With Strength Member Patents (Class 385/113)
  • Patent number: 7873250
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display having a plurality of pixels (1), comprising an lower electrode layer (21), a transparent upper electrode layer (13), a liquid crystal layer (10) arranged between the upper and lower electrode layers (13, 21) and an at least partly reflective layer (20, 30), for at least partly reflecting incident light having passed through the liquid crystal layer (10). The reflective layer (20, 30) is electrically isolated from the lower electrode layer (21) and positioned between the liquid crystal layer (10) and the lower electrode layer (21). With this arrangement the DC-component of an electric field in the liquid crystal layer can be eliminated or, at least, considerably reduced, and a flicker-free reflective or transflective LCD thereby realized. Furthermore, flicker is eliminated without having to pay the price of reduced reflectance of the reflective layer and the consequent reduction in display brightness and contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Chimei Innolux Corporation
    Inventor: Alwin Rogier Martijn Verschueren
  • Publication number: 20110008007
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable is comprised of: a slotted core elongated along an axis of the optical fiber cable, the slotted core including a slot running in parallel with the axis and a groove accessible through the slot; one or more optical fibers placed in the groove; a sheath enclosing the slotted core and the optical fibers; a bonding portion where the slotted core is bonded with the sheath; a first strength member embedded in the slotted core and running in parallel with the axis; and a second strength member embedded in the sheath and running in parallel with the axis, wherein the first and second strength members are aligned on a plane including the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Ken Osato, Naoki Okada, Kouji Tomikawa
  • Patent number: 7869678
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications cable having a jacket including a feature for allowing post-extrusion insertion of an optical fiber or other signal-transmitting member. The present disclosure also relates to a method for making a telecommunications cable having a jacket including a feature for allowing post-extrusion insertion of an optical fiber or other signal-transmitting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Publication number: 20110002588
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable is comprised of: a slotted core (7) elongated along an axis of the optical fiber cable, the slotted core including a slot (11) running in parallel with the axis and a groove (5) accessible through the slot; one or more optical fibers (3) placed in the groove; a sheath (9) enclosing the slotted core and the optical fibers; a bonding portion (15) where the slotted core is bonded with the sheath; and two or more strength members (17) embedded in the slotted core, the strength member running in parallel with the axis, and being aligned on a plane including the axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Ken Osato, Naoki Okada, Kouji Tomikawa
  • Patent number: 7837396
    Abstract: This disclosure describes techniques for attaching a connector to a fiber optic cable. As described herein, lengthwise slits are made into the jacket and the buffer tube of a fiber optic cable, thereby exposing interior segments of the optical fibers of the fiber optic cable. A loop is then made in the fiber optic cable at the slits. The ends of the optical fibers can then telescopically slide out the end of the fiber optic cable. When this happens, the exposed interior segments of the optical fibers slide out of the buffer tube and the jacket through the slits, forming a smaller loop within the loop. A connector may then be attached to the exposed ends of the optical fibers. When the fiber optic cable is unlooped, the exposed interior segments of the optical fibers slide back into the buffer tube and jacket. The jacket may then be resealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Marcouiller
  • Publication number: 20100278495
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly with a floating tap is disclosed, wherein the assembly comprises a fiber optic cable having a cable fiber assembly, such as in the form of a ribbon stack. The assembly includes at least one network access point (NAP) for accessing at least one cable fiber in the cable fiber assembly and at least one strength area for example a strength member. At least one cable fiber is extracted from the cable fiber assembly and held by a transition assembly. A buffer conduit loosely contains the at least one cable fiber and guides it to an intermediate buffer conduit, which in turn guides the at least one cable fiber to a splice tube. The intermediate buffer conduit can translate relative to the splice tube. At least one tether fiber is spliced to the at least one cable fiber. Alternatively, the at least one cable fiber has sufficient length to serve as the at least one tether fiber so that splicing to another fiber is not required. Each strength member is covered by a movable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph T. Cody, Dennis M. Knecht, Christopher P. Lewallen, James P. Luther
  • Patent number: 7822306
    Abstract: A robust fiber optic cable is well suited for harsh environments, such as undersea environments, as a communication link to a mobile undersea vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the fiber optic cable is constructed to have neutral buoyancy in salt water. The fiber optic cable may include one single mode optical fiber. A suspension fluid, such as light mineral oil surrounds the optical fiber. In an optional embodiment, a plurality of strength members also surrounds the optical fiber and these elements are surrounded by an outer jacket. In another optional embodiment, the optical fiber and suspension fluid may be loosely surrounded by an inner containment tube, a plurality of strength members surrounds the inner containment tube, and these elements are surrounded by an outer jacket, which may be bonded to the inner containment tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Commscope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Jarrett Shinoski, Kevin Sigmon
  • Patent number: 7817891
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method accessing one or more optical fibers in a telecommunication cable in a way that considerably reduces the risk of damaging the optical fibers. To avoid inadvertent damage caused by a cutting tool, the method includes moving optical fibers and/or micromodules away from the area on the cable that is to be cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Draka Comteq, B.V.
