples, a first fiber passage and a first strength member are positioned on one side of the pre-determined tear-location and a second fiber passage and a second strength member are positioned on an opposite of the pre-defined tear-location. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fan-out structure including a block, tube, or other component that is filled with epoxy to anchor stub-cables (e.g., break-out cables, furcation cables, etc.) to a main cable and to seal the ends of the cables. In certain examples, the fan-out block can have a first end defining two receptacles for receiving ends of the stub-cables and a second end defining a receptacle for receiving the main cable. The fan-out block can define a central open region (e.g., a cavity accessible through a side window) defined between the receptacles for receiving adhesive such as epoxy. Strength members of the stub-cables and main cable can extend into the open region or cavity. An enlarged window can be provided in communication with the cavity for filling the cavity with an epoxy and for facilitating routing optical fibers from the main cable to the stub-cables. In certain examples, the stub-cables are formed by furcation tubes that receive optical fibers from the main cable. In certain examples, the receptacles for receiving the cables have elongate transverse cross-sectional shapes or profiles that correspond to elongate transverse cross-sectional shapes or profiles of the cables. In certain examples, the transverse cross-sectional profiles include major axes and minor axes. In certain examples, major axes of the transverse cross-sectional profiles are aligned along reference planes that extend through the window of the central cavity. In certain examples, a heat shrink sleeve including a shape memory material surrounding an adhesive layer can be mounted over the fan-out block and over portions of the stub-cables and the main cable to provide cable strain relief and to improve aesthetics. In certain examples, the fan-out block is made of a transparent plastic material. 
     A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fan-out device including a fan-out body having a furcated end with at least two separate legs or extensions. Each of the legs or extensions defines a receptacle for receiving a stub-cable (e.g., a break-out cable or furcation cable). The fan-out body can also define passages or receivers for receiving strength members of the stub-cables. Adhesive such as epoxy can be used to secure the strength-members within the strength member receivers. Side ports can be provided for injecting epoxy into the strength member receivers. The separate legs or extensions allow separate shape-memory elements (e.g., shrink-fit sleeves including internal adhesive) to be mounted over each of the legs and also over each of the corresponding stub-cables. Thus, the shape-memory sleeves can be used to seal each of the stub-cables. An opposite end of the fan-out structure can include a receptacle for receiving a main cable. Strength member receptacles can be provided for receiving strength members of the main cable. Adhesive injection ports can be provided in fluid communication with the strength member receptacles. One or more passages can be provided within the fan-out structure for routing sets of optical fibers from the main cable to the stub-cables. It will be appreciated that the stub-cables can be formed by furcation tubes/furcation cables. In practice, an end portion of a jacket of the main cable can be stripped away thereby exposing lengths of sets of optical fibers. The exposed lengths of optical fibers can be routed through the fan-out and into the furcation tubes/cables. Thereafter, the ends of the furcation tubes can be connectorized to form the stub-cable assemblies. In certain examples, a third heat shrink can be used to seal and provide strength relief between the main cable and the end of the fan-out structure. In certain examples, the fan-out structure can be made of a transparent material or other type of material that allows the passage of UV-light for curing adhesive therein. In certain examples, a cover or outer housing can be used to cover the fan-out structure and also cover at least portions of the heat shrink sleeves. 
     Still another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a fan-out arrangement including a fan-out housing having a first end and an opposite second end. Stub-cables (i.e., break-out cables or furcation cables) are routed through the first end. The stub-cables can be sealed by an elastomeric gasket arrangement loaded within the housing. A main cable can be routed into the fan-out housing through the second end. An elastomeric gasket can be used to seal the second end of the housing. An anchor member can be secured within the housing. The anchor member can include strength member receptacles for receiving strength members corresponding to the stub-cables and the main-cable. The anchor member can also include a passage for allowing a first set of optical fibers from the main cable to be routed to one of the stub-cables and a second set of optical fibers from the main cable to be routed to the other of the stub-cables. In certain examples, the gaskets can include a plurality of deformable ribs. In certain examples, the gaskets can also include tapered portions that are compressed about the cables by compression fittings, plugs or inserts that fit within the ends of the fan-out housing. 
