Abstract: An optical fiber cable having a locating element and extending from a distribution enclosure to a premise is provided. The optic fiber cable includes a core having at least one optical fiber transmission medium disposed within a tubular member that has a jacket system disposed thereabout. A longitudinally extending detectable element is provided that does not function as a communications cable and that is detachably connected to said tubular member by the jacket system which is also disposed about the detectable element so as to define a web between the tubular member and the detectable element. The detectable element terminates before at least one of the distribution enclosure or the premise. The web defines a notch between the tubular member and the detectable element which serves as a shear plane to facilitate the propagation of a tear between the tubular member and the detectable element.

Abstract: A composite cable to be laid by being drawn or blown into a cable tube, which has at least two insulated copper wires (1, 2) which are stranded with one another, and at least one single-fiber optical waveguide (3, 4) and a cable sheath (5). The insulation of the copper wires has an inner layer (1b, 2b) with foamed polymer and an outer layer (1c, 2c) including an unfoamed polymer (foam skin). The optical waveguide(s) (3, 4) being arranged in the stranding gaps in the insulated copper wires (1, 2) which are stranded with one another, and reinforcing elements (5a) are made from a material having a high tensile strength being embedded in the sheath (5).

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a fiber optic cable including a cable core and an armor surrounding the cable core. The cable core has at least one optical fiber and the armor includes one or more lines of scoring extending along a longitudinal length of the armor, thereby creating a dedicated location for the craft to open the armor to access the cable core and optical fibers therein.

Abstract: A bend insensitive fiber optic cable includes a singlemode fiber, a buffer layer surrounding the fiber wherein a thickest component of the buffer layer has an elastic modulus greater than 515 MPa (75,000 psi), and a jacket surrounding the buffer layer, wherein the jacket has a thickness of at least 1.2 mm. In one preferred embodiment, the buffer layer includes a nylon 12 resin with a nominal elastic modulus of approximately 218,000 psi. In this embodiment, an inner thin component of the buffer layer is made of an ethylene/ethyl acrylate resin so as to facilitate stripping of the buffer layer away from the fiber.

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.

Abstract: A multi-layered laminate armor wrap for use with a various cables is disclosed, the armor wrap having at least one water absorbing fabric layer, at least one polymer layer, and at least one layer fabricated from a metal or a metal alloy. Each layer in the multi-layered laminate armor wrap is fused or adhered to the adjacent layers to form a fused or sealed laminate armor wrap. A method of making such an armor wrap is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming an armored cable assembly includes: forming an armor sheath using an armor sheath forming apparatus, the armor sheath defining a sheath passage; forcibly feeding a transmission cable into the sheath passage upstream of an exit capstan to provide an excess length of the transmission cable in the armor sheath upstream of the exit capstan; and drawing the armor sheath downstream of the armor sheath forming apparatus using the exit capstan.

Abstract: Disclosed is an armored electrical or optical cable that includes at least one flexible elongated conducting member for conducting electrical or optical signals and an armor layer surrounding the conducting member, the armor layer including a 5xxx aluminum alloy having greater than 3 wt. % Mg. Such aluminum alloys include, e.g., 5182. Other alternative alloys are disclosed. In one embodiment, the aluminum alloy material is a 5xxx alloy material having an elongation that is 8% or greater, a tensile yield strength that is 207 MPa (30 ksi) or greater, and an ultimate tensile strength that is 276 MPa (40 ksi) or greater. The disclosed armor layer provides substantial weight reduction and cost benefits over steel cable armor, is more environmentally friendly than steel, and has physical properties that are comparable to or better than that of steel.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber and at least one dry insert disposed within a cavity of a cable jacket and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The dry insert has a first thickness and a second thickness located at different longitudinal locations along the dry insert, where the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The region of the cable having the first thickness of the dry insert provides and/or increases the coupling level of the at least one optical fiber to the cable jacket. In further embodiments, the optical fiber(s) have a predetermined level of coupling to the cable jacket that is about 0.1625 Newtons or more per optical fiber for a thirty meter length of fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable can comprise small spheres or balls disposed in the cable's interstitial spaces, for example between the cable's optical fibers and a surrounding buffer tube. The spheres can comprise foam rubber, closed-cell or open-cell porous polymer, or some other soft material. Typical diameters for the spheres can be in a range of 1 to 2.5 millimeters. A soft composition of the spheres can cushion the optical fibers and physically impede water ingress into the cable. Additional fiber protection can arise from the ability of the loose spheres to rotate individually, in a ball-bearing effect. Thus, sphere-to-sphere motion can absorb physical stresses associated with bending, twisting, bumping, and stretching the cable during installation, thereby shielding the fibers from damage.

