Abstract: A hand-pushed mower provided with a frame holding an engine, a wheel disposed under a lower end of the frame, a handle disposed on an upper end of the frame, and a mowing blade disposed in front of the wheel and rotated by the engine, wherein the wheel is formed into a barrel-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A windrow merging implement with a pick-up, a conveyor and a connecting hitch or structure is provided in combination with a mowing vehicle, with the connecting hitch being releasably secured to a rear end of the vehicle chassis. The mowing vehicle is operative to form windrows of crop in one or more of three locations, namely, a central location passing longitudinally between the wheels of the vehicle and one on each side of the vehicle. The windrow merging implement may be positioned at either side of the vehicle for picking up the windrow deposited there, and includes a conveyor structure for either depositing the picked up windrow upon or alongside the centrally deposited windrow. Also disclosed is an embodiment where the windrow merging implement picks up and displaces transversely the centrally deposited windrow.

Abstract: A device for maintaining a seal between a first object and a second object is disclosed. The device comprises a retractable arm mounted to and extending from the first object towards the second object. The device also comprises a sealing arrangement mounted at a distal end of the retractable arm. The sealing arrangement includes a sealing member and a sensor configured to engage the second object and provide input to the retractable arm so as to maintain a predetermined distance between the distal end of the retractable arm and the second object. As a result, a seal is formed and maintained between the first object and the second object. In one particular embodiment, the disclosure relates to a harvester for gathering product from one or more plants. The harvester comprises a drive mechanism, a retractable conveyor mounted to and extending from the drive mechanism towards the plant, and a sealing arrangement mounted at a distal end of the retractable arm.

Abstract: The invention comprises a multi-ribbed belt having a tensile cord. The tensile cord having areas of opposite twist along a length of a single cord. In particular, a tensile cord comprises S twist sections and Z twist sections. An S twist section is separated from a Z twist section by a node, thereby creating alternate S twist and Z twist sections along a length of a tensile cord. Therefore, the inventive belt comprises a belt having a tensile cord having a random distribution of S twist sections and Z twist sections along a length of the belt as well as across a width of the belt. This significantly reduces tracking force while using only a single cord in belt construction.

Abstract: An energy drag chain is provided for guiding tubes, cables or the like between two points or connection that can be moved relative to each other. The drag chain comprises a plurality of chain members hinged to one another, each having two lateral flat links and cross members inter-linking the flat links. Such a drag chain provides a sound-damping which does not entail the deposit of dirt on the support or the guide channel, and which can be reliably installed and supplied in a pre-assembled state with a pre-manufactured system. At least in one chain section the chain members are provided with damping devices that comprise a relatively soft material and project on one side. The damping devices can be particularly configured as mushroom plugs.

Abstract: An attachment for the air intake of a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of particle separators. The particle separators cooperate to define an attachment axis and are spaced circumferentially about the attachment axis. Each particle separator includes a housing defining a separator axis, a first flow passage having at least a portion that is annular, an annular opening, and an annular second flow passage. The first and second flow passages are configured so that inertia of particles entrained in a stream of air flowing through the annular portion of the first flow passage tends to cause the particles to flow from the annular portion through the opening into the second flow passage to allow the stream of air to enter the engine flow passage free of the particles removed therefrom. The separator axes are parallel to and spaced apart from the attachment axis.

Abstract: A particle separator for use with a turbine engine is arranged to divide a flow of air into a radially inner air flow and a radially outer air flow. The particle separator is further arranged to separate inner particles from the inner air flow to allow air from the inner air flow to enter the turbine engine without the inner particles and arranged to separate outer particles from the outer air flow to allow air from the outer air flow to enter the turbine engine without the outer particles.

Abstract: A combustion turbine which produces a reduced amount of NOx is provided. The combustion turbine reduces the amount of NOx produced by utilizing a secondary combustor. By using a secondary combustor the working gas of the combustion turbine does not need to be heated above 2500° F., the temperature at which a substantial amount of NOx begins to form, until the working gas is entering the turbine assembly. The secondary combustor assembly heats the working gas by injecting a combustible gas, or compressed air if the primary combustor produces a fuel rich working gas, into the elevated temperature working gas. This gas combusts and heats the working gas adjacent to the beginning of the turbine assembly. Because the working gas is not raised above 2500° F. until it is about to enter the turbine assembly, the time during which NOx is formed is reduced.

