Abstract: A filler rod for occupying space in a stranded optical fiber communications cable having at least one buffer tube containing at least one optical fiber is disclosed. The filler rod comprises an elongated rod extruded from a polypropylene homopolymer, a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer (i-PP) resin material, or preferably, from a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer having a nucleating agent disbursed therein. The resin material is foamed during extrusion so as to have a plurality of void spaces therein and a relative density which is less than 1 relative to the unfoamed resin material. As compared to rods made from high density polyethylene, the i-PP filler rods show a greater foaming efficiency, more efficient use of material, an improved combination of mechanical properties and density, reduced post-extrusion shrinkage and a substantial reduction in the sticking of the filler rods to the outer jacket that is experienced with high density polyethylene filler rods.

Abstract: A filler rod for occupying space in a stranded optical fiber communications cable having at least one buffer tube containing at least one optical fiber is disclosed. The filler rod comprises an elongated rod extruded from a polypropylene homopolymer, a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer (i-PP) resin material, or preferably, from a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer having a nucleating agent disbursed therein. The resin material is foamed during extrusion so as to have a plurality of void spaces therein and a relative density which is less than 1 relative to the unfoamed resin material. As compared to rods made from high density polyethylene, the i-PP filler rods show a greater foaming efficiency, more efficient use of material, an improved combination of mechanical properties and density, reduced post-extrusion shrinkage and a substantial reduction in the sticking of the filler rods to the outer jacket that is experienced with high density polyethylene filler rods.

Abstract: Optical fiber cable components such as buffer tubes, filler rods, or jackets are produced using a thermoplastic polyolefin characterized by a high melt flow index. The use of material with a high melt flow index versus conventional "extrusion grade" materials which are characterized by a low melt flow index results in substantial improvements in buffer tube crystallinity and crystallization rates, improved buffer tube crush resistance, reduced post extrusion shrinkage, improved gel compatibility, and improved excess fiber length control. The advantages of using materials with a high melt flow index are most evident when processing thermoplastic materials such as nucleated copolymers of ethylene and propylene at high line speeds (shear rates) of over 50M/min.

Abstract: A buffer tube for an optical fiber cable is made from a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer resin having nucleating agents and filler materials disbursed therein. The nucleating agents and filler materials improve compression-tension resistance and thermal expansion properties of the polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer buffer tube (32). A non-armored cable structure incoporates the present invention and is generally indicated by the numeral (30). This structure includes a single, large, gel-filled buffer tube (32) made of a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer at least incorperating a nucleating agent. The gel in the buffer tube is a thioxotropic, water-blockable gel. The gel-filled buffer tube (32) contains a plurality of optical fibers (34). Radial strength yarns (36), made from either aramid, polyethylene, polyester, or fiberglass materials, are contra-helically stranded around the buffer tube (32) and impregnated with filling compounds such as a petroleum based hot melt filling compound.

Abstract: A method and tool for accessing optical fibers contained in a buffer tube is provided. The buffer tube is held in a hourglass shaped bore formed by the mating engagement of first and second members. The mating engagement of the first second members also causes the engagement of cutting blades with the buffer tube. As the tool is drawn along the buffer tube, a chord of protective covering is removed from the buffer tube, providing access to the optical fibers held within.

Abstract: A buffer tube for an optical fiber cable is made from a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer resin having nucleating agents and filler materials disbursed therein. The nucleating agents and filler materials improve compression-tension resistance and thermal expansion properties of the polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer buffer tube.

Abstract: A cable spool has a cylindrical drum about which a length of cable is wound. A pair of end flanges connected to opposite ends of the cylindrical drum hold the cable on the cylindrical drum. One of the end flanges has an outer flange and an inner flange extension formed integrally therewith. A serpentine cable channel is formed in the inner flange and grips an end of the cable to prevent the cable from unwinding. The serpentine cable channel holds the cable end available for electrical or optical testing while holding it away from a periphery of the outer flange where the cable might be damaged by unwanted contact with an abrasive surface.

Abstract: An air cushion-optical data read head that includes an optical pick-up system for reading data stored on the walls of an engraved V-groove disc or record, air means for causing the read head to hover above the surface of the record, and air jet means for guiding the head about the V-groove of the record.

Abstract: Signal/data enters the IC in optic form via an optically-efficient method om either fiber optic or circuit-trace optic waveguides. The optic signal/data is transformed to electrical signal/data via the photo-sensing cells that are illuminated by each channel's photon beam. This electrical signal then is transmitted via a connection to an IC chip which performs the required processing. This IC chip is supplied with electric power by means of a photo-voltaic cell array mounted internal to the IC package. The illumination source of the photo-voltaic array is provided by an optic waveguide that transmits a high intensity photon beam of proper wavelength to yield efficient photon-to-electric current conversion. A portion of this high intensity photon beam is captured by an optic waveguide mounted internal to the IC This optic waveguide conducts the photons to a region where photo-intensity modular cells are located.

Abstract: A unique code device for use with explosive devices. A stepping motor is vided with a shaft for rotation a predetermined number of times for arming the explosive device. Magnetic damping (braking) means is provided to constrain rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A passive voltmeter that measures pulses of high voltage by periodically charging a condensor through a spark gap. The frequency at which the spark gap breaks down is a function of the voltage being measured and is detected and displayed in volts. Radioactive material within the chamber is used to insure a constant breakdown voltage by supplying the necessary free electrons. This insures constant breakdown time for the arc with minimum jitter.

Abstract: Radio frequency or microwave electromagnetic radiation is generated within and radiated from a cavity in response to an electron beam directed through the cavity. The electron beam is initially directed axially into the cavity and is deflected away from the axis by a time-varying field. The field may be magnetic or electrostatic and results in the radiation waves being generated as the beam deflects first to one side and then the other. Energy is reflected within the cavity, building up to provide an output pulse. The particular frequency generated is a function of the electron beam velocity and the time varying field or frequency at which the field varies.

Abstract: The monitor system consists of a voltage controlled oscillator for produc an acoustic wave whose frequency is proportional to the voltage being measured. An acoustic waveguide is used for transmitting the wave to an electrically isolated acoustic to electrical transducer. The output of the transducer is amplified and then displayed on an appropriate readout calibrated in volts.

Abstract: An instrument for use in recording sound or data on a small disc of magnetic recording media having a pressure sensitivie adhesive backing. The center point of the recording instrument is placed in the center point of the magnetic disc. After manual release a mechanism drives a recording head around the magnetic disc causing a recording to be made on the surface of the disc. The magnetic disc can then be affixed on a flat surface of an item to identify the contents thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring force and displacement by measuring Moire fringe fts in response to relative movement between a pair of mirrors which reflect light beams therefrom to an interaction region. A pair of electro-optical sensors is positioned to view the interference region and detect fringe shifts responsive to relative movement between the mirrors.