Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical fiber cooling system includes a first cooling tube oriented substantially in parallel with and spaced apart from a second cooling tube such that an optical fiber pathway is positioned between the first cooling tube and the second cooling tube. The first cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the first cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the second cooling tube. The second cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the second cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the first cooling tube.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical fiber cooling system includes a first cooling tube oriented substantially in parallel with and spaced apart from a second cooling tube such that an optical fiber pathway is positioned between the first cooling tube and the second cooling tube. The first cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the first cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the second cooling tube. The second cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the second cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the first cooling tube.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical fiber cooling system includes a first cooling tube oriented substantially in parallel with and spaced apart from a second cooling tube such that an optical fiber pathway is positioned between the first cooling tube and the second cooling tube. The first cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the first cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the second cooling tube. The second cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the second cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the first cooling tube.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical fiber cooling system includes a first cooling tube oriented substantially in parallel with and spaced apart from a second cooling tube such that an optical fiber pathway is positioned between the first cooling tube and the second cooling tube. The first cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the first cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the second cooling tube. The second cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the second cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the first cooling tube.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical fiber cooling system includes a first cooling tube oriented substantially in parallel with and spaced apart from a second cooling tube such that an optical fiber pathway is positioned between the first cooling tube and the second cooling tube. The first cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the first cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the second cooling tube. The second cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the second cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the first cooling tube.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention a method of manufacturing optical fiber cane comprises the steps of: (i) providing a core rod manufactured of relatively low viscosity glass; (ii) depositing SiO2 based soot around the core rod to form a soot preform, the soot being of relatively high viscosity material such that the softening point of the low viscosity glass is at least 200° C. lower than the viscosity of the high viscosity outer core region; and (iii) consolidating the soot of the soot preform by exposure to hot zone at temperatures of 1000° C.-1600° C. The soot is consolidated by heating the outer portion of the soot preform at a relatively fast heating rate, the heating rate being sufficient to densify the soot, so as to render the densified material with enough rigidity to confine the heated core rod and to prevent the heated core rod from puddling.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an optical fiber cooling system includes a first cooling tube oriented substantially in parallel with and spaced apart from a second cooling tube such that an optical fiber pathway is positioned between the first cooling tube and the second cooling tube. The first cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the first cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the second cooling tube. The second cooling tube includes a plurality of cooling fluid outlets positioned along an axial length of the second cooling tube which are oriented to direct a flow of cooling fluid across the optical fiber pathway towards the first cooling tube.

Abstract: Extruded metal honeycombs are produced by the direct extrusion of a softened bulk metal feedstock through a honey-comb extrusion die comprising a feedhole array for delivering softened metal through a supporting die baseplate to a honeycomb die discharge section, the discharge section comprising an array of intersecting discharge slots that form the walls of an extruded metal honeycomb structure. This process can be optimized by employing a proper pressure gradient for a particular extrudate flow rate, extrudate composition, and wall-drag condition arising from the particular composition of the feedhole wall, as illustrated graphically in FIG. 4.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention a method of manufacturing optical fiber cane comprises the steps of: (i) providing a core rod manufactured of relatively low viscosity glass; (ii) depositing SiO2 based soot around the core rod to form a soot preform, the soot being of relatively high viscosity material such that the softening point of the low viscosity glass is at least 200° C. lower than the viscosity of the high viscosity outer core region; and (iii) consolidating the soot of the soot preform by exposure to hot zone at temperatures of 1000° C.-1600° C. The soot is consolidated by heating the outer portion of the soot preform at a relatively fast heating rate, the heating rate being sufficient to densify the soot, so as to render the densified material with enough rigidity to confine the heated core rod and to prevent the heated core rod from puddling.

Abstract: Extruded metal honeycombs are produced by the direct extrusion of a softened bulk metal feedstock through a honey-comb extrusion die comprising a feedhole array for delivering softened metal through a supporting die baseplate to a honeycomb die discharge section, the discharge section comprising an array of intersecting discharge slots that form the walls of an extruded metal honeycomb structure. This process can be optimized by employing a proper pressure gradient for a particular extrudate flow rate, extrudate composition, and wall-drag condition arising from the particular composition of the feedhole wall, as illustrated graphically in FIG. 4.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for selectively vapor-coating an extrusion die to extrude honeycombs with desired distributions of web thicknesses, wherein at least one perforated impedance or preferential coating plate with a desired pattern of holes is positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, a face of the extrusion die to be coated, whereby a coating gas passed through the coating plate and into the die imparts a desired coating distribution to the extrusion die slots that is effective to closely control the web thickness distribution in honeycombs extruded therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for selectively vapor-coating an extrusion die to extrude honeycombs with desired distributions of web thicknesses, wherein at least one perforated impedance or preferential coating plate with a desired pattern of holes is positioned adjacent to, but spaced apart from, a face of the extrusion die to be coated, whereby a coating gas passed through the coating plate and into the die imparts a desired coating distribution to the extrusion die slots that is effective to closely control the web thickness distribution in honeycombs extruded therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of PCVD methods of making an optical fiber and apparatuses for use in PCVD methods. The disclosed methods and apparatuses improve the PCVD process by enhancing the efficiency of the deposition process. The use of the disclosed methods and apparatuses, individually or in combination thereof, will result in at least reducing the time necessary to deposit a predetermined amount of glass on a substrate.

Abstract: This present invention is directed to an apparatus for depositing a plasma chemical vapor deposition (PCVD) coating on the inside of a preform used for the drawing of optical fibers. This invention further relates to a novel microwave applicator design used in the apparatus; preferably allowing for a more intense, circumferentially symmetric plasma about the longitudinal axis of the preform, under normal operating conditions; resulting in a more uniform coating and a reduced applicator length, and a method for making the coated preform.