US3955878A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fiber optic transmission line
Assignee: ITT Inc
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Filing: 1975-02-13
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Granted: 1976-05-11
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Expires: 1995-02-13
Abstract
Abstract A fiber optic transmission line suitable for use in a submarine cable wherein one or more helically formed optical fibers are positioned lengthwise within a flexible tubular member containing a semi-fluid gelantinous substance. Due to the helical form of the fibers, the fibers are not stressed even when the line is subjected to axial load. The gelantinous substance retains the fibers in their helical form and prevents abrasion of the fibers. A method for forming such a fiber optic transmission line is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerhard H. Nowak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 06:59
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4401; G02B6/441; G02B6/4414; G02B6/4415; G02B6/4427
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
131 words
A fiber optic transmission line for an optical signal transmitting cable comprising: a flexible, liquid impermeable tubular member; a plurality of optical fibers loosely positioned lengthwise in said tubular member; said fibers having a fiber axis length greater than the length of said tubular member when the latter is in relaxed condition whereby said fibers are essentially free of axial stress when said tubular member is under load, each said fiber being in the form of a helix, said helical fibers having a common axis and substantially equal convolution diameters, the convolutions of said helical fibers being alternately disposed and in spaced relation to each other; and fluid-like gelatinous means substantially filling said tubular member restraining longitudinal and lateral movement of said fibers relative to each other and said tubular member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
131 words
A fiber optic transmission line for an optical signal transmitting cable comprising: a flexible, liquid impermeable tubular member; a plurality of optical fibers loosely positioned lengthwise in said tubular member; said fibers having a fiber axis length greater than the length of said tubular member when the latter is in relaxed condition whereby said fibers are essentially free of axial stress when said tubular member is under load, each said fiber being in the form of a helix, said helical fibers having a common axis and substantially equal convolution diameters, the convolutions of said helical fibers being alternately disposed and in spaced relation to each other; and fluid-like gelatinous means substantially filling said tubular member restraining longitudinal and lateral movement of said fibers relative to each other and said tubular member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A transmission line assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein: said means has a specific gravity substantially the same as that of said fiber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A transmission line assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein: the index of refraction of said means is less than that of said fiber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A transmission line assembly as set forth in claim 1 including: a supporting substrate core inside said helices.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of making a fiber optic transmission line comprising the steps of: helically winding an optical fiber around a core formed of a material capable of becoming a semi-fluid gelatinous substance when subjected to a solvent; forming a sleeve over said core to retain said optical fiber thereon, said sleeve also being formed of a material cable of becoming a semi-fluid gelantinous substance when subjected to said solvent; forming a protective tubular member around said sleeve; and filling the interior of said tubular member with said solvent to soften said core and sleeve.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
94 words
A method of making a fiber optic transmission line comprising the steps of: helically winding an optical fiber around a core formed of a material capable of becoming a semi-fluid gelatinous substance when subjected to a solvent; forming a sleeve over said core to retain said optical fiber thereon, said sleeve also being formed of a material cable of becoming a semi-fluid gelantinous substance when subjected to said solvent; forming a protective tubular member around said sleeve; and filling the interior of said tubular member with said solvent to soften said core and sleeve.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as set forth in claim 5 wherein: a plurality of optical fibers are helically wound around said core in spaced relationship with each other.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 5 including the step of: mounting plug members in the ends of said tubular member with the ends of said fiber extending through said plug members.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as set forth in claim 5 wherein: said sleeve is formed over said core by applying a resin coating to said core and fiber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as set forth in claim 5 wherein: said tubular member is extruded over said core.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-05-11 | 1979-11-10 | 1980-05-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-05-11 | 1983-11-10 | 1984-05-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-05-11 | 1987-11-10 | 1988-05-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |