Gary W Edmundson

52108120, May 11, 1993

Jun 8, 1992

7/895361

Richard C. Nilsson - Hickory NC
Gary W. Edmundson - Hickory NC
John C. Nelson - Hickory NC

Alcatel NA Cable Systems, Inc. - Claremont NC

G02B 626

385100

A branch point for an optical fiber stub or drop cable from a main distribution cable has an optical fiber cable splice module for protecting the optical fibers and splices from moisture and mechanical damage, providing a strong anchoring point for the optical fiber drop cable, and insuring that the minimum fiber bend radius is not violated. The splice module forms an enclosure for the splices which are held in place mechanically by rows of pins. The stub cable may also be preconnectorized.

51250608, Jun 23, 1992

Apr 5, 1991

7/680991

Gary W. Edmundson - Hickory NC

Alcatel NA Cable Systems, Inc. - Claremont NC

G02B 110
G02B 626

385100

A spliceless optical fiber cable has a main distribution cable having a plurality of optical fibers disposed therein and at least one stub or drop cable extending from the distribution cable at one or more branch points. The stub or drop cables are configured with the distribution cable in a manner such that no splices are required. At each branch point, an optical fiber branch module is utilized for protecting the optical fibers from moisture and mechanical damage, providing a strong anchoring point for the stub or drop cable, and insuring that the minimum bend radius is not violated. The spliceless optical fiber cable is made by accessing the specified optical fibers at a disconnect point along the length of the distribution cable and cutting the specified optical fibers. At the branch point, the specified optical fibers are again accessed and carefully pulled from within the buffer tube and protective elements of the distribution cable so that a length of the specified optical fibers is disposed outside of the distribution cable.