US4930860A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Propellable optical fiber cables
Assignee: Corning Ltd
•
Filing: 1988-06-16
•
Granted: 1990-06-05
•
Expires: 2008-06-16
Abstract
Abstract An optical fibre cable comprises a plurality of optical fibre structures each of which comprises an optical fibre surrounded by at least one sheath layer. The optical fibre structures are separably held together side-by-side. The optical fibre cable is propellable along a tubular pathway by fluid drag of a gaseous medium passing over the cable, and each of the individual optical fibre structures is preferably also so propellable when the said structures are separated from one another.
Inventors
- 👤 John A. Tansey
- 👤 Rodney J. Davey
- 👤 Alan A. Sadler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 11:41
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4401; G02B6/4429; G02B6/4438
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
An optical fiber cable comprising a plurality of optical fiber structures each of which comprises an optical fiber surrounded by at least one sheath layer, the said optical fiber structures being separably held together side-by-side, the optical fiber cable being sufficiently lightweight and flexible to be propellable along a tubular pathway by fluid drag of a gaseous medium passing over the cable.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
62 words
An optical fiber cable comprising a plurality of optical fiber structures each of which comprises an optical fiber surrounded by at least one sheath layer, the said optical fiber structures being separably held together side-by-side, the optical fiber cable being sufficiently lightweight and flexible to be propellable along a tubular pathway by fluid drag of a gaseous medium passing over the cable.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A cable according to claim 1, wherein each of the said structures is also propellable when the said structures are separated from one another.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
A cable according to claim 1, wherein each of said fiber structures includes a layer of foam to reduce the overall density of the fiber structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A cable according to claim 1 wherein said fiber structures are arranged with their centers along a common plane when the cable is straight.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A cable according to claim 1, wherein the said fiber structures are arranged to form a closed array.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A cable according to claim 5, wherein a common supporting member surrounds the said fiber structures.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
A cable according to claim 6, wherein a rip cord is provided in an interstice between adjacent fiber structures.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
A cable according to claim 1, wherein each said sheath contains reinforcing fibers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A cable according to claim 1, wherein the sheaths are of different colors to one another.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A cable according to claim 1, wherein said fiber structures are secured to a common supporting member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
A cable according to claim 5, wherein said closed array is a square.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-06-04 | 1993-12-04 | 1994-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-06-04 | 1997-12-04 | 1998-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-06-04 | 2001-12-04 | 2002-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |