US 11,703,653 B2
Pulling grip assembly for cables and related methods
Christopher Shawn Houser, Hickory, NC (US); and Charles Gregory Stroup, Lincolnton, NC (US)
Assigned to Corning Research & Development Corporation, Corning, NY (US)
Filed by CORNING RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, Corning, NY (US)
Filed on Mar. 4, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/686,595.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/186,940, filed on May 11, 2021.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/156,391, filed on Mar. 4, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2022/0283396 A1, Sep. 8, 2022
Int. Cl. G02B 6/44 (2006.01)
CPC G02B 6/4465 (2013.01) [G02B 6/4435 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A pre-terminated fiber optic cable assembly, comprising:
a cable jacket;
distinct groups of optical fibers carried within the cable jacket and extending beyond a first end of the cable jacket;
a furcation body positioned on the first end of the cable jacket such that the distinct groups of optical fibers extend beyond the furcation body;
a plurality of connection interfaces each terminating one or more respective groups of the distinct groups of optical fibers that extend beyond the furcation body to define pre-terminated fiber end sections of the distinct groups of optical fibers; and
a pulling grip assembly having a proximal end configured to be selectively secured to the furcation body, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and an interior between the proximal end and the distal end that contains the pre-terminated fiber end sections, wherein the interior of the pulling grip assembly is sealed off from an exterior of the cable assembly to provide sealed protection for the pre-terminated fiber end sections, and wherein the pulling grip assembly comprises:
a coupler defining the proximal end of the pulling grip assembly and configured to be selectively secured to the furcation body, wherein a first seal is maintained between the coupler and the furcation body when the coupler is secured to the furcation body;
a corrugated metal tube welded to the coupler and extending over the pre-terminated ends of the distinct groups of optical fibers;
an end cap secured to the corrugated metal tube to form a closed end of the pulling grip assembly; and
a pulling eye that defines the distal end of the pulling grip assembly.