Composite cable including portions having controlled flexural rigidities

Abstract

A hybrid optical fiber, copper conductor transmission media cable (20) which is suitable for use in local area network application includes a core (22) comprising two arrays (25,40) of longitudinally extending portions. One array (25) includes optical fibers disposed between two strength members (27--27) whereas the other array comprises metallic conductors (42--42). Each array includes a matrix material (30,45) in which the longitudinally extending portions are enclosed with adjacent portions being connected by a web (32,47). The two arrays are enclosed by a jacket (50) which has an oval shaped configuration. The configuration of component portions of the cable as well as the materials thereof are determined to cause the neutral axis of bending to be in a desired location which minimizes losses in the transmission media.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.