Fiber optic array harness

• US 6,519,395 B1
• Filed: 05/04/2000
• Issued: 02/11/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/04/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation (Northrop Grumman Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
• Inventors: Bevan, Dennis P., Mansell, John E.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, KHIEM M
• Application Number:
  US09/564,846
• Time in Patent Office: 1,013 Days
• Field of Search: 380/100, 380/103, 380/113, 380/134-136
• US Class Current: 385/100
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4446 Cable boxes, e.g. splicing boxes with two or more multi fibre cables
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4471 Terminating devices demountable connectors G02B6/3807; Cable clamps
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/44715 Fan-out devices

Abstract

A fiber optic array cable comprises a plurality of constituent cables that each include an optical fiber, a strength member connected to the optical fiber to provide tensile strength and a jacket surrounding the optical fiber and the strength member. A harness is arranged to enclose the plurality of constituent cables securely. The strength member preferably is formed of a plurality of metal strands layered around the optical fiber.

Claims

1. A fiber optic array cable, comprising:

a plurality of constituent cables, each constituent cable comprising an optical fiber and a strength member connected to the optical fiber to provide tensile strength, the plurality of constituent cable including a pair of fiber optic hydrophone leads;

a harness arranged to enclose the plurality of constituent cables securely; and

a breakout housing connected to selected constituent cables and arranged to contain array components while maintaining the tensile strength provided by the strength member to each optical fiber to which array components are connected wherein the breakout housing includes a base and a pair of end caps connected to the base and wherein cable terminators are connected to selected constituent cables, the end caps including slots arranged for engagement with the cable terminators to maintain tensile strength.

2. The fiber optic array cable of claim 1 wherein the strength member comprises a plurality of metal strands layered around the optical fiber.

3. The fiber optic array cable of claim 1 wherein the harness comprises a fabric tape jacket wrapped around the plurality of constituent cables.