Plural Unit Type Patents (Class 385/112)
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Patent number: 7242831Abstract: An optical fiber assembly includes a central strength member, multiple tubes, stranded yarn, a water protection layer, reinforced strength yarns and an outer sheath. At least one of the multiple tubes has one or more optical fibers disposed within. The stranded yarn is formed around the multiple tubes and the central strength member. The water protection layer is formed around the stranded yarn. The reinforced strength yarns are formed around the water protection layer and the outer sheath is formed around the reinforced strength yarns. The optical fiber assembly has an overall diameter of less than about 11.5 mm and exhibits low strain when subjected to a tension of at least 600 pounds.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Verizon Business Global LLCInventor: John A. Fee
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Patent number: 7242830Abstract: A cable system and method including a cable or a microduct provided within the groove extending vertically into, but not through, a pavement. The cable has a central strength member, at least one buffer tube stranded around the central strength member, an outerjacket surrounding the buffer tube and central strength member, and at least one transmission element provided within said at least one buffer tube. Provided within the microduct is a microduct cable including at least one transmission element. A cable including a central strength member, at least one buffer tube stranded around the central strength member, an outer jacket surrounding the buffer tube and central strength member, and at least one transmission element provided within said at least one buffer tube. The cable has a longitudinal thermal expansion force due to a change in temperature from 20° C. to 70° C. of less than 305 lbs when constrained.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Draka Comteo B.V.Inventors: Olaf Storaasli, Ray Lovie, Bob J. Overton, Jeff Barker, Charles J. Welnack, Terry Holshouser, Sr.
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Patent number: 7239781Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.Inventors: Andre Chartier, Paul Gahm
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Patent number: 7221832Abstract: A thermal protection device for a fiber optic cable includes a loop formed on the cable and a plurality of sub-units within the cable removed from an outer jacket. A circumferential cut is made through an outer jacket of each sub-unit. A tube is placed about the cut in each sub-unit. A carrier is positioned about each of the tubes and each sub-unit including a circumferential cut. A fiber optic system includes a thermal protection device for sub-units of a fiber optic cable within a frame. A method of providing thermal protection for a fiber optic cable. A kit for providing thermal protection to telecommunications cables.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2004Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Tinucci
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Patent number: 7203404Abstract: A distribution fiber optic cable including a plurality of optical fibers, a plurality of tubes, at least one filling component, and least one access location, and a cable jacket. Each tube has at least one optical fibers therein, where some of the plurality of tubes are stranded together over at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the fiber optic cable, thereby forming at least a portion of a cable core. The access location includes at least one access tube. The one access tube being one of the plurality of tubes that transitions during manufacturing from a first location within the cable core to a second location apart from the cable core and the at least one filling component is introduced into the cable core for taking the position of the access tube within the cable core. Also disclosed are cable assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Corning Cable Systems, LLC.Inventors: Jody L. Greenwood, David L. Dean, Jr., Kenneth D. Temple, Jr., Keith H. Lail
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Patent number: 7203405Abstract: An optical fiber cable including a central strength member extending longitudinally; a plurality of buffer tubes housing optical fibers and stranded around the strength member; a pair of filler elements stranded around the strength member along with the buffer tubes and arranged such that one filler element of the pair is diametrically opposite the other filler elements of the pair to protect the buffer tubes when the cable is subjected to a radially inward force; and an outer sheath surrounding the buffer tubes and filler elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Draka Comteq B.V.Inventor: Olaf L. Storaasli
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Patent number: 7200307Abstract: A telecommunication optical cable has a number of optical fibers; at least a microsheath loosely containing the optical fibers, the at least one microsheath loosely containing the optical fibers therein forming at least one corresponding microbundle, wherein the optical fibers are stranded according to an open helix trajectory.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Pirelli & C. S.p.A.Inventors: Fabio Bau′, Alessandro Ginocchio
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Patent number: 7177508Abstract: An optical fiber having improved compression strength is disclosed. The optical fiber includes a central tension member positioned in the center of the optical fiber and having at least one groove, at least one metal tube seated in the groove and containing at least one optical fiber, a strength member positioned around the central tension member and the tube, and a sheath positioned around the strength member.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyung-Tae Park, Hee-Goo Kang
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Patent number: 7174076Abstract: An optical fiber cable suitable installation using an air-blown method is disclosed. The optical fiber cable has a center tensile member located at a center of the optical fiber cable to provide tension-resistant force, at least three loose tubes each of which includes at least one optical signal transmitting medium, and located to surround a peripheral portion of the center tensile member, a binder surrounding the loose tubes to maintain an alignment pattern of the loose tubes, and a sheath located at an outermost portion of the optical fiber cable. The optical fiber cable has a polygonal sectional shape having smooth edges.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 6, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hoon-Soo Park, Joong-Jin Hwang, Seung-Hyun Moon
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Patent number: 7127144Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber composite power cable having a loose-tube-type optical fiber impregnated therein, wherein the optical fibers are installed in a loose tube made of metal to prevent lateral pressure from being imposed on the optical fibers by the metal conductors, even when tensile force or bending force is applied to the cable.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2004Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: LG Cable Ltd.Inventor: Su-kil Lee
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Patent number: 7123802Abstract: A piping unit and method for efficiently arranging a plurality of optical fibers in a communication system. The piping unit includes an elongate tube having a plurality of parallel longitudinal cavities extending the length of the tube. The longitudinal cavities have a circular transverse cross-section, while the tube preferably has an approximately square transverse cross-section. Each of the longitudinal cavities is sized to mount an optical fiber within the cavity extending the length of the elongate tube. The longitudinal cavities are arranged to maximize the number of optical fibers that are mounted within the cross-section of the elongate tube. In a square tube, the cavities may be mounted in rows and columns parallel to the sides of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson(publ)Inventors: Kristian Engberg, William G. McGavin, Julian M. Christie
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Patent number: 7123801Abstract: Optical fiber cables with a central strength member encircled by a jacket having ducts which are disposed around the strength member and which receive one or more optical fibers with jacket material between the ducts and the outer surface of the jacket. The optical fibers are free to move in the ducts, and preferably, the optical fibers are tight buffered. Portions of the jacket intermediate the ducts connect to the strength member which resists longitudinal movement of the jacket relative to the core. However, the jacket can be separated from the core by manual pulling force after the jacket is axially and radially cut at a pair of diametrically opposite ducts. Preferably, the jacket has outer surface indicia showing the positions of the slots, and the cables can include water blocking materials.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Prysmian Communications Cables and Systems USA, LLCInventor: Jon Fitz
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Patent number: 7113680Abstract: A fiber optic cable includes at least one at least one bundle having a plurality of non-tight buffered optical fibers and a binder element for maintaining the integrity of the bundle. The binder element may be, for example, a binder thread. The fiber optic cable may exclude a grease or a grease-like composition being in contact with the at least one bundle for filling interstices of the cable thereby blocking water from flowing through the cable. The fiber optic cable also includes a separation layer for inhibiting adhesion between the bundles of optical fibers and the cable jacket. In another embodiment, a fiber optic cable includes a plurality of optical fibers and a binder element forming at least one bundle. The at least one bundle is surrounded by an armor layer and the fiber optic cable excludes a cable jacket within the armor layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Corning Cable Systems, LLCInventors: William C. Hurley, Martyn N. Easton
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Patent number: 7099542Abstract: A water blocking configuration for a low temperature, dry loose tube fiber optic cable includes one or more flexible buffer tubes each having a passage sized to contain one or more optical fibers. A single yarn is disposed in the passage of each buffer tube, and the yarn has a denier of not more than 1500. The yarn is coated with particles of a water absorbent material having a size distribution of between zero and not more than 160 microns. A dry loose tube fiber optic cable having the disclosed configuration meets the Telcordia GR 20 (Issue 2) industry standard with respect to water penetration, change of fiber attenuation, and fiber tensile strength at a low temperature of ?60 degrees C.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Furukawa Electric North AmericaInventors: Jack Ledbetter, Swati Neogi, Antony Shacklady
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Patent number: 7095930Abstract: A cable system and method including a cable or a microduct provided within the groove extending vertically into, but not through, a pavement. The cable has a central strength member, at least one buffer tube stranded around the central strength member, an outer jacket surrounding the buffer tube and central strength member, and at least one transmission element provided within said at least one buffer tube. Provided within the microduct is a microduct cable including at least one transmission element. A cable including a central strength member, at least one buffer tube stranded around the central strength member, an outer jacket surrounding the buffer tube and central strength member, and at least one transmission element provided within said at least one buffer tube. The cable has a longitudinal thermal expansion force due to a change in temperature from 20° C. to 70° C. of less than 305 lbs when constrained.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Draka Comteq B.V.Inventors: Olaf Storaasli, Ray Lovie, Bob J. Overton, Jeff Barker, Charles J. Welnack, Terry Holshouser, Sr.
