WO2013174990A1

WO2013174990A1 - Cable fixation using cable jacket

Info

Publication number: WO2013174990A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/060773
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bart Mattie Claessens; Dirk Kempeneers; Wouter Foulon; Bernardus Johannes Nicolas GELING
Original assignee: Tyco Electronics Raychem Bvba
Priority date: 2012-05-25
Filing date: 2013-05-24
Publication date: 2013-11-28
Also published as: EP2856232A1

Abstract

A cable (100) may be secured to an object, such as a cable port of an enclosure, using one or more strips (106) of the jacket (104) of the cable (100). The strips (106) may be attached to a fixation device (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200) that is secured to the object. Certain types of fixation devices (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 200) are configured to apply a clamping pressure to the stripped end portion of the cable jacket when the stripped end portion is positioned between first and second surfaces of the fixation device. Certain types of fixation devices (190) are configured to have the stripped regions (106) threaded through and wrapped around the fixation devices (190) to attach the cable (100).

Description

CABLE FIXATION USING CABLE JACKET

Background

Telecommunications systems typically employ a network of telecommunications cables capable of transmitting large volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances. The telecommunications cables can include fiber optic cables, electrical cables, or combinations of electrical and fiber optic cables. A typical telecommunications network also includes a plurality of telecommunications enclosures integrated throughout the network of telecommunications cables. The telecommunications enclosures are adapted to house and protect telecommunications components such as splices, termination panels, power splitters, and wavelength division multiplexers.

Telecommunications enclosures are typically sealed to inhibit the intrusion of moisture or other contaminants. Cables enter the enclosures at sealed cable ports. Cables may be secured to the enclosures using strength members (e.g., rods or aramid yarn) to inhibit axial and/or lateral pull.

Summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to a fixation device for securing a cable to an object, such as an enclosure. The cable includes at least one optical fiber, electrical conductor, and/or other transmission media surrounded by a cable jacket having a stripped end portion. The fixation device includes a first part defining a first surface; and a second part defining a second surface that is spaced from and at least partially aligned with the first surface so that the stripped end portion of the cable jacket may be positioned between the first and second surfaces. The first part also defines a cable channel configured to receive the cable. The fixation device is configured to apply a clamping pressure to the stripped end portion of the cable jacket when the stripped end portion is positioned between the first and second surfaces. Certain types of fixation devices include separable first and second parts. Other types of fixation devices include integral first and second parts.

Certain types of fixation devices include an actuation member that interacts with the second part to apply the clamping pressure to the stripped end portion of the cable j acket. For example, the actuation member may apply pressure to the second part to move the second surface towards the first surface or may apply pressure directly to the jacket strip.

Certain types of fixation devices clamp the jacket strips at a 90° angle to the jacketed portion of the cable. Other types of fixation devices clamp the jacket strips at a 180° angle to the jacketed portion of the cable. Still other types of fixation devices are configured to clamp the jacket strips at a larger or smaller angle to the jacketed portion of the cable.

Other aspects of the disclosure relate to a fixation device for securing an cable by wrapping a stripped portion of the cable j acket around the fixation device. Certain types of fixation devices define lateral slots through which the stripped end portion of the jacket may be threaded. Certain types of fixation devices are configured to rotate about an axis orthogonal to the slot to wind the stripped end of the jacket around a body of the fixation device.

The fixation devices can be incorporated into seal blocks which seal cables entering and exiting enclosures.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a partial view of two fiber cables from which end portions of the respective jackets have been stripped or peeled back; FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an example fixation device configured to clamp one or more strips of a cable jacket to axially and laterally secure a cable;

FIG. 3 illustrates a first example fixation device at which one or more cable jacket strips may be clamped to secure the cable;

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a second example fixation device at which one or more cable jacket strips may be clamped to secure the cable;

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a third example fixation device at which one or more cable jacket strips may be clamped to secure the cable;

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a fourth example fixation device at which one or more cable jacket strips may be clamped to secure the cable;

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a fifth example fixation device at which one or more cable jacket strips may be clamped to secure the cable;

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate alternative implementations of the fixation device of FIGS. 10 and 11 at which one or more cable jacket strips may be clamped to secure the cable;

FIG. 14 illustrates a sixth example fixation device at which one or more cable jacket strips may be clamped to secure the cable;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a seal block including two fixation devices at which cable jacket strips may be clamped to secure the cable;

FIG. 16 is a further perspective view of the seal block of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the seal block of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the seal block of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of the seal block of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20

block of FIG. 15;

FIG. 21 shows a portion of the seal block of FIG. 15 including a fixation device shown mounted to the cable jacket of an example cable;

FIGS. 22 and 23 show an example enclosure with a seal block sealing a port. Detailed Description

Reference will now be made in detail to various features of the present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

In general, the disclosure is directed to various ways to secure a cable to a closure, such as a splice closure, a drop terminal, or any other type of ported closure. More specifically, the disclosure is directed to fixing one or more cable jacket strips to a fixation device that is configured to be attached to the closure. For example, the fixation device may form part of a gel seal port or otherwise be attached to a gel seal port for the closure. Certain types of fixation devices may clamp the one or more jacket strips. Other types of fixation devices may have the one or more jacket strips wrapped around the fixation devices.

FIG. 1 shows a first optical cable 100 including at least one optical fiber, electrical conductor, or other transmission media 102 disposed within a cable jacket 104. In the example shown, the jacket 104 surrounds multiple buffered optical fibers 102 (i.e., optical fibers disposed within buffer tubes). In other implementations, the optical fibers 102 may be bare optical fibers. In the example shown, the buffered optical fibers 102 are wrapped around a central longitudinal axis of the cable 100. In certain implementations, the buffered optical fibers 102 may be wrapped around a strength member 109 (FIG. 4) extending along a longitudinal axis of the cable 100. In other implementations, the optical fibers 102 may be ribbonized. In still other implementations, one or more electrical conductors may be helically wound, twisted, braided, or otherwise arranged within the jacket 104.

At one end of the cable 100, a section 106 of the jacket 104 has been separated from the rest of the jacket 104 and peeled away from the optical fibers, electrical conductors, or other transmission media 102. The jacket section 106 may be separated from the rest of the jacket 104 by cutting the jacket 104 along a length of the jacket 104 at a first circumferential position and cutting the jacket 104 again along the length at a second circumferential position that is circumferentially spaced from the first position.

In some implementations, the jacket 104 is cut at two circumferential positions, thereby splitting the jacket 1104 into two sections 106. In the example shown, the jacket sections 106 are at least approximately the same size. In other implementations, the jacket sections 106 may be different sizes. In still other implementations, the jacket 104 may be cut at additional circumferential positions to form three or more strips 106. In certain implementations, portions of the jacket 104 may be removed to form a terminated end 105 (FIG. 2) of the jacket 104. The strips 106 extend axially past the terminated end 105 of the jacket 104.

In some implementations, the cables include a strength layer 108 extending between the fibers 102 and the jacket 104. For example, a second optical cable 100' shown in FIG. 1 includes a layer 108 of aramid yarn or other strength members. In some implementations, the jacket strips 106 are flexed or folded away from the strength layer 108. In other implementations, the strength layer 108 may be trimmed or otherwise removed so that the strength layer 108 does not extend beyond the uncut portion of the jacket 104.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cable 100 may be fixed (e.g., axially fixed, laterally fixed, etc.) in position by clamping or otherwise compressing the jacket strips 106 using a fixation device 110. An example fixation device 110 is shown

schematically is FIG. 2. The fixation device 110 includes a first part 111 having a first surface 112 and a second part 113 having a second surface 114 that faces the first surface 112. The first and second surfaces 112, 114 are separated by a gap 115. In the example shown, the fixation device 110 defines a channel 116 in which the cable 100 may be disposed. The optical fibers, conductors, or other transmission media 102 may extend through the channel 116

At least one jacket strip 106 may be inserted within the gap 115 between the first and second surfaces 112, 114. In some implementations, the fixation device 110 defines a sufficient number of gaps 115 to compress against a plurality of strips 106. In certain implementations, multiple strips 106 may be positioned within a single gap 115. In other implementations, multiple gaps 115 are provided with at least one gap 115 holding only one jacket strip 106. In certain implementations, the strip 106 is laid or wrapped over a curved surface 112a or corner when inserted into the gap 115. The curved surface 112a provides resistance (e.g., friction) to aid in retaining the jacket strip 106 within the gap 115.

