A machine vision system for identifying optical fibers is provided that includes a support plate supporting one or more optical fibers. The one or more optical fibers each include a jacket. A light source is configured to emit light onto the one or more optical fibers. An imager is positioned above the light source. The imager is configured to receive reflected light from the light emitted onto the one or more optical fibers. A display system is configured to receive a signal from the imager and display an augmented image.

Enhanced traceability of cables is provided using illumination. An embodiment comprises introducing a chemiluminescent (alternatively, flourescent) solution into a chamber coupled to at least a portion of an insulating jacket that surrounds a transmission medium, the chamber being initially hollow and, in at least a portion thereof, comprised of a substance through which light is viewable, such that upon introduction of the solution, light emitted by the solution is viewable through at least a portion of the chamber. In another embodiment, a first and second compartment contain a first and second substance, respectively, and are physically separated by a separator material. The separator material, when triggered to open, forms an opening between the compartments that allows the substances to mix, the substances being chosen as providing a chemiluminescent reaction upon the mixing, such that light emitted by the chemiluminescent reaction is viewable.

A theft deterrent cable may be provided. First, a plurality of unique codes may be created. Then a plurality of indicia may be placed periodically and longitudinally on the interior of the cable that may not be viable from the exterior of the cable. The plurality of indicia may respectively correspond to the plurality of unique codes. An indicator may be placed on the exterior of the cable. In a database, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned to an organizational entity. The organizational entity may comprise a first enterprise. Next, an indication that the cable is to be transferred from the first enterprise to a second enterprise may be received. In response to the received indication, the plurality of unique codes may be assigned in the database from the organizational entity comprising the first enterprise to the organizational entity comprising a second enterprise.

Systems and methods to apply an on-demand color scheme to a cable are described. The systems and methods include the application of a plurality of colored coating fluids to an outer cable layer.

A composite manufacture includes an extrudable thermoplastic matrix and a photochromic colorant, the photochromic colorant conferring to the composite a reversible strain-induced color change property. Methods include adding photochromic colorant to an extrudable thermoplastic polymer matrix to form a mixture, heating the mixture to form a composite, the photochromic colorant conferring to the composite a reversible strain-induced color change property. The composite manufactures can be used in cable coatings permitting visual detection of mechanical stresses in a wire based on the reversible strain-induced color change property.

A cable apparatus and method for preventing discoloration to a cable is disclosed. The apparatus includes a conductor. An exterior layer surrounds the conductor. A thin film material is removably positioned over an exterior surface of the exterior layer. At least one film removal area is positioned within the thin film material, wherein the at least one film removal area is positioned along a length of the exterior layer.

A method of manufacturing a cable with an electrical and/or optical transmission element containing core, which is surrounded by a cover of insulation material is indicated. Generated on the outer side of the cable on its entire length is at least one in the axial direction running strip composed of insulation material, which has a different color than the cover has. The material of the cover and the strip are applied by means of an extruder through co-extrusion simultaneously on the core of the cable so that the material of the strips is integrated into the material of the cover. The material of the cover and strips are applied by means of an extruder which has an inner flow channel and one surrounding all-around outer flow channel which merge. In the outer flow channel is arranged an all-around existing barrier constructed as a ring, that has at least one passage for the required material for a strip. The material of the strips is with pressure forced through the passage and pushed or pressed in the inner flow channel, through which the material for the cover is guided, as a result of which the material of the strips is imprinted or pressed into the material of the cover and thereby is tightly bound with the same or anchored in the same.

A wire harness that includes an electric wire; a metal braid that covers an outer periphery of the electric wire along a direction of extension of the electric wire; and a metal pipe penetrated both by the electric wire and the metal braid. In addition, a length of the metal braid in the direction of extension of the electric wire can be longer than a length of the metal pipe in the direction of extension of the electric wire.

The disclosure relates to a multi-layered lightweight high-voltage electrical cable 1, comprising: a bundle 2 of metallic wires 3; an inner semi-conductive layer 4, made of a first broad range temperature rated polymeric material of a first color, surrounding said bundle 2 of metallic wires 3; at least one of the metallic wires 3 being in electric contact with the inner semi-conductive layer 4; an insulating layer 5, made of a second broad range temperature rated polymeric material of a second color, surrounding the inner semi-conductive layer 4; an outer semi-conductive layer 6, made of a third broad range temperature rated polymeric material of a third color, surrounding and having a void-free and delamination-resistant bond to the insulating layer 5; the second color and the third color contrasting with each other. The disclosure further relates to a method of stripping an electrical cable 1 and a kit for correct stripping.

A cable utilization tactile identification system includes a first cable utilization tactile identification subsystem having a first cable extending from a first cable connector. A first outer surface on the first cable has a first color that visually identifies a first utilization of the first cable utilization tactile identification subsystem, and is provided with first texture pattern that tactilely identifies the first utilization of the first cable utilization tactile identification subsystem. The cable utilization tactile identification system may also include a second cable utilization tactile identification subsystem having a second cable extending from a second cable connector. A second outer surface on the second cable has a second color that visually identifies a second utilization of the second cable utilization tactile identification subsystem, and is provided with a second texture pattern that tactilely identifies the second utilization of the second cable utilization tactile identification subsystem.