     A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic view showing an indexing component in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    shows two of the indexing components of  FIG.  1    daisy-chained together; for ease of depiction only six fibers have been shown corresponding to each of the multi-fiber connection interfaces; 
         FIG.  3    illustrates another indexing component in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4    illustrates still another indexing component in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a further indexing component in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  6    illustrates an additional indexing component in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  7    is a first view of a specialty cable for supporting fan-out applications; 
         FIG.  8    is another view of the specialty cable of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a fan-out block in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  10    is a top view of the fan-out block of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a first end view of the fan-out block of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  12    is an end view of a second end of the fan-out block of  FIG.  9   ; 
         FIG.  13    is a top view of an alternative fan-out block in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  14    is an end view of a first end of the fan-out block of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    is an end view of a second end of the fan-out block of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  16    illustrates another fan-out structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  17    illustrates still another fan-out structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  18    illustrates a further fan-out structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  19    shows still another fan-out structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  20    is a half of a cover adapted to enclose the fan-out structure of  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  21    is a schematic view showing the fan-out structure of  FIG.  19   ; 
         FIG.  22    is an exploded view of a further fan-out structure in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  23    is a cross-sectional view of the fan-out structure of  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  24    is a perspective view of the fan-out structure of  FIG.  22   ; and 
         FIG.  25    is another perspective view of the fan-out structure of  FIG.  22   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like structure. 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to components for supporting indexing architectures. In certain examples, the components can include fan-out structures. In certain examples, the indexing architectures can include forward and reverse indexing. It will be appreciated that examples of forward and reverse indexing architectures and of systems where multiple indexing components are daisy-chained together are disclosed by PCT Int&#39;l Publication No. WO 2014/190281 which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates an indexing component  20  in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The indexing component  20  includes two stub-cables  22   a ,  22   b  terminating at multi-fiber connectors  24   a ,  24   b . The multi-fiber connectors  24   a ,  24   b  can include multi-fiber ferrules. The stub-cables  22   a ,  22   b  respectively include sets of optical fibers  26   a ,  26   b  having ends supported at a first set of sequential fiber positions (e.g., positions 1-24) defined by a combination of the multi-fiber connectors  24   a ,  24   b . For example, the multi-fiber ferrule of the multi-fiber connector  24   a  defines positions 1-12 of the first set of sequential fiber positions  28 . Also, the multi-fiber ferrule of the multi-fiber connector  24   b  defines positions 13-24 of the first set of sequential fiber positions  28 . The indexing component  20  also includes a main cable  30  including the sets of optical fibers  26   a ,  26   b . The indexing component  20  further includes a fan-out structure  32  for coupling the stub-cables  22   a ,  22   b  to the main cable  30 . The indexing component  20  further includes separate multi-fiber connection interfaces  34   a ,  34   b  each including separate multi-fiber ferrules. The multi-fiber connection interfaces  34   a ,  34   b  define a second set of sequential fiber positions  36  defined by the combination of the multi-fiber connection interfaces  34   a ,  34   b  such that the sequential fiber positions are sequenced across the multi-fiber connection interfaces  34   a ,  34   b . For example, positions 1-12 of the second set of sequential fiber positions  36  are defined by the multi-fiber connection interface  34   a , while positions 13-24 of the second set of sequential fiber positions  36  are defined by the multi-fiber connection interface  34   b.    
     Referring still to  FIG.  1   , the sets of optical fibers  26   a ,  26   b  include a drop fiber  38  that is routed from the first set of sequential fiber positions  28  (e.g., position 1) to a drop location  40 . The sets of optical fibers  26   a ,  26   b  also can include indexing fibers  42  that are routed in an indexed configuration between the first set of sequential fiber positions  28  and the second set of sequential fiber positions  36 . It is noted that indexing fiber  42   a  is indexed from position 13 of the multi-fiber connector  24   b  to position 12 of the multi-fiber connection interface  34   a . Indexing fibers  43  are routed from positions 14-24 of the multi-fiber connector  24   b  are to positions 13-23 of the multi-fiber connection interface  34   b . Indexing fibers  42  are routed from positions 2-12 of the multi-fiber connector  24   a  to positions 1-11 of the multi-fiber connection interface  34   a.    
