Abstract: An all-dielectric cable (20) or object which is destined to be buried is provided with at least one electronically resonant marker (44). After the cable or object is buried, a tradesperson may locate the cable or object by causing an electromagnetic signal (71), which comprises at least one frequency to be transmitted by a transceiver (60) and to be induced into the electronically resonant marker associated with the cable or object. A return signal (73), which is radiated by the electronically resonant marker at a frequency different from the at least frequency, is received by the transceiver. Characteristics of the return signal provide useful information for the determination of the location of the buried cable or object.

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 optical fiber cable (20) includes a core (21) comprising a plurality of optical fibers (24--24) without intended stranding. The plurality of optical fibers are enclosed in a common tube (34) which provides a predetermined packing density and which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable. In one embodiment, a waterblocking material (36) is disposed within the tube to fill the interstices between the optical fibers and between the fibers and the tube. The waterblocking material is such that its critical yield stress does not exceed about 70 Pa at 20.degree. C. and such that it has a shear modulus of less than about 13 KPa at 20.degree. C. The common tube is enclosed with non-metallic or metallic strength members and a plastic inner jacket and by another layer of strength members and by a plastic outer jacket.

Abstract: A communications cable comprising a core of at least one transmission medium and a plastic jacket includes provisions for preventing the movement of water within the cable. An impregnated tape (35) is interposed between the core and the jacket and is wrapped about the core to form a longitudinal overlapped seam. The tape comprises a substrate tape (37) which is impregnated with a superabsorbent material which upon contact with water swells and inhibits the further movement of the water. The tape and its thickness are controlled so that the thickness is minimal while the tensile strength of the tape and its porosity prior to impregnation are optimized.

Abstract: A superabsorbent fabric cover (20) is provided for horticultural uses. The fabric cover includes an absorbent member (25) comprising a substrate which has been impregnated with a superabsorbent material. When the fabric cover is exposed to water the superabsorbent material gels and controls the passage of additional water. Water retained by the cover provides a moist atmosphere or greenhouse effect for plants over which the cover is placed.

Abstract: An optical fiber (20) which includes at least one coating layer is provided with a color identification system which is nonpigmented. In a preferred embodiment, the optical fiber includes two layers (26,28) of coating materials. Applied over the outer one (28) of the two coating layers is a color identification layer (30). The color identification layer may comprise an oligomeric composition of matter and a polymeric dye. For those instances when relatively high hiding power is required, such as when optical fiber has been provided with a hermetic coating, the color identification system also includes an opacifier. In an alternative embodiment, the outer or secondary coating layer is a composition of matter which comprises the opacifier and the polymeric dye.

Abstract: A cable which may be used in buildings in concealed areas such as in plenums or in riser shafts includes a core (22) which includes at least one transmission medium each of which is enclosed with a non-halogenated plastic composition of matter. The core is enclosed with a jacket (28) which also is made of a non-halogenated plastic composition. The non-halogenated plastic material of the insulation includes a polyetherimide constituent and an additive system. The additive system includes an antioxidant/thermal stabilizer and a synergistic metal deactivator and may include a lubricant. For the jacket, the plastic material is a composition which may include a siloxane/polyimide copolymer constituent blended with a polyetherimide constituent and an additive system to improve processing and long term aging, or a siloxane/polyimide copolymer constituent with a flame retardant system.

Abstract: A protector module (30) for protecting the conductors of a telephone loop cludes a pair of protector assemblies (40-40') which are supported within a common housing (32). A gas tube voltage protection subassembly (42) of each protector assembly is connected electrically to a grounding subassembly (44) for causing current associated with excessive voltage surges to be conducted to ground. A first electrode includes a portion which extends through annular dielectric and metallic members and an opening of an open-ended metallic container (93) to engage a shunting element (62) of a current protection subassembly (41). The superimposed annular members are held in engagement with the first electrode at a substantially constant pressure by axial forces applied by turned-in portions (109--109) of a side wall of the metallic container. The shunting element is supported at one end of the line pin in an initial position by a fusible material.

Abstract: A protector module (30) for protecting tip and ring conductors of a telepe loop includes a pair of protector assemblies (40--40') which are supported within a common housing (32). A voltage protection subassembly (42) of each protector assembly is connected electrically to a grounding subassembly (44) for causing current associated with excessive voltage surges to be conducted to ground. Each protector assembly also includes a current protection subassembly (41) which comprises a dielectric base, as well as a tubular line pin (61) and a central office pin (57) which are connected together electrically. A shunting element (62) is disposed concentrially about and is supported at one end of the line pin in an initial position by a pellet (70) of a fusible material which extends between a closed end of the shunting element and an edge surface (68) of an open end of the line pin.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes a core (22) comprising at least one optical fiber, a plastic tubular member (28) which encloses the core, a jacket (54) which encloses the tubular member and a prefabricated strength system which is interposed between the jacket and the tubular member. The strength system includes a carrier tape (82) which may be comprised of woven glass or impregnated woven glass, for example, and which is wrapped longitudinally about the tubular member. The carrier tape has an adhesive material disposed on one surface thereof for causing a plurality of longitudinally extending strength members (86--86) to remain attached to the tape while the jacket is being extruded over the strength system. In one embodiment, a metallic shield system (52) is disposed about the tubular member and the prefabricated strength system is disposed in engagement with an outer surface of the shield system.

Abstract: A modular adapter (30) includes a housing (33) having a plug end portion ) and a jack end portion (35). The jack end includes two stacked jack cavities (54-54'). Each of the jack cavities has a stepped portion (75) depending from the ceiling on each side of the centerline of the cavity. The stepped portions in each cavity are spaced apart a sufficient distance to receive a locking tab (41) of a modular plug (31) which is inserted into the cavity. The plug may be a six or an eight conductor plug. A first group of contact elements (36--36) extend from retroflexed end portions in one of the jack cavities into cells formed in the plug end portion. An additional two contact elements (37--37) comprising a second group have retroflexed end portions on one side of one jack cavity and extend to center positions in the other jack cavity.