Abstract: A polarization mode dispersion compensator corrects polarization mode dispersion in an optical signal having a fast polarization mode component, a slow polarization mode component and a time differential between the components. The compensator includes a phase shifter and a variable delay section. An input of the phase shifter is coupled to an optical device that provides an optical signal that exhibits polarization mode dispersion. The phase shifter functions to rotate the optical signal principal states of polarization to a desired orientation. The phase shifter engages a segment of an optical fiber that is coated with a radiation cured coatings. The coating composition is selected so that in response to a preload comprising the application of a stress of about 80 MPa to said coating at about 80° C. and after a stress-relaxation period of at least about 1 hour, at about 80° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation curable ink formulation which has a tan .delta. of from about 0.5 to about 1.5. The radiation curable ink formulation includes a pigment, a radiation cross-linkable monomer or oligomer, and a rheology modifier. Flat panel color filters which contain a black radiation curable ink formulation and one or more colored radiation curable ink formulations are also disclosed. At least one of the black and colored radiation curable ink formulations has a tan .delta. of from about 0.5 to about 1.5 and includes a pigment, a radiation cross-linkable monomer or oligomer, and a rheology modifier. Methods for manufacturing these flat panel color filters are also disclosed. The radiation curable ink formulations of the present invention have the advantage of permitting clean doctoring.

Abstract: A method of producing a formable mixture involves combining a powder material, and a plurality of gel-forming polymers, wherein at least one gel-forming polymer is a proton donor, and at least one gel forming polymer is a proton acceptor. A method of making a monolithic structure involves producing a formable mixture of powder material which can be ceramic, metal, glass, glass ceramic, molecular sieve and combinations thereof, a plurality of gel-forming polymers as described above, extruding the mixture to form a green monolithic structure, and drying and firing the green structure.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions having a polymeric component and an inorganic filler which undergoes a crystal (phase) inversion within the operating temperature range of the composition are provided. The present invention relates to a method for reducing the water sensitivity of particles of a crystallized phosphate glass. The particles are composed of P.sub.2 O.sub.5 and one or more cations selected from the group consisting of magnesium, cobalt, arsenic, zinc, iron, aluminum, and zirconium. The method includes nitriding the particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for packaging an optical waveguide coupler where the coupler includes a body having two end portions and a constricted portion located between the end portions. The method includes placing the coupler in a mold where the mold surrounds at least the constricted portion of the coupler, introducing a polymeric composition into the mold so that the polymeric composition substantially fills the constricted portion, curing the polymeric composition, and removing the mold.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating an optical component, the component comprising at least partially uncoated organic material, the method comprising: placing molten metal around the optical component, and solidifying the metal. The invention includes encapsulating a segment or element of an optical component, such as, for example, an optical junction or a surface. An encapsulated optical component and optical components having sealed or encapsulated elements are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber component, which includes an optical component, (e.g., a glass tube), one or more glass optical fibers attached to the surface of said component, and a surface pretreatment layer, formed from a silane applied to the surfaces of the component and the one or more glass optical fibers. Preferably, an adhesive is applied over the surface pretreatment layer to strengthen attachment of the component to the one or more glass optical fibers. A method of preparing such optical fiber components is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of applying a tough, abrasion-resistant, organic film to a back surface of a thin, glass body to form a glass-plastic composite, the method comprising preheating the film to a temperature at which residual solvent and moisture are removed from the film, preheating a presshead to a pressing temperature, pressing the film and the glass together, maintaining the glass-film assembly at a controlled temperature and pressure for a period of time to form a sealed composite body, and cooling the sealed body to solidify the glass-plastic composite.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the production of a laminated heat release or pressure release decal for application to a surface of an article which comprises:(a) a support layer comprising a disposable release film;(b) a stretchable abrasion resistant layer, and(c) a heat activated or pressure sensitive adhesive layer atop said abrasion resistant layer.Where desired, a second support layer comprising a disposable release film can be located on the side opposite from the first support layer.

Abstract: In a printing apparatus using a collector membrane, certain formulations of room temperature vulcanizing silicone materials form membranes with superior performance. The preferred release characteristic of the material is set forth in terms of the time it takes a test element to roll along an inclined plane having an adhesive material thereon.

Abstract: A heat release decal, for decorating a shaped surface of an article, is disclosed. The decal includes a stretchable web, a meltable release layer on the web and a design layer thereover. When heated, the release layer melts, thereby releasing the design layer therefrom. When the decal is heated to above the melt point of the release layer, the design layer becomes tacky. The design layer sticks to the article upon intimate contact. The web, the design layer and release layer are formed of materials which do not migrate into each other upon formation of the decal, or upon application to the article. Each are stretchable to allow the decal to conform to the shape of the article to be decorated.

Abstract: There are disclosed thermoplastic inks in the nature of high viscosity, tacky pastes which exhibit high cohesive strength, high pressure sensitivity at low temperatures, high thermal stability and low affinity for silicone surfaces. These properties make the inks particularly useful in those printing processes involving multiple elastomeric transfer members, in particular, those processes wherein silicone transfer members print successive colors onto a silicone collector which in turn transfers the multicolored print in a single step to ware or decal paper. The ink formulations consist essentially, in weight percent, of:(a) 50-80% of a pigmented, vitreous, inorganic flux;(b) 2-20% of a selected organic polymer;(c) 5-25% of a selected plasticizer;(d) 2-20% of a selected amorphous tackifying resin; and optionally,(e) up to 20% of an organic wax.