     In certain examples, the multi-fiber connectors  24   a ,  24   b  can include ruggedized fiber optic connectors. A ruggedized fiber optic connector is typically environmentally sealed and includes a robust fastening element for coupling to a corresponding connector or fiber optic adapter. Example fastening components can include twist-to-lock fasteners such as threaded sleeves, threaded nuts or bayonet-style fasteners. 
     In certain examples, the multi-fiber connection interfaces  34   a ,  34   b  can be provided on a housing or terminal  44 . For example, the multi-fiber connection interfaces  34   a ,  34   b  can be incorporated within ruggedized ports or adapter ports defined by the terminal  44 . Additionally, the drop location  40  can also include a ruggedized port for coupling to a ruggedized connector of a drop line or other device. It is noted that the indexing component  20  also includes drop fiber  46  routed from position 24 of the second set of sequential fiber positions  36  to drop location  48 . Drop location  48  can also include a ruggedized port. In other examples, multiple fibers can be routed to each drop location and the drop locations can include multi-fiber connection interfaces or a plurality of single fiber drop interfaces. 
       FIG.  2    shows two of the indexing components  20  coupled together. It will be appreciated that in  FIG.  2   , only six fibers are shown for each of the multi-fiber connectors  24   a ,  24   b  and for each of the multi-fiber connection interfaces  34   a ,  34   b . This has been done for clarity to prevent the lines from bleeding together. 
       FIG.  3    shows another indexing component  20   a  having the same basic configuration as the indexing component  20  except two forward drop locations  40  have been provided and two reverse locations  48  have been provided. Also, the indexing fibers have been indexed two positions from the first set of sequential fiber positions  28  to the second set of sequential fiber positions  36 . Thus, ten optical fibers have been indexed from the multi-fiber connector  24   a  to the multi-fiber connector interface  34   a , two optical fibers have been indexed from the multi-fiber connector  24   b  to the multi-fiber connection interface  34   a , and ten optical fibers have been indexed from the multi-fiber connector  24   b  to the multi-fiber connection interface  34   b.    
       FIG.  4    shows an indexing component  20   b  having the same configuration as the indexing component  20  except the multi-fiber connectors  24   a ,  24   b  have been axially staggered relative to one another. Specifically, the stub-cables  22   a ,  22   b  have been provided with different lengths. By staggering the multi-fiber connectors  24   a ,  24   b , the multi-fiber connectors  24   a ,  24   b  have a reduced cross-sectional profile which is helpful when passing such multi-fiber connectors  24   a ,  24   b  through a conduit. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates an indexing component  20   c  that has the same general configuration as the indexing component  20  except the terminal  44  has been replaced with a fan-out configuration. In this configuration, a fan-out structure  50  has been provided. The multi-fiber connection interfaces  34   a ,  34   b  have been provided by multi-fiber connectors mounted at the end of stub-cables  52   a ,  52   b  and drop locations  40 ,  48  have been shown as single-fiber fiber optic connectors mounted on the end of stub-cables  54   a ,  54   b.    
       FIG.  6    shows still another indexing component  120  in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In this example, rather than spreading a sequence of fiber positions across multiple multi-fiber connection interfaces, each multi-fiber connection interface has a separate fiber positon sequence for indexing purposes. Thus, indexing does not occur across multiple multi-fiber connection interfaces. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , the indexing component  120  includes a first stub-cable  122   a  terminating at a first multi-fiber connector  124   a . The first stub-cable  122   a  includes a first set of optical fibers  126   a  having ends supported at first sequential fiber positions  128   a  defined by the first multi-fiber connector  124   a . The indexing component  120  also includes a second stub-cable  122   b  terminating at a second multi-fiber connector  124   b . The second stub-cable  122   b  includes a second set of optical fibers  126   b  having ends supported at second sequential fiber positions  128   b  defined by the second multi-fiber connector  124   b . The indexing component also includes a main cable  130  including the first and second sets of optical fibers  126   a ,  126   b . The indexing component  120  further includes a fan-out structure  132  for coupling the first and second stub-cables  122   a ,  122   b  to the main cable  130 . The indexing component  120  further includes a first multi-fiber connection interface  134   a  defining third sequential fiber positions  136   a  and a second multi-fiber connection interface  134   b  defining fourth sequential fiber positions  136   b . The first set of optical fibers  126   a  includes a drop fiber  138   a  that is routed from the first multi-fiber connector  124   a  to a drop location  140   a . The first set of optical fibers  126   a  includes indexing fibers  142   a  that are routed in an indexed configuration between the first sequential fiber positions  128   a  and the third sequential fiber positions  136   a . The second set of optical fibers  126   b  includes indexing fibers  142   b  that are routed in an indexed configuration between the second sequential fiber positions  128   b  and the fourth sequential fiber positions  136   b . The second set of optical fibers  126   b  can also include a drop fiber  138   b  that is routed from the second multi-fiber connector  124   b  to a drop location  140   b.    
