Tightly Confined (i.e., Fiber Tightly Held Inside The Outer Sheath) Patents (Class 385/102)
  • Patent number: 8380030
    Abstract: A bend-insensitive optical cable for transmitting optical signals includes an optical cable having a length, extending from an input end adapted to receive the optical signals, to an output end and including at least one single-mode optical fiber having a cable cut-off wavelength, of 1290 nm to 1650 nm. The at least one optical fiber is helically twisted around a longitudinal axis with a twisting pitch, for a twisted length, extending along at least a portion of the length, of the optical cable, wherein the twisted length and the twisting pitch are selected such that the optical cable exhibits a measured cut-off wavelength equal to or lower than 1260 nm. Preferably, the at least one fiber has a mode-field diameter of 8.6 ?m to 9.5 ?m. According to a preferred embodiment, the optical cable includes two optical fibers twisted together along the longitudinal axis, each of the two optical fibers having a cable cut-off wavelength of 1290 nm to 1650 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Prysmian S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Ruzzier, Francesco Sartori, Enrico Consonni, Daniele Cuomo
  • Patent number: 8374474
    Abstract: A structure for optical fiber with single layer coating suitable for field termination process is provided, including a glass core, a cladding layer, and a permanent coating protective layer. The thickness of the permanent coating ranges preferably from about 4 um to 8 um, and remains on the optical fiber during the field termination process to provide protection to the optical fiber after the buffer layer is striped off. In addition, the optical fiber structure of the present invention still conforms to the specification of the standard optical fiber. The optical fiber of the structure according to the present invention can simplify the field termination process so that the quality efficiency of the deployment is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignees: Prime Optical Fiber Corporation, OWLink Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kuei-Huang Chou, Shing-wu Paul Tzeng, Chih-Yu Wu, Sheng-Hsiang Hsu
  • Patent number: 8369671
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a hermetically sealed fiber sensing cable comprising: a core fiber comprising at least one Bragg grating region, an outer surface and a length; a fiber cladding in contact with the core fiber along the entire length of the core fiber, the fiber cladding having an outer surface and a length; a carbon layer disposed upon the outer surface of the fiber cladding along the entire length of the fiber cladding, the carbon layer comprising diamond-like carbon; a hydrogen ion absorption layer in contact with the carbon layer, the hydrogen ion absorption layer being disposed on the outer surface of the carbon layer; and an outer sleeve. Also provided in another aspect of the present invention, is a component for a hermetically sealed fiber sensing cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Hua Xia, Axel Busboom, Kevin Matthew Durocher, Renato Guida, George Theodore Dalakos, Glen Peter Koste, Boon Kwee Lee
  • Patent number: 8369667
    Abstract: Downhole cables are described that are configured to protect internal structures that may be detrimentally impacted by exposure to the downhole environment, by protecting such structures by at least two protective layers. In some examples, the structures to be protected may be housed in a protective tube housed within the protective outer sheath. The described configuration enables the use of structures such as polymer fibers in the cables for strength and load-bearing capability by protecting the fibers, by multiple protective layers, from exposure to gases or fluids within a wellbore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence Charles Rose
  • Patent number: 8363994
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes an outer jacket defining a first passage and a second passage disposed adjacent to the first passage. The outer jacket includes a wall disposed between an outer surface of the outer jacket and the first passage. A plurality of optical fibers is disposed in the first passage. A reinforcing member is disposed in the second passage. An access member is disposed in the wall of the outer jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 8355613
    Abstract: Described is an optical fiber cable designed for drop cable applications that has a compact profile, and is suitable for both the indoor and outdoor portions of the installation. The new design has three functional units, an optical fiber subunit, and two strength members arranged side-by side on either side of the optical fiber. The overall cable cross section round. In a preferred embodiment, the optical fiber module of the cable has a coupled fiber design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventor: Peter A. Weimann