    Inventors: Alain Lavenne, Olivier Tatat, Jean-Pierre Bonicel
  • Patent number: 7813606
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical fiber cable which can reliably prevent increased transmission loss due to damage of the optical fiber as a result of the egg-laying behavior of cicadas. The cable includes at least an optical fiber 1, tension members 6 and a sheath 3. The sheath 3 has a shore D hardness of 55 or more and a minimum distance L from a surface of the optical fiber 1 to an outer surface of the sheath 3 of greater than 0.3 mm. Further, in the cable, the surface of sheath 3 has a coefficient of friction of 0.45 or less and the sheath 3 has a shore D hardness of 57 or more. In addition, the cable is made by using a specific flame retardant composition (P) as the sheath material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Yasutomi, Masayoshi Tsukamoto, Mitsuru Iwano, Yoshihisa Rintsu, Masanobu Aragaki, Masaki Nishiguchi
  • Publication number: 20100254659
    Abstract: A connectorized fiber optic cabling assembly includes a loose tube fiber optic cable and a connector assembly. The cable has a termination end and includes: an optical fiber bundle including a plurality of optical fibers; at least one strength member; and a jacket surrounding the optical fiber bundle and the at least one strength member. The connector assembly includes a rigid portion and defines a fiber passage. The connector assembly is mounted on the termination end of the cable such that the optical fiber bundle extends through at least a portion of the fiber passage. The plurality of optical fibers of the optical fiber bundle have a ribbonized configuration in the rigid portion of the connector assembly and a loose, non-ribbonized configuration outside the rigid portion. The plurality of optical fibers undergo a transition from the ribbonized configuration to the loose, non-ribbonized configuration in the rigid portion of the connector assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Timothy W. Anderson, Richard L. Case
  • Publication number: 20100239216
    Abstract: A loose tube optical fiber cable includes at least one cable unit. Each cable unit includes a plurality of loose, non-buffered optical fibers, a strength yarn at least partially surrounding the non-buffered optical fibers, and a jacket surrounding the strength yarn and the non-buffered optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin Paschal, Nathan Hatch
  • Patent number: 7796853
    Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic cables and assemblies for routing optical networks closer to the subscriber. The fiber optic cables have a robust design that is versatile by allowing use in aerial application with a pressure clamp along with use in buried and/or duct applications. Additionally, the fiber optic cables and assemblies have a relatively large slack storage capacity for excess length. Assemblies include hardened connectors such as plugs and/or receptacles suitable for outdoor plant applications attached to one or more ends of the fiber optic cables for plug and play connectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: George C. Abernathy, Kenneth D. Temple, Jr., David A. Seddon
  • Patent number: 7787727
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber, at least one strength member, at least one dry insert, and a cable jacket. The cable jacket has a cavity with a generally rectangular cross-section with the at least one optical fiber and the at least one dry insert disposed therein. The at least one optical fiber has a predetermined level of coupling to the cable jacket that is provided by the at least one dry insert within the cavity of cable jacket. The predetermined level of coupling is about 0.1625 Newtons or more per optical fiber for a thirty meter length of fiber optic cable. Additionally, fiber optic cables of the present invention are also suitable as a portion of a cable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Anne G. Bringuier, Jody L. Greenwood, David Alan Seddon, Kenneth D. Temple, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100215328
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cable (10) that includes an outer sheath (11) defining a longitudinal cavity (12). The cable (10) also includes a plurality of elements (1) extending within the cavity. Typically, the elements are at least partially coated with a lubricant film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: DRAKA COMTEQ B.V.
