Abstract: An Aerial Inspection system is presented. The Aerial Inspection system includes an Aerial Inspection device. The Aerial Inspection device includes an upper section and a lower section. A passageway is formed within the Aerial Inspection device when the upper section and the lower section are connected. The passageway runs the length of the Aerial Inspection device. The passageway envelops a cable. Wheels connected to the upper section of the Aerial Inspection device protrude into the passageway and make contact with the cable. The Aerial Inspection device (e.g., the wheels) rests on the cable during operations. Cameras are positioned in the Aerial Inspection device to view the cable. As the wheels rotate, the Aerial Inspection device moves along the cable taking images of the cable. The cameras transmit images to a display for viewing or store the images for processing. As a result, faults in the cable may be detected and viewed from the ground or a remote location.

Abstract: The present invention is a technique for locating and identifying a failed filter/arrester in an underground conveyance such as a fiber optic cable. A sensor is installed in the filter/arrester housing to sense grounding of a cable locating frequency. The sensor will monitor the cable locating signal that is normally on the cable and blocked by the filter arrester to ground. A small radio frequency oscillator (85 to 88 Hz), also installed inside the filter housing, is activated by the sensor. The RF signal is detected above ground with standard cable locating equipment. A warning indicator such as an indicator light may also be installed on the outside of the filter housing. The indicator is also activated by the sensor. In that way, the particular failed filter can be identified if multiple filters are installed at that location. The power that will be required to operate the RF transmitter and indicator will be obtained from the voltage passing through the cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to method for interpreting data obtained by measuring a length of optical fiber using an optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR), and comparing that measurement to a reference measurement. The technique uses statistical inference to determine a likely cause for a length measurement to be shorter than a reference length. One technique uses a chi-squared best fit of an array reflectance spike occurrences along the fiber to a historical reference array. In that way, it can be determined whether the missing portion of the tested fiber is at an end or between the ends, providing evidence that the short length measurement results from a fiber break or from the intentional removal of a reserve loop.

Abstract: A data marker (20) for use in connection with one or more signal carrying members, such as a fiber optic cables (12-18) includes a carrier (21) that mounts a data storage device (24) that includes a non-volatile memory (26). The memory (26) stores status information about the signal carrying member and any status updates. In a preferred embodiment, the data marker (20) is mounted inside or outside of a splice case (10) to store status information about splices between fibers to enable an outside plant technician to accurately provision service, and to easily update such status information.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for removing a portion of a cable sheath. First and second opposing blades are adjustable to a cutting depth using adjustment screws and continuity testers that signal contact between each blade and a metallic sub-sheath. The blades are inclined at an angle to a transverse plane of the cable, and are contoured to conform to the sheath radius. A guide including neoprene rollers keeps the cutting assembly aligned on the cable. The cutting assembly is drawn along the cable, removing the sheath.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for coupling optical fibers having disparate connectors. First and second indexing bodies are moved relative to each other to bring into alignment selected receptors for accepting the disparate connectors. Receptors for several different connectors are available on at least one of the indexing bodies. The indexing bodies may be disk-shaped and attached for rotation about a common axis, with the receptors being arranged circumferentially. The apparatus may also includes a spring clip and magnet for mounting and storing on fiber optic bays and cabinets.

Abstract: A fiber color detector is presented. A magnifying glass and a receptacle are formed in a housing. In addition, a platform including a first side facing the magnifying glass and a second oppositely disposed side is located within the housing. A light source located within the housing is positioned relative to the second side of the platform and radiates light, which emanates through the platform. A fiber is inserted into the receptacle and is positioned between the first side of the platform and the magnifying glass. As such, when the light source generates light, which emanates through the platform, the color of the fiber is contrasted against the color of the platform, when viewed through the magnifying glass. As such, an operator may view and detect the color of the fiber through the magnifying glass.

Abstract: A metal tube slitter is presented. A housing includes a drive shaft for moving cable through the housing and a blade truck. The blade truck houses a blade used for penetrating the cable. A shoulder screw adjusts the blade truck and as a result adjusts the penetration of the blade into the cable. The drive shaft is attached to a drive knob. As the drive knob is rotated the drive shaft also rotates and moves the cable through the metal tube slitter. After the blade penetrates the cable, the blade cuts the cable as the cable is moved through the metal tube slitter by the drive shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for installing a utility conveyance. A tractor which includes sensors, a plow locator and a monitor system is presented. The sensors are used to locate demarcation points, which identify the boundaries of a right way or a preexisting utility conveyance. The plow locator is used to determine the location of a plow relative to a preexisting utility conveyance. Sensing information produced by the sensors and plow location information produced by the plow locator are communicated to the monitor system. A visual representation of the demarcation points and the position of the plow relative to the demarcation points is displayed on a screen associated with the monitor system. As such, a tractor operator may navigate an engineered path and install a utility conveyance.

Abstract: Filter/protection units positioned along a fiber optic cable are tested. The fiber optic cable includes a metallic sheath surrounding the cable. A cable locating unit generates an electric signal. The metallic sheath conducts the electrical signal. The electric signal creates a voltage within the metallic sheath. The voltage level is below a specified flashover point or threshold of a normally operating filter/protector unit. As a result, any filter/protector units that are triggered by the electric signal are considered faulty.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a buried utility conveyance, such as an undersea cable, beneath a body of water. The apparatus generally comprises a submersible housing that contains a variable ballast system for selectively controlling the buoyancy of the apparatus, and a detector assembly for locating the conveyance. The detector assembly includes first and second signal generators and first and second signal detectors vectoring the location of the conveyance. An operator guides the detector relative to a target search location through cables attached to the housing and the variable ballast system. A camera generates images of the target search location for use by the operator to control the apparatus through an umbilical cable connected to the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying fiber optic jumper cables is presented. A radio-frequency identification system is presented in which a tag is placed in an ST connector. The tag includes a memory storing jumper cable identification information. The jumper cable identification information identifies the jumper cable. A radiating unit radiates the tag with electromagnetic waves and the tag is energized. Once energized, the tag communicates the jumper cable identification information located in the memory to the radiating unit. The radiating unit then displays the jumper cable identification information. As such, a technician is able to identify a jumper associated with the connector and connect the jumper to an appropriate communications bay.

Abstract: The present invention is a apparatus and method for accurately finding a location of a fault in a fiber cable where a cable locating current is leaking to ground. The system includes a sensor body, voltage probes mounted in the body to face the cable, a reference voltage input and a voltage comparator that compares the reference voltage to a measured voltage at the probes. Use of the system may include applying a conductive medium such as a conductive gel between the probes and the cable.

Abstract: A system for transmitting operational control messages to a plurality of remotely-disposed cable-locating transmitters uses a spare communication line associated with each transmitter to carry the control messages from unit to unit. In the case of a fiber optic cable, the control message is transferred from an incoming telephone line associated with a first cable-locating transmitter to a spare optical fiber. The control message then propagates down the fiber to the next transmitter (where this transmitter does not otherwise have accessibility to a telephone line). This transmitter converts the optical signal to an electrical signal and either uses the control message (if indeed destined for that particular transmitter), or re-converts it to optical form and sends it further along the spare fiber to the next remote cable-locating transmitter further down the line.

Abstract: A radio tower light system utilizes a ground-level semiconductor optical light source and includes fiber optic cabling that is strung along the tower to the various desired locations for the beacon light. A lens system, at each beacon site, is coupled to the termination of a fiber optic cable and used to magnify and radiate the optical signal in the desired direction. The use of a ground-based light source eliminates the need for a technician to climb the tower (or lower the beacon) upon failure of the light source.

Abstract: A system and method for making a repair to a damaged section of a conduit includes a pair of couplers, which securely mate, with undamaged sections of the conduit, which straddle the damaged section of the conduit; and a bridging duct, which replaces the damaged section. In one embodiment, the couplers are placed around the undamaged section of the conduit and the bridging duct is placed around the couplers.

Abstract: A tool for stabilizing slack fiber cable that has been withdrawn from a cable duct includes an inner sleeve portion for stabilizing the end portion of the cable remaining in the duct and a collar that is coupled to the sleeve and attaches to the exterior periphery of the duct. A set of cable-locking rollers is coupled to the collar and used to engage the slack portion of the cable and hold it in place as various fibers within the cable are repaired.

Abstract: The present invention is a apparatus and method for accurately finding a location of a fault in a fiber cable where a cable locating current is leaking to ground. The system includes a sensor body, voltage probes mounted in the body to face the cable, a reference voltage input and a voltage comparator that compares the reference voltage to a measured voltage at the probes. Use of the system may include applying a conductive medium such as a conductive gel between the probes and the cable.

Abstract: A hand-held tool for quickly and easily removing duct material surrounding a fiber optic cable. The tool contains a motorized saw blade, with an adjustable depth of cut gauge formed integral with the cutting floor. In use, a technician first determines the thickness of a particular duct to be removed, then adjusts the depth of cut for the saw blade to provide the desired cut without damaging the underlying fibers. Once adjusted, the technician can then turn on the tool, which activates the saw blade and effectuates the desired cut (either axial or radial).

Abstract: The present invention is a technique for locating and identifying a failed filter/arrester in an underground conveyance such as a fiber optic cable. A sensor is installed in the filter/arrester housing to sense grounding of a cable locating frequency. The sensor will monitor the cable locating signal that is normally on the cable and blocked by the filter arrester to ground. A small radio frequency oscillator (85 to 88 Hz), also installed inside the filter housing, is activated by the sensor. The RF signal is detected above ground with standard cable locating equipment. A warning indicator such as an indicator light may also be installed on the outside of the filter housing. The indicator is also activated by the sensor. In that way, the particular failed filter can be identified if multiple filters are installed at that location. The power that will be required to operate the RF transmitter and indicator will be obtained from the voltage passing through the cable.