Abstract: A cable includes an electrical conductor, a first insulating jacket disposed adjacent the electrical conductor and having a first relative permittivity, and a second insulating jacket disposed adjacent the first insulating jacket and having a second relative permittivity that is less than the first relative permittivity. A method includes providing an electrical conductor, extruding a first insulating jacket having a first relative permittivity over the electrical conductor, and extruding a second insulating jacket having a second relative permittivity over the electrical conductor, wherein the second relative permittivity is less than the first relative permittivity.

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.

Abstract: A compound optical and electrical conductor includes a fiberoptic light transmitting element (multiple fibers or single solid rod) with at least one electrical conductor therewith. The electrical conductor or conductors may be imbedded or otherwise secured within the optically conducting element or its surrounding jacket or sheath, or may be contained in a separate elongate retainer which may be provided to hold the optically conducting element in place as desired. The conductors may include a jacket or retainer which is optically open along one side thereof, allowing the optical conductor to emit light laterally therefrom subtending an angle defined by the optical gap in the jacket or retainer. One or more compound connectors may be provided, for linking two or more such compound conductors together as desired. The connectors provide for both the concentric alignment of the optical conductors, and also the electrical connection of the electrical conductors of the compound devices.

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 sectioncan include a messenger wire for supporting the cable, and the transmission sections can include electrical/electronic and/or optical transmission components.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fiber optic monitoring of downhole power and/or communication conduits employs optic fibers near such conduits or even within an encapsulation of said conduits to monitor integrity thereof.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a drop cable includes the step of providing a strength member including a yarn including a non-conductive and tensile strength fiber. The method includes the step of arranging a core including an optical fiber side-by-side the strength member. The method includes the step of arranging a messenger wire side-by-side the core. The method includes the step of extruding the strength member, the core, and the messenger wire together for sheathing.

Abstract: To protect a waveguide or cable in an installation channel, a protective profile is inserted into the channel and has a substantially U-shaped cross-section when installed. To install this in the channel, an apparatus having a drum with a profile wound thereon has the profile unwound and guided by guide rolls to a press roll, which presses the profile into the channel to the desired depth. The profile can have a center portion provided with embedded reinforcing elements or even optical or electrical leads.

Abstract: A cable suitable for use in a data processing network is disclosed. The cable includes an electrically insulating shielding, a signal carrying element enclosed by the shielding, and an identifying element embedded in the shielding. The identifying element is suitable for transporting light from a first end of the cable to a second end and for externally emitting the light at the second end. The signal carrying element be implemented as a twisted wire pair, a coaxial cable, or an optical fiber. The identifying element may include an optical fiber that is connected to a lens embedded in the shield at the second end of the cable. The first end of the optical fiber may be connected to another lens that is embedded in the shielding at the first end of the cable. Alternatively, the first end of the optical fiber may be connected to an LED, which is connected to a circuit including a battery aid a contact switch.

Abstract: A cable assembly includes a sleeve body of plastic material; a protective tube extending in the sleeve body; a cable element disposed within the protective tube; and a transverse port provided in the wall of the protective tube. The plastic material extends through the transverse port into the protective tube and cross-sectionally seals the protective tube water tight in a region of the transverse port.

Abstract: In addition to the mechanical stresses caused by wind, icing, etc., the manufacturer of an optical aerial cable has to consider the electrical stress mechanisms (corona discharge, “tracking” effect) which lead to premature aging of the outer jacket by considering constructive measures and the use of special jacket materials. The outer jacket of the aerial cable contains several PE fusible fibers embedded into the jacketing material, whose conductivity is based on the content of carbon black in the amount of 10% of weight to 40% of weight. The resistance of these fusible fibers manufactured by coextrusion with the outer jacket is sufficiently low at 105 &OHgr;/m-109 &OHgr;/m, to discharge the induced electrical charges to the anchoring spirals fastened to the pole. No large potential differences in the longitudinal direction of the cable can occur on the wet, only partially dried jacket surface.

Abstract: An optical imaging system with a flexible cable having a first end and a second end. The cable has a central core element including a flexible optical conduit, with a number of wires surrounding the core element to form a tube concentric with an axis defined by the center of the core. The cable has a conductive shield layer surrounding the wires and uniformly spaced apart from the wires An electronic instrument is connected to the first end of the cable and has an illuminator coupled with the optical conduit and a display device connected to the wires. An image transducer is connected to the second end of the cable and is connected to the wires. The wires may be twisted pairs evenly spaced apart from each other, and evenly spaced apart from an axis defined by the core.

Abstract: A method for transmitting fibre channel signals and non-fibre channel signals. The method includes: providing a cable having a connector at each end thereof; and transmitting both the fibre-channel signals and the non-fibre channel signals through the cable between the connectors.

Abstract: A cable network with a light waveguide cable which is introduced in the pipeline of an existing pipeline system. The light waveguide cable is arranged along a line, preferably at the vertex of the pipeline, and is provided with a protective layer so that a smooth transition exists between the wall surfaces of the pipeline and the cable.

Abstract: An underwater telecommunications system has a first underwater cable for carrying data traffic, one or more underwater repeaters, and an underwater power network for supplying power to the repeaters. By providing a separate cable for some or all of the power supply, the power route may be made shorter, thus more power can be delivered, therefore more repeaters can be used, which enables more fiber pairs to be laid, and thus the capacity to be increased.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable shield bond system is adapted to provide reliable, weather resistant ground connections to the conductive shield of a fiber optic cable. The system includes a cable shield connector having a rigid, electrically conductive bond plate which is mounted to the fiber optic cable by at least one hose clamp. At least one ground connector in electrical communication with the bond plate penetrates the protective jacket of the fiber optic cable to electrically connect the bond plate to the cable shield. A harness assembly mounted to the bond plate may be connected to a ground point and thereby ground the conductive shield of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: An optical fiber ribbon assembly includes a plurality of aligned optical fibers, a strain relief structure aligned with the fibers, and a protective layer integrally bonding the fibers and the strain relief structure together. The strain relief structure has at least a pair of strength members disposed on opposite sides of the aligned fibers and extending lengthwise along the ribbon assembly.

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.

Abstract: Electrically-terminated, optically-coupled communication cables are provided that are suitable for transport of high data rates and are safe for use in consumer communication applications. This safety is ensured with integral cable elements and permanent assembly of these elements.

Abstract: Fiber optic conduits are received around a central axis with their axes extending in the same direction as the central axis and with each fiber optic conduit tangent to two other fiber optic conduits. The fiber optic conduits define a first interstitial space therebetween and a plurality of second interstitial spaces between each pair of fiber optic conduits on a side thereof opposite the first interstitial space. An interstitial member is received tangent to each pair of fiber optic conduits defining each second interstitial space. Grounding members surround the interstitial members and the fiber optic conduits with their longitudinal axes extending in the same direction as the central axis. Each grounding member is tangent to two other grounding members and an imaginary tube which surrounds and is tangent to the interstitial members and the fiber optic conduits and which has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the central axis.

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.

Abstract: Composite cables operative to transmit information in optical transmission and/or electrical power modes. The composite cables include an optical fiber operative to transmit light comprising a silica-based core with a silica-based cladding having a lower index of refraction than the core, the core and cladding are surrounded by two layers of plastic that define a soft primary coating surrounding and in contact with the cladding, and a relatively rigid secondary coating that surrounds and is in contact with the primary coating. The optical fiber has an outside diameter of about 250 &mgr;m to about 500 &mgr;m or more, and an electrical conductor surrounds the secondary coating. The composite cable includes an outermost cable jacket layer having an outside diameter of about 3,500 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: A hybrid cable with optical fibers and metallic conductors has a cable jacket with a first slot (14) for reception of optical fibers (121, 122) as well as a second slot (24) for reception of the electrical conductors (221, 222). The parts (1, 2) of the cable jacket forming the slots are connected to one another with a crosspiece. The cable has a preferred bending line, which is formed by the symmetrical axis (4) of the cable. The cable is especially suited for optical signal transmission in combination with the transmission of electrical data signal or supply voltage.

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.

Abstract: An elongated electro-optical cable (100) is presented, which includes a plurality of elongated electrical conductors (104), a plurality of fiber optic elements (102), and an elongated insulating film casing enveloping the plurality of electrical conductors (104) and the plurality of fiber optic elements (102). The fiber optic elements (102), electrical conductors (104), and the elongated insulating film casing are arranged to form a generally flat cable (100). The cable may be arranged such that the electrical conductors (104) are shielded, for example, with a silver epoxy. An outer jacket (402) may be placed around the electrical conductors (104), fiber optic elements (102), and insulating film casing, which jacket (402) may be made from a tetrafluoroethylene polymer fiber. The electrical conductors (104) may be made from oxygen free copper and the insulating film casing may be made from a polyimide polymer.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved unshielded twisted pair cable for indoor premises use. The improved cable has a plurality of twisted pair electrical conductors positioned within an outer jacket along with the fiber-optic element. The outer jacket and insulative layers surrounding each unshielded twisted pair cable may be selected to be low toxicity, low smoke for plenum use. The twist lengths of the twisted pair electrical conductors are varied with respect to each other within the cable.

Abstract: A cable comprising a stress-bearing matrix extending substantially through the length of the cable; and a plurality of conducting elements extending substantially through the length of the cable, the plurality of said conducting elements being located within and spaced from one another by said stress-bearing matrix, wherein at least one of the plurality of conducting elements is in intimate contact with a low friction liner disposed about the at least one of the plurality of conducting elements and the at least one of the conducting elements is longitudinally movable relative to the stress-bearing matrix.

