Abstract: A glass filler of the present disclosure includes glass having a composition, the composition including iron oxide. For the content in mass % of the iron oxide in the composition, 0.005?FeO?0.30 and 0.01?T-Fe2O3?0.80 (T-Fe2O3 represents total iron oxide calculated as Fe2O3) are satisfied. For the iron oxide in the composition, Fe2+/(Fe2++Fe3+), which represents the proportion by mass of Fe2+ to total iron, is 0.15 or more and 1.00 or less. The glass filler of the present disclosure is a glass filler having a new composition including a coloring component, the glass filler having a high visible transmittance and a controlled color which can be, for example, within a range of colors different from those of conventional glass fillers that have a low visible transmittance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-temperature resistant inorganic fiber which is based on silica and has improved mechanical properties, a process for producing it and also specific uses thereof and products derived therefrom. The fiber of the invention has the following composition: 81-94% by weight of SiO2, 6-19% by weight of Al2O3, 0-12% by weight of ZrO2, 0-12% by weight of TiO2, 0-3% by weight of Na2O and not more than 1.5% by weight of further components.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the production of optical fibers from optical fiber preforms using flow physics. The present methods provide for the “drawing” of an optical fiber preform using focusing of the preform by a surrounding fluid, e.g. a heated gas.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the production of optical fibers from optical fiber preforms using flow physics. The present methods provide for the “drawing” of an optical fiber preform using focusing of the preform by a surrounding fluid, e.g. a heated gas.

Abstract: An induction furnace capable of drawing large diameter preforms of up to 130 mm is described. The induction furnace has top and bottom chimneys surrounding the entire preform during operation of the furnace with an inert conditioning gas which is introduced into the top chimney and flows downward through the furnace body and bottom chimney without significant turbulence. A distributor ring inside the top chimney redirects flow from a circumferential direction to a downward direction. The top chimney also includes a resilient seal to releasably hold the top of the preform. The bottom chimney has a smoothly decreasing cross-sectional area preventing turbulence at the furnace exit. The furnace insulation is preferably a rigid self-supporting graphite cylinder. A method of drawing large diameter preforms either to an optical fiber or to a preform of smaller diameter using such a furnace is also described.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a generic method for producing void and gas occlusion free materials, as well as apparatuses for batch and continuous production of same. This generic method can be utilized in the production of a wide variety of polymeric compounds and composites and specifically encompasses the two ends of the polymeric composite spectrum, that is, polymer concretes on the one hand, and fiber-reinforced polymer composites on the other. The composite materials of the present invention are characterized by visual count as being void and gas occlusion free to the level of 1 micron at 1250× magnification. Concomitantly, the invention produces useful polymer concrete materials which exhibit substantially improved integrity for easy machining at high speeds, and high dielectric and mechanical strength, as compared with composite materials produced by conventional methods.

Abstract: An optical fiber drawing furnace capable of the prevention of entry of an ambient gas into an inner space thereof both effectively and economically, provided with a lower gas introduction portion through which inert gas is introduced into the inner space of the optical fiber drawing furnace, a chamber separated by a lower partition, and a bottom cover. The lower partition is arranged immediately below the lower gas introduction portion and has a first hole through which the chamber and the inner space are communicated. The bottom cover has a second hole through which the chamber and the atmosphere are communicated. An optical fiber is passed through the first and second holes. A controller detects a differential pressure between a pressure P1 in the inner space and a pressure P2 in the chamber and controls the suction flow by a pump for evacuating the gas in the chamber to maintain P1>P2.

Abstract: A method and device is disclosed for distributing a veil by applying low frequency sound to at least one portion of the veil, and causing the veil to deviate in its generally downward direction of travel. In its simplest embodiment, the lapping device of the present invention includes one low frequency sound generator having one resonator tube shaped for emission of low frequency sound and having an open end from which sound may be emitted to a portion of a veil. Preferably, the lapping device has two resonator tubes whose open ends are in spaced, opposing relationship, and in the preferred method low frequency sound is alternately applied at generally opposing locations near the veil, causing portions of the veil to deviate in generally alternate directions in its direction of travel.

Abstract: Disclosed are an improved apparatus for collecting fine fibers, such as glass fibers, having a mean diameter of less than two microns from a gaseous stream, a method of collecting fine fibers using the apparatus and the novel new product produced by this method. The improvement lies mainly in the way in which the collection drum is supported and sealed which allows the collection to take place at relatively high partial vacuums. The fiber is also consolidated in the gaseous stream by passing it through a duct having at least one approximately ninety degree turn therein.