  • Patent number: 8335418
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a plurality of optical fibers, strength material surrounding the plurality of optical fibers, and a polymer jacket surrounding the strength material. If present, any lay length of the optical fibers is greater than or equal to about 500 mm. If present, any lay length of the strength material is greater than or equal to about 500 mm. When wrapped one turn around a 10 mm diameter mandrel, each of the optical fibers is configured to exhibit a bend-induced optical attenuation of less than 0.5 dB at an 850 nm wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: William C. Hurley
  • Patent number: 8331747
    Abstract: An electrical cable may be provided. The electrical cable may comprise a conductor and a fiber optic member. The fiber optic member may comprise an optical fiber and a sheath surrounding the optical fiber. The sheath may be configured to not damage the optical fiber when the electrical cable is bent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Southwire Company
    Inventors: Charles L. Holcombe, Stephen L. Spruell, Mark Lancaster
  • Publication number: 20120308184
    Abstract: A cable assembly, for example, a pulling grip for pulling a trunk cable assembly having a plurality of cable legs may include at least one pliable core for receiving the cable legs, the cable legs being wrapped at least one time around the at least one pliable core causing distal ends of the cable legs to be a distance from a furcation point, the distance being shorter than the length of the cable legs, the cable assembly further providing protection from exceeding a minimum bend radius and enabling a relatively short pulling grip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventors: Francisco Luna Piña, Wesley Allan Yates
  • Patent number: 8326104
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications cable having a layer constructed to resist post-extrusion shrinkage. The layer includes a plurality of discrete shrinkage-reduction members embedded within a base material. The shrinkage-reduction members can be made of a liquid crystal polymer. The disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing telecommunications cables having layers adapted to resist post-extrusion shrinkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 8326103
    Abstract: A method for making a cable includes creating a curvature in a conduit; pumping one or more fibers into the conduit; and securing at least one of the one or more fibers to a shortest pathway within the conduit and cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Carl W. Stoesz, Paul S. Zerwekh
  • Publication number: 20120281954
    Abstract: The invention relates to a solid core optic fiber (1) as used in optical fiber technology to transfer optical signals, but also to transmit light for illuminating purposes. The solid core optic fiber (1) comprises a glass fiber (2) with a coating (3). The coating (3) comprises the following composition: a mixture of polyetheretherketone and an inorganic filler material in an admixture of at least 10 and a maximum of 40 wt. % having a particle size of 0.08 ?m to 12 ?m. The outer diameter of the coating (3) is 0.2 mm to 1.2 mm. The ratio D/d between the outer diameter D of the coating (3) and the diameter d of the glass fiber (2) is 2 to 6. A pressure of the coating (3) on the glass fiber (2) is such that essentially no relative motion can occur between the glass fiber (2) and the coating (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: HOTTINGER BALWIN MESSTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Manfred Kreuzer, Karl-Heinz Haase, Tobias Kipp, Jochen Maul, Hagen Ruppin, Rudolf Schulz, Bernd Günther
  • Patent number: 8290320
    Abstract: An example fiber optic cable includes an outer jacket having an elongated transverse cross-sectional profile defining a major axis and a minor axis. The transverse cross-sectional profile has a maximum width that extends along the major axis and a maximum thickness that extends along the minor axis. The maximum width of the transverse cross-sectional profile is longer than the maximum thickness of the transverse cross-sectional profile. The outer jacket also defines first and second separate passages that extend through the outer jacket along a lengthwise axis of the outer jacket. The second passage has a transverse cross-sectional profile that is elongated in an orientation extending along the major axis of the outer jacket. The fiber optic cable also includes a plurality of optical fibers positioned within the first passage a tensile strength member positioned within the second passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 8285094
