Patent Description:
Optical fibre cables have secured an important position in building network of modern communication systems across the world. One such type of optical fibre cables are optical fibre ribbon cables. These optical fibre ribbon cables include a plurality of optical fibres ribbons. Each optical fibre ribbon includes a number of optical fibres placed adjacent and bonded together side by side with a matrix material as known for instance from <CIT>. Some optical fibre ribbon cables are designed for large data transmission which requires large number of optical fibres inside the optical fibre ribbon cable. These optical fibre ribbons may be held inside a buffer tube which may be covered by additional layers such as water blocking layers, armoring layer, sheathing layer and the like. In addition, these optical fibre ribbon cables can be prepped and spliced rapidly through mass fusion splicing. The optical fibre ribbons inside an optical fibre cable have a single plane of motion and can be bent only along a preferential axis in order to prevent damage to the cable. Also, the diameter of the buffer tube covering the optical fibre ribbon has to be increased in order to prevent installers from bending the cable in a non-preferential plane. This leads to increase in overall diameter of the optical fibre cable. So, there is a need for an optical fibre cable which can be bent in non-preferential plane and has reduced diameter.

A primary object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical fibre ribbon cable possessing a reduced diameter.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide the optical fibre ribbon cable that is flexible and easy to install.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the optical fibre ribbon cable which allows ribbons to bend easily at non-preferential axis.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the optical fibre ribbon cable with reduced weight.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide the optical fibre ribbon cable with high mass fusion splicing capability.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure the plurality of optical fibres is partially bonded with the matrix material along the longitudinal length of the optical fibre ribbon.

As described in the present disclosure, the predefined distance between centers of any two adjacent optical fibres is equal to diameter of the optical fibres.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of optical fibres of the optical fibre ribbon along with the matrix material is defined by a top surface and a bottom surface. Further, thickness of the matrix material over the plurality of optical fibres on the top surface and the bottom surface of the optical fibre ribbon is in range of about <NUM> microns to <NUM> microns on each of the top surface and the bottom surface.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fibre ribbon has a height in range of about <NUM> microns to <NUM> microns.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the matrix material may or may not occupy shape of the optical fibre ribbon. Further, shape of the matrix material is one of a grooved shape or a flat shape.

As described in the present disclosure, each of the plurality of optical fibres of the optical fibres ribbon has a primary coating, a secondary coating and a color coating.

In order to best describe the manner in which the above-described embodiments are implemented, as well as define other advantages and features of the disclosure, a more particular description is provided below and is illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting in scope, the examples will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:.

It should be noted that the accompanying figures are intended to present illustrations of few exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that accompanying figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention parts, reference is now made to the following descriptions:.

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

Reference in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. The appearance of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

Reference will now be made in detail to selected embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with accompanying figures. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described. This disclosure may be embodied in different forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. It should be understood that the accompanying figures are intended and provided to illustrate embodiments of the disclosure described below and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for providing better clarity and ease of understanding.

Moreover, although the following description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, anyone skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and/or alterations to said details are within the scope of the present technology. Similarly, although many of the features of the present technology are described in terms of each other, or in conjunction with each other, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present technology is set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the present technology.

It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, ranking, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

<FIG> illustrates an optical fibre ribbon <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The optical fibre ribbon <NUM> includes a plurality of optical fibres <NUM> bonded with a matrix material <NUM>. In general, optical fibre ribbon is made of a number of optical fibres. In general, an optical fibre refers to medium associated with transmission of information over long distances in the form of light pulses. In addition, the optical fibre is a type of cabling technology that uses light to transmit voice and data communications over long distances. In addition, each of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> of the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> has a primary coating, a secondary coating and a color coating. Further, the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> along with the matrix material <NUM> forms the optical fibre ribbon <NUM>. The matrix material <NUM> is applied discontinuously along a longitudinal length of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> is completely bonded with the matrix material <NUM> along the longitudinal length of optical fibre ribbon <NUM>. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> is partially bonded with the matrix material <NUM> along the longitudinal length of the optical fibre ribbon <NUM>.

Further, each of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> of the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> is defined by a geometrical centre and diameter. In an example, a first optical fibre of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> of the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> is defined by a geometrical centre <NUM>. In addition, a second optical fibre of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> of the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> is defined by a geometrical centre <NUM>. Further, the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> has a predefined distance P between geometrical centres of every two adjacent optical fibres of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM>. In an embodiment not according to the claimed invention, the predefined distance P between the geometrical centre <NUM> of the first optical fibre and the geometrical centre <NUM> of the second optical fibre is about <NUM> microns. According to the claimed invention, the predefined distance P between the geometrical centre <NUM> of the first optical fibre and the geometrical centre <NUM> of the second optical fibre is <NUM> microns. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, not part of the claimed invention, the predefined distance P between the geometrical centre <NUM> of the first optical fibre and the geometrical centre <NUM> of the second optical fibre may vary. The geometrical centers <NUM>, <NUM> of first optical fibre and second optical fibre of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> has been marked (as shown in <FIG> ). However, each optical fibre of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> is defined by the geometrical centre.

The plurality of optical fibres <NUM> is defined by diameter. According to the claimed invention, each of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> has diameter of <NUM> microns. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, range of diameter of each of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, number of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> of the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> is <NUM>. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, not part of the claimed invention, number of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> of the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of optical fibres is a coloured optical fibre.

The plurality of optical fibres <NUM> of the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> along with the matrix material <NUM> is defined by a top surface A and a bottom surface B. Further, the matrix material <NUM> is applied at the top surface A and the bottom surface B of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM>. In addition, the matrix material <NUM> has thickness. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, thickness of the matrix material <NUM> on the top surface A and the bottom surface B is in range of about <NUM> microns to <NUM> microns. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, thickness of the matrix material <NUM> on the top surface A and the bottom surface B may vary. Furthermore, the matrix material <NUM> may or may not occupy shape of the optical fibre ribbon <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, shape of the matrix material <NUM> is one of a grooved shape or a flat shape. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, shape of the matrix material <NUM> may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the matrix material <NUM> is acrylate matrix material. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the matrix material <NUM> is made of any suitable material of the like.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> is a corrugated bendable optical fibre ribbon. According to the claimed invention, the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> is an intermittently bonded optical fibre ribbon. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> has height in range of about <NUM> microns to <NUM> microns. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, height of the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> may vary. Further, the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> has width of about <NUM> millimeter, corresponding to <NUM> optical fibres with diameter of <NUM> microns and the predefined distance P of <NUM> microns. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, not part of the claimed invention, width of the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> may vary.

<FIG> illustrates a cross sectional view of an optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> is a type of cable used in campus, building, data center backbone applications and the like. In general, optical fibre ribbon cable is used where high fibre counts are required. In general, the optical fibre ribbon cable has high fibre density. In addition, the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> enhances utilization of pathway and spaces for installation. In general, the optical fibre ribbon cable is suitable for installation in aerial, duct, and direct buried applications. The optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> is manufactured and spliced rapidly. In general, the optical fibre ribbon cable allows up to <NUM> fibres to be spliced together at one time. Further, the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> is cost competitive. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> includes <NUM> optical fibres. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> includes <NUM> optical fibres. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, number of optical fibres in the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> with <NUM> optical fibres has diameter in range of about <NUM> millimeter to <NUM> millimeter. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, diameter of the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> may vary. Furthermore, diameter of the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> vary based on variation in optical fibre count.

The optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> includes a plurality of buffer tubes <NUM>, a first layer <NUM>, a second layer <NUM> and a plurality of strength members <NUM>. In addition, the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> a plurality of ripcords <NUM>, <NUM> and one or more water swellable yarns <NUM>.

The optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> is defined along a longitudinal axis <NUM>. In general, longitudinal axis of an optical fibre cable is an imaginary axis along lengthwise direction of the optical fibre cable. The optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> includes the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM>. In general, buffer tubes provide mechanical isolation to fibres present in the buffer tubes. Each of the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM> includes an optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM>. The optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> includes a plurality of optical fibre ribbons. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, number of plurality of optical fibre ribbons in the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> is <NUM>. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, number of plurality of optical fibre ribbons in the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> may vary. Each ribbon of the plurality of optical fibre ribbons of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> corresponds to the optical fibre ribbon <NUM> of <FIG>. Each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> includes the plurality of optical fibres <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> includes <NUM> optical fibres. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, number of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> in each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> may vary.

