Abstract: A composite cable for conveying electrical energy and optical signals from a source or sources thereof to electrically energized units which process the optical signals. The cable has one or more buffer tubes, each buffer tube encircling at least two optical fibers for supplying optical signals to at least two of the units, each unit having electrical current and voltage requirements. The cable has a layer of S-Z stranded electrically insulated conductors around the buffer tube or tubes, and pairs of conductors are selected in size to safely supply the current and voltages required by at least two units. The number of pairs of conductors is less than the number of active optical fibers which excludes conductor spares. Preferably, the buffer tubes are S-Z stranded. The cable also includes a strength member and an outer plastic jacket encircling the buffer tubes, the conductors and the strength member.

Abstract: A crush, kink, and torque resistant, flexible fiber optic cable having a closely spaced, spiraled, rigid, metal wire layer disposed around the cable. Small size, light weight, good flexibility with minimum spring-back and excellent crush resistance are provided, along with excellent kinking and torque resistance.

Abstract: A high mechanical and heat performance optical cable for aerial or underground applications comprises a dielectric central member, a plurality of polymeric tubes helically arranged around the dielectric central member, a plurality of optical fiber loosely housed in the polymeric tubes and separated from the polymeric tubes by a filling, a binder comprising polymeric tapes helically arranged around the tubes, a peripheral pulling element arranged around the polymeric tubes, a flame resistant external sheath surrounding the peripheral pulling element, and metallic elements helically arranged around the flame resistant external sheath to form an external ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber-housing metal pipe, comprising a base body of an optical fiber-housing metal pipe, an aluminum layer formed on the surface of the base body, and an oxide layer formed on the aluminum layer, the oxide layer serving to improve the corrosion resistance and wear resistance of the optical fiber-housing metal pipe. Also disclosed is an optical fiber-housing metal pipe comprising a base body of an optical fiber-housing metal pipe, an Al-X alloy layer formed on the surface of the base body, where X is one or two kinds of elements selected from the group consisting of Mn, Ti, Ni, Cr, Nb, Mg, Fe, In and Sn, or an Al-based composite layer containing at least one kind of a material selected from the group consisting of a carbide, an oxide and an organic compound.

Abstract: A high voltage insulator for use with optical fibers includes an insulative support rod with at least one optical fiber wrapped about the support rod. The optical fiber and support rod are covered by an outer elastomeric skirted insulative sleeve which squeezes the optical fibers against the support rod. A dielectric sealant, such as a silicone gel, is dispersed along the optical fiber to fill any voids which occur adjacent the optical fiber, thereby providing a void-free bond between the interior surfaces of the insulator. The elastomeric outer sleeve provides a resilient barrier against the ingress of moisture. In a preferred embodiment, an inner layer of elastomeric material is provided between the support rod and the optical fiber to provide additional cushioning of the fiber and to reduce the size of voids which may occur adjacent the fiber.

Abstract: A communications cable is provided having a support strand and at least one coaxial cable helically wound around the support strand. The coaxial cable includes an inner conductor, a dielectric surrounding the inner conductor, an outer tubular metallic sheath surrounding the dielectric, and optionally a protective jacket surrounding the metallic sheath. The communications cable is manufactured such that the ratio of the length of coaxial cable to the length of support strand is between about 1.005 and 1.015. The communications cable is also preferably wound around the support strand using a varying lay length thereby minimizing signal loss due to cable damage. The communications cable of the invention is especially suitable for aerial installation and may be installed in one pass, without the need to form expansion loops in the coaxial cable.

Abstract: There is provided an optical fiber composite ground wire (OPGW). The optical fiber composite ground wire (OPGW) includes a central wire at the center of the optical fiber composite ground wire (OPGW), a steel tube disposed around the central wire, at least one optical fiber ribbon inserted into the steel tube and containing a plurality of optical fibers arranged in coplanar alignment, a filling material filled in the steel tube, at least one inner layer wire surrounding the central wire, and at least one outer layer wire surrounding the steel tube and the inner layer wire.