    Abstract: The multicore fiber comprises 7 or more cores, wherein diameters of the adjacent cores differ from one another, wherein each of the cores performs single-mode propagation, wherein a relative refractive index difference of each of the cores is less than 1.4%, wherein a distance between the adjacent cores is less than 50 ?m, wherein, in a case where a transmission wavelength of each of the cores is ?, the distance between the adjacent cores is , a mode field diameter of each of the cores is MFD, and a theoretical cutoff wavelength of each of the cores is ?c, (/MFD)·(2?c/(?c+?))?3.95 is satisfied, and wherein a distance between the outer circumference of the coreand an outer circumference of the clad is 2.5 or higher times as long as the mode field diameter of each of the cores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Fujikura Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Takenaga, Ning Guan, Syouji Tanigawa
  • Publication number: 20120251060
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes a plurality of optical fibers, strength material surrounding the plurality of optical fibers, and a polymer jacket surrounding the strength material. If present, any lay length of the optical fibers is greater than or equal to about 500 mm. If present, any lay length of the strength material is greater than or equal to about 500 mm. When wrapped one turn around a 10 mm diameter mandrel, each of the optical fibers is configured to exhibit a bend-induced optical attenuation of less than 0.5 dB at an 850 nm wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: William C. Hurley
  • Publication number: 20120237175
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications cable having a layer constructed to resist post-extrusion shrinkage. The layer includes a plurality of discrete shrinkage-reduction members embedded within a base material. The shrinkage-reduction members can be made of a liquid crystal polymer. The disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing telecommunications cables having layers adapted to resist post-extrusion shrinkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Publication number: 20120237176
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes: a slotted core which houses and holds an optical fiber in a rectilinear slotted groove disposed along a longitudinal direction of the cable; a cylindrical sheath covering the entire slotted core; a rectilinear hanger line integrally provided continuously to the sheath; and a rectilinear tension member mounted in the slotted core. The tension member is located in a region having an angle about the cable center line within a predetermined value with respect to a plane including a center line of the suspension wire and the cable center line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventors: Kouji SAITO, Naoki OKADA, Masayoshi YAMANAKA, Takao FUKUTE
  • Publication number: 20120230637
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes an optical fiber, a strength layer assembly disposed adjacent to the optical fiber and an outer jacket surrounding the strength layer assembly. The strength layer assembly includes a strength layer, an outer layer and an inner layer. The strength layer includes a binder and a plurality of reinforcing fibers embedded within the binder. The strength layer has a first surface and an oppositely disposed second surface. The outer layer is disposed adjacent to the first surface of the strength layer. The inner layer is disposed adjacent to the second surface of the strength layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 8265442
    Abstract: A bend-insensitive glass fiber with a novel coating system yields exceptionally low losses. The coating system features (i) a softer primary coating with excellent low-temperature characteristics to protect against micro-bending in any environment and in the toughest physical situations and, optionally, (ii) a colored secondary coating possessing enhanced color strength and vividness. The secondary coating provides improved ribbon characteristics for structures that are robust, yet easily entered (i.e., separated and stripped). The optional dual coating is specifically balanced for superior heat stripping in fiber ribbons, with virtually no residue left behind on the glass. This facilitates fast splicing and terminations. The improved coating system provides optical fibers that offer significant advantages for deployment in most, if not all, fiber-to-the-premises (FTTx) systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Draka Comteq, B.V.
    Inventor: Bob J. Overton
  • Patent number: 8265437
    Abstract: Telecommunication cable comprising at least one microstructured optical fiber comprising a core region and a cladding region surrounding the core region, the cladding region comprising an annular void-containing region comprised of randomly arranged voids, the core region including doped silica to provide a positive refractive index relative to pure silica; and at least one protecting layer provided around said optical fiber, the protecting layer being made of a polymeric material having a low ultimate elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Prysmian S.p.A.
