With Electrical Conductor In The Same Cable Patents (Class 385/101)
  • Patent number: 6973244
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cable comprising at least two elongated elements chosen from a group consisting of steel tubes (1, 2), optical fibre cables (3), electrical cables (4), and combinations thereof, arranged side by side within a common outer cover (5) along the length of the line and where at least one of the elongated elements (1, 2) has a passive metal outer surface, said outer cover (5) allowing entrance of corrosive agent to the interstices between elements, characterized in that at least one of the elements (1,2) with passive metal outer surface is provided with an outer layer (1A, 2A) formed of a material with open structure for water passage and having controlled thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Nexans
    Inventor: Stian Karlsen
  • Patent number: 6968994
    Abstract: A Radio Frequency Identification (“RF-ID”) device is affixed to a cable to identify the cable, i.e., distinguish the cable from other cables. A handheld RF-ID reader is used to identify particular cables by detecting the RF-ID associated with the cable. Short range RF-ID readers are embedded in a network device proximate to ports to determine which cable is connected with which port. A configurable cross-connect between the port and internal circuitry is configured based on the detected RF-ID to make predetermined interconnections. Consequently, proper interconnections may be achieved by connecting the cabling with any of a plurality of ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Ltd
    Inventor: Peter Ashwood Smith
  • Patent number: 6965718
    Abstract: In one embodiment, apparatus for supplying power over an optical link is provided. The apparatus includes a hybrid cable including an optical fiber and a conductor, wherein the optical fiber is configured to transmit an optical signal and the conductor is configured to transmit a power signal. In another embodiment, a method for supplying power over an optical link, includes: providing a hybrid cable in a network system, wherein the hybrid cable includes an optical fiber and a conductor; and transmitting an optical signal along the optical fiber, and transmitting a power signal along the conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Andreas H. Koertel
  • Patent number: 6957001
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroluminescent light source. In particular, it relates to an multi-colored electroluminescent cable capable of changing colors, which comprises: a group of electroluminescent filaments which consist of a plurality of electroluminescent filaments of different colors and are insulated from each other, helically wound on the outer side of the axis; a transparent and flexible polymer casing tube disposed on the outer side of the group of electroluminescent filaments. The advantage of the present invention is low in power consumption, simple in structure, convenient for use, and has relatively long service life. The filament can be bent into a plurality of geometrical shapes as consumers demand, and it is beautiful and appealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: Wenzheng He
  • Patent number: 6949933
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using optical waveguides to detect chafing of electrical cables. Chafing damage is preferably detected by disposing several optical waveguides about the periphery of an electrical cable such that any chafing that causes damage to the electrical cable will likely also cause damage to at least one of the optical waveguides. The disclosed apparatus and method allows multiple optical waveguides of one cable segment to be connected to multiple optical waveguides of an adjacent cable segment using only a single optical waveguide connection, while still allowing each of the optical waveguides of either cable segment to be monitored independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Thomas L. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6931183
    Abstract: A hybrid cable comprising an optical fiber, an intermediate layer surrounding the optical fiber, and an electrically insulating jacket surrounding the intermediate layer. The intermediate layers include a collection of metallic strands. The hybrid cable may be used to establish simultaneous electrical and fiber-optic connection between two communication devices. Thus, the two communication devices may simultaneously transfer optical signals through the optical fiber and perform any of various electrical functions (power transfer, eye safety control) through the metallic strands. For example, an optical transceiver may couple to an optical antenna unit through the hybrid cable. Such an optical transceiver may serve as part of a point-to-point link, a point-to-multipoint link, and/or, a link between a primary transceiver unit and an optical router.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Dominion Lasercom, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Panak, Mark A. Doucet
  • Patent number: 6931190
    Abstract: An optical fiber unit for air blown fiber installation, including an optical fiber wire; an inner coating layer formed on an outer periphery of the optical fiber wire with a modulus of elasticity ranging from 0.98 to 196 MPa; an outer coating layer formed on an outer periphery of the inner coating layer with a modulus of elasticity ranging from 196 to 1960 MPa; and a foamed plastic layer formed on an outer periphery of the outer coating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Etsuo Ino, Tsuyoshi Shimomichi, Keiji Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6922511
