Abstract: In one embodiment, the pack is torsionally flexible. Pack of laminations comprises laminations which are connected one to another by only a single connection. The single connection is provided by a projection which projects into a depression. The projection has a height which is greater than 50% of the thickness of the lamination and the depression has a depth which is greater than 50% of the thickness of the lamination. The depression and projection are produced by a projection punch which cooperates with a die. The die has a lip which is either radiused (r) or conical (C) and the punch causes the metal of the lamination to be extruded past the lip into the die while the depression is being formed. The radiused or conical lip allows the height of the projection and the depth of the depression to be greater than the normal 50% shear stress fracture depth/height.

Abstract: Optical fibers coated with a blend of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and at least one other polymer are poled to make the coating piezoelectric, whereby the optical fiber will undergo strain when the coating is exposed to an electric field.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an optical fiber by drawing a preform whose fabrication involves deposition of a glass on a substrate by means of a chemical reaction between gaseous reagents. According to the disclosed method, accurately controlled amounts of a gaseous reagent are produced by flash evaporating a metered flow of a liquid reagent. The disclosed method is of particular interest for the industrial production of optical fibers.

Abstract: Optical fibers are produced with improved cross sectional circularity. In the course of the fabrication process, the tubular preform from which the fibers are drawn, is collapsed under positive internal pressure. This removes most cross sectional noncircularities that may have developed during fabrication of the preform, and also ensures the collapse of the preform to a structure with circular cross section.