    Inventors: Enrico Consonni, Franco Cocchini, Antonio Collaro, Antonio Adigrat
  • Publication number: 20120201501
    Abstract: An optical cable comprises a tight-buffered optical cable and a protective sleeve which surrounds the tight-buffered optical cable. An intermediate layer surrounds the protective sleeve has tension-resistant elements. Furthermore, the optical cable contains a cable sheath which surrounds the intermediate layer, and a transitional area facing its inner surface. In this transitional area, the material of the cable sheath is mixed with the tension-resistant elements of the intermediate layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Rainer Kamps, Dieter Erwin Kundis, Gerhard Merbach, Waldemar Stöcklein
  • Patent number: 8238706
    Abstract: An example fiber optic cable includes an outer jacket having an elongated transverse cross-sectional profile defining a bowtie shape. The outer jacket defines at least first and second separate passages that extend through the outer jacket along a lengthwise axis of the outer jacket. The fiber optic cable includes a plurality of optical fibers positioned within the first passage and a tensile strength member positioned within the second passage. The tensile strength member has a highly flexible construction and a transverse cross-sectional profile that is elongated in the orientation extending along the major axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 8224140
    Abstract: Fiber optic cables and methods of manufacturing fiber optic cables are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a fiber optic cable includes a plurality of optical fibers having a lay length of greater than 160 mm. The fiber optic cable also includes strength material surrounding the plurality of optical fibers and a polymer jacket surrounding the strength material. Each of the optical fibers is configured to exhibit a bend-induced optical attenuation of less than or equal to about 0.6 dB when wrapped one turn around a 7.5 mm mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: William C. Hurley
  • Publication number: 20120177330
    Abstract: A fiber optic arrangement includes a primary strand, a plurality of secondary connection strands, each of which is coupled to the primary strand at a notch. Tight buffer optical fibers are attached, one at the end of each of the secondary connection strands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: David Keller
  • Publication number: 20120155814
    Abstract: There is provided an optical fiber cable having a plurality of optical fiber members. Each optical fiber member includes an optical fiber and a protective coating surrounding the optical fiber. A polymer coating surrounds the plurality of optical fiber members and a portion of the polymer coating is located between at least some of the optical fiber members. The optical fiber members and the polymer coating form an optical fiber unit. A tight buffer surrounds the optical fiber unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Teddy W. Leonard, Michael A. Stover, Aaron J. Plaski
  • Patent number: 8184935
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic cable including an outer jacket having an elongated transverse cross-sectional profile defining a major axis and a minor axis. The transverse cross-sectional profile has a maximum width that extends along the major axis and a maximum thickness that extends along the minor axis. The maximum width of the transverse cross-sectional profile is longer than the maximum thickness of the transverse cross-sectional profile. The outer jacket also defines first, second and third separate passages that extend through the outer jacket along a lengthwise axis of the outer jacket. The third passage has a transverse cross-sectional profile that is elongated in an orientation extending along the major axis of the outer jacket. The first, second and third passages are generally aligned along the major axis with the third passage being positioned between the first and second passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 8175433
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber disposed within a cavity of a cable jacket and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The cavity has a first cavity cross-sectional area and a second cavity cross-sectional area located at different longitudinal locations along the cable, where the first cavity cross-sectional area is greater than the second cavity cross-sectional area. The region of the second cavity cross-sectional area of the cable provides and/or increases the coupling level of the at least one optical fiber to the cable jacket. In further embodiments, the fiber optic cable is a dry cable having one or more dry insert within the cavity for cushioning and/or optionally providing water-blocking for the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: William Eric Caldwell, Kenneth D. Temple, Jr., Richard S. Wagman
  • Patent number: 8165438
    Abstract: An optical cable comprises a tight-buffered optical cable and a protective sleeve which surrounds the tight-buffered optical cable. An intermediate layer surrounds the protective sleeve has tension-resistant elements. Furthermore, the optical cable contains a cable sheath which surrounds the intermediate layer, and a transitional area facing its inner surface. In this transitional area, the material of the cable sheath is mixed with the tension-resistant elements of the intermediate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: CCS Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer Kamps, Dieter Erwin Kundis, Gerhard Merbach, Waldemar Stöcklein
  • Patent number: 8145026
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved optical fiber that employs a novel coating system. When combined with a bend-insensitive glass fiber, the novel coating system according to the present invention yields an optical fiber having exceptionally low losses. The coating system features (i) a softer primary coating with excellent low-temperature characteristics to protect against microbending in any environment and in the toughest physical situations and, optionally, (ii) a colored secondary coating possessing enhanced color strength and vividness. The improved coating system provides optical fibers that are useful in reduced-size drop cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Draka Comteq, B.V.
