Fiber optic cable installation method and apparatus
First Claim
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1. A method for installing metallic sheath fiber optic cable, comprising the steps of:
- burying the cable underground;
continuously monitoring instantaneous sheath-to-ground resistance as the cable is buried to detect sheath fault; and
generating an alarm once the instantaneous sheath-to-ground resistance falls below a prescribed value as occurs upon a sheath fault.
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Abstract
A fiber optic cable (10) is buried below ground, either by direct burial, or by being pulled through a previously buried duct. During cable burial, the instantaneous resistance between the sheath and ground (the sheath-to-ground resistance) is continuously monitored. If the instantaneous sheath-to-ground resistance drops below a prescribed value, an alarm is generated, signaling a sheath fault. During burial, the length of cable paid out and placed underground is monitored, thus providing an indication of the relative location of the sheath fault.
19 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for installing metallic sheath fiber optic cable, comprising the steps of:
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burying the cable underground;
continuously monitoring instantaneous sheath-to-ground resistance as the cable is buried to detect sheath fault; and
generating an alarm once the instantaneous sheath-to-ground resistance falls below a prescribed value as occurs upon a sheath fault. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
plowing a duct underground; and
pulling the cable through the duct.
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6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of generating an alarm comprises the step of providing an audible alert.
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7. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of generating an alarm comprises the step of providing a visual alert.
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8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step of generating an alarm comprises the step of providing an audible and visual alert.
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9. Apparatus for installing a fiber optic cable underground, comprising
a prime mover for plowing the cable underground; -
a resistance-measuring unit and computer for continually monitoring instantaneous sheath-to-ground resistance of the cable and for determining when the instantaneous sheath to ground resistance falls below a prescribed value as occurs upon a sheath fault; and
an alarm for providing an alert in response to a signal from the resistance-measuring unit and computer when the instantaneous sheath-to-ground resistance falls below a prescribed value. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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Specification