Abstract: A composite cable for distributing electrical power to components in an optical fiber network and for transmitting optical signals between optical fiber network components includes at least one layer of insulated electrical conductors arranged in side-by-side relation to provide a layer of conductors of a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the conductors. The conductors of the at least one layer of conductors are S-Z stranded and surround the optical fibers which are loosely contained in at least one plastic buffer tube to provide desirable structural and operational features to the cable and to an optical fiber network in which the cable can be included.

Abstract: A composite cable for conducting electrical and optical signals is disclosed. The composite cable comprises a cable housing having a ribbon slot with an optical fiber ribbon arranged in the ribbon slot. The cable housing also has a tubular opening with a multiplicity of copper pairs arranged therein for conducting electric power through the oval slotted composite copper pair and optic ribbon cable, for providing strength to the cable, and for bending without elastic recovery to shape the cable. The composite cable may also include a removable compression cap for covering the ribbon slot.

Abstract: A composite rod rigid in compression is sufficiently flexible to be wound round a reel that is less than three meters in diameter. The rod comprises at least three parts: a core including at least one data transmission element, a layer made of steel reinforcing wires, and a composite layer made of embedded fibers. In a variant, steel wires are substantially parallel to the axis of the core. Application of the rod is to displacement of measuring instruments in a well or pipe comprising a greatly inclined section.

Abstract: A cable comprises a leakproof tube containing at least one optical fiber together with a filler material which holds the fiber(s) in place inside the tube and which provides the tube with longitudinal sealing. The filling ratio of the fiber-holding material is less than a determined limit so as to provide at least one expansion volume inside the tube so that the partial pressure of hydrogen remains low enough to avoid giving rise to significant attenuation in the transmission properties of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable (124) for supplying light to an endoscope (22) from a light source (28). The cable, in addition to including an optically transmissive core (50), includes two conductors (62) that are not in direct electrical contact with each other. Contacts (140, 146) integral with a plug (130) attached to one end of the cable connect the conductors to circuitry internal to the light source. The conductors extend to a switch (384) in a second plug (132) which is closed when a sensor (387) closes the switch to establish an electrical connection between the conductors. The sensor closes the switch when the second plug is connected to an endoscope. The circuit internal to the light source monitors the change in voltage across the conductors to determine if the connection is established. When the connection is not established, the light source places itself in a standby mode reducing the amount of emitted light energy, thus minimizing heating of the light cable, and the second, distal plug.

Abstract: A flat, surface mounted, flexible, multi-purpose wire has a plurality of flat elongated conductors spaced apart in a generally parallel relationship. Each of the flat conductors includes a plurality of conductive layers. At least one optical fiber lies lengthwise in a plane between the flat conductors. An adhesive material separates the flat conductors and an insulation layer surrounds the flat conductors and the adhesive material, with the adhesive material bonding to the insulation layer. A cross-sectional height of the flat conductors and insulation layer is such that the multi-purpose wire will blend in with the surface when painted or after wallpaper is applied.

Abstract: An assembly comprising a self supporting aerial cable and tension clamp means including gripping means for gripping the cable, the gripping means comprising at least one helically wound rod fitted over the cable's outer sheath, wherein ##EQU1## where C is the outer diameter of the cable, R is the diameter of the or each rod and W.sub.R is the outer diameter of the unstressed winding of the or each rod.

Abstract: A cable for connecting control units of powered supports to each other to prevent simultaneous movement of two adjacent powered supports in underground mining. The cable includes plug housings, at least one optical waveguide, connecting elements, optoelectric transducers, and potting. Each housing contains a chamber and has an electric plug-in coupling that connects to the control units. The at least one optical waveguide has ends with light entry and light exit surfaces. The connecting elements are arranged at the ends of the at least one optical waveguide and are arranged in the chamber in a respective plug housing. The optoelectric transducers are connected to the connecting elements and are arranged in the chamber of the respective plug housing and transmit data between the control units.

Abstract: A tow cable for measuring temperature in a water column comprising an optl fiber core, an electrically conducting polymer jacket concentrically superimposed over the cable core and a temperature sensor embedded in the electrically conducting polymer jacket. The superior heat transfer characteristics of the electrically conducting polymers allow the heat sensors to be embedded directly into the insulating polymer jacket.

Abstract: A telecommunications cable includes an extruded plastic member formed of an extruded blend of a nonplasticized polyvinyl chloride and an ether-based polyurethane. The blend may be used in the extrusion of tubes or ribbons holding light waveguides or metallic conductors.

Abstract: A composite cable for use in indoor or indoor/outdoor applications having a fiber optic core section includes at least one optical fiber. The composite cable includes a conductor and water blocking section, the conductor and water blocking section having a set of conductors providing mechanical strength and flame inhibiting characteristics to the composite cable. At least one interstice of the composite cable includes a water blocking member therein. An armor layer surrounds the conductor and water blocking section, and the armor layer is surrounded by a cable jacket with an interfacial zone defined therebetween. The interfacial zone includes a controlled bond layer so that during flame tests, as the jacket burns and forms a char barrier around the tape layer, the controlled bond layer supports the char barrier relative to the armor tape, thereby protecting the tape from flames and inhibiting the propagation of flame along the cable.

Abstract: A triaxial cable for connecting a digital video camera with other video equipment is provided with optical fibers embedded in an insulating layer between two electrical conductors of the cable. The cable and associated connectors are electrically compatible with cable systems using kingstype conductors. A camera adapter and camera control unit are provided with means for communicating video signals both as digital signals along the optical fibers and as analog signals along the electrical conductors.

Abstract: A multiposition optical connector 2 and a mating header 4 are disclosed. The connector includes a plurality of ferrules 10 for terminating individual plastic optical fiber cables 6. An alignment fixture 100 is used to precisely align each ferrule relative to the other ferrules and relative to peripheral mating surface protrusions 52 on a molded alignment plate 12. The ferrules are ultrasonically bonded to the alignment plate. True positioning for multiple fibers located in the multiposition connector relative to active optoelectronic devices 90 located in the header can be achieved when the connector and the header are mated. A previously assembled harness assembly using the optical connector 2 and a hybrid electrical and optical connector 202 is suited for use in making multiple connections to products, such as automobiles, in which the final assembly is completed in an assembly line.

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 communication cable, which has a cable core provided in the center as well as outside cladding and strain relief elements applied in the region of the outside cladding, has at least one optical transmission element which includes at least one light waveguide, provided in the region of the strain relief elements.

Abstract: A plenum rated cable having a core that includes a transmission medium of a plurality of insulated conductors preferably having thereon an insulating layer of a fluorinated ethylene composition. A shield surrounds the insulated conductors and extends longitudinally within and parallel to the length of the cable and includes a first layer of aluminum material and a second layer of low temperature smoke resistant cellulose acetate or polypropylene. The first and second layers are bonded together. A drain wire drains leakage within the cable generated from the current and allows for easy termination of the shield to a connector. A thermoplastic jacket encloses the drain wire and longitudinally surrounds the shield. The jacket is made preferably of a polyvinyl chloride composition.

Abstract: A composite cable (10) includes a core section (12), a tensile strength section (20), a conductor and water blocking section (30), an armor tape (50), and an outer jacket (60). Core section (12) includes at least one fiber optic conductor (14), and conductor and water blocking section (30) includes twisted pair conductors (32) and water blocking members (36,37). Tensile strength section (20) includes strength members (22). Composite cable (10) combines the high bit-rate capacity of fiber optic conductor (14) with the electrical signal/power carrying capacity of electrical conductors (32) and meets water blocking and tensile strength requirements.

Abstract: A fiber optic distribution cable including, in one aspect, a core tube with at least one optical fiber, at least one electric power conducting member extending alongside the core, a contiguous layer formed of a plurality of strength members, and a plastic jacket. In another aspect, the cable includes a core of at least one optical fiber member and at least one electrical power conducting member encased in a strength member contiguous layer and a plastic outer jacket. Both embodiments include water locking means.

Abstract: An electric and/or optical submarine cable arrangement which bridges the weight/strength gap that exists between armoured and unarmoured cable. A stranded armour layer (6) comprises alternate strands of steel wire (7) and polymeric filler (8). Such a cable has sufficient strength to support a section of heavy armoured cable joined to it during laying in water of a depth exceeding 2 km, but light enough that an unarmoured cable can support it in deep water.

Abstract: An endoscope system (20) comprising an endoscope (22) with light source (28). A light generated by the light source is supplied to the endoscope by a fiber optic cable (46). The cable in addition to including an optically transmissive core (50), includes two conductors (62) that are not in direct electrical contact with each other. Contacts (70, 71) in a plug attached to one end of the cable attach the conductors to circuitry internal to the light source. Contacts (80, 84) in a plug at the opposed end of the cable also provide at the opposed end of the cable. When the cable is attached to the endoscope, contacts (80, 84) are shorted together so as to complete the circuit established therebetween. This circuit completion state is monitor by the light source. When the cable is disconnected from the endoscope this connection is broken. This disconnect state is recognized by the light source as an endoscope-disconnected condition.

Abstract: The transition assembly of the present invention comprises a pneumatic tube which has a longitudinal axis, an entrance end, an exit end, an interior surface and an exterior surface. The entrance end of a furcation tube assembly is placed in an operable relationship to the exit end of the pneumatic tube. The furcation tube assembly comprises at least one furcation tube. The furcation tube has an inner tube, a fibrous sheath surrounding the inner tube, and an outer sheath surrounding the fibrous sheath. At least one furcation tube extends from the entrance end of the furcation tube assembly. The furcation tube has a length of the outer sheath removed to expose the inner tube and the fibrous sheath. The exposed inner tube is disposed within the exit end of the pneumatic tube; extends along the longitudinal axis of the pneumatic tube; and protrudes from the entrance end of the pneumatic tube. A fastener attaches the entrance end of the furcation tube assembly to the exit end of the pneumatic tube.

Abstract: A splice housing assembly for joining together at least two fiber optic cables. The splice housing assembly has a housing adapted to create a water impervious seal around both a splicing chamber and at least two fiber optic cables that lead into the splicing chamber through the housing. Within the splicing chamber, the various fiber optic cables are joined together via a grounding block or by a direct optical splice. The housing provides structural integrity, electrical insulation and water tightness to the splice, yet the housing can be selectively opened and closed. As a result, any splice can be made and tested, then repaired or adjusted before the housing is permanently sealed with an encapsulation compound.

Abstract: An optical groundwire includes an organizer made of glass fibers held together in a matrix. A plurality of core tubes containing optical fibers are retained within the organizer. A plurality of conductors are wrapped about the organizer to form a sheath.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system, which includes a remote light source having an interlock circuit, an optical element, and a fiber optic light guide having a coextensive electrically conductive wire, the light guide electrically coupled to the light source and optical element so that if the light guide should become disconnected or severed, the interlock circuit will prevent power from being transmitted to the remote light source.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable core structure has a plurality of fiber optic mini-bundles, each of which includes a plurality of optical fibers bonded together in a first curable material. The fiber optic mini-bundles in turn are bonded together as a unitary structure by a second curable material, and the resulting structure is wrapped in a metal tube-like ring.

Abstract: A system for locating corresponding ends of a patch cord used to conduct a signal between a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The system includes a cable having a main signal transmission means and a pair of electrically conductive members extending along the length of the cable. A first connector is attached to one end of the cable and a second connector is attached to the other end of the cable. The first and second connectors are adapted to removably mate with the first and second receptacles, respectively. The first connector has a pair of leads associated therewith. Each of the leads is connected to and corresponds to one of the conductive members. An electrical indicator is attached to the first receptacle. The indicator is electrically connected to the pair of leads when the first connector is mated to the first receptacle. A power supply is used to apply current through the conductive members so that upon application of the current, the indicator is activated.

Abstract: An anchor device for an optical cable comprises an anchor clamp for anchoring an optical cable, which is extended along power transmission lines stretched between iron towers, to an iron tower associated therewith, and a semiconductive ring having a predetermined volume resistivity and having a rounded external shape. The semiconductive ring is fixed on the outer peripheral surface of the optical cable in contact with an end of a reinforcing rod of the anchor clamp opposite the tower. By attaching the semiconductive ring, it is possible to lessen the intensity of the electric field of the power transmission lines in the vicinity of that end of the anchor clamp.

Abstract: A composite distribution cable for connection to a customer's premises has a fiber optic cable, twisted voice band pairs, copper power cables, and a coaxial cable within a common sheath. Water blocking members within the cable fill the voids between the conducting members and the sheath upon contact with water or other liquid.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for providing an electric field-free region for fiber optic cables in near proximity to high voltage power lines by means of a conducting electrical shield at the same voltage as the power line. An electric field-free region is still provided even if the electrical shield is omitted, by having the wires of the power line completely surround the fiber optic cable. An electric field-free region is also provided by embedding the optical fiber inside each wire of the power line. The electric field free region for a fiber optic cable prevents electrical treeing and other undesirable effects that would make the cable inoperable.

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 present invention relates to a sand [sic; cable] containing one or more elongated elements (11,21,22) for the transport of signals and/or electrical power, comprising an essentially flat support (2) made of a plastic material, including means for housing the elongated elements, characterized in that the housing means are in the form of at least one groove (3) which extends longitudinally along the flat support (2), all the grooves (3) being located on the same side (4) of the support (2), this support (2) being surrounded by a sheath (9) made of a plastic material.

Abstract: This specialized fiber optic jumper cable includes a composite cable with a glass fiber light guide for single or multi transmission mode, standard fiber optic connectors, electrically powered light emitting devices at the fiber optic connectors, and a pair of electrical conductors embedded in the cable, with one or more electrical power connectors for selectively applying an external electrical power source to the light emitting devices. One embodiment has a fiber optic connector at each end of the jumper. An LED and an electric power connector suitable for plug-in connection of a power pack are affixed to the cable adjacent each end such that both LEDs are lighted whenever power is applied to either of the electrical connectors. The attendant illumination of the LEDs provides an indication that the tracer system is activated and functioning properly and readily indicates where both ends of the same jumper cable are located.

Abstract: A plenum rated cable having a core that includes a transmission medium of one or more copper or tin-copper conductors having thereon an insulating layer of an ethylene-chloro tetrafluoro ethylene composition. A first shield surrounds the core and extends longitudinally within and parallel to the length of the cable and includes a first layer of aluminum material and a second layer of cellulose acetate or polypropylene. The first and second layers are bonded together. A second shield surrounds the first shield and extends longitudinally within and parallel to the length of the cable and includes a first layer of aluminum and a second layer of cellulose acetate or polypropylene. The first and second layers are bonded together. A drain wire drains leakage within the cable generated from the current and allows for easy termination of the shield to the connector. A thermoplastic jacket encloses the drain wire and longitudinally surrounds the second shield and is made of a polyvinyl chloride composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a submarine repeater structure which has: a cylindrical pressure-tight case in which an electronic circuit is accommodated and sealed; a connecting ring for connecting a terminal portion of a submarine cable; an ocean observation instrument for detecting a variation of frequency difference between a pressure-sensitive crystal and a reference crystal to measure a pressure; and a case for accommodating and sealing the ocean observation instrument; wherein the accommodating and sealing case is attached to an end portion inside the connecting ring.

Abstract: A composite fiber optic and electrical cable having a core which loosely contains at least one optical fiber, one or more electrical conductors having an outer polymer insulating layer, one or more strength members and a surrounding protective jacket. The protective jacket is formed of a polymer material which forms a distinct mechanically separate phase from the polymer material forming the insulation layer surrounding the respective electrical conductors. For example, the jacket can be made of a polymer material having a melting temperature lower than the melting temperature of the insulating material of the electrical conductors. As a result, the polymer jacket does not bond with the insulating material during production of the cable. The jacket can, thus, be easily stripped from the electrical conductors during installation of the cable to facilitate the attachment of the electrical conductors to a signal repeater, or power source, or other electrical devices.

