Abstract: Methods of braiding using a braiding mechanism are described. The braiding mechanism includes a disc defining a plane and a circumferential edge, a mandrel extending from a center of the disc that is adapted to hold a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel toward the circumferential edge of the disc, a plurality of catch mechanisms positioned circumferentially around the edge of the disc, a plurality of actuators adapted to move the plurality of catch mechanisms in a substantially radial direction relative to the circumferential edge of the disc, and a plurality of filaments extending radially from the mandrel towards circumferential edge of the disc. A middle portion of each filament of the plurality of filaments contacts an end of the mandrel.

Abstract: Polymeric coated optical elements are described herein, which exhibit good optical properties, e.g., low attenuation. Some such coated optical elements comprise an optical element (e.g., an optical fiber) having an outer surface and a thermoplastic polymeric tight buffer coating on at least a portion of the outer surface of the optical element, wherein the polymer-coated optical element exhibits a first attenuation at room temperature of plus or minus about 50% the attenuation of a comparable optical element with no thermoplastic polymeric tight buffer coating thereon, and a second attenuation at room temperature after thermal cycling to a temperature of at least 170° C. that is about 2 times the first attenuation or less.

Abstract: A reclosable fastener includes an insert element and a retention element. The retention element has a plurality of discrete, spaced projections extending generally orthogonally from at least one side edge of one of the opposing surfaces. At least one of the projections has a free end that includes a hook portion extending generally orthogonally from the projection toward the central longitudinal axis. The fastener operates in first and second conditions. In the first condition the fastener is open and the insert element is disengaged from the retention element, and in the second condition the fastener is closed and the insert element engages the retention element. In moving from the first condition to the second condition the insert element engages the retention element by overlaying onto the retention element and being pressed into place. In moving from the second condition to the first condition the insert element disengages from the retention element by peeling from the retention element.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining the volume of gas dissolved or entrapped in transformer cooling oil includes an oil receiver, a metering space and a piston pump arranged to apply a reduced pressure to oil in the receiver and to transfer the gas which is liberated from the oil into the metering space. The piston pump is connected to and controlled by a controller. The metering space comprises a cylinder which accommodates a piston which is connected to be moved by an actuator which is connected to and controlled by the controller. The pressure detector is provided which is responsive to the pressure in the metering space and is arranged to deliver a signal indicative of the magnitude of the pressure to the controller. A transducer is connected to the controller and is arranged to produce a signal, when the said pressure reaches a predetermined value, which is indicative of the volume of gas within the metering space.