Abstract: This invention discloses a multi-layered laminate armor wrap for use with a copper or fiber optic cable having at least one water absorbing fabric layer, at least one polymer layer, and at least one layer fabricated from a metal or a metal alloy. Each layer in the multi-layered laminate armor wrap is fused or adhered to the adjacent layers to form a fused or sealed laminate armor wrap. This invention also discloses a method of making such an armor wrap.

Abstract: This invention discloses a multi-layered laminate armor wrap for use with a copper or fiber optic cable having at least one water absorbing fabric layer, at least one polymer layer, and at least one layer fabricated from a metal or a metal alloy. Each layer in the multi-layered laminate armor wrap is fused or adhered to the adjacent layers to form a fused or sealed laminate armor wrap. This invention also discloses a method of making such an armor wrap.

Abstract: One or more silica optical fibers (22), especially for use in downhole distributed temperature sensing and similar applications, are deployed in a corrosion resistant metal alloy control line (20) which is electrically insulated with, for example, EPDM. The insulation layer may be covered by a fluid resistant sealing layer (26), which may in turn be covered by a mechanical armor layer 28. The resultant composite optical fiber cable exhibits improved resistance to degradation of optical performance at elevated temperatures over about 100 deg. C.

Abstract: A fiber-optic cable with low buffer insertion force, significant kink resistance, and improved thermal performance incorporating a dual layer buffer of a low density material beneath a continuous seamless high modulus material without compromising low smoke, toxicity, and flammability.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable assembly comprising a first fiber optic cable having pre-selected optical fibers pre-terminated and branched at a cable access point, a second cable optically connected to the pre-terminated optical fibers, and a flexible body encapsulating the cable access point. A method for manufacturing a fiber optic cable assembly comprising providing a fiber optic cable, making an opening in the cable for access, pre-terminating pre-selected optical fibers, optically connecting the pre-selected optical fibers with optical fibers of a tether cable, and encapsulating at least a portion of the cable access location within a flexible overmolded body.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods provide for cables with secured terminations. For some embodiments, a cable includes an inner tube surrounding an optical fiber, an aluminum tube surrounding the inner tube, and armor tubing surrounding the aluminum tube. The aluminum tube resists collapse of the inner tube at bends in the cable, inhibits or prevents hydrogen from reaching the fiber, and facilitates termination of the cable. For example, terminating the cable may include crimping the armor tubing to deform the aluminum tube into gripping engagement with an outside of the inner tube and an inside of the armor tubing. In some embodiments, a retention assembly secures the fiber relative to the inner tube and includes a retention tube secured to the inner tube and a packing sleeve squeezed into gripping engagement with the fiber by radial inward deformation of the retention tube where the packing sleeve is disposed in the retention tube.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber and at least one dry insert disposed within a cavity of a cable jacket and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The dry insert has a first thickness and a second thickness located at different longitudinal locations along the dry insert, where the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. The region of the cable having the first thickness of the dry insert provides and/or increases the coupling level of the at least one optical fiber to the cable jacket. In further embodiments, the optical fiber(s) have a predetermined level of coupling to the cable jacket that is about 0.1625 Newtons or more per optical fiber for a thirty meter length of fiber optic cable.

Abstract: Described are new cable designs for indoor installations wherein the cable comprises a dual-layer optical fiber buffer encasement of acrylate resin. The buffer encasement has an acrylate compliant inner layer that protects the fiber and minimizes stress transfer to the fiber; and a hard, tough acrylate outer layer that provides crush resistance. The dual-layer optical fiber buffer encasement is wrapped with reinforcing yarn and encased in an outer protective jacket.

