Abstract: An apparatus for molding a glass mold for subsequent molding of glass optical elements or lenses is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a master having a snout and a master ring disposed around the snout. The master and master ring may be of unitary construction and are disposed within constraining means or sleeve in an operative association with a means for exerting a force to effect molding. The apparatus also comprises a means for heating the assembly.

Abstract: Articles with a non-stick coating. An article consisting of a substrate whose surface has --OH groups, and of at least one non-stick polymer layer, said article having also, applied between said substrate and said non-stick polymer layer, a layer which is obtained by making an appropriate bifunctional organo-silane react with a polyamic-acid precursor of polyamide-imide and with --OH groups of the substrate surface, then drying and converting said polyamic-acid into a polyamide-imide by heating at an appropriately high temperature.

Abstract: A method of molding precision glass optical elements or lenses is disclosed. Precision molded glass molds are first provided which define a glass mold cavity having a predetermined desired size, shape and volume corresponding to the glass optical element. To facilitate formation of the glass optical elements, shaped and polished preforms are formed.

Abstract: A furnace for fining molten glass is provided in which glass flows in a substantially vertical direction prior to exiting the furnace. As it flows vertically, the glass is allowed to cool. This cooling, in turn, allows the glass to be removed from the furnace through a narrow passageway without producing excessive wear of the passageway. Preferably, vertical flow of the molten glass at the exit end of the furnace is produced across the furnace's full width. In this way, the molten glass does not stagnate within the furnace and undesirable scums on the top surface of the glass are avoided. In certain preferred embodiments, the vertical flow is achieved by means of a trough which has sloped sides and which connects with and extends downward from the bottom surface of the furnace.

Abstract: A method of forming precision glass molds suitable for molding glass optical elements or lenses is disclosed. The glass molds define first and second opposed optical molding surfaces. Each master is formed by defining a master cavity adapted to form a first glass mold. A quantity of glass mold material is disposed within such cavity and molded in conformation with said master. The molding surface of each such glass mold defines an optical surface to be subsequently formed on an optical element.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding glass optical elements by means of at least one molded glass mold is disclosed. The optical element, which may be a lens and which may be formed of glass, is molded within an apparatus that comprises a pair of molds of which at least one is a molded glass mold, a constraining means and a ring disposed intermediate the molds. The interior diameter of the ring and the molding surfaces of the molds comprise the optical element molding cavity.

Abstract: An optical waveguide fiber is provided which comprises (a) a glass core; (b) a glass cladding which includes a barrier layer in the region of its outer surface which has an index of refraction and an absorption coefficient which are greater than the index of refraction and the absorption coefficient of the remainder of the cladding; and (c) a polymeric protective coating which is in direct contact with the outer surface of the cladding and which has an index of refraction which is less than the index of refraction of the barrier layer and less than the index of refraction of the remainder of the cladding. In certain preferred embodiments, the polymeric coating is selected from the group consisting of RTV silicone rubbers, UV curable silicones of the thio-ene type, UV curable silicone acrylates, and fluoropolymeric coatings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a four-step process for molding glass articles of high precision and excellent surface figure. A glass preform having an overall geometry closely approximating that of the desired final product is placed into a mold, the mold and preform are brought to a temperature at which the glass exhibits a viscosity between 10.sup.8 -10.sup.12 poises, a load is applied to shape the glass into conformity with the mold, and thereafter the glass shape is removed from the mold at a temperature above the transformation range of the glass and annealed.

Abstract: A field-installable, expanded beam waveguide connector is provided by opposing molded glass bodies having integrally formed therein an aspheric lens with protective ring and conically-shaped fiber alignment depressions. The glass bodies are inserted within at least one sleeve and are operatively associated at one end with their respective fibers, and at the other end to each other.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice and the method of forming it are described wherein a hollow cylindrical glass member is provided, the member having a bore along the longitudinal axis thereof. Fluid at a pressure in excess of ambient pressure is provided to the bore while the member is subjected to localized heating of the member to the softening point of the glass. In this manner, a bubble is formed within the member bore under the influence of said heating and pressure. For more uniform blubbles, the member may be rotated about its longitudinal axis while it is subjected to said fluid pressure and heating. The splice member is subsquently formed by severing the cylindrical member at the location of the bubbles. Optical fibers may be inserted into the ends of the splicing member and cemented in place.