In some implementations, the jacket strips 106 are flexed, bent, or folded away from the optical fibers, conductors, or other transmission media 102 and routed into the gaps 115. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the jacket strips 106 are folded back at a 90° angle to fit within the gaps 115. In other implementations, however, the jacket strips 106 may be folded back at an angle that is greater than or less than 90°. For example, in some implementations, the jacket strips 106 may extend forwardly and laterally outwardly from the terminated end 105 of the jacket 104. In other

implementations, the jacket strips 106 may be bent in a half-loop or U-shaped bend and routed into gaps 115 that extend parallel with the cable channel 116 (e.g., see FIG. 4).

In some implementations, the first part 111 is separable from the second part 113. In other implementations, the first part 111 is coupled to or integral with the second part 113. In certain implementations, the first part 111 is moveable relative to the second part 113. In some implementations, the first part 111 and the second part 113 may be moved (e.g., translated, flexed, rotated, etc.) relative to each other to compress/clamp the jacket strip 106 therebetween. In some implementations, the first part 111 moves and the second part 113 remains stationary. In other implementations, the second part 113 moves and the first part 111 remains stationary. In other implementations, both parts 111, 113 move towards each other to compress the j acket strip 106. In still other implementations, both surfaces 112, 114 remain stationary and an actuator member pushes the cable strip 106 against one of the surfaces 112, 114 as will be described in more detail herein (see FIGS. 6 and 8)

FIG. 3 illustrates a first example fixation device 120 including a first part 121 and a second part 123. A cable channel 126 extends axially through the first and second parts 121, 123 of the fixation device 120. The fixation device 120 is configured to support the optical fibers, conductors, or other transmission media 102 of the cable 100 as the media 102 extend pas the terminated end 105 of the cable 100. In certain implementations, the fixation device 120 includes a securement section (see top of FIG. 3) at which a strength member 109 (FIG. 4) of the cable 100 may be secured to the fixation device 120 (e.g., by a clamping force). In certain implementations, the fixation device 120 is configured to clamp a jacketed portion 104 of the cable 100 (e.g., to the cable channel 126) to further secure the cable 100 to the fixation device 110.

The first and second parts 121, 123 of the fixation device 100 define opposing surfaces 122, 124 separated by gaps 125. The gaps 125 are sized so that strips 106 of the cable jacket 104 fit within the gaps 125. In some implementations, one or both of the first and second parts 121, 123 are moveable relative to the other part 121, 123 to compress the one or more jacket strips 106 therebetween. In other

implementations, a compression member may be actuated to press the one or more jacket strips 106 against one of the surfaces 122, 124.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a second example fixation device 130 including a first part 131 and a second part 133. The first part 131 defines a cable channel 136 along which a cable 100 may extend. In the example shown, the optical fibers 102 and a strength member 109 extend past the first and second parts 131, 133 to a second fixation section at which the strength member 109 may be clamped or otherwise secured in place. In FIG. 4, one cable strip 106 is bent back in a half-loop so that a distal end of the strip 106 is extending parallel to the jacketed portion 104 of the cable 100. The stripped portion 106 extends between the first part 131 and the second part 133. In the example shown, the clamping force between the first and second parts 131, 133 is provided by an actuation member 137 extending therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first part 131 has a generally U-shaped cross- section and defines a cable channel 136 through which the cable 100 may extend. A bridge section that extends across the channel 136 to cover a portion of the channel 136. In some implementations, the bridge section is part of the first part 131. In other implementations, the bridge section is an insert. The bridge section defines a clamping surface 132. In certain implementations, the bridge section is configured to apply a clamping or compressive pressure on a jacketed portion of the cable 100 by pressing the jacketed portion 104 into the cable channel 136.

The second part 133 of the fixation device 130 is configured to extend across the cable channel 136 of the first part 131 in alignment with the bridge section. The second part 133 defines a second surface 134 that aligns with and opposes the first surface 132 of the bridge section. One or more cable strips 106 may be routed between the first and second surfaces 132, 134 for clamping. In some implementations, the second part 133 is a separate piece from the first part 131. In other implementations, the second part 133 is pivotally or otherwise movably connected to the first part 131.