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Patent number: 7085455Abstract: A flexible innerduct structure is configured to contain a cable within a conduit. The innerduct structure includes a pair of adjacent strip-shaped layers of flexible material that are joined along their longitudinal edges to define a channel through which the cable can extend longitudinally through the innerduct structure between the layers. The adjacent layers have differing widths between their longitudinal edges, whereby the wider layer bulges away from the narrower layer to impart an open configuration to the channel. Other features of the innerduct structure relate to the material of which it is formed. Such features includes the structure of the material, such as a woven structure, and further include properties such as melting point, tensile strength, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventor: David Drew Morris
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Patent number: 7027696Abstract: A fiber optic buffer tube containing fiber optic ribbons centrally located within the buffer tube and a gel compound surrounding the fiber optic ribbons. Disposed within the gel compound, between the walls of the buffer tube and the fiber optic ribbons are gel swellable yarns and/or particles. The gel swellable yarns/particles volumetrically expand when in contact with the gel compound causing greater force to hold the gel compound in place, especially when the fiber optic buffer is heated. The gel swellable yarns/particles also provide greater surface area and help to prevent the fiber optic ribbons from coming into contact with the walls of the buffer tube, thereby preventing signal attenuation problems.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: AlcatelInventor: Nicholas V. Nechitailo
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Patent number: 7027697Abstract: An optical fiber cable allows for future expansion with blown optical fibers through conduits. The cable assembly includes a central strength member, a conduit, and a buffer tube of optical fibers, all surrounded by an outer jacket. The central strength member may be tubular. While the buffer tube of optical fibers accommodates current capacity requirements, the conduit and possibly the tubular strength member provide paths for blowing additional optical fibers into the cable to meet future capacity needs.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Pirelli Communications Cables and Systems USA, LLCInventors: Daniel Tatarka, Joseph F. Upton
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Patent number: 7016579Abstract: Fiber optic conduits are received around a central axis with their axes extending in the same direction as the central axis and with each fiber optic conduit tangent to two other fiber optic conduits. The fiber optic conduits define a first interstitial space therebetween and a plurality of second interstitial spaces between each pair of fiber optic conduits on a side thereof opposite the first interstitial space. An interstitial member is received tangent to each pair of fiber optic conduits defining each second interstitial space. Grounding members surround the interstitial members and the fiber optic conduits with their longitudinal axes extending in the same direction as the central axis. Each grounding member is tangent to two other grounding members and an imaginary tube which surrounds and is tangent to the interstitial members and the fiber optic conduits and which has a longitudinal axis coaxial with the central axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2002Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura LimitedInventors: Cristian Militaru, Lawrence E. Davis
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Patent number: 6973246Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes a number of optical fiber bundles. Each bundle contains a number of optical fiber cable units, and a relatively thin skin surrounds the cable units and retains the units in a desired configuration another over the length of the bundle. Each cable unit includes a number of optical fibers, and a first outer jacket that surrounds the fibers. The bundles are protectively enclosed by a second outer jacket of the cable. In an illustrated embodiment, each cable unit has 12 fibers, each bundle contains 12 cable units, and six bundles are protectively enclosed by the second outer jacket, so that the cable contains 432 optical fibers each of which is traceable by color and/or indicia markings.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: Furukawa Electric North America, Inc.Inventors: Luis M. Bocanegra, Harold P. Debban, Jr.