Abstract: Compositions for encapsulating electronic components are provided which comprise a blend of a curable resin and an ultra-pure silica filler. The filler is composed of fused silica granules which are prepared from a gel of a silicon-containing organic compound, such as TEOS, and which have a uranium content of less than about 0.1 parts per billion and a thorium content of less than about 0.5 parts per billion. The compositions can be readily manufactured in commercial quantities at reasonable costs and are particular well-suite for encapsulating components, such as, high density RAMs, which are sensitive to alpha particles.

Abstract: The method of forming an optical fiber splice is described wherein a hollow cylindrical glass member is provided, the member having a bore along the longitudinal axis thereof. The member is formed with tapered, funnel-like apertures at each end thereof for improved insertion of optical fibers. Optical fibers are inserted into the ends of the splicing member and cemented in place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for molding precision optical quality glass elements having complex and concave surfaces requires the apportionment of relative movement between two opposing mold surfaces. First and second molds are contained within a floating alignment sleeve, thereby defining a mold cavity within which an essentially arbitrarily-shaped glass preform is placed. The first mold is moved in the alignment sleeve until stopped by a calibrated standoff. Thereafter, pressing is continued with the second mold moving in the alignment sleeve until opposing surfaces are completely formed at substantially the same time.

Abstract: A method for producing ultra-high purity, optical quality, glass articles is disclosed which involves: (1) forming a gel from a silicon-containing organic compound, such as, TEOS; (2) drying the gel to produce granules having a mean particle size of less than about 1 millimeter; (3) fully sintering the granules to produce high purity, artificial sand; (4) casting the artificial sand by conventional techniques, such as, slip casting, to form a high density, porous, green body; (5) drying and partially sintering the green body; (6) fully sintering the green body under vacuum; and (7) hot isostatic pressing ("hipping") the green body. The glass articles produced by the process have higher purity, greater homogeneity, and less IR absorption than existing, commercially available, premium quality, fused silica, glass articles.

Abstract: An integrated optical component including a monolithic glass body having a surface in which at least one cavity is molded. An optical circuit path, which is formed in the surface by ion exchange, is aligned with the cavity.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice wherein a hollow cylindrical glass member is provided defining a longitudinal cylindrical aperture therein. Means adjacent the aperture defining a longitudinal groove parallel to the longitudinal aperture and in communicating relationship therewith is formed therein. A pair of tapered apertures are formed at each end of the glass member extending inwardly from the end surfaces and merging with the longitudinal cylindrical aperture and the longitudinal groove.

Abstract: Method of producing precision shaped apertures in glass is shown. A hollow glass member defining a longitudinal aperture is provided. A carbon graphite member is shaped externally to a desired shape, disposed within the longitudinal aperture in the glass member, which member is thereafter collapsed about the graphite member taking its shape and size. The graphite member is removed leaving the glass member with a precision aperture therein.

Abstract: A heating oven for processing glass materials from which optical waveguide fibers are prepared is provided which comprises:(a) an elongated chamber for receiving the glass material to be processed; and(b) means for heating the chamber, said means comprising an elongated susceptor, the longitudinal axis of the susceptor being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber, an induction heating coil, means for moving the induction heating coil along a path parallel to the longitudinal axes of the susceptor and the chamber, and means for energizing the induction heating coil.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for a method for assuring the quality of the results obtained from a blood gas analyzer. The apparatus comprises a device for storing blood gas quality control reagent comprising a first variable volume, gas impermeable container for receiving the reagent. The reagent is stored exclusively in the liquid phase therein. A valved exit passageway emanates from the container which container is situated in a second container surrounding the first, a space being present therebetween and a compressed gas situated in the space. Upon opening the valve, the compressed gas decreases the volume of the first container and reagent is expelled through the exit passageway. The present device is uneffected by changes in ambient temperature since the reagent is stored exclusively in the liquid phase. The device is reusable since a portion of the reagent may be expelled without contamination of the remaining contents.

Abstract: An article suitable as an integral handle for an optical waveguide preform is disclosed. The article comprises a hollow tubular member defining a substantially longitudinal aperture and having one end thereof tapered and of diminishing wall thickness for the length of said taper. Adjacent the tapered end is disposed an outwardly extending protrusion which is embedded in one end of an optical waveguide preform forming an integral unit therewith. Means are provided for a substantially gas-tight connection to the handle so that a gaseous medium may be flowed through the handle and the optical waveguide preform in its porous soot form. Means are also provided for attaching and securing the composite structure to a source of gaseous medium. Also disclosed is the combination of an optical waveguide preform rigidly affixed to a handle.