Abstract: For locally supporting an overhead electrical power line, a suspension includes a suspension clamp, the bottom part of which is open laterally and forms a cradle which is associated with a pivoting clamping assembly. The suspension clamp includes, in addition to the clamping system, a pivoting closure clamp which closes the cross-section of the bottom part when required. Applications include installing and supporting low-voltage overhead electrical power lines formed of insulated cables.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of installing a telecommunication cable (3) on a supporting cable (1), particularly on a ground or phase cable of a high voltage overhead line, whereby the telecommunication cable (3) is laid along the supporting cable (1) and is attached thereto in undulating form with the help of attaching elements (5; 11; 13; 15). This arrangement makes it possible to make repairs in a simple way on the supporting cable (1) and the telecommunication cable (3).

Abstract: A tubular channeling unit including a grounded external metal sheathing and an internal longitudinal cavity, and method for laying such a tubular channeling unit by suspension on a high voltage aerial power line system including at least two towers supporting a set of high voltage electrical conductors suspended from the towers at a specified height above the ground and at a minimum predetermined safety level.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a self supporting aerial cable and tension clamp means including gripping means for gripping the cable, the gripping means comprising at least one helically wound rod fitted over the cable's outer sheath, wherein ##EQU1## where C is the outer diameter of the cable, R is the diameter of the or each rod and W.sub.R is the outer diameter of the unstressed winding of the or each rod.

Abstract: There is provided a cable television/telephone tap, which can be set at a given position on a coaxial cable, and which is capable of practically and economically supplying a telephone service simultaneously with a cable television service, and also of quickly and economically accommodating expansions, replacements and modifications to the system.

Abstract: A method of replacing an existing telephone pole having a terminal box mounted thereto is disclosed. The terminal box is dismounted from the existing telephone pole. The terminal box is then permanently suspended from at least one overhead cable. A new telephone pole is installed, typically at some distance from the existing telephone pole. The existing telephone pole is then removed. A rigid suspension bracket is usable in the method for suspending the terminal box from the overhead cable. The terminal box is suspended in approximately the same location as the terminal box was mounted to the existing telephone pole. This reduces the stress on a splice and eliminates the need to recondition the splice and replace the terminal box.

Abstract: A drop cable arrangement in which a carried line (9) is supported by a strength member (3), the carried line being attached to the strength member via a tubular member (7) that is a sufficiently loose fit around the strength member to permit relative longitudinal movement therebetween. In the event of additional loading on the drop cable the strength member extends due to the increased tension, but this tension is not transferred to the carried line due to the permitted relative movement of the tubular member and strength member.

Abstract: A coaxial cable comprising a coaxial portion, an integrally formed messenger wire and an integrally formed antenna ground discharge wire is disclosed. The two additional wires are encased in webs formed from the same material used to jacket the coaxial member.

Abstract: Long flexible members such as hoses, electric cords and cables tend to be springy and elastic. They are not easily coiled and stored. They tend to straighten out when bent into a desired shape. They tend to tangle and interfere with operations. The invention incorporates an elongate wire element running parallel to the long axis of the flexible member. The wire element is encased in the covering of the flexible member. The wire element is a conformable shape-retaining material such as a compliant soft iron or steel. It renders the entire member shape-retaining so that it may be conveniently coiled for storage or positioned for use. An embodiment for retrofitting an existing flexible member provides the wire element encased in a covering which wraps around a flexible member and then seals closed to form a shape retaining sleeve about the member.

Abstract: The failure of the joints of electric power cables due to heating from incident sunlight is greatly reduced by providing a special sun shield for the joint. The sun shield is comprised of a plastic body having an inverted semi-circular transverse cross section. A longitudinal recess on the inner surface of the body centrally located at the top of the cross section is dimensioned so as to fit over the carrier wire. The sides of the body extend downwardly to shield the cable joint from incident sun light and preferably have a plurality of perforations to allow cool air to circulate between the shield and the cable joint. The shield has a reflective outer surface.

