An aerial cable support system includes a first cable holder with a first tubular member and a second tubular member attached thereto. First and second elongated links are attached within first and second opposed openings of the first tubular member. A messenger wire is inserted through a sidewall of the second tubular member. At least one cable is either inserted through the sidewall of the second tubular member or through a sidewall of a third tubular member attached to the first and/or second tubular members. By attaching a series of cable holders together using a series of elongated links, a virtual conduit system is created to push cable(s) along a messenger wire between two poles and to support the cables from the messenger wire.

The disclosed robotic system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates the robotic system along a powerline conductor and (2) a rotation subsystem coupled to the drive subsystem, where (a) the rotation subsystem is coupled to a container that defines an arcuate volume about an axis such that the container partially surrounds the powerline conductor when the axis aligns with the powerline conductor, (b) the container carries a segment of fiber optic cable coupled to the powerline conductor, and (c) the rotation subsystem, while the drive subsystem translates the robotic system along the powerline conductor, rotates the container about the powerline conductor while the axis is aligned with the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.

An optical cable wiring method, includes: installing a bundle of optical cables from a utility pole as a starting point of a first wiring path to a branch point on the first wiring path; dividing, at the branch point, the bundle of optical cables into a first group and a second group; installing one of the optical cables in the first group along the first wiring path ahead of the branch point; and installing one of the optical cables in the second group along a second wiring path branching from the first wiring path.

An optical cable wiring method, includes: installing a bundle of optical cables from a utility pole as a starting point of a first wiring path to a branch point on the first wiring path; dividing, at the branch point, the bundle of optical cables into a first group and a second group; installing one of the optical cables in the first group along the first wiring path ahead of the branch point; and installing one of the optical cables in the second group along a second wiring path branching from the first wiring path.

The disclosed system may include (1) a drive subsystem that translates along a powerline conductor, (2) a rotation subsystem that rotates a segment of fiber optic cable about the powerline conductor while the drive subsystem translates along the powerline conductor such that the segment of fiber optic cable is wrapped helically about the powerline conductor, and (3) an extension subsystem that (a) mechanically couples the rotation subsystem to the drive subsystem, and (b) selectively extends the rotation subsystem away from the drive subsystem and the powerline conductor to avoid obstacles along the powerline conductor. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.

A method may include (1) coating a segment of fiber optic cable with an adhesive substance, (2) forming a coil of the segment of fiber optic cable, (3) deforming the coil into a noncircular shape defining a slot external to the coil while obeying a minimum bend radius requirement for the segment of fiber optic cable, and (4) activating the adhesive substance to stabilize the noncircular shape of the coil. Various other methods and apparatuses, such as those for performing the deforming operation, are also disclosed.

It is disclosed a method for coupling an optical fiber to a fiber optic cable, the fiber optic cable comprising a sheath surrounding an optical core comprising a buffer tube, the optical fiber being loosely contained in the buffer tube. The method comprises: cutting the sheath for a predetermined length thereof and exposing a corresponding portion of the optical core extending outward beyond a butt of the cut sheath; cutting the buffer tube of the exposed optical core and exposing a portion of the optical fiber; using a blocking tube to at least partially surround a section of the exposed portion of the optical fiber; and injecting a sealant into the blocking tube to lock the optical fiber within the blocking tube and couple the optical fiber to the fiber optic cable.

A method of fitting a structural member having a passage with fiber optical lighting, the method comprising: a) drilling a first hole through the structural member across the passage and through opposite first and second surfaces of the structural member; (b) enlarging the first hole at the second surface of the structural member forming a second hole; (c) inserting a cable puller having a cable hooking end through the passage to a point such that the cable hooking end is disposed inwardly from the first hole and second hole; (d) inserting a first end of a fiber optic cable first through the second hold and then through the corresponding first hole; (e) securing the first end of the fiber optic cable against being pulled back through the first hole; (f) withdrawing the cable feeder from the passage, hooking the fiber optic cable by the cable hooking end; (g) pulling a second end of the fiber optic cable from the passage; (h) injecting curable material into the passage through the second hole to encapsulate at least a length of the fiber optic cable within the curable material; and (i) cutting the first end of the fiber optic cable flush with the first surface.

In one embodiment, a fiber optic connector assembly is provided that includes an adapter defining a first through opening in which a coupler is arranged. A sleeve defines a second through opening dimensioned to receive the adapter, and the sleeve includes a first threading on an axial end. The first threading is configured to matingly engage with a corresponding second threading defined within an opening of a junction housing. A retention assembly is provided between the adapter and the sleeve, and the retention assembly axially fixes the adapter relative to the sleeve such that the adapter is rotatable relative to the sleeve. The embodiments disclosed herein generally protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI), shield against radiofrequency (RF) signals, prevent attenuation of fiber optic cables due to varying rotational capability, and protect the connector assembly from debris and moisture.

A utility pole deterioration detection system includes a cable (20) disposed in a utility pole (10), the cable (20) containing a communication optical fiber, a receiving unit (331) configured to receive an optical signal containing a pattern that changes according to a deterioration state of the utility pole (10) from at least one optical fiber contained in the cable (20), and a detection unit (332) configured to detect a deterioration state of the utility pole (10) based on the pattern.