     It will be appreciated that a variety of fan-out configurations can be used to breakout the stub-cables from the main cable. A variety of fan-out structures, devices, blocks and arrangements suitable for use with the architectures of  FIGS.  1 - 6    are set forth at  FIGS.  7 - 25   . The fan-out structures of  FIGS.  7 - 25    can also be used for fan-out applications other than indexing architectures. 
       FIGS.  7  and  8    depict a cable  200  in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The cable  200  is adapted for providing an integrated fan-out location and includes a cable jacket  202  including a first section  204  and a second section  206  with a predefined tear location  208  defined between the first and second sections  204 ,  206 . Each of the first and second sections  204 ,  206  defines a fiber passage  210  for receiving at least one optical fiber and a strength member passage  212  in which a strength member  214  is positioned. In one example, the predefined tear location  208  is defined by exterior notches  216  in the jacket. In one example, a plurality of optical fibers (e.g., a set of 12 optical fibers) is provided in each fiber passage  210  and the strength members  214  include glass reinforced polymeric rods. 
     In one example, the jacket  202  has an elongate transverse cross-sectional profile having a major axis M 1  and a minor axis M 2 . In this example, wherein the predefined tear location  208  is positioned along the minor axis M 2 , and the fiber passages  210  as well as the strength member passages  212  are aligned along the major axis M 1 . 
       FIGS.  9 - 12    depict a fan-out structure  230  in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The fan-out structure  230  includes a fan-out block  232  that extends along an axis  234 . The fan-out block  232  has a first axial end  236  and an opposite second axial end  238 . The fan-out block  232  defines a central epoxy (i.e., adhesive) cavity  240  accessible through an enlarged side window  242 . The side window has at least one dimension that extends a across at least a majority of a width of the fan-out block  232 . The first axial end  236  defines two first axial cable receptacles  244  in fluid communication with the central epoxy cavity  240 . The second axial end  238  defines a single second axial cable receptacle  246  in fluid communication with the central epoxy cavity  240 . The enlarged window facilitates routing optical fibers from the main cable through the cable receptacles  244  for subsequent routing through the stub cables. In one example, a group of 12 fibers is routed through the fan-out to each of the cable receptacles  244 . 
     In one example, first cable receptacles  244  and the second cable receptacle  246  each have elongated transverse cross-sectional shapes sized to match a corresponding transverse cross-sectional profile of a cable jacket of a cable desired to be inserted therein. Strength members of the cables corresponding to the first and second cable receptacles  244 ,  246  are all secured within the same central epoxy cavity  240 . Optical fibers from main cable secured at the second cable receptacle  246  are routed through the central epoxy cavity  240  to stub cables secured at the first axial cable receptacles  244 . The fan-out block  232  can be constructed of a plastic material through which ultraviolet light can pass. A single heat shrink sleeve can be positioned over the fan-out block, the stub cables and the main cable to provide cable strain relief and to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the fan-out. 
     As shown at  FIG.  11   , transverse cross-sectional shapes of the first axial cable receptacles  244  define major and minor axes M 1 , M 2 , and the side window  242  is positioned to be intersected by a reference plane R 1  that bisects the first axial cable receptacles along their minor axes M 2 .  FIGS.  13 - 15    show an alternative fan-out block  232   a  where the window  242  has been rotated 90 degrees about the axis  234  as compared to the example of  FIGS.  9 - 12   . In the example of  FIGS.  13 - 15   , the side window  242  is positioned to be intersected by reference planes R 1  that bisect the first axial cable receptacles along their major axes M 1 . 