Abstract: A drop wire clamp assembly is disclosed which is particularly suited for clamping twin or "figure eight" drop wires having a conducting line and adjacent a support line. The support line is sandwiched between bail housing and a slide wedge assembly. The conducting line is cradled along an elongated side of the bail housing. Guiding assemblies at each opposite end of the bail housing hold the support line in center alignment with a gripping surface, which is located in the bail housing.

Abstract: An aerial closure for protecting an electrical or optical cable splice from weathering forces is provided. The aerial closure has a central header portion and wing-like housing segments that may enclose a cable splice. The wing-like housing segments may be raised, providing access to the cable splice from either side of the cable splice and below the cable splice. Each end of the aerial closure has a seal assembly for sealingly engaging the ends of the cable segments whereby the ends of the aerial closure are also protected from the weathering elements. The seal assembly has concentrically circular and corrugated features thereon so that an appropriately sized hole may be cut into the seal assembly for any standard cable size. The corrugated features allow marking the standard cable sized alternatingly on either side of the seal assembly so that it is easier to find and cut the correct sized hole for the cable. The housing segments may be locked with a simple latch, a nut and bolt assembly, or both.

Abstract: A horizontal cable animal barrier for mounting on a cable to deter animal passage including a plurality of roller elements each having a central hole for rotatably mounting on a cable and a spacer element between each pair of roller elements and also having a central hole for rotatably mounting on the cable, in which the spacer elements are of a different size than the roller elements on either side to present an uneven, rotating barrier to animals on the cable to prevent the animals from passing.

Abstract: An elongate spine plate is arranged to include a support block at its first end, with the support block having a first semi-cylindrical recess spaced from and parallel to a second semi-cylindrical recess to position and secure first and second cables. The spine plate includes an attached support housing at its second end, the support housing including a housing insert to secure the first cable in a coaxially aligned relationship relative to the support block.

Abstract: A unitary cable closure for telecommunication cables includes a tubular housing having a seamless top that provides a weather-tight enclosure for telecommunication cable splices and repair openings. The closure is hinged along a top edge so that its bottom edges can be swung open to expose the interior of the closure. The closure is suspended from a support strand by hanger brackets that are also of hinged construction so that the closure can be opened along its hinges without obstruction. The hanger brackets are adapted to permit adjustment of the vertical spacing between the closure and the support strand. The opposing bottom edges of the closure are permanently interlocked in a first embodiment and releasably interlocked in a second. The opposite ends of the closure may be cut off to adapt it to cables of progressively larger diameter and to adapt it to receive a second cable as well. The closure includes a termination port through which access to the cable conductors can be obtained.

Abstract: An aerial terminal for telecommunication wires is preferably blow-molded, and includes a closure for the in-line splices to a cable and a housing for the drop wire connectors can be mounted together, with the housing mounted on the side of the splice closure so both the interior of the closure and the drop wire connectors are readily accessible from one side.

Abstract: A method and article for microwave bonding of thermoplastic closures such as that used in splicing telecommunications wires. The article is a composite bonding material (CBM) having a thermoplastic matrix (preferably polyethylene) which is miscible with the thermoplastic material of the closure, and a plurality of microwave susceptor particles dispersed throughout the matrix. A strip is fashioned from the CBM and may be applied to the sealing edges of the closure. Upon application of microwave energy in an amount sufficient to heat the susceptors and cause both the CBM matrix and the adjacent portion of the closure to melt and flow together, a fusion bond is produced which seals the closure. If the closure is being used with a cable having an inner conductive layer or sheath, a second CBM may be used at this seal, having magnetically reactive susceptors.

