Abstract: A torch for fabricating optical fiber preforms may include a body having a surface and two or more slit-shaped orifices oriented parallel or substantially parallel to each other along the surface. The torch body may further include two or more conduits connected to corresponding orifices. The torch may be used by orienting it relative to a preform substrate, and simultaneously emitting two or more gases from corresponding orifices toward the surface of the preform substrate, such that the gases are involved in a reaction to form a soot.

Abstract: A torch for fabricating optical fiber preforms may include a body having a surface and two or more slit-shaped orifices oriented parallel or substantially parallel to each other along the surface. The torch body may further include two or more conduits connected to corresponding orifices. The torch may be used by orienting it relative to a preform substrate, and simultaneously emitting two or more gases from corresponding orifices toward the surface of the preform substrate, such that the gases are involved in a reaction to form a soot.

Abstract: Core rods or other glass components associated with optical fiber preforms are cleaned by loading them into a number of first sleeves, and partially obstructing entrance and exit ends of the sleeves to retain the components. The sleeves are contained inside a second sleeve so that the entrance ends of the first sleeves face an entrance end of the second sleeve. A fluid delivery system supplies cleaning fluids to the entrance end of the second sleeve, so that the fluids enter the first sleeves and contact exposed surfaces of the loaded components. The fluids leave the exit ends of the first sleeves and purge from an exit end of the second sleeve. Separators may be placed between the components in the first sleeves to enhance cleaning action and to cushion adjacent end faces of the components. Cleaned components may be unloaded from the first sleeves without risk of contamination.

Abstract: Core rods or other glass components associated with optical fiber preforms are cleaned by loading them into a number of first sleeves, and partially obstructing entrance and exit ends of the sleeves to retain the components. The sleeves are contained inside a second sleeve so that the entrance ends of the first sleeves face an entrance end of the second sleeve. A fluid delivery system supplies cleaning fluids to the entrance end of the second sleeve, so that the fluids enter the first sleeves and contact exposed surfaces of the loaded components. The fluids leave the exit ends of the first sleeves and purge from an exit end of the second sleeve. Separators may be placed between the components in the first sleeves to enhance cleaning action and to cushion adjacent end faces of the components. Cleaned components may be unloaded from the first sleeves without risk of contamination.

Abstract: A vending machine for large flat objects such as collapsed boxes or garment containers. A cabinet is provided containing a plurality of flat objects in an upright orientation. A control box attached to the cabinet receives bills or coins as payment for an object contained within the cabinet—such as a box. Once payment is received, feed mechanisms propel the plurality of flat objects toward the front of the machine. A cross feed mechanism then propels a single flat object out a dispensing slot, where it can be grasped and removed by a user.

Abstract: A vending machine for large flat objects such as collapsed boxes or garment containers. A cabinet is provided containing a plurality of flat objects in an upright orientation. A control box attached to the cabinet receives bills or coins as payment for an object contained within the cabinet—such as a box. Once payment is received, feed mechanisms propel the plurality of flat objects toward the front of the machine. A cross feed mechanism then propels a single flat object out a dispensing slot, where it can be grasped and removed by a user.

Abstract: A torch and mount assembly wherein the torch, which has a plurality of gas receiving nipples is carried in a housing through which it extends. The housing has a plurality of walls forming a substantially air tight enclosure. In at least one wall of the housing are one or more leakproof fittings which are connected to similar leakproof fittings for the nipples by means of preferably flexible gas conduits within the housing. In the system, gaseous mixtures are applied from a source or sources to the fittings in the housing wall remote from the high temperatures of the torch, while the conduits within the housing are protected from mechanical and thermal stresses. An inert gas from a suitable source is introduced under pressure into the interior of the housing to reduce leakage from the torch into the housing. The atmosphere within the housing is heated, and the constituents of the housing atmosphere are monitored to aid in detecting leakage.

Abstract: A compliant collet chuck for firmly clamping a workpiece has a base member attachable to the faceplate or spindle of a lathe. The base member has a central bore having a tapered portion and which is surrounding by a channel. A bayonet cylinder occupies the channel and has circumferential bayonet slots which receive eccentric locking pins therein. An adjustable collet chuck has a tapered portion at one end that bears against the tapered bore in the base member and a second tapered portion at the other end. An axial free play nut having a tapered bore, which is adapted to bear against the second taper, is threaded into the bayonet cylinder, and rotation thereof produces through the tapers, a radial force to compress the central bore of the chuck to grip the workpiece. Rotation of the actuating pins flexes the bayonet beam to lock the workpiece in place within the chuck.

Abstract: A compliant collet chuck for firmly clamping a workpiece has a base member attachable to the faceplate or spindle of a lathe. The base member has a central bore having a tapered portion and which is surrounding by a channel. A bayonet cylinder occupies the channel and has circumferential bayonet slots which receive eccentric locking pins therein. An adjustable collet chuck has a tapered portion at one end that bears against the tapered bore in the base member and a second tapered portion at the other end. An axial free play nut having a tapered bore, which is adapted to bear against the second taper, is threaded into the bayonet cylinder, and rotation thereof produces through the tapers, a radial force to compress the central bore of the chuck to grip the workpiece. Rotation of the actuating pins flexes the bayonet beam to lock the workpiece in place within the chuck.