Abstract: A complex cable for under-floor wiring can be wired in restricted spacious office floors and lowers installation costs. The complex cable includes a fiber-optic cable and a plurality of communications cables for data transmission. The fiber-optic cable includes a plurality of fiber-optic cords, a plurality of interposition members and a plastic tape assembling the cords and members all from outside. The communications cables include respectively a plurality of twin-wire strands and a plastic tape assembling the strands from outside. The fiber-optic cable is surrounded by a plurality of communications cables in parallel relation to one another over the length of the fiber-optic cable. The fiber-optic cable and the communications cables are further wrapped by a plastic tape.

Abstract: An underwater telecommunications system has a first underwater cable for carrying data traffic, one or more underwater repeaters, and an underwater power network for supplying power to the repeaters. By providing a separate cable for some or all of the power supply, the power route may be made shorter, thus more power can be delivered, therefore more repeaters can be used, which enables more fiber pairs to be laid, and thus the capacity to be increased.

Abstract: A coaxial cable includes an inner conductor, a multifilament twisted and drawn or swaged tubular cable outer conductor, and a dielectric (insulative) material therebetween. According to one embodiment, the filaments of the multifilament twisted and drawn or swaged outer conductor are twisted about a central inner conductor provided with an insulative sheath. The outer conductor filaments are arranged such that when they are drawn or swaged, the compressive forces are directed on neighboring filaments and not directed radially inward toward the inner conductor, thereby preventing deformation of the inner conductor. According to another embodiment, each of the filaments is provided with an insulative sheath. According to other embodiments, a cable is formed with a central filament harder than the surrounding filaments. The central filament is withdrawn leaving behind a twisted and drawn or swaged tube with a hollow.

Abstract: An insulated copper wires and optical fiber composite cable suited to the high bit-rate transmission of network communications is provided. A plurality of twisted pair lines (4) each of which includes one pair of insulated copper wires and in which the corresponding pairs of insulated copper wires are twisted together at lengths of lay different from each other, and a plurality of optical fibers are bunched. Each of the optical fiber is formed of a multicore type plastic optical fiber (6). The twisted pair lines (4) and the multicore type plastic optical fibers (6) are arranged in adjacency to one another. All of the twisted pair lines (4) and the multicore type plastic optical fibers (6) are twisted together to form the insulated copper wires and optical fiber composite cable (10).

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber and a strength member surrounding the optical fiber. The strength member can include a plurality of fibers disposed in a matrix such that the resulting strength member preferably has a modulus of elasticity of at least about 20 GPa and, more preferably, at least about 40 GPa. While the strength member can be an integral member, the strength member can be formed of at least two physically distinct portions in order to more precisely tailor the characteristics of the fiber optic cable. In this regard, the strength member can include a first strength member surrounding the optical fiber that includes a first matrix and a plurality of first fibers embedded within the first matrix, and a second strength member surrounding the first strength member that includes a second matrix and a plurality of second fibers embedded within the second matrix.

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.

Abstract: An undersea telecommunications cable comprises a buffer tube which protects a plurality of optical fibers disposed therein from externally applied forces. To this end, the buffer tube contains a thixotropic, water blocking gel that has a viscosity and a critical yield shear stress sufficient to couple, upon application of a tensile load capable of producing up to a 0.8% strain in the cable, tensile forces from the buffer tube to the optical fibers to thereby induce strain in the fibers that is proportional to that induced in the tube, without preventing the return of the optical fibers to a substantially unstrained condition upon the removal of such tensile load. Should it become necessary to repair a section of the undersea cable as by retrieving it from the sea bed and inserting a spliced segment, existing sections of the fiber will be sufficiently protected from any damage which might otherwise have been caused during the cable retreival and recovery operation.

Abstract: An extender for an electrical data bus including a power line and signal lines has first and second electrical connectors for connection to respective electrical connectors attached to respective electrical data buses. The electrical connectors include a data interface circuit for communication with the electrical bus, an optical transmitter and optical receiver electrically connected to the data interface circuit, and driver circuits for the optical transmitter and optical receivers. The driver circuits obtain power from the power line on the local electrical data bus. An optic fiber is connected between the optical transmitters and receivers at respective first and second electrical connectors to transfer data optically between the first and second electrical connectors and thereby extend the range of the data bus.

Abstract: In addition to the mechanical stresses caused by wind, icing, etc., the manufacturer of an optical aerial cable has to consider the electrical stress mechanisms (corona discharge, “tracking” effect) which lead to premature aging of the outer jacket by considering constructive measures and the use of special jacket materials. The outer jacket of the aerial cable contains several PE fusible fibers embedded into the jacketing material, whose conductivity is based on the content of carbon black in the amount of 10% of weight to 40% of weight. The resistance of these fusible fibers manufactured by coextrusion with the outer jacket is sufficiently low at 105 &OHgr;/m-109 &OHgr;/m, to discharge the induced electrical charges to the anchoring spirals fastened to the pole. No large potential differences in the longitudinal direction of the cable can occur on the wet, only partially dried jacket surface.

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.

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.

Abstract: Composite cables operative to transmit information in electrical and/or optical transmission modes. The cables can include an electrical coaxial conductor comprising a generally central electrical conductor in a dielectric matrix. At least one optical transmission component is integrated with the matrix. The matrix can include at least two optical transmission components disposed on generally opposed sides of the central electrical conductor. Any optical transmission component can be substantially mechanically de-coupled from the matrix. In addition, the matrix can include at least one ripcord, and an indicia can be formed on the matrix for locating the position of an optical transmission component. The composite cables can include structural features for imparting a preferential bend to the cable.

Abstract: In order to prevent an optical cable which is used with a high-tension cable from being damaged by Corona discharge, the optical cable has a cable cladding provided with a Corona-resistant skin layer.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable is provided with a thermal shield which consists (proceeding outward from the cable) of a temperature insulating layer of a foam plastic such as polyethylene, a plastic film wrap such as aluminized nylon, a metallic braid such as tinned copper and an outer jacket of plastic as additional temperature insulation and to facilitate pulling the cable. The film wrap and outer jacket are optional. For further shielding a second layer of foam plastic may be positioned outside the first metallic braid followed by a second plastic film wrap, a second metallic braid and an outer plastic jacket. If the shielded cable is near a source of heat, such as a hot water pipe or an air conditioning duct, the fiber optic cable temperature is uniform throughout its cross-section. Without the thermal shield instability of the signals in different fibers may occur because of heat differential.

Abstract: A ground wire for a power transmission system has a plastic tube to carry a bundle optical fibers. The plastic tube is clad with a metal strip, preferably aluminium and is supported by a set of wire strands disposed about the tube.

Abstract: A device for transmitting high-frequency signals over data lines which are fixed on conventional circuit boards at a specific angle to optical fiber bundles forming the circuit boards.

Abstract: A communications cable network, in a duct or tube system used primarily for other purposes, wherein the communications cables are mounted on the walls of the duct or tube system. The communications cable (3), is made of a core (7-10) and a sheath (11). The core (7-10) of the communications cable (3) is extremely flexible and the sheath (11) is sufficiently rigid that cable sag is less than 20 mm for a 2000-mm distance between fastenings. The sheath (11) is removed from the core (7-10) in the area of the shafts (2) of the duct or pipe system (1).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wound insulator pipe, in particular for a high voltage insulator, having one or more ducts for conductors of any kind is provided. A laminate structure is achieved by winding a material onto a spindle and impregnating with a resin. Initially first layers of the material to be wound are applied; then at least one groove is made in the surface obtained and then the winding is completed until the final diameter is attained.

Abstract: A cable joint for a multi-core cable including an outer sheath, at least one electric pilot line, at least one optical fiber line, and several cable cores. Both the electric pilot line and the optical fiber line are disposed in protective tubing. Each of the cores of the cable is electrically connected to respective cores of another electric cable, and the connection between the respective cores resides within a casing. Additionally, the electric pilot line, optical fiber, and protective tubing elements of the cable are connected to the corresponding structures of the other electric cable. The connection of these structures resides outside of the casing.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable comprising a plurality of tubes each having at least one optical fiber therein and at least one strength component. A center of the strength component being generally offset from a center-zone of the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable includes a center-zone interstice, the center-zone interstice spanning generally the center of the fiber optic cable between the tubes and the strength component. The center-zone interstice may include a water swellable substance for blocking the flow of water therein.

Abstract: Fiber optic and composite zip cord cables (40;50) having at least one respective buffer unit (30) therein. Each zip cord (40;50) includes at least two cords (42;52,54) having respective jackets (46;56) attached by a frangible web (43;53). At least one cord includes a buffer unit (30) generally surrounded by a layer of filaments, the buffer unit comprising at least two optical fibers (31) in a buffer layer (32). The buffer units (30) can be stranded about a central member (22) and enclosed in a jacket (28).

Abstract: An optical waveguide, in particular for a vehicle, with an optical fiber (1) which is composed of polymer material and with a protective layer which encloses the fiber (1). The waveguide includes a metal pipe (2) having a corrugation at an angle to its longitudinal axis (4), the pipe forming an electrical conductor, and being externally insulated (5).

Abstract: In an optical fiber cable with a jacket in which a plurality of optical fibers are assembled as being S-Z stranded about a central member, a ferromagnetic member is disposed near an inner peripheral surface of the jacket along an S-Z stranded line formed by one of the optical fibers.