Abstract: An enclosure suitable for enclosing aerial cable splices comprises an elongate generally cylindrical housing comprising a first, second, and third member, a first elongate hinge connecting the first and second members together, a second elongate hinge connecting the second and third members together, at least one female boss disposed on an outside surface of each of the first and third members, and at least one male boss disposed on an outside surface of the second member such that the first and third members can be releasably locked in an open position by means of the respective bosses.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for six-phase distribution of high voltage electrical power. The invention provides new six phase distribution wiring, using coaxial conductors, that is configured to reduce fringing electric and magnetic fields when used either as part of an overhead distribution system, or when buried underground.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cable terminal with improved features. Drop wires are sealed by a flexible sheet with an array of slits provided on a major surface of a pair of plates. The slits are positioned and oriented so that when the plates are in a closed position, the sheet will overlap to produce a pair of angled slits at each drop wire location. The housing forming the terminal block enclosure and a portion of the cable housing is made from a single molded piece with holes for mounting different types of terminal blocks. The terminal block enclosure is covered by a door which provides moisture protection when closed. A spring attached to the door keeps it in an opened position while a craftsperson is working on the blocks. The cable housing includes end pieces which accommodate a number of different sealing options for the cable.

Abstract: An aerial cable (20) includes a transmission portion and a supporting portion. The transmission portion includes a core (21) comprising at least one transmission medium enclosed in a relatively flexible dielectric wrapping material (23). The wrapping material is enclosed by two metallic shields (31, 40) between which is interposed a layer (42) of a waterblocking material. An outer one (40) of the shields is formed with overlapping longitudinal edge portions at least one of which is turned inwardly toward the core. A cavity (44) between those edge portions is provided with a waterblocking material which inhibits the longitudinal flow of water. The supporting portion includes a longitudinally extending strand material (60) capable of supporting a length of the cable which is supported by poles, for example, at ends of the length. A plastic jacket (45) encloses the supporting portion and the transmission portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and maintaining slack of fiber optic cable or the like in an aerial installation comprises an elongate channel member having an arcuate section and a plurality of linear sections for receiving the slack and means for securing the apparatus to a messenger cable support structure. Methods for supporting and maintaining the slack in two preferred embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cable for use as aerial service wire having a core of conductors and a load carrier in the form of a plurality of spaced apart tensile reinforcing members spaced from the core as a group laterally on one side of the core. Part of the jacket surrounds the core and is interconnected to another jacket part surrounding the group of filaments. The jacket part surrounding the filament group has a width greater than its thickness so that it may fit within a wedge clamp for stringing purposes. The two parts of the jacket are capable of being separated between the filament group and the core to allow a wedge clamp to be fitted. For this purpose, the cable may be fitted with a non-adherent tape inside the jacket and between the jacket parts with the jacket parts interconnecting around edges of the tape.

Abstract: A cable splice enclosure sleeve including a longitudinally slit substantially tubular sleeve made of a flexible material, preferably a multi-layer foil; reinforcing strips attached along edges of the slit, a locking strip engaging both edges of the slit in sealing relationship; and suspension devices attached along the locking strip to suspend the sleeve from an object such as a suspended cable.

Abstract: An enclosure especially suitable for telecommunications applications. The opening and closing of the cover of the enclosure is about an axis that permits the installation of the enclosure in environments requiring a minimum of clearance. More specifically, the cover is affixed to a side of a base member of the enclosure opposite to an open face; and the cover has a centrally located hinge which permits the cover to rotate closely about the axis of the open face.

Abstract: A manufacturing machine for sagged self-supporting cable includes a turntable and a drive member for imparting rotation to the turntable. Several die casting members include molds designed to selectively open and close. The die casting member are circumferentially mounted on the turntable. A mold assemblying member is provided for selectively opening and closing the molds. A sag adjusting device is mounted on the turntable for adjusting the position of a main cable so as to be longer between adjacent die cast members than a suspension wire. An injection device is disposed adjacent to a crimping point and moves synchronously with the die casting member for filling the mold cavity with the crimping material for securing the relative positioning of a main cable relative to a suspension wire.

Abstract: A method of supporting a tension-sensitive fiber optic cable from a messenger strand where the messenger strand has a coefficient of linear expansion which substantially exceeds that of the cable. The method comprises placing the strand in an elevated position between two uprights, providing a flexible sheath having at least one internal passage extending therealong and a slit extending through the sheath providing access to the interior of the sheath, placing the fiber optic cable in the passage, loosely and slideably, by moving the cable through the slit into the passage. The sheath with the cable introduced therein is brought adjacent the messenger strand, the messenger strand is seated on the sheath, and the messenger strand and the sheath are secured to one another with external wrapping. A sheath support assembly for practicing the method of the invention is disclosed.

