Protection of optical fibers

• US 4,226,504 A
• Filed: 03/15/1976
• Issued: 10/07/1980
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/1976
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Brand-Rex Willimatic Ct.
• Original Assignee: Akzona Incorporated
• Inventors: Bellino, Robert A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Levy, Stewart J.
• Application Number:
  US05/666,730
• Time in Patent Office: 1,667 Days
• Field of Search: 350/96 B, 350/96 WG
• US Class Current: 385/104
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4402 with one single optical waveguide G02B6/4429, G02B6/4439, G02B6/4479 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4414 with internal serpentine waveguides

Abstract

There is provided a fiber optic cable wherein optical fibers are protected from breakage or damage utilizing a core having a fiber optic rod or rods intertwined with at least one thread made of nonfiber optic material. The core has an outer jacket over it which may be extruded in a conventional manner.

Claims

1. A fiber optic communication system comprising:

a core, said core including at least one glass fiber optic rod and at least one soft, cushiony shock absorbant thread;

said rod providing a low loss optical communications channel independent of the remainder of said core;

said at least one soft, cushiony shock absorbant thread being substantially spiralled about and being in contact with said fiber optic rod;

the contact between said thread and said rod being nonperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said rod;

a jacket covering said core whereby said fiber optic rod is protected from mechanical stress by said soft, cushiony shock absorbant thread.

2. A fiber optic cable comprising:

a core, said core including at least one highly frangible fiber optic rod, and a soft, cushiony shock absorbant thread;

said rod providing a low loss optical channel independent of the remainder of said core;

said thread wound about and being in contact with said fiber optic rod in substantially a spiralled fashion;

the contact between said thread and said rod being nonperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said rod;

an outer jacket enclosing said core, whereby said fiber optic rod is protected from mechanical stress by said soft, cushiony shock absorbant thread.

3. A cable as set forth in claim 2 wherein the distance between each adjacent spiral turn is in the range of 1/4 inch to 12 inches.

4. A cable as set forth in claim 2 further including a plurality of fiber optic rods.

5. A cable as set forth in claim 2 further including a plurality of threads in said core.

6. A cable as set forth in claim 2, wherein said thread is made from a material which is not adapted to transmit optical signals, but is of sufficient mechanical strength and thickness to protect said fiber optic rod from mechanical stress.

7. A fiber optical cable as set forth in claim 2 wherein said at least one fiber optic rod is substantially straight.

8. A fiber optic cable as set forth in claim 2 wherein said at least one highly frangible fiber optic rod is made of glass.