Secure transmission cable having windings continuously laid in opposite directions

• US 7,755,027 B2
• Filed: 10/22/2007
• Issued: 07/13/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Woven Electronics LLC (Rtx Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Woven Electronics LLC (Rtx Corporation)
• Inventors: Piper, Douglas E. Sr., Veil, Marko N., Browning, Thomas E. Jr., Owens, Mary H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Luu; Thanh X
• Application Number:
  US11/975,803
• Publication Number:
  US 20080122617A1
• Time in Patent Office: 995 Days
• Field of Search: 250/227.14, 385100-114
• US Class Current: 250/227.14
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4413 Helical structure
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4416 Heterogeneous cables
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4434 Central member to take up tensile loads
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4469 Security aspects
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00571 operated by interacting with a central unit

Abstract

The invention consists of a secure data transmission cable for electronically transmitting secure data between remote locations in an exposed condition. The data transmission cable comprises a tubular outer protective layer, an inner core disposed within the outer protective layer, a data transmission line carried within the inner core for transmitting secure data between the remote locations, and a fiber optic sensor line included in the outer protective layer for detecting unauthorized activity relative to the transmission line. The fiber optic data transmission line comprises a plurality of optical fibers for transmitting data between remote locations and for detecting unauthorized activity relative to the transmission line. A protective casing surrounds the data transmission line for protecting the fiber optic data transmission line from contacting the outer protective layer. An outer protective casing braided around the core in which the sensor line is enclosed provides strength to the cable.

Claims

1. A secure data transmission cable assembly for electronically transmitting secure data in a secure manner between remote locations comprising;

a longitudinal reinforcing member having a degree of stiffness extending generally centrally of said cable;

a plurality of buffer tubes surrounding said reinforcing member;

at least one communication fiber carried In each of said buffer tubes for transmitting secure data;

a plurality of sensor fibers surrounding said buffer tubes for detecting unauthorized activity relative to said communication fibers and preventing access to said communication fibers, said sensor fibers adapted end arranged to receive optical pulse signals which are transmitted along said sensors fibers whereby reflected signals of said pulse signals are reflected back along said sensor fibers;

said buffer tubes being wound in helices having windings continuously laid. in a first direction for mechanically isolating said communication fibers; and

said sensor fibers being wound in helices having windings continuously laid about said buffer tube helices, said helices of said sensor fibers being wound in a second direction opposite to the first direction of said buffer tube helices; and

,

an out protective layer surrounding said sensor fibers said outer protective layer Including a plurality of armor protection wires wrapped about said buffer tubes in a spiral;

whereby said reflected signals may be analyzed to determine the nature and location of any unauthorized activity and an alarm notice communicated to security personnel in order to respond to the activity and protect the secure data.

2. The assembly of claim 1 including filler strands included with Gail buffer tubes surrounding Bald reinforcing member for water resistance.

3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said outer layer includes a protective jacket surrounding said armor wires, said protective jacket includes a polymeric material, and said armor wires are embedded in said polymeric material.

4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the number of said buffer lubes includes at least five tubes to maintain a generally round configuration and reduce preferential bending.

5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said reinforcing member Includes a fiber reinforced plastic rod having a stillness which prevents excessive bending to protect the sensor fibers and serves to prevent excessive cable and fiber contraction in cold weather.

6. the system of claim 1 wherein said sensor fibers include an optical fiber cure with cladding surrounded by a fiber reinforced coating.

7. A secure data transmission cable assembly for electronically transmitting secure data in a secure manner between remote locations comprising:

a longitudinal reinforcing member having a degree of stiffness extending generally centrally of said cable;

a plurality of buffer tubes surrounding said reinforcing member,

at least one communication fiber carried in each of said buffer tubes for transmitting secure data;

a plurality of sensor fibers surrounding said buffer tubes for detecting unauthorized activity relative to said communication fibers and preventing access to said communication fibers, said sensor fibers adapted and arranged to receive optical pulse signals which are transmitted along said sensors fibers whereby reflected signals of said pulse signals are reflected back along said sensor fibers;

said buffer tubes being wound in hoboes having windings continuously laid in a first direction for mechanically isolating said communication fibers; and

said sensor fibers being wound in helices having windings continuously laid about said buffer tube helices, said helices of said sensor fibers being wound in a second direction opposite to the first direction of said buffer tube helices; and

an outer protective layer surrounding said sensor fibers;

whereby said reflected signals may be analyzed to determine the nature and location of any unauthorized activity and an alarm notice communicated to security personnel in order to respond to the activity and protect the secure date.

8. The assembly of claim 7 including filler strands included with said buffer tubes Surrounding said reinforcing member for water resistance.

9. The assembly of claim 7 wherein said outer layer includes a plurality of armor wires helically wound about said sensor fibers, and a protective jacket surrounding said armor wires, said protective jacket includes a polymeric material, and said armor wires are embedded in said polymeric material.

10. The assembly of claim 7 wherein the number of said buffer tubes includes at least five tubes to maintain a generally round configuration and reduce preferential bending.

11. The assembly of claim 7 wherein said reinforcing member includes a fiber reinforced plastic rod having a stiffness which prevents excessive bending to protect the sensor fibers and serves to prevent excessive cable and fiber contraction in cold weather.