Abstract: A long-distance transmission fiber optic cable system suitable for outdoor aerial installation includes a continuous length of non-metallic messenger cable with an aramid fiber, tension load bearing core and a predetermined tension load bearing strength and a polymer outer jacket adapted for outdoor exposure and a continuous length of fiber optic cable, longer than the continuous length of non-metallic messenger cable and including a plurality of fiber optic waveguides within an outer polymer jacket adapted for outdoor exposure and having a tension load bearing strength less than the predetermined tension load bearing strength, and preferably non-metallic, helically wound around the continuous length of the non-metallic cable so as to permit free axial movement. Continuous lengths of 40,000 feet or more of the preferred non-metallic messenger cable and fiber optic cables suitable for outdoor use have been made.

Abstract: Aerial splice closures with a closure casing of two casing portions and an elastomeric seal at each end of the closure. Each seal has two seal halves with each seal half having an outwardly extending resilient lug which passes through an aperture formed in its casing portion to mount the seal half in the casing portion. Preferably, each lug has a lateral flange which engages the outside surface of the casing portion.

Abstract: Splices between conductors in of an aerial telephone cable are covered by a closure located within a terminal. The closure has a large central section connected via tapered joints to two end sections. A settable liquid encapsulant is received in the central section. The closure has two halves joined by a flexible hinge that runs lengthwise along a first longitudinal edge. Two rigid tabs of nonuniform thickness running lengthwise along a second longitudinal edge are secured by snaps through apertures in the tabs. The snaps have tapered sections that clamp the varying thickness rigid tabs along their lengths to prevent leakage of liquid encapsulant. The end sections have open cell foam strips fitting snugly between the cable and the end section walls which are fixed with the liquid encapsulant. The encapsulant sets within the open cell foam to form a barrier to passage of contaminants into the central section.

Abstract: An aerial terminal has an increased density of connections and can be mounted alternatively on a pole or a cable. It has a housing with parallel side walls and end walls and a central wall extending across between the side walls, forming back and front chambers. A plurality of apertures extend in rows in the central wall and terminals are positioned in the apertures. The terminals are arranged in pairs, the front ends being in the front chamber and the back ends in the back chamber. Protector modules can be provided as part of a terminal for each pair. An openable cover and support brackets are also provided.

Abstract: A splice closure for environmental protection of aerial cable splices is provided. The splice closure includes a double-wall construction facilitating closure strength, construction and operation. A preferred construction is provided which facilitates extension of an intact closure, by means of a one-half section cut from a second, identical, closure. A trough and drain arrangement facilitates drainage of water from an interior of the closure, to the environment. Preferred orientation of an opening hinge in the closure, facilitates access to an enclosed cable splice area. A preferred arrangement is provided, for association of end cap arrangements with the closure.

Abstract: An aerial service wire (20) includes a jacket (40) having a generally rectangularly shaped cross section and comprising a polyvinyl chloride plastic material. Enclosed by the jacket are two strength members (36--36) each of which includes a plurality of filaments and each of which is impregnated with a material which is compatable with that of the jacket. The strength members are disposed along an axis (42) of the cross section which passes through a geometric center through which a longitudinal axis (50) of the jacket passes. Conductors (30--30) which are individually insulated are disposed adjacent to the longitudinal axis with each strength member being disposed between the conductors and the outer surface of the jacket.

Abstract: A strain relief device for resisting strain forces acting in a direction of pull-out of a cable relative to a cable closure, comprises a cable gripping member having at least two complementary jaw-like segments alignable for defining therebetween a tubular through opening sized for gripping a cable of a given diameter therewithin and an outer surface of predetermined configuration. These jaw-like segments have interengageable edge surfaces for defining a maximum inwardly compressed condition of the through opening corresponding to a predetermined limited maximum compression of the given diameter of cable for substantially preventing damage thereto. A generally annular locking member comprises a pair of locking segments defining an inner surface formed for complementary surrounding engagement with the gripping member outer surface and coupling structure for releasably coupling the locking segments together about the gripping member to retain the same in gripping engagement with the cable.