In some implementations, the actuation member 137 causes one or both of the parts 131, 133 to move towards each other to clamp the one or more jacket strips 106 therebetween. In other implementations, the actuation member 137, itself, moves towards one of the parts 131, 133 from the other part 131, 133. In the example shown, the actuation member 137 is a screw that extends through the second part 133 towards the first part 131. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the second part 133 defines a through opening 138 through which the actuation member 137 (FIG. 4) may extend.

Rotating the screw 137 in a first direction causes the screw 137 to thread through the second part 133 towards the first part 131. In some implementations, a tip of the screw 137 presses against the jacket strip 106. In other implementations, the screw 137 moves the second part 133 so that the second surface 134 presses against the jacket strip 106. Rotating the screw 137 in the opposite direction unthreads the screw 137 through the second part 133, thereby releasing the compression force on the jacket strip 106. In certain implementations, the screw 137 pierces the jacket strips 106. In other implementations, the screw 137 presses against the jacket strip 106 without piercing it. In other implementations, other types of clamping mechanisms may be used in place of the screw 137.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a third example fixation device 140 including a first part 141 and a second part 143. The first part 141 defines a cable channel 146 along which the cable 100 may extend. The optical fibers, conductors, or other transmission media 102 and optionally a strength member 109 (FIG. 4) extend past the first and second parts 141, 143 to a second fixation section at which the strength member 109 may be clamped or otherwise secured in place. In FIG. 6, one jacket strip 106 is bent away from the fibers 102 so that a distal end of the strip 106 is extending laterally away from the jacketed portion 104 of the cable 100. The stripped portion 106 extends between the first part 141 and the second part 143. In the example shown, the clamping force between the first and second parts 141, 143 is provided by an actuation member 147 extending therebetween.

As shown in FIG. 7, the first part 141 defines a cable channel 146 through which the cable 100 may extend. One side of the first part 141 also defines a first surface 142 that extends generally orthogonal to the channel 146. The second part 143 is spaced from the first part 141 by a gap 145. The second part 143 defines a second surface 144 that aligns with and opposes the first surface 142 of the first part 141. One or more cable strips 106 may be routed into the gap 145 between the first and second surfaces 142, 144 for clamping.

In some implementations, the actuation member 147 causes one or both of the parts 141, 143 to move towards each other to clamp the one or more jacket strips 106 therebetween. In other implementations, the actuation member 147, itself, moves towards one of the parts 141, 143 from the other part 141, 143. In the example shown, the actuation member 147 is a screw that extends through the second part 143 towards the first part 141. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the second part 143 defines a through opening 148 through which the actuation member 147 (FIG. 6) may extend.

Rotating the screw 147 in a first direction causes the screw 147 to thread through the second part 143 towards the first part 141. In some implementations, a tip of the screw 147 presses against the jacket strip 106. In other implementations, the screw 147 moves the second part 143 so that the second surface 144 presses against the jacket strip 106. Rotating the screw 147 in the opposite direction unthreads the screw 147 through the second part 143, thereby releasing the compression force on the jacket strip 106. In certain implementations, the screw 147 pierces the jacket strips 106. In other implementations, the screw 147 presses against the jacket strip 106 without piercing it. In other implementations, other types of clamping mechanisms may be used in place of the screw 147.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a fourth example fixation device 150 including a first part 151, a second part 153, and a third part 159. The first part 151 defines a cable channel 156 along which the cable 100 may extend. In the example shown, the optical fibers 102 and optionally a strength member 109 (FIG. 4) extend past the first and second parts 131, 133 to a second fixation section at which the strength member 109 may be clamped or otherwise secured in place.

One side of the first part 151 also defines the first surface 152 that extends generally orthogonal to the channel 156. The second part 153 is spaced from the first part 151 and the third part 159 is disposed therebetween. The third part 159 is spaced from the first part 151 by the gap 155 (FIG. 9) and defines the second surface 154 that aligns with and opposes the first surface 152 of the first part 151. In certain implementations, the first, second, and third parts 151, 153, 159 are integrally formed.

As shown in FIG. 8, one jacket strip 106 may be bent away from the fibers 102 so that a distal end of the strip 106 is extending laterally away from the jacketed portion 104 of the cable 100. The stripped portion 106 extends between the first surface 152 and the second surface 154 and is held therebetween. In the example shown, the clamping force between the first and second surfaces 152, 154 is provided by an actuation member 157 that is supported by the second part 153 and pressed against the third part 159.