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Patent number: 6968106Abstract: An air blown fiber tube cable having improved thermal stability in contrast to conventional air blown fiber (ABF) tube cables and within which one or more air blown optical fiber units can be installed. The air blown fiber tube is formed from a cross-linked polyolefin (preferably cross-linked high density polyethylene) comprising at least one non-polymer filler material having a coefficient of thermal expansion less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of said tube.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2005Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corp.Inventors: Scott M. Chastain, Terri L. Dixon, Glenn M. Gregrich, Keith Quistorff, Brett W. Schultz
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Patent number: 6937802Abstract: A telecommunication cable includes a plurality of modules, each with a thin retaining sheath for clamping optical fibers together. Each retaining sheath contains plural respective modules and is mechanically coupled to the retaining sheaths of the respective modules to form supermodules that contact an outside jacket. The retaining sheath of a supermodule includes an identification color or line to distinguish the supermodules from each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Sagem SAInventors: Patrick Jamet, Nathalie Lecourtier, Daniel Bernier
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Patent number: 6915052Abstract: Covered optical fibers are provided comprising at least on optical fiber; and a buffer tube covering surrounding the optical fiber. The buffer tube covering is comprised of a blend of at least 40% by weight of a copolyether ester elastomer, at least 10% by weight of a rubbery modifier, and at least 10% by weight of an amorphous thermoplastic polymer, and has a melting point of at least 165° C. and a Trouser Tear Strength of less than 65 N/mm.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventor: Sonia Japon Boogh
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Patent number: 6915051Abstract: In applying an intermediate coating layer of thermoplastic resin onto the periphery of a central tensile member and applying a main coating of polyethylene resin, having continuous spiral grooves that are for accommodating optical fibers and are inverted periodically in direction along the length direction, onto the outer periphery of the abovementioned intermediate coating layer, a cooling medium is blown or made to flow with priority onto the grooves after melt discharge to form a spacer with which even though the minimum rib thickness of the ribs that define the abovementioned spiral grooves is 1.0 mm or less, the groove inclination angle ? of the spacer cross section at the inversion parts is 18° or less.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2004Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Ube-Nitto Kasei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toku Ishii, Kazunori Watanabe, Kenji Ito
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Patent number: 6912347Abstract: A fiber optic cable with optical fibers stranded around a central strength member, and surrounded outer jacket made of a low coefficient of friction material and thinly constructed to show the profile of the stranded shape of the optical lines through the jacket, to thereby form a textured surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2003Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: AlcatelInventors: Michael T. Rossi, Olaf Storaasli, Peter Lausch, Vincent Bourget, Aaron Kelly, George Dallas
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Patent number: 6876797Abstract: A flexible fire resistant innerduct structure is configured to contain a cable within a conduit. The innerduct structure includes a pair of adjacent strip-shaped layers of flexible material that are joined along their longitudinal edges to define a channel through which the cable can extend longitudinally through the innerduct structure between the layers. The adjacent layers have differing widths between their longitudinal edges, whereby the wider layer bulges away from the narrower layer to impart an open configuration to the channel. Other features of the innerduct structure relate to the material of which it is formed. Such features includes the structure of the material, such as a woven structure, and further include properties such as melting point, tensile strength, fire resistance, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventor: David Drew Morris
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Patent number: 6870995Abstract: Optical fiber cable with a central strength member structure and with four or five buffer tubes each loosely receiving optical fiber ribbons in a stack and is disposed around and contacting the strength member. The optical fiber count is in excess of 1000 and the fill factor is not greater than 85% in a two inch duct. Each buffer tube contacts adjacent buffer tubes, and the buffer tubes are encircled by a jacket. Optionally, spaces bounded by pairs of buffer tubes and the jacket have optical fibers therein and can also include flexible longitudinal strength members and/or water blocking filaments. Preferably, the strength member structure and/or the buffer tubes are encircled by a water blocking tape. The optical fiber ribbons in the stacks can include different numbers of fibers, and hence, can have different width.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Pirelli Cables and Systems LLCInventors: J. Peter Johnson, Robert S. Aull, Mike Petryszak