    Abstract: One embodiment is a fiber optic cable including at least one subunit, a tube, a plurality of strength members, and a cable jacket. The subunit includes a fiber optic ribbon and a sheath, wherein the sheath is tight-buffered about the fiber optic ribbon, thereby inhibiting buckling of the ribbon during temperature variations. The tube houses at least a portion of the at least one subunit to form a tube assembly. The plurality of strength members are disposed radially outward of the tube and are surrounded by the cable jacket. Other embodiments include a plurality of subunits in a stack with each subunit having a sheath for security purposes. Additionally, a tube assembly can have a fiber optic packing density of about 0.05 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Brian K. Rhoney, Samuel D. Nave, James A. Register, III, William M. Hobbs, Jill D. McPeak, Roderick S. Bayliss, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6909828
    Abstract: A cable breakout assembly comprising: a cable furcation device joining a cable including an outer jacket and an inner optical fiber, to an upjacket. The upjacket includes an inner tube for receiving the optical fiber, a stranded strength member outside the inner tube, and an outer tube outside of the strength member. The cable furcation device includes a first end disposed around the end of the outer jacket of the cable. The second end has a projecting tube for receiving the outer tube of the upjacket, the first tube having an inner diameter receiving the inner tube and the optical fiber. The device has an outer crimp surface, and a crimp ring crimps the strength member to the crimp surface. A heat shrunk tube is positioned around a portion of the upjacket, the cable furcation device, and a portion of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Zimmel, Michael J. Shorter
  • Patent number: 6909821
    Abstract: A network for distributing signals to a plurality of user apparatuses having a distribution unit with a plurality of ports, and a plurality of optical-fiber cables connected to the ports and suitable to make the plurality of ports of the distribution unit communicate with the plurality of user apparatuses. At least one of the plurality of optical-fiber cables is an electrically terminated optical cable having an optical cable with a single-mode optical fiber and an opto-electronic end portion mechanically and permanently connected to an end of the optical cable, and the opto-electronic end portion has an opto-electronic conversion device having an optic port optically aligned with and mechanically connected to, an end of the single-mode optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Pirelli Cavi e Sistemi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Ravasio, Guido Oliveti, Claudio Zammarchi
  • Patent number: 6880982
    Abstract: An electrical distribution board that stores terminals of a signal cable connected to a communication network and an electrical power cable connected to an electrical distribution cable, the electrical distribution board comprising: an in-building electrical distribution breaker inserted between the electrical power cable and the in-building distribution cable; a gateway that interfaces the communication network with the in-building network; and a plurality of optical repeaters, each having a bi-directional conversion function between an electrical signal and an optical signal between an electrical signal input/output terminal and an optical signal input/output terminal, and having an electrical signal input/output terminal that is connected to an electrical signal input/output terminal for in-building network connection of the gateway, wherein the optical signal input/output terminal is connected to an optical fiber cable of the in-building network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Imamura
  • Patent number: 6882703
    Abstract: A system and method for providing pulsed power application for an x-ray tube that comprises an x-ray tube having an anode and cathode; and a power supply adapted to provide an anode-to-cathode gap accelerating potential and photons, wherein the gap voltage and photons are pulsed and received by the x-ray tube via a single cable from the power supply resulting in a pulsed x-ray radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: John Scott Price, Karl Francis Sherwin, Kasegn Dubale Tekletsadik
  • Patent number: 6882785
    Abstract: A medical imaging system with a base unit including an electronic display, and a remote imaging transducer connected to the display unit via a flexible cable. The cable includes a number of signal transmission lines, each of which includes a twisted pair of conductors for digital differential signal lines. Each conductor is connected at a first end to the transducer, and at a second end to the base unit. The signal transmission lines may be wrapped about a core, which may be an optical conduit communicating with a light source at the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: The Ludlow Company LP
    Inventors: Eric Eichelberger, Theron V. Page, Jr
  • Patent number: 6872471