    Inventors: Bob J. Overton, Jeffrey Scott Barker
  • Patent number: 8145021
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cable for use in a concentrating photovoltaic module. The cable includes at least one strand wrapped with an optically pervious or reflective sheath. The pervious sheath is made of a material that exhibits a penetration rate of 90% and survives a temperature of at least 140 degrees Celsius. The reflective sheath is made of a material that exhibits a reflection rate of 95% and survives a temperature of at least 140 degrees Celsius. The cable is used to connect an anode of the concentrating photovoltaic module to a cathode of the same. The material of the reflective sheath may be isolating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Atomic Energy Council-Institute of Nuclear Research
    Inventors: Yi-Ping Liang, Kuo-Hsin Lin, Hwen-Fen Hong, Hwa-Yuh Shin, Cherng-Tsong Kuo
  • Patent number: 8124661
    Abstract: A plurality of voids are introduced into a polymeric material. One or more stress sensitive components in abutment with a portion of the polymeric material are buffered from one or more stresses through employment of the portion of the polymeric material that comprises one or more voids of the plurality of voids. A movement of the portion of the polymeric material is accommodated through compression of one or more of the one or more voids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt R. Carlson, Kristin C. Cooley, John P. Rahn, Manfred Schiruska
  • Patent number: 8126303
    Abstract: A low cost, high performance, low profile flexible reinforcement member that can be used for both optical and copper communications cable. The reinforcement members made according to the preferred process are more rigid than known reinforcement members, but are less rigid than glass pultruded rods. Communications cables utilizing these members are lightweight and exhibit an improved combination of strength and flexibility compared to traditional communications cables. Further, these communication cables may then be installed into underground ducts using more economical and faster installation techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Neptco JV, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas P. Hager, Richard N. Lehman, James R. Priest
  • Publication number: 20120045185
    Abstract: An optical unit is comprised of a plurality of optical base fibers twisted together without any member serving as a center of twisting so that each optical base fiber comes in contact with adjacent optical base fibers along the whole length, each of the optical base fibers including an optical fiber and a sleeve consisting essentially of silicone, a filler having the plurality of optical base fibers embedded therein, the filler consisting essentially of silicone, and a sheath covering the filler and the plurality of optical base fibers embedded in the filler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD
    Inventors: Yukiko SATO, Naoki OKADA
  • Patent number: 8107781
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly includes an optical fiber, a strength layer surrounding the optical fiber and an outer jacket surrounding the strength layer. The outer jacket includes a base material having a Shore D Hardness of at least 85 and liquid crystal polymer embedded in the base material. The liquid crystal polymer constitutes less than 2% of the outer jacket by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne M. Kachmar, Ronald J. Kleckowski
  • Patent number: 8090232
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications cable having a layer constructed to resist post-extrusion shrinkage. The layer includes a plurality of discrete shrinkage-reduction members embedded within a base material. The shrinkage-reduction members can be made of a liquid crystal polymer. The disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing telecommunications cables having layers adapted to resist post-extrusion shrinkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 8081853
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved optical fiber that employs a novel coating system. When combined with a bend-insensitive glass fiber, the novel coating system according to the present invention yields an optical fiber having exceptionally low losses. The coating system features (i) a softer primary coating with excellent low-temperature characteristics to protect against microbending in any environment and in the toughest physical situations and, optionally, (ii) a colored secondary coating possessing enhanced color strength and vividness. The improved coating system provides optical fibers that offer significant advantages to single-fiber drop cables, such as those employed for Multiple Dwelling Unit (MDU) applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Draka Comteq, B.V.