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Patent number: 6865334Abstract: A termination assembly for use in an optical hydrophone module, comprising a module oil seal and an optical fiber seal. The termination assembly is used at the ends of modules and provides a means for filling individual modules with fill fluid. A module oil seal comprises a cylindrical wall defining a cavity, with one end substantially closed and the other end open. An annular face plate on the open end makes a seal dividing a coupling and a clevis. A check valve is mounted to an orifice that passes through the substantially closed end of the module oil seal. Optical fibers pass through the substantially closed end and the optical fiber seal is provided around the optical fiber that passes therethrough. The fiber seal fits snugly in a module oil seal opening. Both components serve to provide a seal that can withstand high pressures and maintain optical fiber integrity.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, Inc.Inventors: Donald A. Cooke, Kenneth M. McGovern
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Patent number: 6853781Abstract: An air blown fiber tube cable having improved thermal stability in contrast to conventional air blown fiber (ABF) tube cables and within which one or more air blown optical fiber units can be installed. The air blown fiber tube is formed from a cross-linked polyolefin (preferably cross-linked high density polyethylene) comprising at least one non-polymer filler material having a coefficient of thermal expansion less than the coefficient of thermal expansion of said tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Lightwave Corp., Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics CorporationInventors: Scott M. Chastain, Terri L. Dixon, Glenn M. Gregrich, Keith Quistorff, Brett W. Schultz
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Patent number: 6826338Abstract: An optical fiber cable including an axial portion and a plurality of portioning plate portions housed in a space encircled by a sheath; and the axial portion and the portioning plate having a sectional shape that the partitioning plate portions radially extend toward an inner circumferential surface of the sheath from the axial portion; wherein the space is divided into a plurality of partitioned slots by the partitioning plate portions having leading ends provided with enlarged portions in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the sheath and connecting portions connecting the enlarged portions to the axial portion, and optical fibers are distributed so that two or more optical fibers are not provided in a single partitioned slot.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventor: Yoshitaka Matsuyama
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Patent number: 6823120Abstract: An optical cable includes a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide having predetermined bandwidth capacities. A bandwidth capacity ratio is defined as the predetermined bandwidth capacity between the first and second optical waveguides. The bandwidth capacity ratio being about 2:1 or greater, however, other suitable ratios can be used. Other embodiments identify one of the legs of an optical cable by using a marking indicia. Additionally, another embodiment employs a translucent jacket for aiding in identifying each optical waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventors: William C. Hurley, Aaron J. Plaski
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Patent number: 6819861Abstract: A beam collecting device and a laser emission device are disclosed incorporating a laminated optical waveguide array and refraction means therein. The laminated optical waveguide array is composed of a plurality of plate-like optical waveguides made of a material having a predetermined refractive index and a plurality of spacer members having a lower refractive index than that of said optical waveguides and arranged alternately with said optical waveguides. The spacer members take the form of cylindrical members, spherical members or plate-like members. The beam collecting device and laser emission device comprise a semiconductor laser array having a plurality of laser emitting parts arranged in fast and slow axis directions, the optical waveguide array, optical fibers and a collective lens. The laser emitting parts are divided into plural groups separated in the slow axis direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiromichi Ota, Yoshinobu Katoh, Yasuo Niino
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Publication number: 20040197059Abstract: An optical fiber cable having a polymeric component, in particular a buffer tube, suitable for both terrestrial and undersea uses. The polymeric material forming the component has a copolymer of propylene with a C4-C8 &agr;-olefin and preferably a nucleating agent disbursed therein. The obtained component shows improved dimensional stability, which guarantees its non-deformability, and high transparency and can be extruded at lower extrusion temperatures.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Luca Castellani, Mauro Maritano, Giovanni Brandi