Abstract: A control strategy for a gas turbine engine which exchanges future lifetime of the engine for present thrust. Gas turbine engines, such as those used in aircraft, sometimes incur damage, as when they ingest birds, or are struck with ballistic objects fired by an enemy. The invention detects the damage, and invokes a control strategy wherein the engine is operated in a more harsh manner, thereby sacrificing a significant part of the remaining lifetime of the engine, in order to obtain thrust currently.

Abstract: A cascade type thrust reverser for an air duct of a turbofan engine includes a lock mechanism mounted on a track beam that supports the translating sleeve. A locking portion of a lock member of the lock mechanism is engageable with a slider by which the translating sleeve is supported by the track beam to lock the translating sleeve in the forward, closed position.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for posttreatment of exhaust gases of internal combustion engines after an engine operation includes an intake system and an exhaust gas treatment system with an exhaust gas catalytic converter. Secondary air that originates in an air source can be delivered to the exhaust gas treatment system at a first secondary air inlet. After an engine operation, with the exhaust gas catalytic converter at operating temperature, the throttle device in the intake system is closed. After the engine operation, the engine is shut off in a phase relationship in which inlet/outlet valves of at least one combustion chamber of the engine are open. By means of the air source, an air flow is generated, which discharges at a further inlet point in the intake system of the engine and flows through or bathes the components in the direction of the exhaust gas catalytic converter at operating temperature in the exhaust gas treatment system.

Abstract: A unit which converts wasted water into electric power, varied in size depending upon the amount of power required. A micro turbine (1) is driven by water under pressure by way of a reservoir tank (12) and pump (10) to turn the generators or alternators (2) which produce power to the Circular Battery Storage System (3). Once the water is used it is then returned (19) to the reservoir tank (12) to be used continuously as the process is repeated. The water may be salty, dirty or polluted. Where water is supplied by mains or rainwater tanks a ball type microturbine can be fitted to pipe stacks, waste pipes, down pipes or swimming pools. Wasted water from various natural sources can be minimized by the use of a barrel type microturbine.

Abstract: A double-acting, piston driven actuator for providing a double action rotary powered output, having a stepped bore housing a double acting piston having a larger diameter end and a smaller diameter end therein; a three way valve selectively to supply pressurized fluid to the larger end the pressurized fluid continuously supplying the pressurized fluid to the smaller diameter portion of the bore. An optional safety mechanism having a spring biased second piston for biasing the double acting piston to a safe position upon failure of the pressurized fluid delivery system is also provided.

Abstract: A control device apparatus for a proportionally adjustable hydraulic pump of a closed hydraulic circuit, including an axial piston pump adjustable from a zero position in two pivoting directions, with an electro hydraulic valve configuration for the activation of a piston of the hydraulic pump from both sides and with a feedback device, connected to the piston and whereby the angular pivoting position of the piston can be fed back to the valve configuration as a control signal, the valve configuration having a valve for each pivoting direction of the piston, and the feedback device comprising two mechanical feeler elements, each connected to one of the valves and in sliding engagement with the piston in such a way that the feeler elements are actuated when it leaves the zero position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for cooling at least one component by hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic circuit includes a hydraulic pump, at least one user of hydraulic energy, and a reservoir. The component is connected into the hydraulic circuit between a heat exchanger and the intake side of the pump. The component is connected into a suction line that connects the reservoir with the pump. Between the component and the pump there is a control valve connected on the output side to a bypass suction line connected with the reservoir. In a first position of the control valve, the suction line is closed and the bypass suction line is open. In a second position of the control valve, the suction line is at least partly open. The heat exchanger can be connected into the suction line or into the return line.

Abstract: A crane having an upper works rotatably mounted on a lower works and a boom pivotally mounted on the upper works includes a hydraulic boom hoist cylinder and a hydraulic circuit for controlling the hydraulic boom hoist cylinder. The hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to a mast on the upper works and pendently connected to the boom. The boom hoist cylinder preferably comprises two double-acting hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic circuit includes a closed loop pump and a hydraulic controller connecting the closed loop pump and the double-acting cylinders such that fluid from the pump can be directed either to extend or retract the cylinders, with the hydraulic fluid exiting the cylinders being directed to return to the pump.

Abstract: Micromechanical actuation apparatus includes a substrate with an actuator mounted on the substrate and a micro-transmission mounted on the substrate coupled to the electrothermal actuator. The actuator, such as an electrothermal actuator, is responsive to electrical power to drive two output beams inwardly or outwardly in opposite directions. The micro-transmission couples the force from the two output beams and transmits the displacement of the output beams to an output node of the micro-transmission. The amplification of the micro-transmission provides a much larger displacement of a beam connected to the output node than the displacement of the output beams of the actuator.

