Patents Represented by Attorney Timothy J. Aberle
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Patent number: 6363192Abstract: A composite cable unit having an optical sub-unit including at least one optical fiber, and an electrical sub-unit including at least one electrical conductor for power or transmission. The optical and electrical sub-units are removably connected together by a common jacket material. The composite cable unit can be used singly or in, for example, fan-out or break-out cables.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventor: John A. R. Spooner
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Patent number: 6360044Abstract: An optical article including at least one optical fiber and a printable layer connected to the optical fiber. The printable layer including randomly spaced printed ink shapes for avoiding or controlling optical attenuation. A method and an apparatus for making optical articles with the randomized ink shape spacings are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Gregory A. Mills, Jeff J. Englebert, Christopher K. Eoll
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Patent number: 6356690Abstract: A self-supporting fiber optic cable includes messenger and carrier sections and at least one interconnecting web. The messenger section includes at least one support member and a protective jacket. The carrier section includes a tube, at least one optical fiber disposed within the tube, and a jacket. In order to protect the optical fiber from tensile forces and to facilitate mid-span access, the carrier section can have an overlength. In order to accommodate the overlength, the web can include a plurality of intermittent webs that permit the carrier section to bend. The carrier section can also include at least one strength member. The at least one strength member is preferably positioned in a reference plane that also generally extends through the messenger section, the carrier section and the web. By appropriately positioning the strength members relative to the tube, the carrier section preferentially bends in a plane generally orthogonally disposed to the reference plane.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Warren W. McAlpine, Michael J. Gimblet, Richard S. Wagman
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Patent number: 6343172Abstract: Composite cables operative to transmit information in electrical and/or optical transmission modes. The cables can include an electrical coaxial conductor comprising a generally central electrical conductor in a dielectric matrix. At least one optical transmission component is integrated with the matrix. The matrix can include at least two optical transmission components disposed on generally opposed sides of the central electrical conductor. Any optical transmission component can be substantially mechanically de-coupled from the matrix. In addition, the matrix can include at least one ripcord, and an indicia can be formed on the matrix for locating the position of an optical transmission component. The composite cables can include structural features for imparting a preferential bend to the cable.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Corning Cable System LLCInventors: Joseph E. Schiestle, Herbert V. Congdon, II
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Patent number: 6340126Abstract: Devices and methods for paying off an elongate material between two coaxially aligned packages without interruption. The elongate material from a first wound package is connected to the elongate material of a second wound package by joining the tail end of the first wound package to the head end of the second wound package. Each wound package includes the elongate material having a body portion and a tail portion wound about a core. Also, each body portion has the head end at an outer diameter of the respective package and each tail portion has the tail end at an inner diameter substantially corresponding to a diameter of the core. Further, the path of the wound elongate material is transitioned from the first wound package to the second wound package by providing transition device having a supporting surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Warren Welborn McAlpine, Stephen Owen Mast, David Henry Smith, Joseph Varga
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Patent number: 6332052Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon cable having an overall bending behavior including an optical fiber ribbon with optical fibers generally planarly aligned along an optical ribbon plane and surrounded by a common matrix coating having lateral edge surfaces. The cable includes a cable jacket, the cable jacket including stiffening members generally aligned along a stiffening member plane generally orthogonal to the optical ribbon plane, the cable jacket includes an exterior profile having complementary surfaces. The complementary surfaces are respectively disposed adjacent the lateral edges, with respective thicknesses defined between the complementary surfaces and the lateral edge surfaces. At least one of the thicknesses is about 0 to 1,000 &mgr;m. The optical ribbon plane and the stiffening member plane comprise respective bending moduli during cable bending that contribute to the overall cable bending behavior.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: James P. Luther, Ranier Zimmer
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Patent number: 6304699Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) having at least one optical fiber (22) and a component disposed within the cable (10) between a core (20) and a jacket section (30) of the cable, and a method of making the cable. The component includes a substrate (34) with a water blocking formulation (50) thereon, the water blocking formulation (50) comprising a radiation curable resin (52) and a water absorptive substance (54) at least partially embedded or compounded in the radiation curable resin (52). The radiation curable resin (52) includes an initiator for rapid processing speeds. The water blocking formulation (50) may include a non-compatible material for reducing friction and/or enhancing physical properties. Water blocking formulation (50) is advantageously adaptable to application on various exemplary cable components (40,75,87,94,96,98,104).Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Larry W. Field, Naren I. Patel
