Abstract: An optical splice joint and splicing process are provided for joining an end portion of a microstructured optical fiber having a microstructure formed from an array of holes, and a conventional optical fiber. The optical splice joint is formed from a fused portion of opposing end portions of the microstructured optical fiber and optical fiber, wherein the microstructured optical fiber is surrounded by a jacket that is at least 1.6 times thicker along its radius than the microstructure, and has a tensile strength of at least 30 Kpsi with an optical loss of less than 0.30 dB, and relatively little shrinkage (i.e., about 30%) of the holes forming the microstructure. The splice joint is formed by aligning end portions of the microstructured optical fiber and the optical fiber, in a fusion splicer, and applying fusion heat to the fiber ends in a two step process with a low current arc that is offset with respect to the end of the microstructured optical fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a photonic crystal preform which provides improved properties of the photonic band-gap crystal waveguide fiber drawn therefrom. The photonic crystal preform defect is formed using materials having a particular shape or composition so that the defect walls are preferentially etched away to provide a photonic band-gap crystal waveguide fiber having a smooth walled defect.

Abstract: An optical splice joint and splicing process are provided for joining an end portion of a microstructured optical fiber having a microstructure formed from an array of holes, and a conventional optical fiber. The optical splice joint is formed from a fused portion of opposing end portions of the microstructured optical fiber and optical fiber, wherein the microstructured optical fiber is surrounded by a jacket that is at least 1.6 times thicker along its radius than the microstructure, and has a tensile strength of at least 30 Kpsi with an optical loss of less than 0.30 dB, and relatively little shrinkage (i.e., about 30%) of the holes forming the microstructure. The splice joint is formed by aligning end portions of the microstructured optical fiber and the optical fiber, in a fusion splicer, and applying fusion heat to the fiber ends in a two step process with a low current arc that is offset with respect to the end of the microstructured optical fiber.

Abstract: Optical fiber structures having at least two cores, whether unitary or separable, may be fabricated by controlling the placement of the cores prior to final processing to make the multi-core fiber structure. When the fiber is to be separable, at least two performs are attached, and the attachment height between adjacent canes is controlled to allow separation to be realized (or attachment to be maintained there between) anywhere along the separable multi-core fiber. These canes are then drawn together to form a desired composite fiber, either or both ends of which may be separated to allow for individual manipulation of fiber ends.

Abstract: Optical fiber structures having at least two cores, whether unitary or separable, may be fabricated by controlling the placement of the cores prior to final processing to make the multi-core fiber structure. When the fiber is to be separable, at least two performs are attached, and the attachment height between adjacent canes is controlled to allow separation to be realized (or attachment to be maintained there between) anywhere along the separable multi-core fiber. These canes are then drawn together to form a desired composite fiber, either or both ends of which may be separated to allow for individual manipulation of fiber ends.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a photonic crystal preform which provides improved properties of the photonic band-gap crystal waveguide fiber drawn therefrom. The photonic crystal preform defect is formed using materials having a particular shape or composition so that the defect walls are preferentially etched away to provide a photonic band-gap crystal waveguide fiber having a smooth walled defect.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a photonic band gap fiber including the steps of etching a preform and then drawing the preform into a photonic band gap fiber. Glass tubes are bundled and then formed into a photonic crystal perform having a number of passageways by reducing the cross-section of the bundle. One of the passageways is enlarged by flowing an etchant through it. After cleaning, the band gap fiber is made from the etched photonic preform, for example, by drawing.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of rubber polymerizates comprising the steps of treating said rubber polymerizate with electron beam radiation to adjust the gel content and swelling index of said rubber polymerizate.

Abstract: A steel railway wheel with reduced axial flange deflection and reduced, thermally-induced, residual-tensile stress in the wheel rim, has a clearly defined relationship among the plate angle, the maximum depth of curvature of the wheel plate segment, the location of the maximum depth of curvature, the wheel hub and the rim, which relationship is provided for plate segments both concave and convex with respect to the wheel outboard surface.

Abstract: A locking assembly for locking a multi-sided nut-like member in a desired communicating relationship with a valve body. The locking assembly includes a lock plate having a planar body portion with a locking opening defined by a plurality of sides oriented relative to each other in a closed, star-like configuration. The locking opening is adapted to be closely received over and communicate with the sides of an associated nut-like member. The body portion also includes an arcuate mounting slot spaced from the locking opening and which is adapted to receive a lock plate mounting fastener therethrough. A continuous side wall or skirt portion depends from the periphery of the body portion and serves to space the body portion from the surface of an associated valve body. Preferably, a lock plate adapter is also provided. The adapter includes a body member having a through opening which is received over a section of the associated nut-like member, and a securing member cooperable with the lock plate mounting slot.

Abstract: A dual position handle and cam stop assembly is provided which is adapted for limiting rotational movement of an associated valve sealing element such as a ball for a ball valve. However, the assembly is applicable to other types of valves such as butterfly and plug valves. The assembly comprises a cam disc and a valve handle having associated first and second handle stop and direction indicators. The indicators are disposed relative to the cam disc for engagement against the disc at first and second handle stop limit locations, respectively. The locations are selectively positionable by rotation of the cam disc while maintaining a constant relative angular spacing for limiting the rotational movement of the valve handle to the constant relative angular spacing. The cam disc has a cardioid-like contour about its peripheral wall for a constant angular displacement of the stop limit locations per a unit degree of cam rotation.

Abstract: A ball valve is disclosed having an improved seat ring particularly adapted for sealing a ball member in an end-loaded or top-loaded valve body. The ball is mounted for selective rotation and limited axial movement in a valve body passageway. The seat rings are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the ball about valve inlet and outlet openings. Frusto-conical disc springs interposed between each seat ring and an associated valve body shoulder urge the seat rings into engagement with the ball. A rigid reinforcing ring is disposed intermediate of the flexible seat ring for integral movement with the seat ring and for reinforcing the seat ring against collapse under pressure. The reinforcing ring is received in an annular channel about the periphery of the seat ring and preferably comprises a split metal ring in a stressed and expanded condition.