The plurality of buffer tubes <NUM> correspond to loose tubes with reduced diameter. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, cross section of each of the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM> is circular in shape. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, shape of the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM> may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM> is similar in structure and dimensions. In addition, each of the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM> has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The inner diameter of each of the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM> is about <NUM> millimeter corresponding to the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> with <NUM> optical fibre ribbons. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner diameter of the plurality of buffer tubes may vary. In addition, the outer diameter of each of the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM> is about <NUM> millimeter corresponding to the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> with <NUM> optical fibre ribbons. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer diameter of the plurality of buffer tubes may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of buffered tubes <NUM> provides mechanical isolation to each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM>. In addition, the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM> provides protection to each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> from physical damage.

The plurality of optical fibres <NUM> is defined by diameter. According to the claimed invention, the diameter of each of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM><NUM> microns. In another embodiment of the present disclosure not part of the claimed invention, range of diameter of each of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> may vary. Further, each of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> is coated with acrylate material. Furthermore, acrylate material is soft material with high elongation. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> with the coating of acrylate material has diameter of <NUM> microns. Furthermore, each of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> is defined by the geometrical centre. The geometrical centres of any two adjacent optical fibres of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> has a predefined distance P. According to the claimed invention, the predefined distance P is <NUM> microns. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, not part of the claimed invention, the predefined distance P is <NUM> microns. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, not part of the claimed invention, the predefined distance P is <NUM> microns. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, not part of the claimed invention, the predefined distance P is <NUM> microns. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, not part of the claimed invention, the predefined distance P may vary. Moreover, the predefined distance P between any two adjacent optical fibres of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> is equal to diameter of each of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM>. In general, predefined distance P is distance between geometrical centers of any two optical fibres lying adjacent to each other.

Each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> enable mass fusion splicing of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM>. In general, mass fusion splicing technique is used to fuse a number of optical fibres in a single ribbon simultaneously. In general, mass fusion splicing technique may fuse up to <NUM> fibres in the single ribbon at one time. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, mass fusion splicing technique fuses each of the plurality of optical fibres <NUM> into the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> simultaneously. In addition, mass fusion technique reduces installation time of the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM>. Further, mass fusion splicing technique reduces installation labor cost. Furthermore, mass fusion splicing technique reduces dimensions of each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM>. The dimensions of each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> include but may not be limited to width and height. Furthermore, each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> has height of in range of about <NUM> microns to <NUM> microns. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, range of height of each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> may vary. Moreover, each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> has flexibility due to acrylate matrix material used for coating. Also, flexibility allows each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> to bend in non-preferential axis. The bending of each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> in non-preferential axis allows easy installation in space constraint regions. In addition, the bending of each ribbon of optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> in non-preferential axis facilitates in the reduction of diameter of the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM> and diameter of the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM>. Also, the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> maintains planarity of each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM>.

The optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> includes the first layer <NUM>. The first layer <NUM> surrounds the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM>. The first layer <NUM> is a layer of water blocking tape. In general, water blocking tape is designed to block ingression of water inside optical fibre cables. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first layer <NUM> prevents ingression of water and moisture inside the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first layer <NUM> has a thickness in range of about <NUM> millimeter to <NUM> millimeter. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, range of the thickness of the first layer <NUM> may vary.

The optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> includes the second layer <NUM>. The second layer <NUM> surrounds the first layer <NUM>. The second layer <NUM> is a jacket layer. In general, the jacket protects the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> against crush, pressure and tensile stress. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer <NUM> is made of high density polyethylene material. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer <NUM> is made of any suitable material. In general, the high density polyethylene material has density in a range of about <NUM>. 941gram/centimeter3 - <NUM> gram/centimeter3. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer <NUM> provides stiffness, rigidity, and resistance to the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the second layer <NUM> has a thickness in range of about <NUM> millimeter to <NUM> millimeter. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, range of the thickness of the second layer <NUM> may vary.

The optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> includes the plurality of strength members <NUM>. Each of the plurality of strength members <NUM> is embedded in the second layer <NUM>. In general, embedded strength members provide high tensile strength and anti-buckling property to cables. The plurality of strength members <NUM> provides strength and durability to the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM>. In addition, the plurality of strength members <NUM> has high mechanical strength and provides protection to the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM>. In general, strength members are used in the aerospace, automotive, marine, construction industries and the like. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of strength members <NUM> is made of fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) material. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of strength members <NUM> is made of any other suitable material. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of strength members <NUM> has a diameter in a range of about <NUM> millimeter to <NUM> millimeter. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of strength members <NUM> has the diameter of any suitable range. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, number of the plurality of strength members <NUM> is <NUM>. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the plurality of strength members <NUM> may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of strength members <NUM> is positioned at an equal distance to each other along the circumference of the second layer <NUM>.

The optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> includes the plurality of ripcords <NUM>, <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ripcords <NUM>, <NUM> is positioned diametrically opposite (<NUM> degree apart) in between the first layer <NUM> and second layer <NUM>. The plurality of ripcords <NUM>, <NUM> facilitates stripping of the second layer <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of ripcords <NUM>, <NUM> has a circular cross-section. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a number of the plurality of ripcords <NUM>, <NUM> is <NUM>. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the plurality of ripcords <NUM>, <NUM> may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ripcords <NUM>, <NUM> is made of polyester filament yarn twisted and coated with wicking material. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of ripcords <NUM>, <NUM> is made of any other suitable material.

The optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> includes the one or more water swellable yarns <NUM>. The one or more water swellable yarns <NUM> are positioned between the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM>. The one or more water swellable yarns <NUM> prevent ingression of water in the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM>. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, number of the one or more water swellable yarns is at least one. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of the one or more water swellable yarns <NUM> may vary.

The optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> has a weight of about <NUM> kilogram per kilometer. In addition, the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> has a diameter. The diameter of the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> is about <NUM> millimeters. The optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> provides flexibility to each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> and allows each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> to bend in non-preferential axis. The bending of each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> in non-preferential axis allows easy installation in space constraint regions. In addition, the bending of each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack <NUM> in non-preferential axis reduces the diameter of the plurality of buffer tubes <NUM> and the diameter of the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM>.

Further, it may be noted that in <FIG> , the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM> includes <NUM> optical fibres; however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that more or less number of optical fibres are included in the optical fibre ribbon cable <NUM>.

The optical fibre ribbon cable has numerous advantages over the prior art. The optical fibre ribbon cable is easy to install in space constraint regions. In addition, the optical fibre ribbon cable has reduced diameter. Moreover, the optical fibre ribbon cable has reduced weight. In addition, the optical fibre ribbon cable maintains planarity of each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack. Further, the optical fibre ribbon cable provides flexibility to each ribbon of the optical fibre ribbon stack. Each ribbon of the one or more ribbon stack is capable to bend in non-preferential axis.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present technology have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present technology and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the claims of the present technology.

Claim 1:
An optical fibre ribbon (<NUM>) comprising:
a plurality of optical fibres (<NUM>) having a diameter of <NUM> microns and bonded with a matrix material (<NUM>), wherein the matrix material (<NUM>) is applied along a longitudinal length of the plurality of optical fibres, wherein the matrix material (<NUM>) is applied discontinuously along a longitudinal length of the plurality of optical fibres, wherein each of plurality of optical fibres (<NUM>) is defined by a geometrical centre and diameter, wherein the plurality of optical fibres (<NUM>) has a predefined distance (P) between geometrical centres (<NUM>, <NUM>) of any two adjacent optical fibres of the plurality of optical fibres (<NUM>), wherein the predefined distance (P) between geometrical centres (<NUM>, <NUM>) of any two adjacent optical fibres of the plurality of optical fibres (<NUM>) is <NUM> microns characterized in that the optical fibre ribbon (<NUM>) has a width of <NUM> millimetre.