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Patent number: 6304701Abstract: A mixture of two water receptive agents. One of the water receptive agents is a mixture of two distinct superabsorbent substances, at least one of the superabsorbent substances is characterized by a very fast swelling rate whereby it is operative to quickly block the flow of water, and another of the superabsorbent substances is characterized by a high gel strength whereby it is operative to inhibit wicking. The other of the water receptive agents is a water soluble or a hydrophilic resin for enhancing the performance of the superabsorbent substances. An exemplary fiber optic cable (10) includes fiber optic cable components in the form of buffer tubes (25) having two co-extruded layers (26,27). Layer (26) is the mixture of the two water receptive agents.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: Anne G. Bringuier, Kevin T. White
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Patent number: 6301413Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) includes a conventional optical fiber ribbon stack (12) with optical fiber ribbons having optical fibers. Ribbon stack (12) is disposed in a water blocking material (13) which, in turn, is surrounded by a core tube (14). Core tube (14) is surrounded by an outer jacket (15). The space between core tube (14) and jacket (15) includes fiber optic cable components (20,30,40). Cable component (20) provides strength and flame inhibiting capabilities to fiber optic cable (10) and may include a water blocking capability. Cable component (30) comprises a flame inhibiting capability, and may include a water blocking capability. Cable component (40) provides anti-buckling and flame inhibiting capabilities to fiber optic cable (10) and may include a water blocking capability. Fiber optic cable (10) meets flame and water blocking requirements, is manufactured at a low unit cost, and is easy to route through cable passageways.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: Siecor CorporationInventor: Anne G. Bringuier
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Patent number: 6293081Abstract: A mark sensor and methods for detecting a core mark disposed on a fiber optic cable core having a core receiving area for receiving the fiber optic cable core. The mark sensor includes emitter/receiver sensor devices that can be disposed about the core receiving area for observing a portion of the core for detecting the core mark. The mark sensor can include a sensor positioning system for moving the sensors relative to the core receiving area. The sensor positioning system is operative to move the sensors upon insertion of the cable core in the core receiving area. The sensor positioning system can include a linkage to another mark sensor for transmitting sensor motion to the other mark sensor. Alternatively, the mark sensor can include stationary sensors that sweep the core with radiation, for example, a bar code reader. Methods for using the foregoing sensors can result in the direct or offset marking of reverse oscillation of lay areas in a fiber optic cable.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1998Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Siecor Operations, LLCInventors: Matthew J. Grulick, Warren W. McAlpine
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Patent number: 6295401Abstract: A fiber optic cable having optical sub-units each respectively including at least one optical fiber ribbon. The optical sub-units are removably connected together by a web of jacketing material. The optical fiber ribbons are generally twisted about their respective longitudinal axes by stranded strength fibers disposed about the optical ribbons. The fiber optic cable can be used as a stand alone component or, for example, in fan-out or break-out cables.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Siecor Operations, LLCInventors: Daniel J. Rutterman, Shannon N. Harwell-Rutterman, Chad A. Burel
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Patent number: 6259844Abstract: A fiber optic cable having strength assemblies (30) adjacent a tube for imparting crush resistance to the cable, at least one of the strength assemblies including a strength member in contact with a tube having at least one optical fiber therein. The strength member is coupled to a first jacket, and may be surrounded a single jacket, or by an armor tape and a second jacket. The strength member may be disposed in a recess of the tube. When crush loads are applied to the fiber optic cable, the stresses created in the cable are advantageously distributed by strength assemblies (30) whereby stress concentrations and undue deflection of the cable in response to the crush loads are avoided. Tight coupling and minimized gaps between the cable components in strength assemblies (30) inhibits slippage and/or warping of the components under stress, and thereby evenly distribute the stress for preventing crush induced attenuation in the optical fibers.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Siecor Operations, LLCInventors: Eric R. Logan, Richard S. Wagman, Jason C. Lail, Michael J. Gimblet
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Patent number: 6256438Abstract: A fiber optic cable that includes an armor layer having inner and outer surfaces and defining a passageway therethrough, a protective jacket surrounding the armor layer, a plurality of optical fibers extending lengthwise through the passageway, and a water swellable element for inhibiting water migration through the passageway. The water swellable element can be a water swellable layer on at least one of the inner and outer surfaces of the armor layer and/or a water swellable yarn extending through the passageway. The fiber optic cable is preferably tubeless, i.e., free of buffer tubes. In instances in which a water swellable layer is on the inner surface of the armor layer, the optical fibers are capable of contacting the water swellable layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Siecor Operations, LLCInventor: Michael J. Gimblet
