FLEXIBLE HYBRID CABLE AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SUCH

摘要

The present invention relates to various flexible hybrid cables transmitting data through two or more different transmission mechanisms, e.g., one mechanism utilizing electromagnetic energy (e.g., lights), another mechanism utilizing electrical energy (e.g., electrical voltages or currents), and so on. More particularly, the present invention relates to the flexible hybrid cables incorporating various planar cable units so that such cables are elongated in their cross-sections, are rather flexible, and are more conveniently stored and installed. The present invention also relates to various methods of manufacturing the flexible hybrid cables, to various methods of using such flexible hybrid cables, and to various methods of incorporating conventional electrical cables (or optical fibers) thereinto.

主权项

1. A flexible hybrid cable comprising:
at least one optical unit which includes at least one optical fiber and which transmits an optical signal along said fiber; at least one planar cable unit which includes at least one flexible planar substrate and at least one electrically conductive path disposed on said substrate and which transmits an electrical signal along said conductive path; and at least one external cover which encompasses said optical unit and planar cable unit therein.