    Abstract: The present invention includes infrared emitting materials and infrared emitting devices. The present invention demonstrates 1.54 micron infrared PL and EL emission from an organic complex. This provides a very simple way to obtain a light source at 1.54 micron wavelength that may be both optically and electrically pumped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: The Ohio State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Arthur J. Epstein, Qianbing Zheng, Run G. Sun
  • Patent number: 6859590
    Abstract: Hybrid electrical-optical cable for overhead installations for power distribution and for telecommunications, comprising three insulated phase conductors helically wound around a supporting rope. Inside the supporting rope there is at least one optical fibre element fitted in a tubular structure which resists transverse compression, a supporting structure resistant to longitudinal tension being present around the said tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Pirelli Cavi E Sistemi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Ernesto Zaccone, Sergio Belli, Giuseppe Casanova, Paolo Marelli
  • Patent number: 6847767
    Abstract: Cables and an apparatus and methods for making cables having at least one messenger section, transmission sections, and at least two series of connecting webs. At least one series of webs can be intermittently formed. The messenger section can include a messenger wire for supporting the cable, and the transmission sections can include electrical/electronic and/or optical transmission components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: William C. Hurley, John D. Coleman, Warren W. McAlpine
  • Patent number: 6847745
    Abstract: A winding arrangement comprising at least one multi-layered winding body having a plurality of windings associated with a winding band and an optical waveguide, which is introduced therein or therethrough. The optical waveguide is wound into the winding body in the area where it is introduced therein and comprises, at least in the area, a light-guiding fiber and a protective layer applied thereto. The protective layer consists either entirely or partially of a layer of material having a maximum elasticity module of 2.5 GPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Bosselmann, Nils Theune
  • Publication number: 20040247266
    Abstract: Connectors, signaling assemblies, circuit boards, and communication systems are disclosed. Some embodiments include signaling media having a plurality of optical and electrical signal conductors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Tanay Karnik, Jianping Xu
  • Patent number: 6826337
    Abstract: A method for transmitting fiber channel signals and non-fiber channel signals. The method includes: providing a cable having a connector at each end thereof; and transmitting both the fiber-channel signals and the non-fiber channel signals through the cable between the connectors. In one embodiment of the invention, the non-fiber channel signals are transmitted in outer region of the cable and the fiber channel signals are transmitted in a region of the cable interior to the outer region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Linnell
  • Patent number: 6813421
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable including a cable core having at least one optical fiber and a ripcord. In one embodiment, the ripcord is a conductive material operative, upon application of a sufficient pulling force, to rip at least one cable component for facilitating access to said at least one optical fiber. In other embodiments, the ripcord is formed from a semi-conductive material, the ripcord is removably attached to at least one cable component, and/or the ripcord has an excess length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Jason C. Lail, Jody L. Greenwood, Patrick K. Strong, Roger K. Peterson, Bradley J. Blazer, William E. Caldwell, Richard S. Wagman, Douglas S. Hedrick
  • Publication number: 20040197058
    Abstract: A medical imaging system with a base unit including an electronic display, and a remote imaging transducer connected to the display unit via a flexible cable. The cable includes a number of signal transmission lines, each of which includes a twisted pair of conductors for digital differential signal lines. Each conductor is connected at a first end to the transducer, and at a second end to the base unit. The signal transmission lines may be wrapped about a core, which may be an optical conduit communicating with a light source at the base unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Eric Eichelberger, Theron V. Page
  • Patent number: 6801700
    Abstract: The specification describes optical fibers that are constructed to prevent theft of optical signals. One construction is designed to block access of the core of the fiber to the “writing” radiation necessary to form a grating tap. In this embodiment the optical fiber cladding is provided with a highly absorbing UV layer. In a variation of this embodiment, one or more additional optical paths are provided in the optical fiber to accommodate monitoring signals. The added optical paths allow monitoring signals to be transmitted in the optical fiber, separate from the information signal, to signal an attempt to breach the outer coating or the cladding of the optical fiber. A second case of intrusion is addressed by increasing the sensitivity of the optical fiber to microbending loss to the extent that bends in the fiber cause such high attenuation of the signal that the bends do not go undetected at the receiving station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Fitel USA Corp