The actuation member 157 causes the third part 159 to move towards the first part 151 to clamp the one or more jacket strips 106 therebetween. In the example shown, the actuation member 157 is a screw that extends through the second part 153 towards the third part 159. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the second part 153 defines a through opening 158 through which the actuation member 157 (FIG. 8) may extend. In some implementations, the actuation member 157 does not extend through the third part 159. By pressing the third part 159 towards the jacket strip 106, the actuation member 157 creates an area of compression across a larger section of the jacket strip 106 compared to the area of compression created by pressing a distal end of the actuation member 157 against the jacket strip 106.

Rotating the screw 157 in a first direction causes the screw 157 to thread through the second part 153 towards the third part 159. The screw 157 moves the third part 159 so that the second surface 154 presses the jacket strip 106 against the first surface 152. Rotating the screw 157 in the opposite direction unthreads the screw 157 through the second part 153, thereby releasing the compression force on the jacket strip 106. In other implementations, other types of clamping mechanisms may be used in place of the screw 157.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a fifth example implementation of a fixation device 160 including a first part 161 and a second part 163. The first part 161 defines a cable channel 166 along which the cable 100 may extend. In certain implementations, the optical fibers, conductors, or other transmission media 102 and a strength member 109 may extend past the first and second parts 161, 163 to a second fixation section at which the strength member 109 may be clamped or otherwise secured in place. The first part 161 also defines slots 165 that extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the channel 166. The slots 165 define inner surfaces 162. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the slots 165 define concave curves or arcs that curve partially around the longitudinal axis of the channel 166. In other implementations, however, the slits 165 may have planar walls that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel 166.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the second part 163 is configured to fit with the first part 161 to surround at least a portion of any cable 100 routed along the channel 166. In certain implementations, the second part 163 is configured to clamp or otherwise retain a jacketed portion 104 of the cable 100 within the cable channel 166. The second part 163 includes legs 169 that are sized and shaped to fit within the slits 165 of the first part 161. The legs 169 define outer surfaces 164 that oppose the inner surfaces 162 when the second part 163 is coupled to the first part 161. The outer surfaces 164 are shaped to complement the inner surfaces 162.

One or more cable strips 106 may be routed into the slits 165 for clamping between the first and second surfaces 162, 164. For example, the cable strips 106 may be peeled away from the optical fibers, conductors, or other transmission media 102 and bent back in a half-loop around the walls between the channel 166 and the slits 165. The jacket strips 106 may extend through the slits 165 parallel to the jacketed portion 104 of the cable 100.

In some implementations, the clamping force between the first and second parts 161, 163 is provided by an actuation member extending therebetween. In some implementations, the actuation member causes one or both of the parts 161, 163 to move towards each other to clamp the one or more jacket strips 106 therebetween. In the example shown, the second part 163 defines a through opening 168 in which the actuation member may seat. The actuation member may extend through the opening 168 towards the first part 161. In one example implementations, the actuation member includes a screw.

Rotating the screw in a first direction or otherwise actuating the actuation member causes the screw to thread through the second part 163 towards the first part 161. The screw moves the second part 163 so that the outer surface 164 press the jacket strip 106 against the inner surfaces 162. Rotating the screw in the opposite direction unthreads the screw, thereby releasing the compression force on the jacket strip 106. In other implementations, other types of clamping mechanisms may be used in place of the screw.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate alternative implementations 170, 180 of the fifth fixation device shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The alternative implementations 170, 180 include first parts 161, which define cable channels 166 and slits that 165 define inner surfaces 162, and second parts 163, which include legs 169 defining outer surfaces 164. In alternative implementation 170, the second part 163 also includes ribs or an otherwise textured surface. In alternative implementation 180, the second part 163 defines two through openings 168.

