Patent US4309072A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4309072A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cable protection from rodents
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1980-04-15
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Granted: 1982-01-05
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Expires: 2000-04-15
Abstract
Abstract A protective sheath for use over a buried fibre optic cable wherein a plurality of spikes extend radially outward from an outer jacket which completely encircles and covers the fibre optic cable bundle which is surrounded by an inner jacket. The inner jacket, outer jacket and spikes are fabricated of a plastic composite material produced by polymerization which can be molded, extruded or cast into a suitable spiked shape. The cable is thereby protected from chewing or gnawing rodents that may be burrowing in the vicinity and would be discouraged from attacking the fibre optic cable even from underneath.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrew D. Tweeddale
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 15:22
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4401; G02B6/4429; G02B6/443; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S428/00; Y10S428/907; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/24; Y10T428/24628
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A cable protection for preventing damage to a buried fibre optic cable by gnawing rodents comprising, a fibre optic bundle for carrying a communication signal therethrough, a plastic inner jacket surrounding said optic bundle closely adjacent thereto, a circular plastic outer jacket positioned around and completely encircling said inner jacket closely adjacent thereto, and a plurality of pointed spikes extending radially outward from the outer surface of said outer completely encircling jacket, said spikes being fabricated of plastic material to prevent the need for grounding, and to discourage rodents from gnawing and thereby causing damage to the buried cable, even from underneath.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
A cable protection for preventing damage to a buried fibre optic cable by gnawing rodents comprising, a fibre optic bundle for carrying a communication signal therethrough, a plastic inner jacket surrounding said optic bundle closely adjacent thereto, a circular plastic outer jacket positioned around and completely encircling said inner jacket closely adjacent thereto, and a plurality of pointed spikes extending radially outward from the outer surface of said outer completely encircling jacket, said spikes being fabricated of plastic material to prevent the need for grounding, and to discourage rodents from gnawing and thereby causing damage to the buried cable, even from underneath.
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) | 1985-01-04 | 1985-07-06 | 1986-01-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-01-04 | 1989-07-06 | 1990-01-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-01-04 | 1993-07-06 | 1994-01-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |