Abstract: The present invention provides a process of personalizing or customizing a container or dispenser for a customer or shopper. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process of mass personalization or customization of containers or dispensers containing useable products.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a container or dispenser having a top, at least one sidewall, a bottom and an interior volume. The at least one sidewall joins the top to the bottom, and the top, the sidewall and bottom define the interior volume capable of holding at least one product. The sidewall has an exterior surface which is covered by an outer sheet component sleeve. At least a major portion of the exterior surface of the sidewall is covered by the outer sheet component sleeve. The outer sheet component sleeve has at least one graphic, image or decorative design located thereon and the outer sheet component has at least one shrinkable polymeric film layer. Also, located within the interior volume is product contained or dispensed from the container or dispenser.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing an optical fiber comprising forming a tubular glass body having at least one doped layer, at least one concentric layer, each layer having a different index of refraction, and a hollow center. The glass body is heated until the softening point is reached, and is then drawn into a glass fiber. During drawing, a partial vacuum is maintained in the hollow center of the tubular glass body, the partial vacuum being of sufficient magnitude to reduce the evaporation of doping material from the interior of the tubular glass body and thereby effectively prevent a reduction in the index of refraction in the center of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making a preform from which optical fibers may be drawn, comprising forming a tubular glass body having a hollow center and concentric layers, at least one layer being a doped layer, and each layer having different indices of refraction. A partial vacuum is formed within the interior of the tubular glass body, at least part of the glass body is softened by heating, and the softened portions of the tubular glass body are collapsed to form a preform. The pressure of the partial vacuum is selected to effectively eliminate a dip in the index of refraction of any glass fiber drawn from the preform.