    Inventors: John Burnette MacChesney, Thomas Edward Stockert, Patrick William Wisk, Man Fei Yan
  • Publication number: 20040184747
    Abstract: A cable wherein even when there is a substantial volume of cable identifying information for identifying the cable, all of that cable identifying information can be simply and speedily written-in. This cable has a cable core, an integrated member with a chain of RFIDs including a plurality of RFID elements arranged at suitable intervals along a longitudinal direction of the cable core, to and from which cable identifying information can be written-in and read-out by transmission of electromagnetic energy, and a transmission coaxial cable for collectively writing-in cable identifying information to all of the RFID elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Koyasu, Kazunaga Kobayashi, Satoru Shiobara, Ken Osato, Masashi Hara, Shimei Tanaka, Takeshi Honjo, Keiji Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20040179795
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable comprises at least one central strength member, at least one optical fiber, a metallic conductor surrounding the fiber and, surrounding the conductor, a layer of an insulative composition comprising mainly a mixture of polymers comprising at least one high-density first polymer and one low-density second polymer which has a lower viscosity than the first polymer. It is preferable that the first polymer be high-density polyethylene and the second polymer be low-density polyethylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Applicant: ALCATEL
    Inventors: Christian Cottevieille, Gilles Laurec, Bernard Aladenize
  • Publication number: 20040170371
    Abstract: An optical cable and method of making the same, the optical cable being characterized by an axial symmetry and comprising a core, doped with phosphorescent or fluorescent impurities, and a transparent envelope. The transparent envelope comprises a cladding layer and optionally a jacket layer surrounding the cladding layer. The optical cable may further comprise an associated light source comprising an inner electrode, an outer electrode, and an active area, located between said inner electrode and said outer electrode. The light source and said optical cable are integrated as a unit. The light source is characterized by an axial symmetry and is positioned coaxial with respect to the axis of the optical cable. The inner electrode is substantially transparent, such that light generated in said active area may propagate outside said light source and into the optical cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Vladimir Arkhipov, Paul Heremans
  • Publication number: 20040156602
    Abstract: A branching unit integrated into a submarine telecommunication system comprising three cables having optical and electrical transmission members comprises three terminals connected to the electrical transmission members of the cables, three input points, and three electrical contacts each between one of the terminals and one of the input points. In an operating configuration, and at a given time, a first terminal and a second terminal are electrically connected together and form a trunk segment adapted to convey a trunk current, and a third terminal is electrically connected to a submarine ground to form a branch segment adapted to convey a branch current. The branching unit carries out reconfiguration by controlling switching of the electrical contacts. A voltage indicating the potential at a point on the trunk segment is measured. Because an optical reconfiguration request is made by means of an optical reconfiguration signal the unit is able to receive and process optical reconfiguration signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: ALCATEL
    Inventors: Thierry Verhaege, Alain Cordier, Patrick Mejasson
  • Patent number: 6775442
    Abstract: An internal unit is incorporated in a body of a submarine apparatus. The internal unit comprises a plurality of system units placed in a predetermined arrangement, and coupling bars fixed to coupling-bar fixing surfaces of the system units by screws so as to couple the system units in the predetermined arrangement. The system units include at least one electronic-circuit printed board having a part to be adjusted. The coupling-bar fixing surfaces are located at positions shifted from the electronic-circuit-printed board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Yasushi Kaeriyama, Hiroshi Nakashima, Taiichi Takeda
  • Patent number: 6771862
    Abstract: A signaling medium is disclosed. The signaling medium includes several optical media and electrical conductors arranged such that one or more of the electrical conductors are disposed between the optical media. The medium may be shielded, and may included multiple groupings of electrical conductors and optical media. A connector; a signaling assembly, including a signaling medium and connector; a circuit board; and a signal communication system (including multiple circuit boards and one or more signaling media) are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Tanay Karnik, Jianping Xu
  • Publication number: 20040126068