FIG. 14 illustrates a sixth implementation of a fixation device 190 for securing a cable by compression of jacket strips 106. The fixation device 190 includes a body 191 defining a through-slot 193 into which one or more jacket strips 106 may be inserted. In certain implementations, the jacket strips 106 extend fully through the slot 193. The body 191 includes a threaded section 192 at one end. The threaded section includes threads wound around a longitudinal axis 194 of the housing 191. The slot 193 extends through the body 191 along a lateral axis that is generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 194 of the housing 191. The threaded section 192 enables the housing 191 to be screwed into a surface. Rotating the housing 191 causes the jacket strip 106 to be wound around the exterior surface of the housing 191. When the jacket strip 106 has been wound around the housing 191 a sufficient number of times, the jacket strip 106 will be secured to the housing 191.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-21, a seventh implementation of a fixation device for securing a cable by compression of a jacket strip 106 is shown. Fixation device 200 is similar in several respects to the implementation of the fixation device 130 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Fixation device 200 is shown incorporated into a seal block 220 for use in sealing cables entering and exiting an enclosure at a cable port. Seal block 220 includes a body 221 including two halves 290 each of which provides cable fixation. An activation assembly 233 controls the sealing of gasket 230 which seals cables passing through each half 290 of seal block 220.

Each half 290 includes a fixation mount 460 for providing fixation to a cable strength member, such as a glass rod.

Each half 290 also includes a clamp device 500 for clamping to a jacket strip 106. Clamp device includes first and second clamp bars 502, 504 which are held in place under loop 506 on one end, and a fastener 510 on an opposite end. Positioned between each of the clamp bars 502, 504 is a portion of jacket strip 106 bent backwards 180°.

As shown in FIGS. 15-21, halves 290 are not identical. One difference is in the location of the clamp device 500 so that the clamp device 500 of each half 290 is not directly opposed to one another, allowing a more compact design. First half 292, once fixed to its cable is inserted into body 221. Second half 294, once mounted to its cable, is then inserted into body 221, resulting in the staggered locations of clamp devices 500 (see FIG. 19). In other implementations the aramide yarn of the cable may be present. The aramide yarn and the jacket strip 106 can be held by the clamp device. In this case, the jacket forms a semi-soft material to hold the aramide yarn in place.

Fixation device 200 including clamp bars 502, 504 can be made from metal.

Seal blocks 620 can be used to seal cables at ports 609 of enclosure 600, shown for example in FIGS. 22 and 23. Enclosure 600 includes a base 604, a cover 606 and latches 608. Seal block 620 includes one or more of the cable fixation devices noted above.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Parts List

100 cable

102 optical fibers, conductors, or other transmission media

104 jacket

106 jacket strip

108 strength layer

109 strength member

110 fixation device

111 first part

112 first surface

113 second part

114 second surface

115 gap

116 cable channel

120 first fixation device

121 first part

122 first surface

123 second part

124 second surface

125 gap

126 cable channel

130 second fixation device

131 first part

132 first surface

133 second part

134 second surface

135 gap

136 cable channel

137 actuation member

138 through opening 140 third fixation device

141 first part

142 first surface

143 second part

144 second surface

145 gap

146 cable channel

147 actuation member

148 through opening

150 fourth fixation device

151 first part

152 first surface

153 second part

154 second surface

155 gap

156 cable channel

157 actuation member

158 through opening

159 third part

160 fifth fixation device

161 first part

162 first surface

163 second part

164 second surface

165 gap

166 cable channel

167 actuation member

168 through opening

169 third part

170, 180 alternative fixation devices 190 sixth fixation device

191 body

193 through-slot

192 threaded section

194 a longitudinal axis

200 seventh fixation device

220 seal block

221 body

230 gasket

233 activation assembly

290 halves

292 first half

294 second half

460 fixation mount

500 clamp device

502 first clamp bar

504 second clamp bar

506 loop

510 fastener

600 enclosure

604 base

606 cover

608 latches

609 ports

620 seal block

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fixation device (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 200) for securing a cable (100) to an object, the cable (100) including at least one optical fiber, electrical conductors, or other transmission media (102) surrounded by a cable jacket (104) having a stripped end portion (106), the fixation device comprising:

(a) a first part (111, 121, 131, 141, 151, 161) defining a cable channel (111, 126, 136, 146, 156, 166) configured to receive the cable (100), the first part (111, 121, 131, 141, 151, 161) defining a first surface (112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162); and

(b) a second part (113, 123, 133, 143, 159, 163) defining a second surface (114, 124, 134, 144, 154, 164) that is spaced from and at least partially aligned with the first surface (112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162) so that the stripped end portion (106) of the cable jacket (104) may be positioned between the first and second surfaces;

(c) wherein the fixation device (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 200) is configured to apply a clamping pressure to the stripped end portion (106) of the cable jacket (104) when the stripped end portion (106) is positioned between the first and second surfaces.