    Inventors: Olivier Tatat, Klaus Nothofer
  • Publication number: 20100209059
    Abstract: Micromodule breakout cables are constructed to pass selected burn tests while maintaining a desired degree of accessibility and durability. The micromodule cables can be incorporated in data centers and are robust enough to serve as furcation legs while allowing hand accessibility. The cables can incorporate optical fibers with low delta attenuation and can have low skew.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Craig M. Conrad, William C. Hurley, David H. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100202741
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel central-tube cable with high-conductivity conductors. The novel central-tube cable according to the present invention yields a fiber optic cable with a smaller diameter than found in stranded-tube-cable designs. The central-tube cable features (i) a buffer tube containing optical conductors, (ii) radial strength members, and (iii) high-conductivity conductors coated with a dielectric material, such as polypropylene. The dielectric coating helps to prevent the high-conductivity conductors from shorting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: DRAKA COMTEQ B.V.
    Inventors: James Leonard Ryan, Denise Matthews, Brian G. Risch, Frank Edwards Davidson
  • Patent number: 7769251
    Abstract: A hydrocarbon monitoring cable including resistance to development of defects in a fiber optic core thereof. The core defect resistance may be in the form of resistance to defect causing agents of a downhole environment such as hydrogen. This may be obtained through the use of a carbon layer about the fiber optic core. However, in light of the differing coefficients of thermal expansion between such a carbon layer and an outer polymer jacket, an intermediate polymer layer of a third coefficient of thermal expansion may be disposed between the carbon and jacket layers. Thus, the intermediate polymer layer may be of a third coefficient of thermal expansion selected so as to avoid fiber optic defect causing thermal expansion from the downhole environment itself. Additionally, the monitoring cable may include an electrically conductive layer about the fiber optic core that is positively charged to repel other positively charged fiber optic defect causing agents of the downhole environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph Varkey
  • Patent number: 7758257
    Abstract: A connectorized fiber optic cabling assembly includes a loose tube fiber optic cable and a connector assembly. The cable has a termination end and includes: an optical fiber bundle including a plurality of optical fibers; at least one strength member; and a jacket surrounding the optical fiber bundle and the at least one strength member. The connector assembly includes a rigid portion and defines a fiber passage. The connector assembly is mounted on the termination end of the cable such that the optical fiber bundle extends through at least a portion of the fiber passage. The plurality of optical fibers of the optical fiber bundle have a ribbonized configuration in the rigid portion of the connector assembly and a loose, non-ribbonized configuration outside the rigid portion. The plurality of optical fibers undergo a transition from the ribbonized configuration to the loose, non-ribbonized configuration in the rigid portion of the connector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventors: Timothy W. Anderson, Richard L. Case
  • Patent number: 7756373
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly with a floating tap is disclosed, wherein the assembly comprises a fiber optic cable having a cable fiber assembly, such as in the form of a ribbon stack. The assembly includes at least one network access point (NAP) for accessing at least one cable fiber in the cable fiber assembly and at least one strength area for example a strength member. At least one cable fiber is extracted from the cable fiber assembly and held by a transition assembly. A buffer conduit loosely contains the at least one cable fiber and guides it to an intermediate buffer conduit, which in turn guides the at least one cable fiber to a splice tube. The intermediate buffer conduit can translate relative to the splice tube. At least one tether fiber is spliced to the at least one cable fiber. Alternatively, the at least one cable fiber has sufficient length to serve as the at least one tether fiber so that splicing to another fiber is not required. Each strength member is covered by a movable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Joseph T. Cody, Dennis M. Knecht, Christopher P. Lewallen, James P. Luther
  • Publication number: 20100166375
    Abstract: The present invention provides optical-fiber communication cables with an improved water-blocking element that reduces or eliminates microbending caused by the water-swellable particulate powders by employing such water-swellable powders in conjunction with a smooth but perforated compression-resistant carrier tape. The water-blocking element is deployed within optical-fiber buffer tubes to water-block the buffer tubes and to minimize microbending that can occur when water-swellable particulate powders press against optical fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: DRAKA COMTEQ B.V.