       FIG.  16    shows a fan-out structure including a fan-out body  260  having toothed pockets  262  at one end for receiving jacketed ends of stub cables and a toothed pocket  264  at an opposite end for receiving a jacketed end of a main cable. Strength member receptacles  266  are provided for individually receiving strength members (e.g., GRP rods) of the main cable and the stub cables. 
       FIGS.  19 - 21    shows a fan-out assembly  270  in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The fan out assembly  270  includes a fan-out block  272  that extends along an axis  274 . The fan-out block  272  has a first axial end  276  and an opposite second axial end  278 . The first axial end  276  has a furcated configuration with first and second legs  280 ,  282 . Each of the first and second legs  280 ,  282  defines a break-out cable receptacle  284  in which a break-out cable  286  is secured. The second axial end  278  defines a main cable receptacle  288  in which a main cable  290  is secured. The fan-out assembly  270  also includes separate heat shrink sleeves  292 ,  294  secured over each of the legs  280 ,  282  and their corresponding break-out cables  286  and also includes a separate heat shrink sleeve  296  positioned over the second axial end  278  of the fan-out block  272  and the main cable  290 . In one example, strength members  299  of the break-out cables  286  and the main cable  290  are secured by adhesive within a common internal chamber  298  (see  FIGS.  21  and  17   ) within the fan-out block. In another example, strength members of the break-out cables and the main cable are secured by adhesive within separate strength member receptacles  300  (see fan-out block  272   a  of  FIG.  18   ). In certain examples, the strength members include glass reinforced rods. In certain examples, the fan-out block includes separate epoxy injection ports  302  for each of the strength member receptacles  300 . In certain examples, the fan-out block  272  is constructed of a plastic material through which ultraviolet light can pass. In certain examples, an outer housing  304  (half shown at  FIG.  20   ) that blocks the passage of UV radiation and covers the fan-out block  272  as well as at least parts of each of the heat shrink sleeves.  FIG.  17    shows a fan-out block  272   b  having furcation legs that are contoured to have opposing flat sides and convex portions that curve between the rounded sides. 
       FIGS.  22 - 25    show a fan-out assembly  310  in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. The fan-out assembly  310  includes a fan-out housing  312  that extends along an axis  314 . The fan-out housing  312  includes a first axial end  316  defined by a first housing piece  318  and a second axial end  320  defined by a second housing piece  322 . The first axial end  316  defines an elongate receptacle  324  and the second axial end  320  defines a main cable receptacle  326 . A first sealing arrangement  328  mounts within the elongate receptacle  324  at the first axial end of the fan-out housing  312  for sealing break-out cables routed into the fan-out housing  312 . The first sealing arrangement  328  also includes an elastomeric gasket arrangement  330  for receiving the breakout cables. The elastomeric gasket arrangement  330  includes first annual ribs  332  for sealing against the break-out cables and second annular ribs  334  for sealing against an interior of the fan-out housing  312 . The first sealing arrangement  328  also includes an insert  336  that fits within the first end  316  of the fan-out housing  312  and compresses the elastomeric gasket arrangement  330 . The insert  336  and the gasket arrangement  330  meet at a nested, tapered interface  338 . A second sealing arrangement  340  mounts within the second axial end  320  of the fan-out housing  312  for sealing a main cable routed into the fan-out housing  312  through the main cable receptacle  326 . The second sealing arrangement includes an elastomeric gasket  342  for receiving the main cable. The elastomeric gasket  342  including first annular ribs  344  for sealing against the main cable and second annular ribs  346  for sealing against an interior of the fan-out housing  312 . The second sealing arrangement  340  also includes an insert  348  that fits within the second end  320  of the fan-out housing  312  and compresses the elastomeric gasket  342 . The insert  348  and the gasket  342  meet at a nested, tapered interface  350 . A cable anchoring block  352  is mounted within the fan-out housing  312 . The cable anchoring block  352  includes an elongate central opening  354  through which optical fibers from the main cable are routed to reach the break-out cables. The cable anchoring block  352  further includes cable strength member receptacles  356  positioned on opposite sides of the elongate central opening  354  for receiving strength rods of the break-out cables and strength rods of the main cable. The strength rods can be adhesively affixed in the cable strength member receptacles  356 . In one example, an o-ring seal or other seal can be compressed between the first and second housing pieces to seal the interface between the two housing pieces. 
     Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that the scope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrated examples set forth herein.