US5029974A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Unitube optical fiber cable
Assignee: Radio Frequency Systems Inc
•
Filing: 1990-01-22
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Granted: 1991-07-09
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Expires: 2010-01-22
Abstract
Abstract The optical fiber cable has a plurality of centrally located optical fibers. Carrying the optical fibers is a gel-filled plastic buffer tube. A plurality of radial strength yarn threads extended along the outside of the buffer tube in a contra-helical pattern. In the armored cable embodiment, a strength and protective member in the form of a corrugated steel armor layer may be provided for additional protection against possible rodent damage. The armor is usually coated with a thin layer of plastic material in the form of a water blockable flooding compound. A ripcord is provided to assist in removal of the armor. A final polyethylene outer jacket is provided for additional cable protection. Embedded within the outer jacket is a pair of diametrically opposed, longitudinally extending strength members.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard C. Nilsson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:03
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/44; G02B6/4401; G02B6/4429; G02B6/443; G02B6/4432; G02B6/4433; G02B6/4431; G02B6/4434; G02B6/44384
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
68 words
An optical fiber cable comprised of: a single, hollow buffer tube with at least one optical fiber disposed therein; contra-helically stranded strength yarns applied over said buffer tube; a water blockable filling compound impregnating said strength yarns; a plastic jacket which encapsulates said buffer tube and said filling compound impregnated strength yarns; two strength members longitudinally embedded near the inner surface of said jacket approximately 180 degrees apart.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
An optical fiber cable comprised of: a single, hollow buffer tube with at least one optical fiber disposed therein; contra-helically stranded strength yarns applied over said buffer tube; a water blockable filling compound impregnating said strength yarns; a plastic jacket which encapsulates said buffer tube and said filling compound impregnated strength yarns; two strength members longitudinally embedded near the inner surface of said jacket approximately 180 degrees apart.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein a metallic shield is disposed between said strength yarns and said jacket.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A cable as described in claim 2, wherein said metallic shield is corrugated.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
A cable as described in claim 3, wherein a water blockable flooding compound is disposed between said metallic shield and said jacket.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein said optical fiber has a longitudinal length at least 0.15% longer than said buffer tube longitudinal length.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein the distance between said strength members and the outer surface of said jacket is at least 0.5 mm.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein said strength yarns cover at least 50% of the outer surface area of said buffer tube.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A cable as described in claim 1, further including a ripcord longitudinally disposed over said strength yarns.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A cable as described in claim 8 wherein said ripcord is positioned approximately 90 degrees from said strength members.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein said strength members are metallic.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
A cable as described in claim 1, wherein said strength members are non-metallic.
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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) | 1994-07-08 | 1995-01-07 | 1995-07-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-07-08 | 1999-01-07 | 1999-07-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-07-08 | 2003-01-07 | 2003-07-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |