Abstract: A manufactured granular substrate composition suitable for use as a carrier for active chemical agents. The composition includes about 65 wt % or more of one or more mineral components having a bulk density greater than about 70 pounds per cubic foot. The composition also contains about 5 wt % to about 25 wt % of one or more light weight additives and up to 20 wt % of one or more water soluble binders. The resulting manufactured granular substrate is readily dispersable in water and has a bulk density of less than about 55 pounds per cubic foot with a size guide number of about 100 to about 230.

Abstract: A system for machining and sizing optical fibers is described herein. The system uses a laser beam to machine oversized regions of a buffer material surrounding an optical fiber to create a coated optical fiber having a substantially uniform maximum outer dimension that is within a desired tolerance. The machining of the buffer material is accomplished by forming a substantially cylindrical laser beam having a hollow central portion and passing the optical fiber to be sized through the hollow central portion. The hollow central portion has a dimension or diameter substantially equal to a desired outer dimension or diameter for the optical fiber. Any discontinuities or oversized regions of buffer material outside the hollow central portion diameter will be contacted and vaporized by the substantially cylindrical laser beam.

Abstract: A system for machining and sizing optical fibers is described herein. The system uses a laser beam to machine oversized regions of a buffer material surrounding an optical fiber to create a coated optical fiber having a substantially uniform maximum outer dimension that is within a desired tolerance specification. The machining of the buffer material to size the optical fiber is accomplished by generating at least one laser beam transverse to the buffer material, rotating the beam or beams about an axis coaxial with the optical axis of the optical fiber, and moving the fiber past the rotating laser beam or beams. The rotating laser beam or beams vaporize any excess or oversized regions of buffer material and substantially provide the optical fiber with the desired outer dimension or diameter.

Abstract: A multi-mode reproducing apparatus having an improved system for positioning the viewing and projection elements therein for purposes of moving original exposure. Variable magnification copying is provided by holding a scanning mirror system in a fixed position to view a document which is advanced past its viewing domain. A system for repositioning the mirrors for conjugate change in accordance with one embodiment includes a device for uncoupling one of the mirrors from the drive system through the use of a selectively actuable stop mechanism and a quick-connect and disconnect type of coupling between the drive system and the mirror. In accordance with an alternative embodiment a friction clutch and selectively actuable stop mechanism allows one mirror to be stopped while another one continues to be driven to its stop position. When the mirrors are returned to their home position their original coordinated arrangement is restored.