Abstract: To locate via electromagnetic signaling each of a plurality of buried side leg conveyances (141-146) coupled to a common underground backbone conveyance (12), a cable locating signal generator (17) applies a plurality of different frequency conveyance locating signals to the backbone conveyance. A separate one of a plurality of filter arrestors (181-186) selective passes a particular one of the plurality of different frequency locating signals onto a corresponding one of the side leg conveyances. In this way, each side leg conveyance carries only a particular frequency locating signal whose strength remains unaffected by the locating signal on the other side leg conveyances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for consolidating troubleshooting information generated by a variety of troubleshooting systems is presented. A fault occurs in a network. At least one troubleshooting system notifies a network incident analyzer of the fault. A graphical user interface (GUI) is presented to a network operator. The network operator inputs information into the GUI. The information is used in conjunction with the original troubleshooting information to generate a query to a plurality of troubleshooting systems. Updated troubleshooting information is received in the network incident analyzer in response to the queries. The network incident analyzer uses the updated troubleshooting information to update the GUI and ultimately isolate the fault.

Abstract: A bracket for supporting spare fiber optic cable includes a pair of parallel, spaced-apart cross arms supported by a center post, where the center post may then be attached to the floor of a manhole, or other location used to store spare fiber cable. The spare cable is then wound around the cross arms and available for later use. The hanging bracket is located in the manhole such that the cross arms face the cable conduits in the sidewalls of the manhole, allowing the fiber to be easily pulled through the conduit as it unwinds from the bracket, eliminating the problem of kinks in the cable as it is pulled.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for testing a fiber-optic cable. An Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is presented. Test signals are generated from the OTDR and received by the OTDR for processing. The received test signals are sampled and analyzed. The received test signals include reflectance spikes and a slope. A first-order derivative is taken of the received signal. The first-order derivative is then filtered to remove the reflectance spikes and the slope. Discontinuities in the filtered first-order derivative denote a fault in the fiber-optic cable.

Abstract: A system (10) for monitoring a cable (14) for fault in the metallic sheath (12) includes a transmitter (16) for applying a signal to a first end of the metallic member at periodic intervals. A receiver (18) periodically measures what if any signal exists at a second end of the metallic member in synchronism with the application of the signal so that each measurement is made not long longer than the interval during which the signal is applied to the metallic member. The receiver communicates the measurements to a central facility for evaluation to determine whether the metallic member exhibits a fault.

Abstract: To locate a buried conveyance (10), electromagnetic signaling information is collected at spaced intervals along the conveyance with the aid of a locating device (14). A processor (21) receives such information from the locating device (14) and then geographically orders the information in accordance with the geographic coordinates of the location at which it was obtained. Once geographically ordered, the information is then provided on a display (22) to provide a visual representation of the information as a function of the conveyance length.

Abstract: A conductive splint for repairing a damaged metallic sheath of a fiber optic cable includes a C-shaped stabilization element that spans the damaged area and a conductive stabilization component that attaches to the C-shaped stabilization element and provides for electrical connection across the section of damaged sheath. The conductive stabilization component includes a pair of end clamps that have an inner barbed surface for penetrating into and contacting the metallic sheath, and a conductive brace that is coupled between the clamps, the combination of the clamps and brace forming an electrical path across the damaged section. A heat shrink blanket is used to encapsulate the combination of the C-shaped element and conductive stabilization component, preventing further corrosion in the damaged section.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring the integrity of the spare fibers within a fiber optic cable includes a transmitter unit at a first location and a receiver unit at a second location (which may be upwards of 50 miles from the first location). A test signal is launched by a laser source in the transmitter unit along each spare fiber, and a set of threshold detectors is used at the receiver unit to monitor the received signal level. If the level of a received test signal along a spare fiber drops below a predetermined level (or if the fiber fails completely), an alarm signal is generated to alert a technician regarding the need to repair or replace the failed spare fiber. The alarm signal may be a “local” alarm signal generated at the second/receiver location or may be communicated back to the first/transmitter location as a “remote” alarm signal.

Abstract: A utility conveyance (10), such as a pipe, cable or duct, designed for burial in surrounding earth (12) carries a passive warning mechanism (16), preferably a water-soluble dye embedded in the conveyance. The dye, when exposed to moisture (e.g., rainwater in the surround earth) will bleed from the conveyance and discolor the surrounding soil, thus alerting any contractor attempting to excavate in the surrounding area.

Abstract: A crimper tool for use in attaching lugs to the metallic sheath covering on fiber optic cables includes a pair of blocks, with a trough formed in each block to accommodate the cable when one block is placed on top of the other. Each block includes at least one slot for positioning a proper-sized die to perform the crimping action. The use of this block crimper tool is particularly advantageous when a hand-held crimper is too small to accommodate a large diameter fiber cable.

