Importance

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Abstract

The strength members of the optical fibre cables to be jointed comprise inner and outer layers of high-tensile wires (9, 10; 9', 10') arranged on respective pressure-resistant tubes (5; 5'), each containing an optical fibre package (not shown). The strength members are jointed by trapping the wires between a quill (15) and a ferrule (16) pressed towards the quill. The quill (15) is of a relatively hard steel and serves to partially reinstate the pressure tube between the ends of the cables, whereas the ferrule (16) is of a relatively soft steel. For jointing of two dielectric covered elements the ferrule is subsequently encapsulated in a dielectric moulding (27). A thin-walled reinstatement tube (17) is arranged between the quill (15) and one tube (5'). The cavity in the reinstatement tube (17) is larger in diameter than the cavity in the tubes (5 and 5'). Thus, when the optical fibres are arranged to lie helically in the reinstatement tube without exceeding their minimum allowable bending radius, optical fibre slack can be absorbed in a minimum distance, and any diameter increase over optical fibre joints can be readily accommodated. Pressure tube repairs can be made with such a reinstatement tube (7- FIG. 2) arranged directly between two tubes in cases where there are no wires to join.

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First Claim