US4456331A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Improved communications cable with lines of weakness
Assignee: Post Office
•
Filing: 1982-06-09
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Granted: 1984-06-26
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Expires: 2002-06-09
Abstract
Abstract A communications cable based on optical fibres comprises a core 2 with external helical channels 13. The fibres 6 in the channels are accessible through removable parts 15 of an outer sheath 4.
Inventors
- 👤 Graham K. Whitehead
- 👤 Roger J. Bates
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 18:03
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4439; G02B6/4401; G02B6/4407; G02B6/4429; G02B6/443; G02B6/4431
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
In a communications cable comprising a core, a plurality of ribs extending along the core, channels defined between the ribs each of which is dimensioned to contain a layer of optical fibers running along the outer peripheral surface of the core and an external sheath covering the core the improvement of indentations providing lines of weakness extending longitudinally directly over the ribs defining the channels thereby rendering a channel and the fibers in it accessible by cutting along adjacent indentations to said ribs and removing the sheath section between the cuts.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
In a communications cable comprising a core, a plurality of ribs extending along the core, channels defined between the ribs each of which is dimensioned to contain a layer of optical fibers running along the outer peripheral surface of the core and an external sheath covering the core the improvement of indentations providing lines of weakness extending longitudinally directly over the ribs defining the channels thereby rendering a channel and the fibers in it accessible by cutting along adjacent indentations to said ribs and removing the sheath section between the cuts.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A cable as claimed in claim 1 wherein the channels advance helically along the cable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A cable as claimed in claims 1 or 2 wherein said core constitutes a strength member for the cable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A cable as claimed in claim 3 including a water barrier surrounding the core under said external sheath.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
GB1398848A
Cited
US4038489A
Cited
DE2507583A1
Cited
DE2508315A1
Cited
FR2321133A1
Cited
US4054365A
Cited
FR2383539A1
Cited
FR2401434A1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-06-26 | 1987-12-26 | 1988-06-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-06-26 | 1991-12-26 | 1992-06-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-06-26 | 1995-12-26 | 1996-06-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |