Electricity: conductors and insulators – With fluids or vacuum – Conduits – cables and conductors
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-23
2001-06-05
Reichard, Dean A. (Department: 2831)
Electricity: conductors and insulators
With fluids or vacuum
Conduits, cables and conductors
Reexamination Certificate
active
06242689
ABSTRACT:
THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of cables or wire for interconnection of high-fidelity audio components and power supply to these components. The present invention relates more particularly to multi-conductor cables containing groups of conductors arranged in a plurality of helically wound sets which are interlaced such that the circle of rotation of one helix overlaps with the circle or rotation of another. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also comprise drain wires which run longitudinally along the axis of each helix. In some embodiments of the present invention novel conductor configurations establish multiple ground planes or virtual grounds which improve cable performance.
BACKGROUND
Cables for high-fidelity audio systems typically transmit complex, multi-frequency, broad-band signals which effectuate the reproduction of intricate and detailed sounds. The premier goal of a high-fidelity sound system is to reproduce sound just as it was recorded. When an audiophile is satisfied that the highest quality audio components have been obtained attention is turned to the cable used for interconnection of these components.
It has long been known that signal distortion can occur in an audio transmission cable. This can be due to effects caused by electrical interference emitted by adjacent equipment such as television sets and cables and computer equipment including CPU's and monitors. Various shielding formats have been developed, such as co-axial cable formats, to reduce signal distortion from these sources and others.
Another distortion-causing problem found in audio interconnect cables is the so-called “skin effect” occurring with broad-band audio signals transmitted through multiple conductor cables. Prior art cables with multiple conductors exhibit an effect whereby high-frequency components of the audio signal tend to propagate toward conductors around the periphery of the cable while low-frequency components of the audio signal tend to propagate toward conductors in the center of the cable. The overall effect, thought to be caused by electromagnetic effects of signals in the periphery of the cable, results in signals around the periphery of the cable traveling faster than signals traveling along the center of the cable. This phenomenon results in a time distortion of the signal as high-frequency components arriving first at the destination followed by the low-frequency components which started at the same time as the high-frequency components. As a consequence, the signal arriving at the destination is distorted from the original signal.
Another problem found in audio cables is excessive impedance. Impedance, in audio cable, can come from the inherent resistance of the wire and the material it is constructed from as well as the inductive effects of the cable which derive significantly from the geometric configuration of the cable elements.
What is needed is a cable which is highly resistant to externally induced distortion, which minimizes the distortion caused by “skin-effect” and which can be configured to minimize internal impedance in the cable.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a multi-conductor cable for transmission of broad-band electrical signals and power without significant distortion or attenuation of the signal. The cable of the present invention may be used in power applications and for transmission of digital signals. The cable comprises a plurality of counter-rotating helices each containing a plurality of conductors wherein the cross-sectional shape of each helix intersects with that of another such that the conductors in each helix are interlaced with another or with a common conducting element.
Embodiments of the present invention comprise multiple counter-rotating helices with wires which interlace with each other forming a physical link between the helices. Interlacing may occur between the helically wound conductors of each helix or it may occur by interlacing helical conductors around a common drain wire or other element which acts as a common element between the helices.
Some embodiments of the present invention also comprise drain wires which are not interlacing elements and which run longitudinally within or adjacent to the helices. Shielding may also be employed to help reduce noise from external sources.
Accordingly, it is an object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a cable which reduces signal distortion.
It is another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a cable which reduces signal attenuation.
It is yet another object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a cable with multiple ground planes.
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Farnsworth & Budge LLC
Kirton & McConkie
Krieger Michael F.
Nguyen Chau N.
Reichard Dean A.
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