Hybrid communications and power cable and distribution method and network using the same

• US 5,677,974 A
• Filed: 08/28/1995
• Issued: 10/14/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: SBC Properties, L.P.
• Original Assignee: The Southern New England Telephone Company (Frontier Communications Parent, Inc.)
• Inventors: Elms, Ronald Duane, Messina, John Garland, Phelps, Dwight Apollos, Wells, John Joseph
• Primary Examiner(s): NGO, HUNG NHAT
• Application Number:
  US08/519,998
• Time in Patent Office: 778 Days
• Field of Search: 385/100-114
• US Class Current: 385/101
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4402 with one single optical waveguide G02B6/4429, G02B6/4439, G02B6/4479 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4416 Heterogeneous cables
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4422 of the overhead type
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4459 Ducts; Conduits; Hollow tubes for air blown fibres
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/483 Installation of aerial type
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/50 Underground or underwater installation; Installation through tubing, conduits or ducts
• CPC Class Codes: H01B 9/005 including optical transmission elements

Abstract

A hybrid cable for distributing communications signals and three-phase moderate-voltage alternating current, and a distribution method and network using the hybrid cable. The cable includes a hollow conduit, an optical fiber pulled through the conduit and housed within the conduit, power conductors disposed around the conduit, and a sheath which provides both structural protection and dielectric properties encasing the power conductors.

Claims

1. A hybrid cable for providing optical signals and power to a remote location, comprising:

a hollow conduit adapted to have an optical fiber pulled therethrough and housed therein after said cable is deployed;

a plurality of insulated power conductors disposed around the hollow conduit; and

a sheath encasing the power conductors, said sheath having one or more layers for providing both structural protection and dielectric properties.

2. A hybrid cable according to claim 1 further comprising means in said conduit for facilitating the pulling of said optical fiber through said conduit.

3. A hybrid cable according to claim 2 wherein said means comprise a lubricated surface.

4. A hybrid cable according to claim 2 wherein said means comprise a pulling ribbon.

5. A hybrid cable according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said plurality of power conductors comprise stranded aluminum.

6. A hybrid cable according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an insulation layer surrounding said plurality of aluminum power conductors.

7. A hybrid cable according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a filler material interspaced between said plurality of power conductors, so that the power conductors and the filler material form a substantially annular core.

8. A hybrid cable according to claim 7, further comprising a layer of mylar tape wrapped around said core.

9. A hybrid cable according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said hollow conduit comprises polyethylene.

10. A hybrid cable according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first layer of said sheath encasing said power conductors comprises steel tape.

11. A hybrid cable according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a second layer of said sheath encasing said power conductors comprises polyethylene.

12. A hybrid cable according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality of longitudinal stripes on the second layer of said sheath.

13. A hybrid cable according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said hollow conduit is dimensioned to provide space for extra optical fiber.

24. A hybrid cable according to claim 1, wherein said sheath forms a watertight casing around said power conductors.

14. A hybrid cable for providing optical signals and power to a remote location, comprising:

a hollow plastic conduit adapted to have an optical fiber pulled therethrough and housed therein after said cable is deployed;

a plurality of insulated power conductors disposed helically around the plastic conduit;

a metallic sheath encasing the power conductors, so that a watertight assembly is formed; and

a dielectric outer jacket covering the metallic sheath.

15. A method of distributing power and optical signals to a remote location, comprising:

(1) installing a cable originating at a central location and terminating at the remote location, the cable comprising

a hollow conduit,

a plurality of power conductors disposed around the hollow conduit,

a sheath encasing the power conductors, said sheath having one or more layers for providing both structural strength and dielectric properties;

(2) pulling an optical fiber through the hollow conduit from the central location to the remote location, so that the cable transmits optical signals on the optical fiber and three-phase power on the power conductors;

(3) isolating the power from the optical signals; and

(4) converting at the remote location the power transmitted by the cable for use in powering an active component in the network.

16. A network for distributing power and optical signals to a remote location, comprising:

a centrally located three-phase alternating current power supply;

a hybrid cable for providing optical signals and for transmitting power from said centrally located power supply to the remote location, said hybrid cable comprising

a hollow conduit adapted to have an optical fiber pulled therethrough and housed therein,

a plurality of power conductors disposed around the hollow conduit,

a sheath encasing the power conductors, said sheath having one or more layers for providing both structural protection and dielectric properties;

a terminal located at the remote location for isolating the power from the optical signals; and

a power supply in communication with the terminal, said power supply receiving the power transmitted by said hybrid cable for use in powering an active component in the network.

17. A network according to claim 16 including means in said conduit facilitating the pulling therethrough of said optical fiber.

18. A network for distributing power and optical signals to a remote location according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said centrally located power supply comprises at least one uninterruptible power supply.

19. A network for distributing power and optical signals to a remote location according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said centrally located power supply comprises another primary source.

20. A network for distributing power and optical signals to a remote location according to claim 19, wherein the other primary source comprises an engine alternator.

21. A network for distributing power and optical signals to a remote location according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said centrally located power supply comprises an electric utility.

22. A network for distributing power and optical signals to a remote location according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the active network component comprises an optical repeater.

23. A network for distributing power and optical signals to a remote location according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the active network component comprises an optical-to-electrical receiver.