    Inventor: Don Parris
  • Publication number: 20100158457
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable is described. The fiber optic cable includes optical fibers, a matrix substantially encasing the optical fibers, a tape substantially around the matrix, a tube substantially around the tape, a strength member around the tube, and a jacket substantially on an outer periphery of the fiber optic cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Amphenol Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Drozd, Russell Isch, Tristan Maneja, Robert Wiggin
  • Patent number: 7742668
    Abstract: Disclosed is a dry, semi-tight optical fiber unit that includes one or more optical fibers positioned within a buffer tube. A protective coating is provided upon the surface of the optical fibers, and an anti-adhesive coating is substantially bonded to the protective coating. One or more of these optical fiber units may be included in an optical cable. Also disclosed is a method for efficiently producing such an optical fiber unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Draka Comteq B.V.
    Inventors: Klaus Nothofer, Dick Huijsman, Arnoldus Gertrudis Wilhelmus Marie Berkers
  • Patent number: 7729583
    Abstract: Flexible closures and other flexible optical assemblies that are installed within a factory, or in the field, and then deployed using cable installation methods, wherein the flexible closures and assemblies have the ability to bend and twist without incurring physical damage to their structure, optical fibers and splices disposed within, and without significant attenuation in the optical fibers when exposed to conventional installation stresses. Flexible closures that replace conventional substantially rigid closures in order to facilitate pre-engineered and assembled distribution cable installation within an optical network, and the physical, bending and material properties of such closures, and methods of manufacturing and installing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Robert B. Elkins, II, Lars K. Nielsen, James P. Luther, Thomas Theuerkorn
  • Patent number: 7706640
    Abstract: A telecommunication fiber optic cable for gas pipeline application has a built-in leakage detecting device. The cable has an optical core including a number of telecommunication optical fibers, an outer jacket covering the optical core, and one or more gas leakage detector optical fibers. One or more gas leakage detector optical fibers are enclosed within the outer jacket. Preferably, the cable has a linearly extending rod reinforcing system having strength rods that force the cable to bend in a preferential bending place. Preferably, the leakage detector optical fibers are located at, or close to, a plane that is substantially orthogonal to the preferential bending plane and passing through the cable neutral axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Prysmian Cavi E Sistemi Energia S.R.L.
    Inventors: Massimo Pizzorno, Alessandro Ginocchio, Mauro Maritano
  • Publication number: 20100092138
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved optical fiber that employs a novel coating system. When combined with a bend-insensitive glass fiber, the novel coating system according to the present invention yields an optical fiber having exceptionally low losses. The coating system features (i) a softer primary coating with excellent low-temperature characteristics to protect against microbending in any environment and in the toughest physical situations and, optionally, (ii) a colored secondary coating possessing enhanced color strength and vividness. The improved coating system provides optical fibers that are useful in all-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: DRAKA COMTEQ, B.V.
    Inventor: Bob J. Overton
  • Publication number: 20100092139
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved optical fiber that employs a novel coating system. When combined with a bend-insensitive glass fiber, the novel coating system according to the present invention yields an optical fiber having exceptionally low losses. The coating system features (i) a softer primary coating with excellent low-temperature characteristics to protect against microbending in any environment and in the toughest physical situations and, optionally, (ii) a colored secondary coating possessing enhanced color strength and vividness. The improved coating system provides optical fibers that are useful in relatively thin-walled, low-modulus buffer tubes (i.e., “flextubes”) that can be readily accessed without special tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Draka Comteq, B.V.
    Inventor: Bob J. Overton
  • Patent number: 7693375
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert and a cable jacket. The at least one optical waveguide and at least one dry insert are at least partially disposed within a cavity of the cable jacket. In one embodiment, the cable includes a first dry insert and a second dry insert disposed within the cavity so that the at least one optical waveguide is disposed between the first dry insert and the second dry insert, thereby providing a dry cable core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Riley S. Freeland, David Alan Seddon, Kenneth D. Temple, Jr., Anne G. Bringuier, Jody L. Greenwood
  • Publication number: 20100067856
    Abstract: An optical cable comprises a plurality of elongate members wherein at least one of the elongate members include at least one optical fiber surrounded by buffer tube. The buffer tube is made of a soft material having a tension at break of less than 7.5 MPa. The elongate members are disposed around a central element. A binder is wrapped around the plurality of elongate members. An outer jacket surrounds the plurality of elongate members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Horst Knoch, Gerhard Merbach, Waldemar Stöcklein, Günter Wünsch
  • Publication number: 20100067857
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fiber-optic cable that possesses a high cable filling coefficient (and/or a high cable fiber density) yet ensures that its enclosed optical fibers demonstrate improved attenuation performance when subjected to temperature variations between about ?40° C. and 70° C. The fiber-optic cable is suitable for efficient installation into ducts, such as via blowing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: DRAKA COMTEQ B.V.
    Inventors: Ray Lovie, Jeffrey Scott Barker, William Mark Smartt, Bob J. Overton
  • Publication number: 20100054679
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly with a floating tap is disclosed, wherein the assembly comprises a fiber optic cable having a cable fiber assembly, such as in the form of a ribbon stack. The assembly includes at least one network access point (NAP) for accessing at least one cable fiber in the cable fiber assembly and at least one strength area for example a strength member. At least one cable fiber is extracted from the cable fiber assembly and held by a transition assembly. A buffer conduit loosely contains the at least one cable fiber and guides it to an intermediate buffer conduit, which in turn guides the at least one cable fiber to a splice tube. The intermediate buffer conduit can translate relative to the splice tube. At least one tether fiber is spliced to the at least one cable fiber. Alternatively, the at least one cable fiber has sufficient length to serve as the at least one tether fiber so that splicing to another fiber is not required. Each strength member is covered by a movable member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Joseph T. Cody, Dennis M. Knecht, Christopher P. Lewallen, James P. Luther
  • Publication number: 20100054678
    Abstract: A fiber optic furcation method for fiber optic cables having a plurality of optical fibers and a fiber optic junction made by said method. The method comprises the steps of threading each optical fiber into a separate fiber optic cable forming a junction; placing a first tube around the junction so that the tube covers the reinforcing members of the fiber optic cables; folding reinforcing fibers from the fiber optic cables over the first tube; applying an adhesive to the reinforcing fibers; placing a second tube around the junction; and shrink wrapping the junction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Brian Anthony DiMarco
  • Patent number: 7672556
    Abstract: A fiber cable having a first fiber containing portion with a plurality of optional fibers disposed therein. A second strength portion is separable from the first fiber containing portion arranged in a substantially flat arrangement. The second strength portion is separatably coupled to the first fiber containing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventor: David Keller
  • Publication number: 20100027948
    Abstract: Shear thickening compositions can function in an energy or communications transmission cable to provide enhanced protection against externally applied forces, e.g., cutting or puncture from a shovel. As a free or bound layer, or when used via impregnation into a substrate used for an internal component or wrap, the shear thickening composition provides protection against mechanical damage that far surpasses conventional technologies. In foamable compositions for cable components, the shear thickening composition provides enhanced integrity of the polymer melt for enhanced foam performance. As a flame retardant component, the shear thickening composition provides an enhanced char formation mechanism for superior flame retardance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Scott H. Wasserman, Jeffrey M. Cogen, Timothy J. Person, Laurence H. Gross
  • Patent number: 7646954
    Abstract: An optical fiber telecommunications cable includes micromodules positioned with a longitudinal central cavity formed by a jacket. Two strength members are arranged longitudinally in the jacket and define a bending axis of the cable. Each strength member has an elongated oval cross-sectional shape with a height perpendicular to the bending axis and a width parallel to the bending axis. The height-to-width ratio of each strength member is more than one and no more than two. The optical fiber telecommunications cable has a reduced diameter and good robustness, and can be manufactured at lower cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Draka Comteq, B.V.