    Abstract: A system and method for the transmission of optical signals via optical fibres in a building provided with a system of conduits for electric wires. The optical fibers are ducted through the same conduits as the electric wires. The optical fibres are fitted to the same wall or ceiling terminals as the electric wires. The terminals can comprise connectors to which the optical fibers are fitted, or optical transceivers. The terminals can also comprise electrically supplied modules for amplifying, processing, routing or converting the optical signals. Monitoring, controlling, processing etc. of the optical signals can be done in a central element, in the proximity of a central module for monitoring etc. the electric energy in the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Cornelis Casparus Van Bijsterveld
  • Patent number: 6752657
    Abstract: A connection system for providing multiple modes of electromagnetic connection to a device. This system includes a ribbon cable with a plurality of multi-mode electromagnetic conductors arranged in a serial array, one alongside the other including a central optical conductor disposed between a pair of electrical conductors. The system also includes a multi-mode electromagnetic connector, that includes a housing, and optical transducers disposed between a pair of electrical terminals that have insulation piercing free ends. A cover that latchingly engages the housing applies pressure to the ribbon cable, forcing the ribbon cable to be pierced by the upper ends of the terminals and pressing the optical conductor into optical communication with said transducers. The electrical conductors carry electrical power comprising alternating current, at a frequency ranging between 10 and 30 kHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: James K. Gehrke, Daniel R. Schroeder, Robert R. Kornowski
  • Publication number: 20040114888
    Abstract: A multi-function security cable is disclosed for use as a perimeter security cable for an intrusion detection system, a secure communications cable, and a secure power cable. The security cable includes an optical fiber sub-cable, a communications sub-cable, and a pair of power conductors combined within an overjacket. A central filler is provided for strength to the perimeter security cable, and strength members and a central filler are provided between and adjacent to the sub-cables and within the overjacket for providing a strong and tight structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Gerald Rich, William John Evenson
  • Publication number: 20040109651
    Abstract: An electrical cable having a holding member arranged within the cable for an optic fiber, which can be used for temperature sensing and/or communications. The holding member can replace one or more strands of the cable, be placed inside an interstice of the cable, be placed in between various layers of the cable, or placed in the jacket of the cable. At least one strength member may be adjacent to and/or attached to the holding member to provide additional protection for the optic fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Lancaster, Thomas Wilki, Eugene T. Sanders, Kasi Hajra
  • Patent number: 6746161
    Abstract: An electrical distribution board that stores terminals of a signal cable connected to a communication network and an electrical power cable connected to an electrical distribution cable, the electrical distribution board comprising: an in-building electrical distribution breaker inserted between the electrical power cable and the in-building distribution cable; a gateway that interfaces the communication network with the in-building network; and a plurality of optical repeaters, each having a bi-directional conversion function between an electrical signal and an optical signal between an electrical signal input/output terminal and an optical signal input/output terminal, and having an electrical signal input/output terminal that is connected to an electrical signal input/output terminal for in-building network connection of the gateway, wherein the optical signal input/output terminal is connected to an optical fiber cable of the in-building network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yoichi Imamura
  • Publication number: 20040105635
    Abstract: A conductive cable having an optic fiber arranged longitudinally along the cable. The optic fiber can be used as a dynamic temperature sensor that provides real time data regarding the temperature of the cable. This data can be used so to increase the efficient use of the conductive cable. Furthermore, this data can be used to determine whether the proper size of cable is being used or to select new cables for existing circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Shantanu Nandi, James Patrick Crane
  • Patent number: 6738547
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: John A. R. Spooner
  • Publication number: 20040071382
    Abstract: A fiber optic security sensor cable and system for using the cable. The cable includes a optical fiber encased in a first jacket, a power cable encased in a second jacket, and an overjacket encasing both the first jacket and the second jacket where the fiber is utilized to securely transmit data and provide a response to a sensed disturbance to the sensor cable. The system provides secure data transmission and power distribution via the sensor cable where one optical sensing fiber along the path of a data fiber responds to a sensed disturbance to the sensor cable. The system's sensor cable is enabled to detect disturbances at a processing unit where the sensor cable is either physically routed adjacent to the processing unit or within the processing unit. The system can further include more than one processing unit in the form of auxiliary units such as repeaters, power amplifiers, power outlets, data routers, and any similar electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Brian Gerald Rich, William John Evenson
  • Publication number: 20040062496
    Abstract: Discussed herein are multi-member cables which are comprised of two or more components (including component cables and non-cable components) held together by at least one adhesive element placed between the components, and methods for manufacturing such cables. Multi-member cables which are compromised of jacketed cables whose jackets are adhered together without the use of an adhesive element, such as by co-forming the jackets, and methods for manufacturing such cables are also discussed. Generally, the components will be separated from the multi-member cable by an installer, although other methods may also be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Brian R. Shuman, Thomas L. Rodeghero, Galen M. Gareis, William E. Miller, Charles R. Barnett
  • Patent number: 6697710
    Abstract: A gas pipe explorer formed of a plurality of connecting elements, and an articulation element between the connected elements. The connected elements include drive capabilities, and the articulation element allows the connected elements to traverse gas pipes of arbitrary shapes and sizes. A sensor may sends the characteristics of the gas pipe, and the communication element may send back those sends characteristics. The communication can be wired, over a tether connecting the device to a remote end. Alternatively, the connection can be wireless, driven by either a generator or a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Brian Wilcox
  • Patent number: 6687437
    Abstract: A hybrid data communications cable includes optical fibers and insulated electrical conductors. The cable includes an elongated filler member having a central portion, walls extending radially from the central portion and a conduit running the length of the filler member. The optical fibers are enclosed within the conduit, and at least one insulated electrical conductor is separated from another insulated electrical conductor by one or more walls of the filler member. The cable further includes a jacket that encloses the filler member and the insulated electrical conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Essex Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Starnes, Christopher W. McNutt
  • Patent number: 6678448
    Abstract: The invention concerns an opto-electronic connector system with a plug 1 and a receptacle 2. The plug 1 includes a tube shaped housing 3 with an area for introduction or output of an optical signal as well as at least one opto-electronic and/or electro-optical transformer 8a, 8b and a therewith associated optical element 7 for beam guidance. Beyond this, electrical contacts 10 for input or output of an electrical signal are provided, which are connected with the one or more transformers (8a, 8b) via amplifier stage 9a, 9b. The tube shaped housing 3 is preferably in the form a cylinder or truncated cone, which engages in a corresponding recess 4 in the receptacle 2 when in the connected condition. The receptacle 2 is adapted for integration on a circuit board. The opto-electronic connector system has been found to be particularly small in its external dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Jörg Moisel, Hans-Peter Huber, Manfred Rode
  • Patent number: 6674945
    Abstract: An electric conductor incorporates at least one optical fibre and has a central axial element with at least one layer of elements helically stranded about it. At least one of the elements, preferably the central axial one, includes at least one optical fibre which is enclosed in a longitudinally extending welded metal tube (typically stainless steel). A second metal tube of greater thickness and higher conductivity than the welded metal tube and having an unwelded longitudinal seam surrounds the welded tube. The second tube is typically of aluminium and served to increase the diameter of the element so that a greater range of useful conductor sizes can be formed by using it in conjunction with appropriately chosen wire diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: CCS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Mark Rowland, David John Walker
  • Publication number: 20030235379
    Abstract: An electro-optical cable, plug and socket comprising an electro-optical cable, an electro-optical plug and an electro-optical socket, the electro-optical cable wraps a plastic fiber optics and two copper wires together; the electro-optical plug in a shell body with a fiber optics plug and a line power plug; the fiber optics plug connects to the plastic fiber optics, the line power plug connects to the copper wires; the electro-optical socket is a base with a fiber optics socket and a line power socket; the electro-optical socket is installed on an electro-optical peripheral circuit board. The mechanism can reduce the numbers of different cables, plugs and sockets that reduces the tedious wiring and troublesome.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Hsi-Chung Lin
  • Publication number: 20030215197
    Abstract: The combined optical and electrical transmission line includes an optical fiber and an electrically-conductive sleeve that surrounds the optical fiber. The optical fiber transmits optical signals and the conductive sleeve conducts electrical signals or electrical power. The electrically-conductive sleeve may form part of an electrical transmission line having a characteristic impedance capable of transmitting a high-frequency electrical signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Jonathan N. Simon, Gary B. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6643437
    Abstract: Disclosed are an all-dielectric self-supporting optical cable and a manufacturing method thereof. The all-dielectric self-supporting (ADSS) optical cable installed on an extra-high voltage electrical power transmitting pylon comprises a first armor rod made of metal material and connected to a dead end of the all-dielectric self-supporting optical cable; and an insulating member for insulating the first armor rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung-Tae Park
  • Publication number: 20030202756
    Abstract: Cables and an apparatus and methods for making cables having at least one messenger section, transmission sections, and at least two series of connecting webs. At least one series of webs can be intermittently formed. The messenger section can include a messenger wire for supporting the cable, and the transmission sections can include electrical/electronic and/or optical transmission components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: William C. Hurley, John D. Coleman, Warren W. McAlpine
  • Patent number: 6635828
    Abstract: The composite electrical insulator comprises an integrated optical fiber sensor placed inside the insulator. The integrated sensor can be a fault sensor constituted by an optical fiber placed on the support rod of the insulator and having optical cladding that melts at a temperature which is critical for the insulator. The integrated sensor can be a sensor for measuring stresses of mechanical or thermal origin acting on the insulator while it is in operation. It is constituted by an optical fiber having a Bragg grating implanted therein. The Bragg grating is placed on the support rod of the insulator or on a metal end-fitting of the insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Sediver Societe Europeenne d'Isolateurs en Verre et Composite
    Inventors: Damien Lepley, Alain Mure-Ravaud, Alain Trouillet
  • Patent number: 6619994
    Abstract: A jack plug of digital connector includes a jack plug with an optical fiber cable. The device is characterized in that the jack plug is composed of a front plug and a tail plug. A plug hole is disposed at the back part of the front plug. The tail plug has an insertion hole and on the front part of the tail plug possesses two clips at upper and bottom side respectively. The optical fiber cable picks through the insertion hole of the tail plug and then insert the tail plug into the plug hole of the front plug so as to make the two clips of the tail plug hold the optical fiber cable and fixed them at the back end of the front plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Jess-Link Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zen-Chyuan Chen, Kuo-Chiang Wu
  • Patent number: 6618526
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable having at least two interfaces being formed by first and second members. Between the interfaces is at least one retention area having an optical fiber component disposed therein. The retention area is disposed generally longitudinally and non-helically relative to an axis of the cable. The cable may also include a cable jacket substantially surrounding the members, a cushioning zone adjacent the optical fiber component, a water-blocking component and/or an interfacial layer. In another embodiment, a fiber optic cable includes a strength group having at least one strength member and an optical fiber being proof-tested to 125 KPSI or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: William S. Jackman, Louis A. Barrett
  • Patent number: 6614969
    Abstract: A medical imaging system with a base unit including an electronic display, and a remote imaging transducer connected to the display unit via a flexible cable. The cable includes a number of signal transmission lines, each of which includes a twisted pair of conductors for digital differential signal lines. Each conductor is connected at a first end to the transducer, and at a second end to the base unit. The signal transmission lines may be wrapped about a core, which may be an optical conduit communicating with a light source at the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: The Ludlow Company, LP
    Inventors: Eric E. Eichelberger, Theron V. Page, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030147604
    Abstract: A grounding and transition assembly for providing combined electrical grounding and distributed transition of a bundle of fiber optic strands associated with a fiber optic cable. The assembly includes a three dimensional housing having an assembleable top and bottom and defining a first section proximate an inlet end for seating an inserting end of the fiber optic cable. The assembleable top and bottom further defining a second substantially open interior section communicable with the first section and extending to an open outlet end. A grounding cable has a first end secured to the three dimensional housing, a second end of the grounding cable securing to a remote location from said housing and providing for conducting of electrical charge associated with the fiber optic cable away from the housing. A three dimensional insert sealingly engages within the second interior section and includes a plurality of interiorly defined apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Alejandro L. Tapia, Conley L. McGee, Kenneth A. Lane