    Inventor: Bob J. Overton
  • Publication number: 20110293228
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable is provided having a at least one fiber element, a layer of aramid strength members, and a jacket disposed over said layer of aramid strength members. The layer of aramid strength members is wound at a lay length that is equal to or lesser than a predetermined bend radius.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: David Keller, Christopher Raynor, Terry Gooch, Randie Yoder, Dan Rouse
  • Publication number: 20110280529
    Abstract: A cable that includes a first optical fiber in a center, a first layer with a plurality of metal wires and a stainless steel tube surrounding the first optical fiber, a second optical fiber inside the stainless steel tube, and a second layer with a plurality of metal wires surrounding the first layer, wherein the first optical fiber is directly exposed to the outside environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: AFL TELECOMMUNICATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Brian Herbst
  • Patent number: 8059929
    Abstract: Fiber optic distribution cables and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The methods present one or more optical fibers outward of the protective covering for distribution of the same toward the subscriber. Specifically, the methods include presenting a length of distribution optical fiber outward of the protective covering that is longer than the opening at access location. After the opening is made in the protective covering at the access location, the optical fibers for distribution are selected. Then a tool according to the present invention is positioned about the optical fibers selected for distribution and slid within the protective covering of the fiber optic distribution cable until it reaches a cutting location within the fiber optic distribution cable. Consequently, the tool is positioned for cutting the distribution optical fiber at a cutting location within the fiber optic distribution cable at a downstream location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Joseph T. Cody, Dennis M. Knecht, Christopher Paul Lewallen, James P. Luther
  • Patent number: 8050527
    Abstract: In one of the embodiments there is disclosed a self healing optical fiber cable assembly comprising an elongated optical fiber core having a cladding layer, a buffer layer, a sealing layer that seals any microcracks or defects in the buffer layer, the cladding layer, and the optical fiber core, and, an outer protection layer, wherein an end of the outer layer is connected to a strain relief device to provide expansion protection to the cable assembly and to minimize strain on the cable assembly, and further wherein an end of the strain relief device is connected to an optical fiber module. The cable assembly may further comprise a constraining layer and/or a strengthening layer. There is also disclosed a method of making a self healing optical fiber cable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Kenneth C. Noddings
  • Publication number: 20110255834
    Abstract: An optical fiber cable enabling further reduction of possibilities of disconnection of optical fiber due to, for instance, cicada oviposition. The optical fiber cable (10) is provided with: an optical fiber core (1); a tension member (2), which is arranged in parallel to the optical fiber core (1) on one side or on the both sides of the optical fiber core (1); and a sheath (3) which integrally covers the optical fiber core (1) and the tension member (2). At least one portion of the sheath (3) is composed of a polymeric material having a yield point stress of 12 MPa or higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Tsukamoto, Yutaka Hoshino, Noboru Okada
  • Patent number: 8041166
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic cable including an outer jacket having an elongated transverse cross-sectional profile defining a major axis and a minor axis. The transverse cross-sectional profile has a maximum width that extends along the major axis and a maximum thickness that extends along the minor axis. The maximum width of the transverse cross-sectional profile is longer than the maximum thickness of the transverse cross-sectional profile. The outer jacket also defines first and second separate passages that extend through the outer jacket along a lengthwise axis of the outer jacket. The second passage has a transverse cross-sectional profile that is elongated in an orientation extending along the major axis of the outer jacket. The fiber optic cable also includes a plurality of optical fibers positioned within the first passage a tensile strength member positioned within the second passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Kachmar
  • Patent number: 8041165
    Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for incorporating a fiber optic cable into a power cable for an electrical submersible pump is disclosed. The fiber optic components are protected from damage during handling of the cable with pump cable components, such as lead sheaths and jacketing materials. The optical fibers are protected from damage due to corrosive oil well chemicals and gasses, as well as protected from decompression damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David H. Neuroth, Larry V. Dalrymple
  • Patent number: 8031996
    Abstract: A method for making a flexible fibrous continuous tape containing 60 to 98 wt % fiber based on the weight of the tape, from multifilament yarn selected from aramid, glass, aromatic polyester, and rigid rod polymer, comprising the steps: a1) spreading the filaments of the yarn to obtain a filament layer having a cross sectional aspect ratio (w/h) of 2 to 2000; and b1) treating the spread filaments with a curable resin, or a liquid thermoplastic resin or wax; or a2) treating the yarn with the curable resin, or the liquid thermoplastic resin or wax; and b2) spreading the filaments of the yarn to obtain a filament layer having a cross sectional aspect ratio (w/h) of 2 to 2000; followed by c) fixating the filaments by curing or solidifying the resin to obtain the tape, wherein steps a1-b1, respectively a2-b2, and c are performed in-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Teijin Aramid B.V.