Abstract: A tubular and a jacketed cable combination includes a strip of material helically wound about itself to form a tubular structure having an inside dimension and an outside dimension, one or more optic fibers disposed within a filler material, a jacket disposed about the filler material to protect the same and an affixation between the jacket and the tubular and methods of making the combination and the cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable having at least one optical fiber such as a microstructured 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. Other variations of the present invention include a connector attached to the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A cable protector (for protecting e.g. optical cable) apparatus provides an elongated flexible body having a central longitudinal bore for holding the cable to be protected. The elongated body provides an outer surface, an inner surface, and a mass of flexible absorbent material in between the inner and outer surfaces. The mass of flexible material carries a plurality of longitudinally extending channels, each channel positioned generally in between the inner and outer surfaces. A slot extends between the inner and outer surfaces for enabling a user to expose the central longitudinal bore by spreading the slot apart so that the cable can be placed into the central bore via the slot.

Abstract: An optical phase modulator made of lithium niobate or the like phase-modulates the output light of a single-wavelength laser light source 20 that emits CW light, and the phase-modulated light is inputted to a dispersion medium 22. The positive chirp and negative chirp of light to which frequency chirp is applied by phase modulation draw near in the dispersion medium and an optical pulse is generated.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic structures having at least one optical fiber and a protective covering such as a cable jacket or matrix material. The fiber optic structures include an attachment portion for providing the craft an installation option for securing the same. Specifically, the fiber optic cable has a first portion that has at least one optical fiber and an attachment portion. The attachment portion generally extends away from the first portion, thereby providing a portion of the fiber optic structure suitable for receiving a fastener therethrough without damaging the at least one optical fiber or causing undue levels of optical attenuation. The fiber optic structures may also have a bulbous first portion for indicating the location of the optical fiber to the craft.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes multiple optical fibers extending from a low-pressure environment into a high-pressure environment. At a junction region, the optical fibers are substantially free of any coating, while the fibers include a coating in the low- and high-pressure regions. The fibers are metallized in the junction region, and an epoxy layer is bonded to the metallization. A protective, conductive housing is positioned around the cable. The fibers in the low-pressure region are coupled to communications electronics, and the pattern is repeated as needed to form a needed length of communication cable.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable has at least one optical fiber, at least one strength member having a major strength member dimension, and a cable jacket. The cable jacket has two major surfaces that are generally flat and includes a cavity with a cavity minor dimension generally orientated with a minor dimension of the fiber optic cable, wherein the at least one optical fiber is disposed within the cavity. In one embodiment, the cavity minor dimension of the fiber optic cable is about the same size or larger than the strength member dimension that is generally aligned with a minor dimension of the cable, thereby allowing access to the cavity when the fiber optic cable is entered while inhibiting damage to the at least one optical fiber. Fiber optic cables of the present invention are also suitable as a portion of a cable assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are tubeless fiber optic cables having strength members, methods of making the cables, and methods for making strength members. Specifically, the concepts of the invention inhibit the distortion and/or influence the cross-sectional shape of the tubeless fiber optic cables due to torsional forces from the strength members. For instance, one tubeless fiber optic cable of the invention uses strength members with a dead-lay construction for inhibiting distortion of the same. Another tubeless fiber optic cable design uses strength members on opposite sides of the cavity where the torsional forces from the strength members are in opposite directions for influencing the cross-sectional shape of the same. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods for making the tubeless fiber optic cables.

Abstract: Disclosed are fiber optic ribbons having at least one optical fiber and a protective covering such as a matrix material. The fiber optic ribbons include an attachment portion for providing the craft an installation option for securing the same. Specifically, the fiber optic ribbon has a first portion that has at least one optical fiber and an attachment portion. The attachment portion generally extends away from the first portion, thereby providing a portion of the fiber optic structure suitable for receiving a fastener therethrough without damaging the at least one optical fiber or causing undue levels of optical attenuation. Moreover, the fiber optic ribbon may be used by itself if a rugged construction is provided or can further include cable components such as a cable jacket. The fiber optic structures may also have a bulbous first portion for indicating the location of the optical fiber to the craft.

Abstract: A cable for use in a borehole or the like, comprises a fibre-optic line, concentrically surrounded by at least two metal layers capable of bearing a tensile load. Ideally, there are included three or four metal layers. The metal layer may be a steel layer or a copper beryllium layer. Also described is a method of making a cable according to any previous claim comprising the step of forming the metal layer from a strip and seam welding the strip along the strip's length, and swaging the metal layer to reduce its diameter onto the layer beneath.

