Mel B Nance

US Patent:

5997186, Dec 7, 1999

Filed:

May 13, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/078152

Inventors:

Van L. Huynh - Garner NC
John R. Holman - Duluth GA
Randy D. Wilkinson - Angier NC
Kenton A. Blue - Raleigh NC
Mel B. Nance - Fuquay Varina NC
Rhonda W. Wood - Willow Spring NC
Gerald Leo Shimirak - Holly Springs NC

International Classification:

G02B 6255
G02B 600

US Classification:

385 99

Abstract:

An in-line splice closure for splicing two hybrid fiber and signal conductor cables includes an outer housing having opposing first and second ends for receiving respective ends of the cables. An organizer tube extends within the outer housing. Electrical connectors are positioned within the organizer tube for connecting signal conductors of the first and second hybrid cables. The splice closure preferably includes at least one optical splice for connecting optical fibers of the first and second cables, and an optical fiber support wrapped around an outer surface of the organizer tube for supporting the at least one optical splice and adjacent optical fiber slack portions. The organizer tube preferably has a predetermined diameter and the optical fiber support preferably supports the optical fiber slack portions so as not to exceed the minimum bend radius. The organizer tube preferably has a longitudinally extending groove in an outer surface portion for receiving buffer tubes of the cables. The optical fiber support may comprise a flexible substrate for supporting the fibers.