Abstract: A cable enclosure for enclosing electrical cable splices, typically telephone cables. An elongate housing having first and second housing members joined together along one edge for movement between housing open and closed conditions, and an elongate header for attachment to a messenger cable, with the housing members being closable about the header. A suspension system is provided for supporting the housing members from the header when in the open condition providing free access to the cables during the splicing operation. The housing members have replaceable end plates for handling various numbers of cables through each end plate.

Abstract: There is provided a flat optical fiber cable comprised of a plurality of plastic coated optical fibers arranged parallel to one another and enveloped within a fiber-reinforced plastic jacket and possessing enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability. A plurality of the flat optical fiber cables may be stacked together and surrounded by a plastic sheath which does not require additional strength members in view of the inherent strength of the flat cables contained therein.

Abstract: A boot, or adapter, for an aerial cable or terminal housing is made from hard material in two halves. The two halves are fastened, or hinged, at one longitudinal edge by a eye-hook-like device and at the other longitudinal edge by a snap lock device. An end surface has a plurality of concentric plates which may be snapped out to allow a cable to pass through the boot. The space between the boot and the cable is filled with a compliant, synthetic material.

Abstract: An aerial terminal for telecommunication cables characterized by its construction which includes a substantially weathertight chamber for receiving a segment of the telecommunication cable and permitting individual wire pairs to be separated therefrom. This chamber is known as the splicing housing. The aerial terminal further includes a terminal housing which communicates with the splicing housing so that individual wire pairs may be operatively connected to a telecommunication terminal block for ultimate connection to individual subscriber lines. In addition to the general construction of the aerial terminal for ease of installation and access for the purpose of connecting individual subscriber lines to the telecommunication cable, the aerial terminal includes unique sealing sleeves for protecting the cable most effectively from adverse weather conditions. Unique locks are also disclosed for preventing unauthorized entry into the aerial terminal.

Abstract: An improved fastener system supports an aerodynamic wind damper below a cable system. The cable system comprises a suspension support strand that supports a cable, such as a telephone cable. The fastening system comprises a spacer interposed between the support strand and the cable to maintain the support strand and the cable in a spaced-apart relationship. A cable strap, preferably of stainless steel, is wrapped around the support strand and the cable to cinch the support strand and the cable to the spacer. The cable strap is further wrapped around the support strand and the cable with a portion of the strap lying below and spaced apart from the cable to provide a means for supporting the aerodynamic wind damper below the cable in a manner permitting the pivotal movement thereof.

Abstract: Modern synthetic fibers, e.g. made of aromatic polyamides of high tensile strength have not achieved their potential for use as heavy-duty cables because of their smooth surface which gives rise to considerable difficulties in the transfer of high tensile forces, since they slip out of the clamping sleeves, and other force-transfer means based upon static friction, before reaching their ultimate tensile strength. This problem was solved in the invention by applying to the force-transmitting region thereof an impregnating material which breaks down into powder in the area to which the stress is applied, when the compressive or flexural stress exceeds the ultimate stress limit of the impregnating material. Particularly suitable for this purpose are natural resins, more particularly colophonium.

Abstract: An aerial communication cable closure is comprised of a one-piece, hollow, box-like housing with conical ends having an integral hinge formed at the inside upper surface. The closure includes a pair of interconnecting edges separated by an access slot. The edges are fastened together in a mating engagement after passing a cable through the slot. The closure also includes electrically conductive hanger brackets which are attached to the housing, each having interfitting segments allowing the hanger brackets to hinge with the integral hinge formed in the inside upper surface of the housing. When cable termination is desired for the terminating of cable conductors with service wires, a rectangular compartment with an integrally hinged lid is attached to one side of the box-like housing in which a terminal block is mounted.

