Patent ID: 7460753
Filing Date: 2008-12-02
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. An elongated fiber optic conduit structure which can be multiply shaped to follow a desired path while maintaining a minimum bend radius, comprising: an elongated jacket for confining at least two extended members, the jacket having a longitudinally pliant body with limited radial expandability; a fiber optic conduit disposed within and along the jacket, the conduit having a low structural rigidity but required to have more than at least a minimum bending radius; a first elongated structural member disposed within and extending along the jacket, said member being of ductile material which yields under a predetermined force; a second elongated structural member disposed within and along the jacket, the second adjacent the first structural member, the second member being non-ductile and producing a force when subjected to the minimum bend radius that is nominally equal to the predetermined force which can be sustained by the first structural member without yielding, and the first and second structural members being juxtaposed within the jacket to provide a combinatorial response to curvature such that the fiber optic conduit system opposes shaping to less than the minimum bend radius.