# US 10,309,639 B2 · Communication cables with illumination > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,309,639 B2 - Document ID: US10309639B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/822,751 - Filed: 2017-11-27 - Published: 2018-08-09 - Granted: 2019-06-04 - Earliest claimed: 2013-11-07 - Assignees: Swisscom AG - Applicants: Swisscom AG - Inventors: Daniel Wenger - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10309639B2 ## CPC - F21V 33/0052: {Audio or video equipment, e.g. televisions, telephones, cameras or computers; Remote control devices therefor} - F21V 21/008: Suspending from a cable or suspension line - G02B 6/001: {the light being emitted along at least a portion of the lateral surface of the fibre} - H01B 1/02: mainly consisting of metals or alloys - H01B 11/1895: {Particular features or applications} - H01Q 1/06: Means for the lighting or illuminating of antennas, e.g. for purpose of warning - H01Q 13/203: {Leaky coaxial lines} - F21Y 2115/10: Light-emitting diodes [LED] - F21V: FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - G02B: OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS - H01B: CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES (selection for magnetic properties H01F1/00; waveguides H01P {; printed circuits H05K}) - H01Q: ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS (radiators or antennas for microwave heating H05B6/72) - F21Y: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED ## Abstract Methods and systems are provided for enhanced communication cables which may be configured for supporting at least two separate functions, including distribution of data signals and at least one other different function. An example enhanced cable may include an arrangement along at least a section of the cable, with that arrangement configured for supporting the at least one other different function. The other different function may include illumination. The cable may include or have a jacket configured to accommodate the arrangement, with the jacket being transparent or including transparent areas or openings corresponding to at least regions of the arrangement. The arrangement may include an illumination arrangement. The cable may include light guiding material configured for use in conjunction with the illumination arrangement. The cable may have leaky feeder structures, for use in support of the distribution of data signals function. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A system comprising: a cable configured for supporting at least two separate functions, said two separate functions comprising distribution of data signals and at least one other different function; and wherein: said cable comprises an arrangement along at least a section of said cable, said arrangement configured for supporting said at least one other different function; and said cable comprises a leaky feeder structure, for use in supporting said distribution of data signals. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one other different function comprises illumination. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein said cable comprises one or more conductors, and at least one conductor provides power to said arrangement. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The system of claim 3, wherein said one or more conductors comprise metal conductors. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein said cable comprises a jacket configured to accommodate said arrangement. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The system of claim 5, wherein said jacket is transparent or comprises one or more transparent areas or openings at least in regions of said arrangement. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein said arrangement comprises an illumination arrangement. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein said illumination arrangement comprises one or more of: emitting diodes, illuminated fiber tubes, illuminated fiber strips, plastic optical fibers, fluorescence units, lasers, and bulbs. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein said cable comprises light guiding material configured for use in conjunction with said illumination arrangement. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The system of claim 7, wherein said illumination arrangement comprises one or more light units. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The system of claim 10, wherein: said one or more light units are arranged along an internal component of said cable; and said cable comprises one or more external components, to the outside of said internal component, wherein said one or more external components are transparent at least in regions corresponding to said one or more light units. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein said internal component powers said one or more light units. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein: said internal component comprises a conductor; said one or more external components comprise a jacket and an insulation shield; and said one or more light units are arranged between said jacket and said insulation shield along said conductor. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein said cable comprises a plurality of apertures arranged on at least one component of said cable in accordance with a specific pattern based on said arrangement. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein said arrangement is arranged radially. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, comprising one or more circuits configured for supporting said distribution of data signals and/or said at least one other different function.