Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microwave antenna lens includes the provision of a mold that has a lens defining cavity formed therein. The shape of the lens defining cavity is predetermined. The lens defining cavity is filled with a suitable filler material such as, for example, microspheres of a certain dielectric constant. A quantity of a resin is introduced into the lens defining cavity to fill the interstices between the individual pieces of filler material. Then, after the resin is cured, a microwave lens if formed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microwave antenna lens includes the provision of a mold that has a lens defining cavity formed therein. The shape of the lens defining cavity is predetermined. The lens defining cavity is filled with a suitable filler material such as, for example, microspheres of a certain dielectric constant. A quantity of a resin is introduced into the lens defining cavity to fill the interstices between the individual pieces of filler material.

Abstract: The sensing coil of a fiber optic gyroscope is wholly or partially surrounded by a gel. The components attached to the coil, such as the directional coupler(s) and polarizer, may also be wholly or partially submerged in the gel. The gel is contained by a rigid housing, in which the inner walls of the housing form a cavity for the coil and the gel. The cavity is filled with the gel, and the gel may be bonded to the inner walls of the housing. The gel remains stiff enough to maintain the coil in a fixed position relative to the housing, and soft enough to avoid any significant effect on the h of the coil over the operating temperature range. Furthermore, the gel can be loaded with particles to adjust the specific gravity of the gel, to modify the thermal properties of the gel and to increase the viscosity of the gel for improved vibration damping. In a modified form, the optical-fiber sensing coil is positioned on a mounting surface and otherwise surrounded by the gel.

Abstract: The sensing coil of a fiber optic gyroscope is mounted by submerging the coil in a gel which surrounds and supports the coil. The components attached to the coil, such as the directional coupler(s) and polarizer, may also be submerged in the gel. The gel is contained by a rigid housing, in which the walls of the housing are spaced away from the coil. The intervening space between the coil and the innermost walls of the housing are filled with the gel, and the gel may be bonded to those innermost walls. The gel remains stiff enough to maintain the coil in a fixed position relative to the housing, and soft enough to avoid any significant effect on the h of the coil over the operating temperature range. In a modified form, the optical-fiber sensing coil is wound around a bobbin that has a layer of gel on the coil-supporting surface. A coating of adhesive is applied to the outside surfaces of the coil to hold the coil windings together in a stable configuration around the layer of gel.