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Patent number: 6253013Abstract: An optical fiber array (20,40) comprising at least one subunit (26,46) including at least one optical fiber (22) therein surrounded by a respective subunit matrix (23,43) having a subunit matrix modulus characteristic. The optical fiber array (20,40) includes a common matrix (24,44) disposed adjacent to the at least one subunit (26,46) and having a common matrix modulus characteristic. A subunit/common matrix modulus ratio being defined as a ratio of the subunit matrix modulus characteristic with respect to the common matrix modulus characteristic, the subunit/common matrix modulus ratio being greater than about 1.5:1. The optical fiber array (20,40) can include an adhesion zone (28,48) defining a controlled adhesion bond between the common and subunit matrices (24,26;44,46).Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Siecor Operations, LLCInventors: Gregory A. Lochkovic, Norman Andrew Punch, Jr., Brunhilde Hagemeister
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Patent number: 6249629Abstract: A fiber optic cable comprising a plurality of tubes each having at least one optical fiber therein and at least one strength component. A center of the strength component being generally offset from a center-zone of the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable includes a center-zone interstice, the center-zone interstice spanning generally the center of the fiber optic cable between the tubes and the strength component. The center-zone interstice may include a water swellable substance for blocking the flow of water therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Siecor Operations, LLCInventor: Anne G. Bringuier
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Patent number: 6249628Abstract: Fiber optic and composite zip cord cables (40;50) having at least one respective buffer unit (30) therein. Each zip cord (40;50) includes at least two cords (42;52,54) having respective jackets (46;56) attached by a frangible web (43;53). At least one cord includes a buffer unit (30) generally surrounded by a layer of filaments, the buffer unit comprising at least two optical fibers (31) in a buffer layer (32). The buffer units (30) can be stranded about a central member (22) and enclosed in a jacket (28).Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Siecor Operations, LLCInventors: Daniel J. Rutterman, William C. Hurley
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Patent number: 6247664Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for monitoring the spooling area of a rotatable reel for winding or unwinding an elongated material, for example, a cable. The monitoring system has a detector for sensing the presence and position of a cable surface or object or operator positioned between the detector and the reel. The detector can control rotation of the reel directly, or send a position signal to a computer where the position signal indicates the detected presence and/or position. The computer can have a memory and/or a processor for respectively storing and analyzing the position signal. The computer is operative to compare the position signal to previously received position signals to determine a condition, for example, the amount of cable on the reel, the presence of any object, and/or the existence of a safety-threatening condition. The computer can generate an output signal for use in, for example, controlling the reel speed and/or torque, or the application of brakes.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Siecor Operations, LLCInventors: Mark W. Petersen, Brian S. Witz, John J. McGirr, Jr., Lance G. Gilmet, James M. Gary
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Patent number: 6195486Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) having at least one optical fiber (22) and a component disposed within the cable (10) between a core (20) and a jacket section (30) of the cable, and a method of making the cable. The component includes a substrate (34) with a water blocking formulation (50) thereon, the water blocking formulation (50) comprising a radiation curable resin (52) and a water absorptive substance (54) at least partially embedded or compounded in the radiation curable resin (52). The radiation curable resin (52) includes an initiator for rapid processing speeds. The water blocking formulation (50) may include a non-compatible material for reducing friction and/or enhancing physical properties. Water blocking formulation (50) is advantageously adaptable to application on various exemplary cable components (40,75,87,94,96,98,104).Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1998Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Siecor Operations, LLCInventors: Larry W. Field, Naren I. Patel
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Patent number: 6192178Abstract: A fiber optic cable (10) having a tube assembly (20) therein. Tube assembly (20) includes an optical fiber group (22) in a tube (21). Optical fiber group (22) comprises a medial optical fiber subgroup (23) and lateral optical fiber subgroups (24a,24b;25a,25b;26a,26b) adjacent thereto. Subgroups (24a,24b;25a,25b;26a,26b) define a step-like profile for maximizing optical fiber packing density of tube assembly (20) and/or defining a high fiber count cable (10). In an exemplary embodiment, fiber optic cable (10) can include strength assemblies (30) on opposing sides of tube assembly (20) for defining a preferential bend plane in fiber optic cable (10).Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Siecor Operations, LLCInventors: Eric R. Logan, Donald R. Parris, Jason C. Lail
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Patent number: 6188821Abstract: Apparatus and method for making a self-supporting type fiber optic cable (10) having a messenger section (12) and a core section (14) connected by a web (18). An exemplary apparatus (20) includes a cable core tensioning apparatus (30), a messenger wire tensioning apparatus (40), and a cable tensioning apparatus (60). The cable tensioning apparatus (60) includes a messenger tensioner (61) having a profile with a tensioning recess (62) and a clearance recess (64). The tensioning recess (62) being operative to grip and to thereby apply tension to the messenger section (12), and the clearance recess (64) essentially frictionlessly accommodating the formation of undulations in the core section (14). In an exemplary method the undulations are formed in the core section as the cable progresses through tensioning apparatus (60) by maintaining an essentially decoupled relationship between the core section (14) and the clearance section (64) of the tensioning apparatus (60).Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Siecor Operations, LLCInventors: Warren W. McAlpine, Mark A. Sigmon