Preterminated fiber optic distribution cable

Abstract

A factory-manufactured, preterminated fiber optic distribution cable having at least one predetermined access location for providing access to at least one preterminated optical fiber. A preterminated fiber optic distribution cable comprising at least one buffer tube comprising at least one optical fiber, a buffer tube transition piece operable for transitioning the at least one optical fiber from the at least one buffer tube into at least one protective tube, a C-shaped molded member defining a longitudinally extending optical fiber guide channel operable for storing a length of the at least one preterminated optical fiber and a protective means. A method of mid-span accessing at least one optical fiber from a fiber optic distribution cable. A buffer tube transition piece operable for transitioning a plurality of preterminated optical fibers from a buffer tube into protective tubing.

1 - 9 . (canceled)  
   
   
       10 . A method of mid-span accessing at least one optical fiber from a fiber optic distribution cable, comprising: 
 removing a predetermined length of a cable sheath to expose a predetermined length of at least one buffer tube;    cutting at least one longitudinally extending slit on the cable sheath on a downstream end from the exposed predetermined length of the at least one buffer tube;    flaring the cut cable sheath to expose an additional length of the at least one buffer tube;    cutting at least two access points on an appropriate buffer tube along the buffer tube length;    severing at least one optical fiber at a first one of the access points to produce at least one preterminated optical fiber; and    fishing the at least one preterminated optical fiber out of a second one of the access points to withdraw a first preterminated optical fiber length.    
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the step of cutting comprises cutting at least three access points and further comprising fishing the at least one preterminated optical fiber out of the third access point to withdraw a second preterminated optical fiber length that is longer than the first preterminated optical fiber length.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising repairing the flared and cut cable sheath using a heat shrinkable material.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the first preterminated optical fiber length and the second preterminated optical fiber length together equal about 20 to about 30 inches.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising: 
 transitioning the at least one preterminated optical fiber out of the appropriate buffer tube and into at least one protective tube via a buffer tube transition piece;    maintaining the at least one preterminated optical fiber in a C-shaped molded member comprising a longitudinally extending optical fiber guide channel; and    protecting and sealing the mid-span access with a heat shrinkable material.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising removing the heat shrinkable material after distribution cable installation using at least one ripcord disposed underneath the heat shrinkable material.  
   
   
       16 - 21 . (canceled)