Abstract: A multi-fiber cable assembly includes a pigtail segments spliced to a trunk segment using multiple mass fusion splices. The splices are disposed within an encapsulation at a common axial location. A flexible conduit extends from one end of the encapsulation to protect bare fibers of the trunk segment. A protective sheath extends from the opposite end of the encapsulation to protect the pigtail segments. The conduit and sheath are axially fixed to the encapsulation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a drum assembly for an internal drum-type imaging apparatus, and a drum assembly produced using the method. The drum assembly defines an imaging surface which is at least semi-cylindrical. A drum skin defines an imaging surface, and is releasably wrapped around a cylindrical mandrel, which has an axis. The mandrel and wrapped drum skin have a first radius. A drum includes more than one drum portion, and is attached to the drum skin over an at least semi-cylindrical interface. The drum has a radius slightly greater than the first radius, and the drum and attached drum skin cooperate to define a vacuum chamber. A fluid bearing is generated between the drum skin and the mandrel, preferably by pressurizing the vacuum chamber, in order to separate the drum skin from the mandrel. The drum and attached drum skin are then moved relative to the mandrel and in a direction parallel to the axis to remove the drum assembly from the mandrel.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling media sheets in a photo-plotter includes a plurality of aligning mechanisms for precisely positioning the media sheet relative to a drum of the photo-plotter. Each aligning mechanism has engaged and disengaged positions and include a registration pin having corresponding extended and retracted positions. In the engaged position, the extended registration pins of the aligning mechanisms pass through mounting features formed within the media sheet and are engagable with a plurality of drum openings formed within the drum of the photo-plotter. The present invention ensures that the media sheet is properly placed on the drum and also precisely positions the generated image relative to the mounting features.

Abstract: A drum for a photoplotter has a base having a partially cylindrical recess formed therein which recess being defined by in part by a plurality of elevated surfaces providing a support bed on which is mounted a sheet of material providing an exposed surface for supporting a substrate thereon. The drum is formed by a method whereby a tool is provided about which the sheet material is drawn and is moved into engagement with the bed and is caused to maintain this shape by an adhesive interposed therebetween. A method for mechanically compensating for surface irregularities by fixing the scanner relative to the support surface after displacements have been made is also provided.

Abstract: A step-down nozzle for the even distribution of fluids at the interface between phases in a column or cell accommodating a plug flow operation is structured with an internal flow channel of recursive configuration.

Abstract: A drum for a photoplotter has a base having a partially cylindrical recess formed therein which recess being defined by in part by a plurality of elevated surfaces providing a support bed on which is mounted a sheet of material providing an exposed surface for supporting a substrate thereon. The drum is formed by a method whereby a tool is provided about which the sheet material is drawn and is moved into engagement with the bed and is caused to maintain this shape by an adhesive interposed therebetween. A method for mechanically compensating for surface irregularities by fixing the scanner relative to the support surface after displacements have been made is also provided.