Abstract: Green ceramic mixture for extruding into an extruded green body includes one or more inorganic components selected from the group consisting of ceramic ingredients, inorganic ceramic-forming ingredients, and combinations thereof, at least one mineral oil, and from about 0.01 wt % to about 0.45 wt % of an antioxidant based on a total weight of the inorganic component(s), by super addition. The mineral oil has a kinematic viscosity of ?about 1.9 cSt at 100° C. The at least one antioxidant may have a degradation-rate peak temperature that is greater than the degradation-rate peak temperature of the at least one mineral oil. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral oil includes greater than about 20 wt % alkanes with greater than 20 carbons, based on a total weight of the at least one mineral oil. Methods of making an unfired extruded body using the batch mixture are also disclosed.

Abstract: Green ceramic mixture for extruding into an extruded green body includes one or more inorganic components selected from the group consisting of ceramic ingredients, inorganic ceramic-forming ingredients, and combinations thereof, at least one mineral oil, and from about 0.01 wt % to about 0.45 wt % of an antioxidant based on a total weight of the inorganic component(s), by super addition. The mineral oil has a kinematic viscosity of ?about 1.9 cSt at 100° C. The at least one antioxidant may have a degradation-rate peak temperature that is greater than the degradation-rate peak temperature of the at least one mineral oil. In some embodiments, the at least one mineral oil includes greater than about 20 wt % alkanes with greater than 20 carbons, based on a total weight of the at least one mineral oil. Methods of making an unfired extruded body using the batch mixture are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for proof testing an optical waveguide fiber includes a first capstan defining a first outer diameter and a continuous first capstan belt under tension and in contact with the first outer diameter of the first capstan. The contact between the first capstan belt and the first capstan defining a first arc of contact, and the first capstan belt defining a first width, a first thickness and a first length. The apparatus further includes a second capstan defining a second outer diameter and a continuous second capstan belt under tension and in contact with the outer diameter of the second capstan. The contact between the second capstan belt and the second capstan defining a second arc of contact, second capstan belt defining a second width, second thickness and a second belt length. The first arc of contact being equal to or greater than about 105° and the second arc of contact being at least 20° greater than the first arc of contact.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of winding optical fiber onto a spool. The method includes varying a target, tension applied to a fiber as the fiber accumulates onto the spool such that the percentage change in lateral load is greater than about −3.4% for each change of about 0.25″ in pack radius. The method also includes varying the target tension such that the change in lateral load per change in pack radius includes an amount greater than about −18.0 N/m2. Additionally the invention includes varying the target tension applied to the optical fiber as the fiber accumulates onto the spool, such that the target tension applied to the fiber at the end of winding fiber onto the spool is at least about 0.1% or greater than the target tension at the start of winding fiber onto the spool.

Abstract: An apparatus for proof testing an optical waveguide fiber includes a first capstan defining a first outer diameter and a continuous first capstan belt under tension and in contact with the first outer diameter of the first capstan. The contact between the first capstan belt and the first capstan defining a first arc of contact, and the first capstan belt defining a first width, a first thickness and a first length. The apparatus further includes a second capstan defining a second outer diameter and a continuous second capstan belt under tension and in contact with the outer diameter of the second capstan. The contact between the second capstan belt and the second capstan defining a second arc of contact, second capstan belt defining a second width, second thickess and a second belt length. The first arc of contact being equal to or greater than about 105° and the second arc of contact being at least 20° greater than the first arc of contact.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for continuously producing optical waveguide fiber and preforms. A continuous supply of core cane is provided to a walled deposition chamber upon which glass soot is deposited to form a soot preform. The preform is passed through an aligned drying, consolidation and draw chambers from which an optical fiber may be drawn. In one embodiment, a plurality of burners are positioned at different radial distances from a longitudinal axis of the cane in the deposition chamber. One or more environmental seal(s) are provided to prevent process gasses or contaminants from flowing into or between the chambers.

Abstract: A method of winding optical fiber onto a spool is disclosed. The method includes varying a target tension applied to a fiber as the fiber accumulates onto the spool such that the percent change in lateral load is greater than about −3.4% for each change of about 0.25″ in pack radius. The disclosed invention also includes varying the target tension such that the change in lateral load per change in pack radius comprises an amount greater than about −18.0 N/M2. Additionally the invention includes varying the target tension applied to the optical fiber as the fiber accumulates onto the spool, such that the target tension applied to the fiber at the end of winding fiber onto the spool is at least about 0.1 % or greater than the target tension at the start of winding fiber onto the spool.