Abstract: In a telecommunication line, a cable-attachment spacer for securing one or a number of suspended cables to a suspension cable comprises a male component and a female component forming passageways for the cables when assembled together. The female component has at least two spaced slots disposed vertically in superposed relation and having their openings on at least one side of the component. One slot is provided for the suspension cable and at least one slot is provided for one or a number of suspended cables. The corresponding male component comprises a finger which is brought into position in front of the bottom ends of the slots, thus confining the cables placed within the slots.

Abstract: An electric conductor suitable for use in an overhead electrical and optical transmission system comprises a layer or layers of helically wound wires, at least one elongate compartment within and extending throughout the length of the conductor and, loosely housed in the elongate compartment, at least one optical fibre ribbon structure comprising a plurality of optical fibres and flexible elongate reinforcing elements of resilient material arranged side by side and embedded in an elongate body of plastics material, each resilient reinforcing element being set in such a form that the ribbon structure follows a path of smoothly curved undulations whose axes of curvature lie parallel to one another and normal to the longitudinal axis of the ribbon structure.

Abstract: A fixed count terminal for a sheathed multiconductor cable is provided that includes an elongate terminal shell having a cable port at each end and being formed of two half-shells that are substantially identical, each half-shell having transverse symmetry. A terminal block is affixed to the outside of the shell within an exterior block compartment having fixed count entry ports. Articulated binding straps hingedly unify the half-shells. Strand clamps affixed to the binding straps suspend the terminal from a support strand. Once wire work is complete inside the terminal, it may be closed and adhesively sealed since line drops may be connected to the terminal block outside the shell. Further, by virtue of the transverse symmetry of the half-shells, only one type of half-shell need be provided, a pair of which being sufficient to form a terminal shell.

Abstract: A track for a suspended combined electric current collection and traction system including a base (22) and a resilient shield (26, 28) together defining an elongate space divided into two halves by a resilient beam (32), each of which contains a conductor (33). Spaced contact members in the form of bars (34) forming a rack on each side of the track or two rows of Z shaped contacts (82) extend through the shield and are normally spaced from the conductors. Embedded in the base are two parallel flexible metallic cables (40; 70) connected together by connectors (42; 74) by which the track may be suspended. In use, the reaction wheels (60) of a locomotive engage the tops of the cables (40; 70) thus drawing a current pick-up member (52; 86) into contact with the contact segments pressing them against the conductors (33) to pass electric current to an electric motor.

Abstract: An aerial telephone cable closure for enclosing telephone cables suspended from a support strand. The closure consists of a tubular housing having a pair of interfitting mating edges, these edges are fastened after passing the telephone cable through the access slot between the edges. The closure further includes flexible metal hanger brackets which are attached to the outside upper circumferential surface of the closure and which each have a vertical portion projecting upward for the fastening to the aerial support strand by support strand clamps. When it is desired to terminate some of the conductors in the cable for use with telephone service wires, the closure would include a termination port formed in the side of the tubular housing. The termination port includes a rectangular frame formed about a rectangular opening in one side of the tubular housing. A replaceable terminal block panel assembly is installed within the rectangular frame.

Abstract: A unitary cable closure is disclosed, for enclosing a communications cable suspended from a support strand. The closure includes a tubular housing having a pair of mating edges separated by an access slot, the edges being manually fastened together in mating engagement after passing the cable through the slot. The closure further includes a rib integrally formed in the wall of the tubular housing. The closure also includes a termination port in the side of the tubular housing. The terminal port includes a rectangular frame and lid. The closure also includes a metal hanger bracket having a lower, horizontal portion fastened to the inside upper surface of the tubular housing at the rib and a vertical portion projecting upwardly through the upper surface of the rib of the tubular housing, for fastening to the support strand.

Abstract: A flexible stranded body, such as an electric conductor of an overhead electric transmission or distribution system, comprises at least one stranded layer of elongate elements of metal or metal alloy, at least one elongate compartment within and extending throughout the length of the stranded body and, loosely housed in the elongate compartment, at least one separate optical fibre and/or at least one optical bundle. Preferably, the elongate compartment extends within a circumferentially rigid central core which is surrounded by the stranded layer or layers but it may be a bore in an elongate element of a stranded layer or an elongate space bounded by two adjacent elongate elements.