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Patent number: 6795625Abstract: A polyethylene spacer for optical fiber cable including a central tensile member, an intermediate coating layer arranged on an outer periphery of the central tensile member and being compatible with polyethylene and a main coating arranged on an outer periphery of the intermediate coating layer and having continuous spiral grooves for accommodating optical fibers and which are inverted periodically in a lengthwise direction. The main coating is formed from polyethylene resin. The spacer includes ribs defining the spiral grooves. A minimum thickness of the ribs is 1.0 mm or less, the groove inclination angle &agr; of a cross section of the spacer at inversion part is 18° or less. A resin density of a root part of each rib is the lowest in comparison to a resin density at a tip part of the rib and central parts of the rib between the root part and the tip part.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2001Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Ube-Nitto Kasei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toku Ishii, Kazunori Watanabe, Kenji Ito
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Patent number: 6778744Abstract: An optical cable (10) includes one or more tubes (120), each containing a number of optical fibers (101), and a plastic jacket (160) that encloses the tube(s). A pair of diametrically opposed rods (300-1, 300-2) are at least partially embedded in the polyethylene jacket and are made from continuous-filament glass fibers that are embedded in epoxy. Each rod has a compressive stiffness that is effective to inhibit substantial contraction of the cable, and a tensile stiffness that is effective to receive tensile loads without substantial transfer of such loads to the glass fibers. Each dielectric rod includes a thin layer (330) of a frictional adhesion coating that provides a controlled adhesion between the rod and the jacket of between 50 and 300 lb./in2. Whereas dual-rod cable designs have a preferred bending plane that passes through the rods, controlled adhesion between the rods and the jacket enables the cable to be easily bent in other planes and to be blown through ducts having multiple corners.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Fitel USA Corp.Inventors: Richard Hartford Norris, Richard D. Small, Phillip Maurice Thomas, Peter A. Weimann
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Patent number: 6768845Abstract: An optical cable has a plurality of one-groove spacers 3 which are twisted in one direction around a central member 1. Anti-tensile elements 2 are arranged in the central portion of the central member 1. Each one-groove spacer having a single groove which is linear lengthwise and substantially square in cross section and holding a stack of a plurality of optical fiber ribbons 4. The inner width and the height of the side walls of the groove of the one-groove spacer are set greater than the diagonal length of the stack. Therefore, the transmission loss becomes reducible because the contact portions of the optical fiber ribbons with respect to the side walls of the grooves vary in the longitudinal direction, thus preventing a specific number of optical fibers from being continuously subjected to edgewise pressure.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2000Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Yoshiyuki Suetsugu, Hiroki Ishikawa, Hideyuki Iwata
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Patent number: 6760523Abstract: The present invention includes an optical fiber cable configuration comprising fibers that are grouped into buffer tubes or buffer cells, containing fiber bundles or ribbon stacks, using a lightweight fabric-type composite tape material to serve as a light-weight strength member and protective low-thermal-expansion sheath. A plurality of the buffer tubes or buffer cells of various shapes are then positioned upon another piece of composite tape material. Gel or foamy glue is placed on the tape and is used to secure the buffer tubes to the tape. A triangular or trapezoidal stack is then formed by rolling the tape to enclose the buffer tubes and excess gel serves to fill in gaps. Multiple stacks may then be stranded to form a larger super-cable structure that uses a piece of composite tape material along with the rolling process, as described above, to support the individual stacks.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: AlcatelInventor: Nicholas V. Nechitailo
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Patent number: 6751383Abstract: The present invention relates to a loose-tube, optical-ribbon cable, which comprises a central tensile-strength component situated in the center of the optical-ribbon cable; a plurality of loose tubes mounted with a bundle of optical-ribbon fibers, wherein the bundle of optical-ribbon fibers are formed by laminating multiple optical-ribbon fibers, each optical-ribbon fiber including multiple cores of optical fibers stranded in a single row and a sheath surrounding the multiple cores of optical fibers, wherein the plurality of loose tubes are stranded around the central tensile-strength component; a plurality of circle-shaped, water-absorbing members arranged in a hollow which is formed outside the pair of loose tubes neighboring each other; a water-absorbing tape for surrounding the plurality of loose tubes and plurality of circle-shaped, water-absorbing members; and, an external sheath situated in the outermost surface of the optical ribbon-cable for protecting the interior of the loose tube optical-ribbon cType: GrantFiled: September 5, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eun-Song Um, Joong-Jin Hwang
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Publication number: 20040096167Abstract: A fiber optic cable with optical fibers stranded around a central strength member, and surrounded outerjacket made of a low coefficient of friction material and thinly constructed to show the profile of the stranded shape of the optical lines through the jacket, to thereby form a textured surfaceType: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Applicant: ALCATELInventors: Michael T. Rossi, Olaf Storaasli, Peter Lausch, Vincent Bourget, Aaron Kelly, George Dallas
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Patent number: 6738547Abstract: A composite cable unit having an optical sub-unit including at least one optical fiber, and an electrical sub-unit including at least one electrical conductor for power or transmission. The optical and electrical sub-units are removably connected together by a common jacket material. The composite cable unit can be used singly or in, for example, fan-out or break-out cables.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLCInventor: John A. R. Spooner
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Publication number: 20040076389Abstract: For preventing reduction of transmitting efficiency of signal light, an optical connector 1 has a ferrule 4 joined with an end of an optical fiber cable 7, a housing and a plate-like spring 6. The ferrule 4 includes a cylindrical portion 11 and the first flange 12 disposed at central portion 11a of the cylindrical portion 11. The plate-like spring 6 received in the housing 5 has a first straight portion 21 abutting on the first flange 12, a second straight portion 22 abutting on an inner surface of the housing 5, and connecting portions 23 connecting the straight portions 21, 22. The first straight portion 21 and the second straight portion 22 intersect a center axis P perpendicularly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventor: Masahito Ozaki
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Patent number: 6718100Abstract: A flexible fire resistant innerduct structure is configured to contain a cable within a conduit. The innerduct structure includes a pair of adjacent strip-shaped layers of flexible material that are joined along their longitudinal edges to define a channel through which the cable can extend longitudinally through the innerduct structure between the layers. The adjacent layers have differing widths between their longitudinal edges, whereby the wider layer bulges away from the narrower layer to impart an open configuration to the channel. Other features of the innerduct structure relate to the material of which it is formed. Such features includes the structure of the material, such as a woven structure, and further include properties such as melting point, tensile strength, fire resistance, elongation, coefficient of friction, crimp resistance and compression recovery.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventor: David Drew Morris
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Patent number: 6711328Abstract: A filling body is inserted together with a loose bundle of guide tubes during installation in an existing protective duct, thus enlarging the bundle diameter (which reduces the buckling risk) and making crossing of the guide tubes impossible. The guide tubes are positioned along the outside of the filling body, providing access to the guide tubes during post-installation branching. The filling body may include radially projecting spacer ribs that separate the guide tubes, thereby preventing crossing movement and helical stranding. The guide tubes are thus constrained and carried along with the filling body in alignment with the spacer ribs, so that buckling, helical stranding and three-dimensional restrictions or tangles cannot occur. The filling body may include a thin tubular sidewall enclosing a longitudinal airflow passage that may be pressurized during installation, and deformable when unpressurized, thus providing mechanical protection against damage of the protective duct after installation.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: NKF Kabel B.V.Inventors: Willem Griffioen, Arie Van Wingerden, Cornelis Van 'T Hul, Pieter Lock, Willem Greven, Frans Robbert Bakker
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Patent number: 6697710Abstract: A gas pipe explorer formed of a plurality of connecting elements, and an articulation element between the connected elements. The connected elements include drive capabilities, and the articulation element allows the connected elements to traverse gas pipes of arbitrary shapes and sizes. A sensor may sends the characteristics of the gas pipe, and the communication element may send back those sends characteristics. The communication can be wired, over a tether connecting the device to a remote end. Alternatively, the connection can be wireless, driven by either a generator or a battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventor: Brian Wilcox