    Inventor: Olivier Tatat
  • Patent number: 7643713
    Abstract: A composite cable to be laid by being drawn or blown into a cable tube, which has at least two insulated copper wires (1, 2) which are stranded with one another, and at least one single-fiber optical waveguide (3, 4) and a cable sheath (5). The insulation of the copper wires has an inner layer (1b, 2b) with foamed polymer and an outer layer (1c, 2c) including an unfoamed polymer (foam skin). The optical waveguide(s) (3, 4) being arranged in the stranding gaps in the insulated copper wires (1, 2) which are stranded with one another, and reinforcing elements (5a) are made from a material having a high tensile strength being embedded in the sheath (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: Harald Büthe, Harald Heymanns, Gerd Verdenhalven
  • Publication number: 20090324183
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber, at least one strength member, at least one dry insert, and a cable jacket. The cable jacket has a cavity with a generally rectangular cross-section with the at least one optical fiber and the at least one dry insert disposed therein. The at least one optical fiber has a predetermined level of coupling to the cable jacket that is provided by the at least one dry insert within the cavity of cable jacket. The predetermined level of coupling is about 0.1625 Newtons or more per optical fiber for a thirty meter length of fiber optic cable. Additionally, fiber optic cables of the present invention are also suitable as a portion of a cable assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Anne G. Bringuier, Jody L. Greenwood, David Alan Seddon, Kenneth D. Temple, JR.
  • Patent number: 7627218
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical system that allows for the flexible location of an optical device that is coupled to a patch panel in a wiring closet or other optical signal source through a series of fiber optic cables and optical connections, or the flexible location of an array of such optical devices. The optical system includes, in part, one or more retractable optical fiber tether assemblies that each allow varying lengths of tether cable to be pulled and used. The retraction device of each of the optical tether assemblies may be disposed mid-tether cable, or may terminate the respective tether cable and incorporate the given optical device. In an exemplary wireless local area network (WLAN) application, each of the retractable optical fiber tether assemblies includes an integral transceiver and associated software. Thus, each of the retractable optical fiber tether assemblies functions as an antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: William Carl Hurley
  • Patent number: 7627217
    Abstract: Fiber optic cables are disclosed that have a toning lobe that allows the conductive wire to migrate toward the main cable body while still allowing adequate separation performance of the toning lobe. More specifically, the fiber optic cable includes a main cable body having at least one optical waveguide and a toning lobe. The toning lobe is connected to the main cable body by a web that frangible. In one embodiment, the toning lobe and the web have a generally tear drop shape. The web includes a neck portion adjacent to the main cable body and a web body, wherein the web body generally increases in thickness towards the toning lobe. The shape of the toning lobe allows a conductive wire of the toning lobe to migrate from a center of the toning lobe toward the main cable body while still providing adequate separation performance of the toning lobe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Craig M. Conrad, Eric A. Stern
  • Patent number: 7616855
    Abstract: An integrated waveguide including a dielectric structure configured to receive a first electromagnetic field distribution via a first major surface and having a second major surface, wherein the first electromagnetic field distribution produces a second electromagnetic field distribution within the dielectric structure. The waveguide further includes at least one metallic element disposed in the dielectric structure between the first major surface and the second major surface, the at least one metallic element structured and positioned to effect the second electromagnetic field distribution to increase an amount of the second electromagnetic field distribution that is incident upon a selected region of the second major surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventors: Peter B Catrysse, John S. Wenstrand
