Electric conductors incorporating optical fibres
US6674945B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 6, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/4416
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electric conductor incorporates at least one optical fibre and has a central axial element with at least one layer of elements helically stranded about it. At least one of the elements, preferably the central axial one, includes at least one optical fibre which is enclosed in a longitudinally extending welded metal tube (typically stainless steel). A second metal tube of greater thickness and higher conductivity than the welded metal tube and having an unwelded longitudinal seam surrounds the welded tube. The second tube is typically of aluminium and served to increase the diameter of the element so that a greater range of useful conductor sizes can be formed by using it in conjunction with appropriately chosen wire diameters.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.