Abstract: A universal grounding clip for use with a cable having a frame assembly with a first end and a second end, a base member form at the first end of the frame, and a pair of leg members extending from the first end of the frame toward the second end of the frame where a crossmember is positioned and extends between each of the leg members, thus defining a central opening through the frame adapted to receive a cable. A pair of opposed grip members are supported in the opening, and are adapted to be moved toward each other for affixing a cable to the frame. Each grip member has a pair of bifurcated legs having, on either side of the bifurcation, an arcuate toothed leg portion adapted to grip the cable. At least one ground wire opening is defined in the base member and extends therethrough adapted to simultaneously fasten a ground wire to the frame as the grip members affix the cable to the frame.

Abstract: An optical cable for use in an overhead optical transmission system in which the cable is supported along the route of the system by means of towers, masts or other upstanding supports that are also employed to support electrical power cables, includes one or more optical fibers and an electrically insulating jacket (8). The cable includes an array of elongate conductive elements (10, 12) each of which extends along a portion of the cable, adjacent conductive elements axially overlapping each other with overlapping portions circumferentially spaced apart to form a composite conductive path that extends along the cable and is interrupted when the cable is dry. Adjacent conductive elements (10, 12) are resistively coupled to each other when the surface of the cable is wet to form a continuous electrically conductive path along the cable. Such a form of cable has the advantage that the dry-band arcing under wet conditions is reduced by disrupting the geometry that allows such bands to form.

Abstract: A communication cable includes a plurality of strands that are interconnected by cross pieces which can be easily separated from each other such that each strand can be used as independent cables. At least one strand of the communication cable includes at least one electrical communication line and at least one optical communication line.

Abstract: The electrical insulator includes a laminated tube serving as a support for a covering of elastomer material constituting a plurality of annular fins which project from the tube. Two circular grooves and a helical groove are formed in the outside wall of the tube for receiving the optical waveguide. The circular grooves are parts of bearing surfaces which are formed at the ends of the tube and to which end fittings of the insulator are secured. The optical waveguide is embedded in the elastomer material and at the bottoms of the grooves.

Abstract: A compact, flexible, communications cable capable of electrical and optical signal propagation simultaneously is provided. The electrical signal is carried by coaxial inner and outer conductors of metal having suitable conductivity which surround and enclose a centrally disposed optical fiber conductor. The cable allows electrical signal propagation over a bandwidth from about 60 cycle D.C. or A.C. as well as radio frequency and microwave signals up to about 100 gigahertz without appreciable signal loss.

Abstract: A linear element (1,61) suitable for extending between, and being supported by, towers of an overhead electrical power transmission system, includes one or more electrically semiconductive components (54, 62) that cause the element to have a linear resistance of 0.05 to 100 Mohms m.sup.-, and which exhibit a negative temperature coefficient of resistance. The element may be a rope used for stringing up conductors of the system or it may be an optical cable. Preferred materials for forming the semiconductive components include carbonaceous fibre tows formed from pyrolised acrylonitrile fibres. The element has a controllable and reproducible resistance for reducing or eliminating dry-band arcing.

Abstract: A coaxial fiber optic cable which includes a core having a transmission medium that includes at least one optical fiber surrounded by one or more strengthening materials and enclosed by a core jacket. A first electrical conductor i.e., a copper braid surrounds the core jacket and is coaxial with the core jacket. A second electrical conductor, i.e., copper braid, is coaxial to the first conductor. The first and second copper braids are triaxial with the core jacket and are separated by a dielectric which extends between and in parallel relation to the length of the braids. An overall aramid reinforcement layer(s) is in the core and surrounds the optical fiber(s). An outer cable jacket surrounds the second electrical conductor and encloses the cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly including an elongated light guiding optical fiber strand, a first conductive layer coated around the elongated light guiding optical fiber strand, an elongated glass capillary surrounding the elongated light conveying optical fiber strand and the conductive coating disposed therearound, and a second conductive layer coated around the elongated glass capillary.