Abstract: A bond device for fiber optic cables allows for an electrical bond to be made between the cables without the need to first strip away the outer poly covering on each cable. The bond device comprises a metallic lug element which includes a cable-receiving channel, the interior surface of the channel having at least one (and, preferably, a plurality of) outwardly extending barbed tooth. As the metallic lug is clamped around the cable, the tooth/teeth penetrate the outer poly layer and contact the underlying metallic sheath material. The lug may then be coupled to another such lug via a stranded wire bonding ribbon attached between the lugs.

Abstract: A communication and control system particularly for use by the disabled, and carers of the disabled, in a domestic environment is described. The communication and control system has at least two communication modules, each module having a processing unit which has a unique identification code. Each communication module also has a unique hierarchical address corresponding to the identification code, the address defining the physical location of the module. The hierarchical address represents at least two physical domains. Each processing unit has coupled to it a signal receiver or a signal transmitter or both a signal receiver and a signal transmitter, and at least one transducer for detecting a physical parameter and for broadcasting packets of data indicative of the status of a module or for controlling a remote module.

Abstract: The location of a casing (10) as it is pushed through the earth during installation is monitored by transmitting a locating signal into a water reservoir (24) that supplies water into an auxiliary water pipe (18) that runs substantially the length of the casing for the purpose of monitoring the level of the casing. The water carries the signal into the pipe so that the signal radiates above the ground along the length of the casing. By detecting the signal via a cable locator (30), the location of the casing can be monitored during installation.

Abstract: A utility worker seeking to exit a manhole (13) in a roadway (14) receives a warning of an approaching vehicle (12) via a warning device (18) within the manhole and signaled from at least one vehicle-detecting device (15) on the roadway for detecting approaching vehicles. The vehicle-detecting device (15) includes a motion detector (19) for detecting the approaching vehicle by its motion and, preferably, a noise detector (20) and band pass filter (22) for detecting the approaching vehicle by its motion. The motion detector (19) provides a “far end” or early warning of an approaching vehicle, whereas, the combination of the noise detector (20) and filter (22) provide a “near-end” or late warning. The combination of near-end and far-end warnings increases the margin of safety afforded the worker seeking to exit the manhole onto the roadway, in contrast to a far end or near end warning by itself.

Abstract: A color-coded restoration splice block is formed to match the coloring of the individual fibers within a standard ribbon cable. Thus, during the splicing operation, the proper pairs of fibers will be mated and laid within the same fiber-holding groove, eliminating the problem of “crossing” fibers from one ribbon to another as they are spliced together. In a preferred embodiment, the entire groove is colored to match the sheath color of the pair of fibers disposed in the groove.

Abstract: A manhole cover lifting tool includes three separate pieces that are mated together to allow for the entire cover to be lifted in one motion. A pair of hook arms are inserted over opposing holes in the manhole cover and joined together. A lifting arm is then attached to the joined hook arms and used to remove the cover from the opening.

Abstract: The relative position of a cable (10) within a pipe (16) is obtained by first applying a locating signal to a metallic part (12) of the cable so that the locating signal radiates beyond the pipe. The strength of the locating signal is measured at two separate distances from the cable via a pair of signal detectors (24, 26). By comparing the difference in the locating signal strengths to a predicted differential locating signal strength for a given cable depth within a pipe of known parameters, the actual cable depth can be detected.

Abstract: A service provider that buries multiple utility conveyances (12a. 12b and 12c) along a common right of way (14) may facilitate their location via a technician (24) by impressing a pulsed confirmation signal (23) on each conveyance in addition to a conventional locate signal (16). The pulsed confirmation signal is uniquely identifies that conveyance, but also contains information that identifies the total number of conveyances and their relationship with each other.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (12) is installed within an enclosure (14) a duct by pushing the cable into the duct via a motorized pushing mechanism (38). As the optical fiber cable enters the enclosure, the image of interior of the enclosure is focused by a lens (22) onto a first end of the optical cable for transmission to the opposite end in which is optical registration with a television camera (24). The television camera captures the image of the enclosure interior for display on a monitor (26) to enable installation personnel to observe any possible narrowing of the enclosure that could impede fiber installation. Upon detecting such a restriction or obstruction narrowing the enclosure, the installation personnel actuate a pair of fingers (28a, 28b) carried by a casing (18) circumscribing the forward end of the optical fiber cable to push outwardly against the interior of the enclosure to reduce the narrowing and facilitate installation of the cable in the enclosure.

Abstract: Location of an underground utility conveyance having a metallic part (10) running along its length is enhanced by providing a plurality of selective conduction units (30) spaced along the length of the conveyance. Each selective conduction unit selectively shunts the metallic part of the conveyance to ground at a point between its first and second ends in response to a particular pattern of pulses modulated onto the locating tone impressed on the metallic part by a cable-locating signal generator (14) to cause only that portion of the metallic part lying between the first end and said point to radiate the locating signal. In this way, the amplitude of the locating signal radiated above the earth for locating purposes is increased.