2. The fixation device of claim 1, further comprising an actuation member (137, 147, 157) that interacts with the second part (113, 123, 133, 143, 159, 163) to apply the clamping pressure to the stripped end portion (106) of the cable jacket (104).

3. The fixation device of claims 2, wherein the actuation member (137, 147, 157) extends through an opening (138, 148, 158, 168) defined in the second part towards the first part.

4. The fixation device of claims 2 or 3, wherein the actuation member (137, 147, 157) has a tip that is configured to press against the stripped end portion (106) of the cable jacket (104) when the clamping pressure is applied to the stripped end portion of the cable jacket.

5. The fixation device of claims 2 or 3, wherein the actuation member (137, 147, 157) has a tip that is configured to pierce the stripped end portion (106) of the cable jacket (104) when the clamping pressure is applied to the stripped end portion of the cable jacket.

6. The fixation device of claim 2, wherein the actuation member (157) extends through an opening (158) defined in a third part (153) towards the second part (159), the second part (159) being disposed between the first part (151) and the third part (153), wherein the actuation member (157) is configured to press against the second part (159) to push the second surface (154) against the stripped end portion (106) of the cable jacket (104) to apply the clamping pressure to the stripped end portion (106) of the cable jacket (104).

7. The fixation device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the actuation member (137, 147, 157) includes a set screw.

8. The fixation device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the first and second surfaces define a jacket channel (135, 165) that extends generally parallel to the cable channel (136, 166).

9. The fixation device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the first and second surfaces define a jacket channel (115, 125, 145, 155) that extends at an angle to the cable channel (116, 126, 146, 156).

10. The fixation device of claim 9, wherein the jacket channel (115, 125, 145, 155) extends generally orthogonal to the cable channel (116, 126, 146, 156).

11. The fixation device of any of claims 1-10, wherein the first part is separable from the second part.

12. The fixation device of any of claims 1-10, wherein the first part is integral with the second part.

13. The fixation device of any of claims 1-12, wherein the fixation device (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 200) is included in a seal block assembly (220) for sealing a cable to a port of an enclosure.

14. The fixation device (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 200) of claim 13, including two halves (290), wherein each half (290) affixes to and seals against a cable.

15. A method of securing a cable (100) including at least one optical fiber, electrical conductors, or other transmission media (102) to an object comprising:

(a) cutting a first slit in a jacket (104) of the cable (100) along a length of the cable (100) from one end of the cable (100);

(b) cutting a second slit in the jacket (104) of the cable (100) along the length of the cable (100) from the end of the cable ( 100) to form a strip ( 106) of the j acket ( 104) between the first and second slits; and

(c) attaching the strip (106) of the jacket (104) to a fixation member (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200).

16. The method of claim 15, wherein attaching the strip (106) to the fixation member (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200) includes clamping the strip (106) to the fixation member (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 200).

17. The method of claim 16, wherein clamping the strip (106) to the fixation member (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 200) comprises rotating a set screw (137, 147, 157) in a first direction to applying a clamping pressure on the strip (106).

18. The method of claim 16, wherein clamping the strip (106) to the fixation member (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) comprises clamping the strip (106) at about a 90° angle to the optical fiber, conductors, or other transmission media (102).

19. The method of claim 16, wherein clamping the strip (106) to the fixation member (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 200) comprises clamping the strip (106) at about a 180° angle to the optical fiber, conductors, or other transmission media (102).

20. The method of claim 15, wherein attaching the strip (106) to the fixation member (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190) includes wrapping the strip (106) around the fixation member (190).

21. A fixation device (190) for securing a cable (100) to an object, the cable (100) including at least one optical fiber, electrical conductors, or other transmission media (102) surrounded by a cable jacket (104) having a stripped end portion (106), the fixation device comprising:

a body (191) extending along a longitudinal axis (194) between a first end and a second end, the body (191) having a winding surface about the longitudinal axis (194), the body (191) also defining a transverse slot (193) that extends through the body (191) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (194), the body (191) having a threaded section (192) at the second end of the body (191).

22. The fixation device (190) of claim 22, wherein the slot (193) extends through the winding surface of the body (191).