Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for winding strand such as optical fibers on altate spools and for storing and protecting from damage coiled end portions of the strand to be wound on the spools in which the coils are clamped laterally of the coils with forces applied parallel to the axis of the coils. The methods and apparatus of the invention may be used for urging portions of the strand being fed to the spools and associated strand storage and clamping devices against the peripheral surfaces thereof to aid in the transfer of the distribution of the strand from one spool to the other spool.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus are provided for winding strand such as optical ers on alternate spools and for storing and protecting from damage coiled end portions of the strand to be wound on the spools in which the coils are clamped laterally of the coils with forces applied parallel to the axis of the coils. The methods and apparatus of the invention may be used for urging portions of the strand being fed to the spools and associated strand storage and clamping devices against the peripheral surfaces thereof to aid in the transfer of the distribution of the strand from one spool to the other spool.

Abstract: In taking up drawn lightguide fiber (31), the fiber is distributed on the hub of one of two coaxially mounted takeup spools 42-42 which are driven independently of each other at ends of indexable turrets (94-94) that also have spools mounted on their opposite ends. Following takeup on one of the spools, a distributor 201 effects a cutover to a collector groove of the adjacent spool until several convolutions of the fiber are secured within the collector groove to provide access to a leading end of the fiber on this spool for testing purposes. Then the distributor begins its traverse across the hub of the empty spool and the lightguide fiber which extends across the adjacent collector spools is severed to form an end portion on the spool now being filled, said end portion advantageously being accessible for testing.

Abstract: Paper pulp insulation of uniform weight per unit length is formed simultaneously on each of a plurality of advancing electrical conductors (21--21) by the use of a dual zone headbox (23) which cooperates with a forming cylinder (24). In one zone of the headbox, the average velocity of a pulpous mixture flowing in a channel (54) is controlled by a first velocity control member (58) after which the pulpous mixture is split into a plurality of streams to form a pulp ribbon (29) below each of the conductors on the periphery of the forming cylinder. In the other zone, the pulpous mixture is passed through a channel (57) prior to being split into individual streams that are deposited as ribbons (31--31) above the conductors. The average velocity of the pulpous mixture in the channel (57) in the other zone is controlled by a second velocity control member (66) having a plurality of discrete individually adjustable sections which are aligned with the streams.

Abstract: A coating (28) is applied over an advancing electrical conductor (21) and partially dried by exposing it to a first temperature for a predetermined time. This renders the coating substantially insoluble in water so that it is retained on the conductor as the conductor is moved through apparatus (34) which forms a ribbon (35) of pulpous material longitudinally with the conductor. The ribbon is reshaped into an insulative cover (41) concentrically disposed about the coated conductor, after which the pulp-insulated conductor is exposed for a predetermined length of time to a second temperature which is substantially greater than the first temperature. This reduces substantially the moisture content of the pulpous material and simultaneously tackifies the coating which cause the pulp insulation to have excellent crush resistance and adheres the pulp insulation to the conductor to form an insulation cover having substantial integrity.

Abstract: Paper pulp insulation of uniform weight per unit length is formed simultaneously on each of a plurality of advancing electrical conductors (21--21) by the use of a dual zone headbox (23) which cooperates with a forming cylinder (24). In one zone of the headbox, the average velocity of a pulpous mixture flowing in a channel (54) is controlled by a first velocity control member (58) after which the pulpous mixture is split into a plurality of streams to form a pulp ribbon (29) below each of the conductors on the periphery of the forming cylinder. In the other zone, the pulpous mixture is passed through a channel (57) prior to being split into individual streams that are deposited as ribbons (31--31) above the conductors. The average velocity of the pulpous mixture in the channel (57) in the other zone is controlled by a second velocity control member (66) having a plurality of discrete individually adjustable sections which are aligned with the streams.