Abstract: A hybrid cable for distributing communications signals and three-phase moderate-voltage alternating current, and a distribution method and network using the hybrid cable. The cable includes a hollow conduit, an optical fiber pulled through the conduit and housed within the conduit, power conductors disposed around the conduit, and a sheath which provides both structural protection and dielectric properties encasing the power conductors.

Abstract: The method includes steps for and the apparatus includes means for determining the absolute position of a movable element mounted for movement along a path. The method includes the steps of: developing a pseudo random sequence of indicia which uniquely define the position of the movable element on the path; generating a pseudo random sequence of information bits which correspond to the indicia; reading the pattern of the N indicia at one particular position of the movable element on the path; cycling the generated pseudo random sequence until N bits thereof equal the pattern of N indicia at one particular position of the movable element on the path; and when equality is obtained, generating a logic signal indicating that the pseudo random sequence has been cycled to a position correlated to the absolute position of the movable element on the path.