Abstract: A cable which includes conductor bundles prepared from at least one optical fiber positioned either centrally or helically about the center axis of the bundle, metallic conductors helically positioned around the bundles center axis, and a polymeric insulation material. A method of making a cable including forming a conductor bundle by placing helically positioned conductors and optical fibers about the periphery of a central optical fiber or metallic conductor, encasing the conductors, optical fibers, in a polymeric insulation material, and grouping the conductor bundles together.

Abstract: An optical cable having an optical core with a strength member and optical fibers embedded in a thermoplastic material. The optical core has a joint section having substantially the same diameter as the one of the optical core. The joint section has a jointed strength member and a plurality of spliced optical fibers, the jointed portion of the strength member and the spliced portion of the optical fibers being embedded into a cured polymeric material. A method for manufacturing an optical core is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dielectric optical fiber cable which is capable of being remotely detected while buried. Specifically, this invention incorporates a detectable and easily removable locating element which is attached to the optical fiber cable by a web defined by the jacket extending over both the optical fiber cable and the locating element. The web allows for the locating strand to be easily removed once separation of the locating element from the optical fiber cable is initiated. The web is designed to allow the initial tear to propagate into a precise longitudinal tear along a predetermined length of the optical fiber cable.

Abstract: A buffered optical fiber includes at least one optical fiber and a buffer layer. In one embodiment, the buffer layer generally surrounds the optical fiber and has a non-round cross-section that includes a plurality of wings that are an integrally formed by the buffer layer. Additionally, the buffered optical fiber may form a portion of a fiber optic cable that allows a relatively small bend radius while maintaining optical performance. Optionally, the optical fiber may be a bend resistant optical fiber for preserving optical performance. Additionally, other fiber optic cables that allow relatively small bend radii are also disclosed.

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: Fiber optic cables and assemblies useful for distribution of the optical fibers to a network are disclosed. The fiber optic cables include a first strength component and a second strength component with a cable jacket generally surrounding the first and second strength components. One or more compartments are defined between the first and second strength components for housing one or more optical fibers. The optical fibers of the fiber optic cable are easily accessible by the craft for distribution to the network, thereby allowing the construction of assemblies that are suitable for distribution of the optical fibers to the network.

Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to umbilicals comprising at least one inner tube and at least one composite fiber element to provide greater resistance to radial compressive forces. Such umbilicals may be used in subsea hydrocarbon production applications.

Abstract: A multi-tube fiber optic cable maintains a plurality of fiber tubes, each fiber tube containing at least one optical fiber therein. The plurality of fiber tubes are disposed apart from a central axis of the cable. A plurality of strength members are disposed apart from a central axis of said cable. An outer jacket surrounds the plurality of fiber tubes and the plurality of strength members and is formed from a pressure extruded polymer. The plurality of fiber tubes and strength members are held in either one of an oscillated geometry or a helical geometry by the pressure extruded jacket.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a distribution fiber optic cable is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of optical fibers for a cable core. Transitioning at least one of the plurality of optical fibers between a first location and a second location, where one of the locations is disposed within the cable core and the other location is disposed apart from the cable core and applying a cable jacket. In other embodiments, the cable can be a portion of a cable assembly.

Abstract: An earthing electrode assembly and method for providing a submerged electrical apparatus with an earth path, the electrode assembly having an earthing electrode, an attachment device for attaching the electrode assembly to a cable, and an insulated electrical connection for connecting the earthing electrode to the submerged electrical apparatus. The connection is formed to be of sufficient length for the submerged electrical apparatus to be protected from electrochemical effects resulting from operation of the earthing electrode.

Abstract: An optical insulated core with a coated optical fiber (2) shows a core jacket (4) with a core jacket material containing polyvinylchloride (41) which is applied to the coating of the optical fiber. It contains a solid component (42) distributed within the core jacket material, which produces a mechanical separation effect against the coating of the optical fiber. The solid component (42) is mixed and distributed into the core jacket material during a compounding process. Thus the core jacket can be removed from the coating of the optical fiber in a simple way.

Abstract: A blind locating system for finding and tracing buried objects such as utility lines, conductive pipes and sondes. A sensor array is coupled to a signal processor, which determines a field vector for one or more buried objects by producing a data signal representing a covariance matrix corresponding to the covariances of the time-varying sensor array signals over a selected frequency band and accumulation interval. The covariance matrix is characterized by eigenvalues and associated eigenvectors and a user interface (UI) indicates the field vector associated with the eigenvector having the largest eigenvalue. Using several different frequency bands, a plurality of underground objects may be simultaneously detected and indicated in the UI without foreknowledge of their existence or characteristics.

Abstract: A method and modular mechanism are provided for protecting fiber optic cables. The modular mechanism includes an inner member for receiving the fiber optic cable, and an outer container receiving and retaining the inner member, such as, an inner tube and outer tube. The inner member and the outer container have predefined shapes to create an interference with each other, limiting a bend radius of the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cable having a substantially gastight metal tube receiving at least one optical conductor and a hydrogen-absorbent substance. The inside face of the tube is covered with a layer of a catalyst substance such as nickel or chromium for catalyzing the reaction whereby the hydrogen-absorbent substance absorbs hydrogen. Said layer is itself covered with at least one layer of hydrogen-absorbent substance which constitutes a filler material for filling the tube, or which merely forms a layer deposited on the layer of catalyst substance.

Abstract: An integrated fiber-optic tow cable is described having both optical fibers and armor wires located outside the cable core to avoid high strain on the optical fibers when the cables is under stress during deployment. The optical fibers have integral temperature sensors near the outermost portion in order to measure accurately the temperature of the fluid coming in contact with temperature sensors. A beam of light is shown on the optical fibers which is reflected by the optical fibers and reaches the receiver and processed by the processor which may also include a display unit.

Abstract: A sensor embedded in a high temperature metal is incorporated into a sensing system for measuring temperature, strain, or other properties of a metal structure. An optical system transmits light to and receives output signals from the sensor for analysis. With rotating structures, an optical fiber lead transmits light between the sensor and external surface of the structure along its rotational axis, allowing the lead to remain fixed with respect to the optical system as the structure rotates at high speeds.

Abstract: A package for an optical fiber sensor having a metal jacket surrounding the sensor, and heat-shrink tubing surrounding the metal jacket. The metal jacket is made of a low melting point metal (e.g. lead, tin). The sensor can be disposed in a rigid tube (e.g. stainless steel or glass) that is surrounded by the metal jacket. The metal jacket provides a hermetic, or nearly hermetic seal for the sensor. The package is made by melting the metal jacket and heating the heat shrink tubing at the same time. As the heat-shrink tubing shrinks, it presses the low melting point metal against the sensor, and squeezes out the excess metal.

Abstract: A nonmetallic, nonconductive strength member for use in a cable or as a component of a strength reinforcement system of a cable is provided. The strength member is constructed of low cost materials and includes multiple glass fibers coated with a coating composition. The strength member provides flexibility and high tensile strength. The strength member exhibits low smoke generation and low flammability properties. The coating composition includes at least a lubricant that imparts a substantially smooth surface and a low coefficient of friction to the glass fibers to help facilitate processing of the strength member(s) during cabling and stranding procedures. The coating composition also includes at least an adhesive component that helps to substantially adhere the glass fibers together and helps to form the glass fibers into the strength member. The strength member can be configured as a yarn or as a strand for incorporation within a cable and/or for arrangement with one or more cable components.

Abstract: A communication cable including at least one communication element having a ripcord for ripping at least one cable component for facilitating access to the communication cable. In one embodiment, the ripcord is formed from a plurality of plies twisted together in a first direction, each of the plurality of plies being formed from a plurality of strands twisted together in a second direction. In another embodiment, the ripcord is formed from at least two different filament materials such as polyester and polyethylene.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable and methods for manufacturing the same the fiber optic cable including a fiber optic cable core, the fiber optic cable core includes at least one optical fiber and a separation layer. The separation layer generally surrounds the at least one optical fiber, and a cable jacket generally surrounds the separation layer. The cable jacket has an average shrinkage of about 2.0% or less during a cable jacket shrinkage test conducted at a temperature of 110° C. for 2 hours with the cable core removed. The low-shrink characteristic of the cable jacket preserves optical performance during, for example, temperature variations.

Abstract: A lensed polarization maintaining fiber having a lens on an end thereof has a core, two stress-applied regions disposed on both sides of the core, respectively, and a clad containing the core and stress-applied regions. The lens has at least an inclined face, the inclined face including an edge. Each of the stress-applied regions is exposed on the inclined face except the edge.