Abstract: A splice connector for optical fibers comprises a guide having a fiber-receiving channel and an alignment cradle having an intermediate section with a channel for holding the guide in position to receive optical fibers. The fibers are bonded together in the guide with a UV-curable adhesive. The alignment cradle also holds a pair of flexible sleeves that are placed on either side of the guide and serve to protect the spliced fibers from vibrations and other environmental stresses. A metallic housing can be crimped over the splice. Also described is a fixture for making the splice. The fixture holds the alignment cradle, guide, and spliced fibers in position, while the adhesive used for making the splice cures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbonaceous material which reacts rapidly with hydrogen to produce a methane-rich gas containing at least 20% by volume methane. The carbonaceous material is formed by contacting a carbon monoxide containing gas with an initiator including a ferrous group metal such as iron, cobalt, or nickel. The carbonaceous material grows from the surface of the initiator as fibers which include a ferrous metal component derived from the initiator. This ferrous metal component, which may be a metal, an alloy, a carbide, or other metallic substance, is dispersed throughout the carbon network as small nodules which are at least partially bonded to the carbon.