Abstract: A coating assembly including a recessed housing for receiving a split coating die, and a thrust block for urging the die against a die closing plate. Aligned passages extending through each of the elements are accessed through a split or slot in the side of each element so that an optical waveguide can be inserted into the apparatus from the side, rather than threaded endwise through the apparatus. Liquid coating material is introduced into the passages, the coating die serving to determine the thickness of the coating which is ultimately formed upon the waveguides.

Abstract: First and second tractor assemblies apply a preset tension to incremental lengths of fiber which moves continuously through the apparatus. The apparatus performs the functions of fiber pulling and non-destructive testing of all of the fiber. Each tractor assembly includes a tractor wheel and belt wheels. A belt extends around the belt wheels and engages the tractor wheel in an arc. The fiber passes between the belt and the tractor wheel in this arc. The second tractor assembly has a constant torque drive with an unloaded speed which is faster than that of the first tractor assembly. The second tractor assembly pulls the fiber thereby reducing the speed by causing the constant torque device to overload and slip.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for winding glass optical waveguide filaments during drawing thereof. When a spool is full, the apparatus automatically changes spools, attaches the filament being drawn to a spool moved into the winding station, and severs the filament from the full spool.