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Publication number: 20040022504Abstract: An optical cable includes a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide having predetermined bandwidth capacities. A bandwidth capacity ratio is defined as the predetermined bandwidth capacity between the first and second optical waveguides. The bandwidth capacity ratio being about 2:1 or greater, however, other suitable ratios can be used. Other embodiments identify one of the legs of an optical cable by using a marking indicia. Additionally, another embodiment employs a translucent jacket for aiding in identifying each optical waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2002Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: William C. Hurley, Aaron J. Plaski
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Patent number: 6671441Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an optical communication system having an optical cable with an improved configuration for multi-fiber arrangements. In particular, the invention is embodied in an optical communication system including an optical cable having an improved dry filling compound for protecting and maintaining multi-fiber arrangements therein and yet enabling relatively easy access thereto. The system includes a source of optical energy, an optical cable coupled to the source for transmitting optical energy from the source, and a receiver coupled to the optical cable for receiving optical energy from the source. The optical cable includes at least one multi-fiber unit tube having therein a plurality of optical fibers such as individual fibers or one or more fiber ribbons, and a dry filling compound formed around the at least one multi-fiber unit tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2000Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Fitel USA Corp.Inventors: Luis M Bocanegra, Christopher Shawn Davis, Harold P Debban, Jr., Clyde Jefferson Lever, Jr., Peter A Weimann
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Patent number: 6658188Abstract: A dry optical fiber cable, for voice, video and data telecommunication based on a plurality of a loosely fitted tubes placed longitudinally and surrounding a central reinforcement element, said tubes accommodating at least one or several optical fiber filaments. This dry optical fiber cable is characterized because in the internal area, between the central reinforcement element and the plurality of tubes, it has a first dry protection layer; the interior assembly is then externally protected by a second dry protection. It then has a polyethylene cover followed by the third dry protection and finally a polyethylene cover.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: CondumexInventor: Ruben Mandujano Lopez
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Patent number: 6658187Abstract: Fiber optic conduits are received around a central axis with their axes extending in the same direction as the central axis and with each fiber optic conduit tangent to two other fiber optic conduits. The fiber optic conduits define a central interstitial space therebetween and a plurality of outer interstitial spaces between each pair of fiber optic conduits on a side thereof opposite the central interstitial space. A central interstitial member is received in the central interstitial space tangent to the fiber optic conduits and an outer interstitial member is received in each outer interstitial space tangent to the pair of fiber optic conduits defining the outer interstitial space. The central interstitial member has a larger modulus of elasticity than each outer interstitial member.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Alcoa Fujikura LimitedInventor: Cristian I. Militaru
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Publication number: 20030215198Abstract: An indoor/outdoor dry core fiber optic cable or sub-unit that incorporates a plurality of optical fibers surrounded by a buffer material wound helically or in reverse-oscillated lay about a water blocking central strength member at a first tension and a first lay length and a water blocking strength member layer wound helically or in reverse-oscillated lay about the optical fibers at a second tension and a second lay length such that the combination of the buffer material, first tension, first lay length, second tension and second lay length result in an indoor/outdoor dry core optical cable capable of meeting ICEA-696 standards.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Applicant: Fitel USA Corp.Inventors: Wayne M. Newton, Mark I. Shmukler, Charles W. Jackson, Carla G. Wilson, Priya L. Tabaddor, Kelly L. Johnson
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Patent number: 6640033Abstract: The cable according the present invention has at least two layers of thermally conductive tape wrapped around a center cable core, where a layer of flame-retardant yarn is placed between the layers of tape such that air gaps are created. Further, in the present invention, a powder having a low thermal conductivity is placed in the air gaps to further retard flame penetration and smoke generation. The thermally conductive tape of the present invention can be made from either Mica tape, or metallic foil and is wound helically along the length of the cable.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2001Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Assignee: AlcatelInventors: Thierry Auvray, Nicholas Nechitailo