  • Patent number: 7609925
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic telecommunications cable assembly including a main fiber optic cable and a tether cable that branches from the main fiber optic cable at a breakout location. The breakout location includes a breakout block mounted to the main fiber optic cable, a tether retention block mounted to the main fiber optic cable, and a sleeve positioned outside the main fiber optic cable that extends from the breakout block to the tether retention block. An optical fiber structure extends from the main fiber optic cable, through the breakout block, through the sleeve and through the tether retention block to the tether cable. The fiber optic telecommunications cable assembly also includes a tensile reinforcing structure that extends from the breakout block to the retention block for preventing a spacing between the breakout block and the retention block from exceeding a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Erik Gronvall, Paul Suek, Andy Schmidt, Yu Lu, Scott Carlson
  • Patent number: 7599590
    Abstract: An optical cable comprises a swelling yarn, around which several optical transmission elements in the form of micromodules are arranged. A micromodule comprises a bundle of optic fibers, which are surrounded by a sleeve made from a material of plastic. Further swelling yarns are arranged around the optical transmission elements. The optical transmission elements and the swelling yarns are surrounded by a sleeve of paper. The paper sleeve is surrounded by a cable jacket made from a material of plastic. When an optic fiber is exposed, the cable jacket is pulled off, whereupon the paper sleeve tears off and can consequently be easily removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: CCS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Waldemar Stöcklein, Gerhard Merbach, Horst Knoch
  • Patent number: 7589808
    Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems for a transmissive liquid crystal display including a plurality of pixel circuits, each pixel circuit including a reflective region and a transmissive region. The reflective region includes a polarization dependent reflector for reflecting ambient light. The reflective and transmissive regions include an initially homogeneously aligned liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first and a second substrate. Each pixel further includes at least one first transparent electrode as the common electrode and at least one second transparent electrode as the pixel electrode both formed on one of the same first and second substrates, wherein substantial fringe fields with rich horizontal electric fields are generated in the liquid crystal layer when voltage is applied to the pixel electrode, making the liquid crystal molecules rotate mainly in the horizontal direction to achieve wide viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignees: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc., Chi Mei Optoelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Zhibing Ge, Thomas Xinzhang Wu, Shin-Tson Wu, Wang-Yang Li, Chung-Kuang Wei
  • Patent number: 7574086
    Abstract: Disclosed is installation of an optical fiber composite electric power cable. An installation method of an optical fiber composite electric power cable includes installing an electric power cable including a conductor and an air-blown installation tube therein at an installation region; connecting tubes of adjacent electric power cables to each other, in an electric power cable connection box; and installing an optical fiber unit into the connected tubes by air pressure. Also, a cable structure used for installing the optical fiber composite electric power cable includes a conductor for electric power transmission; an insulator surrounding the conductor; an air-blown installation tube provided outside of the insulator; and a corrosion-protective layer provided to an outermost layer of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: LS Cable, Ltd.