    Inventors: Stef Willemsen, Peter Gerard Akker, Huibert Cornelis Kwint, Adrianus Johannus Wilhelmus Van Haren
  • Publication number: 20110229098
    Abstract: Fiber optic cables and assemblies for routing optical networks closer to the subscriber. The fiber optic cables have a small-cross section yet robust design that is versatile by allowing use in aerial application with a pressure clamp along with use in buried and/or duct applications. Additionally, the fiber optic cables and assemblies have a relatively large slack storage capacity for excess length. Assemblies include hardened connectors such as plugs and/or receptacles suitable for outdoor plant applications attached to one or more ends of the fiber optic cables for plug and play connectivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: George C. Abernathy, Rodney M. Bruns, Michael J. Gimblet, Warren W. McAlpine, Allen M. Miller, Daivd A. Seddon
  • Patent number: 8024066
    Abstract: An autonomous inspector mobile platform robot that is used to inspect a pipe or network of pipes. The robot includes a locomotion device that enables the device to autonomously progress through the pipe and accurately track its pose and odometry during movement. At the same time, image data is autonomously captured to detail the interior portions of the pipe. Images are taken at periodic intervals using a wide angle lens, and additional video images may be captured at locations of interest. Either onboard or offboard the device, each captured image is unwarped (if necessary) and combined with images of adjacent pipe sections to create a complete image of the interior features of the inspected pipe. Optional features include additional sensors and measurement devices, various communications systems to communicate with an end node or the surface, and/or image compression software.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: RedZone Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos F. Reverte, Scott M. Thayer, William Whittaker, Eric C. Close, Adam Slifko, Edison Hudson, Subramanian Vallapuzha
  • Patent number: 8023786
    Abstract: In order to improve a cable, comprising an inner cable body, in which at least one conductor strand of an optical and/or electrical conductor runs in the longitudinal direction of the cable, an outer cable sheath, enclosing the inner cable body and lying between an outer sheath surface of the cable and the inner cable body, and at least one information carrier unit, disposed within the outer sheath surface of the cable such that the cable also comprises a shielding, the invention proposes that the information carrier unit having an antenna unit lying in an antenna surface running approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction of the cable, by the antenna surface running at a distance from an electrical shielding of the cable and by providing, between the antenna surface and the shielding, a spacing layer, in which the electromagnetic field that couples to the antenna unit and passes through the antenna surface can extend between the antenna unit and the shielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Lapp Engineering & Co.
    Inventor: Siegbert Lapp
  • Patent number: 8023787
    Abstract: An optical drop cable includes optical fiber cores, tension-resistant members, and a single-material outer sheath covering the cores and the tension-resistant members. The bark of a young tree has elasticity, so that if cicadas lay eggs in the bark, the holes in which eggs are laid close and the eggs will not hatch. Cicadas cannot stick their ovipositors into bark having abrasion resistance. Thus, the outer sheath is made of polyurethane resin having rebound resilience equivalent to that of the bark of a young tree, and having high abrasion resistance. By making the outer sheath from such resin having elasticity and abrasion resistance, holes in which eggs are laid close, thus making hatching of the eggs impossible, or cicadas cannot stick their ovipositors into the outer sheaths. Black cicadas will therefore not lay eggs in the outer sheath, preventing damage to or breakage of the optical fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Tatsuta Electric Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Katsuya, Masaji Asano, Kiyotaka Urashita, Daisuke Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8000573
    Abstract: Generic tow lead-in for streamers providing communication between the seismic systems and the streamers, consisting of at least four wire power quad, at least four multimode optical fibers and at least one signal pair, where the at least one signal line do not utilize a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Phil Roscoe
  • Patent number: 7995885
    Abstract: A fiber optic cable having at least one optical fiber such as a micro structured bend performance optical fiber disposed within a protective covering. The protective covering is highly flexible and the fiber optic cable has extremely low delta attenuation when aggressively bent compared with the conventional fiber optic cable designs. By way of example, the delta attenuation of one fiber optic cable design is about 0.33 dB or less when wrapped 3 turns about a 7.5 millimeter mandrel at a reference wavelength of 1625 nanometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventor: James A. Register