Abstract: A portable wall and ceiling texture machine applicator is housed in a relatively small cabinet mounted on relatively large rear wheels for easy pulling up stairs and on swivel front casters for easy steering. A first material delivery system includes a variable speed pump which delivers particulate texture material at a selected flow rate which enables a creative application of texture. A completely separate delivery system delivers pressurized air to a spray head which merges the particulate texture material and pressurized air to spray it onto a wall or ceiling. Separate power cords supply energy for delivering the particulate texture material and pressurized air so that existing 15-amp house supply circuits may be used. The spray head may be on either a pole gun or a hand gun. A check valve on the spray head prevents a back flow of the particulate material when the spray head is turned off.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a fiber optic cable comprising a central core which has one or more helical channels in its periphery. One or more tubes containing a dielectric water-blocking compound and one or more optical fibers are positioned in the channels. The fibers are randomly arranged within the tubes in such a way that tensile stresses on the cable are not transmitted to them, thus providing an elongation window. Finally, the assembly formed by the core and the tube or tubes is wrapped with a serving of metal wires. In one embodiment, the core and tubes may be wrapped with a tape layer before the outer metal wires are applied. Any interstices among the core, the tube or tubes, and tape may also be filled with another dielectric water-blocking compound.