    Inventors: Duk-Jin Oh, Jong-Cheol Kim
  • Publication number: 20090190890
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable and a method of making the same include at least one optical waveguide, at least one dry insert and a cable jacket. The at least one optical waveguide and at least one dry insert are at least partially disposed within a cavity of the cable jacket. In one embodiment, the cable includes a first dry insert and a second dry insert disposed within the cavity so that the at least one optical waveguide is disposed between the first dry insert and the second dry insert, thereby providing a dry cable core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Riley S. Freeland, David Alan Seddon, Kenneth D. Temple, JR., Anne G. Bringuier, Jody L. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 7567741
    Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic cables and assemblies for routing optical networks closer to the subscriber. The fiber optic cables have a robust design that is versatile by allowing use in aerial application with a pressure clamp along with use in buried and/or duct applications. Additionally, the fiber optic cables and assemblies have a relatively large slack storage capacity for excess length. Assemblies include hardened connectors and/or optical connectors such as plugs and/or receptacles suitable for outdoor plant applications attached to one or more ends of the fiber optic cables for plug and play connectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: George C. Abernathy, David A. Seddon, Kenneth D. Temple, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090180744
    Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic assemblies having at least one optical fiber and at least one water-swellable yarn disposed within a tube that preserves optical performance. Optical performance is preserved by selecting water-swellable yarns for the fiber optic assemblies that are softer and loftier since at least some of the filaments have a textured characteristic. In one embodiment, the water-swellable yarn has a stretch ratio of about 2 or more, where the stretch ratio is defined as the nominal unstretched diameter divided by the nominal stretched diameter. In another embodiment, the water-swellable yarn has a textured elongation factor of about 2% or more. Additionally, embodiments may position the optical fibers radially outward of the water swellable yarn(s), thereby further preserving optical performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Anne G. Bringuier, George C. Abernathy, William C. Hurley, David A. Seddon, W. Welch McCollough
  • Patent number: 7558454
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable having a plurality of optical fibers, at least one tube surrounding the optical fibers and a plurality of strength members positioned around the tube. A jacket surrounds the tube and the strength members, where the ratio of polymer used to form the tube and the jacket is at ratio of substantially 10:1 versus the strength members in terms of cross sectional area at any point along the cable and where the Young's modulus of the at least one tube and the jacket is substantially in the range of 250-750 N/mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventors: David Keller, Randie Yoder
  • Patent number: 7558460
    Abstract: A composite cable 21 with a plug 22 attached thereto includes optical fibers, metal wires, a tensile strength fiber 21a, and an envelope 21b for enveloping them and the plug 22 includes a ferrule 210 of the plug for connecting the optical fiber, a cable clamp 221 and a Kevler holder 222 (first fixing mechanism) for fixing the tensile strength fiber 21a, and a gasket 223 (second fixing mechanism) for blocking a twist of the envelope 21b and further includes a joint mechanism (227) of a detachable traction cap for pulling the composite cable 21 and inserting the composite cable 21 into piping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Stack Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Yamaguchi, Hideya Konda, Toshio Morita, Satoshi Koide, Nobuhiko Utagawa
  • Patent number: 7555182
    Abstract: A multi-layered laminate armor wrap for use with a various cables is disclosed, the armor wrap having at least one water absorbing fabric layer, at least one polymer layer, and at least one layer fabricated from a metal or a metal alloy. Each layer in the multi-layered laminate armor wrap is fused or adhered to the adjacent layers to form a fused or sealed laminate armor wrap. A method of making such an armor wrap is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Reynolds Packaging LLC
    Inventor: Oscar Martin
  • Patent number: RE41743
    Abstract: A watertight inlet device for inserting a cable containing optical fibers into a chamber or a container, e.g. into a splice box. The device includes a metal solepiece for securing the strength members of the optical cable, and which plugs into and fixes to a tubular sealing body equipped with an external O-ring gasket and having its rear portion shaped to form a sealing stuffing box on the outer sheath of the cable. The rear of the nut of the stuffing box receives a clamp for retaining the cable. Once the device has been fitted, the resulting assembly is inserted into the inlet passageway until it abuts against a shoulder in the passageway. Then only the head of the securing solepiece and a groove in the body project inside the container, the groove then receiving a key or fork for retaining the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thierry Naudin, Christophe Corbille, Hervé Brunet, Jacques Salaün