Abstract: A Thermal actuation device has at least a heat expandable or deformable material, a heater, a power supply for the heating, a thruster capable of movement following expansion or distortion of a material, so as to perform a substantially predetermined stroke having a length from a first to a second position, at least an actuation element linearly following the action of the thruster so as to move with respect to a fixed structure from a first to a second position, and a resilient device able to return the thruster and/or actuation element respective first positions. A motion multiplyer actuated by the thrusting means is further provided for obtaining a stroke of the actuation element longer than the stroke of the thruster.

Abstract: A master cylinder assembly including a boost assembly. The hydraulic master cylinder includes a cylinder defining an elongated bore, a piston slidably positioned in said bore, inlet means in the cylinder for admitting hydraulic fluid into the bore from a reservoir, and an outlet fitting in said cylinder communicating with said bore and operative to convey hydraulic fluid out of the bore for delivery to a brake device in response to linear movement of the piston in the bore. The boost assembly includes an electric motor. A hollow ball nut and screw assembly is operably connected to the motor. A screw of the ball nut and screw assembly is positioned to advance the piston in response to actuation of the motor. An input rod extending through the screw includes a first end positioned to receive a brake input force and a second end positioned to advance the piston independently from the screw.

Abstract: Pilot fuel injection and/or ignition are controlled in a pilot ignited, gas-fueled, compression ignition engine so as to maintain a relationship Dp/Di of <1, where Dp is the duration of the pilot injection event and Di is the injection delay period as measured from the start of initiation of pilot fuel injection (Tp) to the start of pilot fuel autoignition (Ti). Dp/Di is less than 1 when a mixing period Dm exists between the end of pilot fuel injection and the start of autoignition. This mixing period permits the injected pilot fuel to become thoroughly distributed through and mixed with the gaseous fuel/air charge in the combustion chamber and vaporized prior to ignition, resulting in improved premixed burning of a heterogeneous mixture of the pilot fuel, the gaseous fuel, and air and dramatically reduced NOX emissions.

Abstract: To harvest energy from the oscillating ocean caused by the sun, the moon and the waves which are caused by the wind, a floating platform or optional a plurality of floating platforms anchored off shore and are connected to each other by two booms, and a hinged control deck between the platforms to keep them aligned. Each platform is surrounded by 76 floating weights and 52 more weights are inside the open court yard. Each floating weight weighs 25 tons. Each weight is connected to an opposing ram system. The weights are now moving up and down with the oscillating ocean. The downward motion is the power stroke. Each weight with only one inch per second power stroke will produce 6518 watt (theoretical value). Each platform will have a utility deck and there is a control deck between the platforms. Each deck provides room for installation of the most up to date solar and wind power equipment to harvest energy.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a steam turbine installation having a reheater (7) arranged between high-pressure turbine (2) and medium-pressure turbine (3) or low-pressure turbine (4), a low-pressure bypass (18) with a low-pressure bypass valve (19) also being present, which bypass leads from the reheater outlet into a condenser (5), a flexible and optimum control with respect to variable high-pressure turbine exhaust steam temperature (THD) is achieved in that characteristic curves for the required value of the reheater pressure are used for controlling the low-pressure bypass valve (19) during run-up, during (partial) load rejection procedures or during idling, which characteristic curves depend on the load (L) applied to the installation, and/or on the pressure (P) before the high-pressure turbine blading and/or on the reheater steam flow (M), and also on the high-pressure turbine exhaust steam temperature (THD), and/or on the temperature (TFD) and/or on the pressure (pFD) of the live steam introduced into t

Abstract: This pilot nozzle has a fuel oil supply pipe disposed at the center of a heat-shielding air layer that is provided along an axial core, and a plurality of atomized-fluid supply paths are disposed in the circumferential direction of a cylinder unit that surrounds the outside of the heat-shielding air layer. The atomized-fluid supply paths and the fuel gas supply paths are disposed alternately and uniformly. Based on this structure, it is possible to take a large thickness for the heat-shielding air layer to a maximum extent in a radial direction. Therefore, it is possible to protect the fuel oil supply pipe disposed at the center, from high temperature at the outside of the pilot nozzle.

Abstract: A cryoprobe system utilizing a monolithic, insulated, hand-held thermal mass having an exposed tip for cryosurgical applications and the like, as well as a heat extraction base configured to interface with the thermal mass to quickly and efficiently reduce the heat of the thermal mass to cryogenic temperatures. The heat extraction base of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to interface with the tip of the thermal mass, such that the tip plugs in securely to the base, to permit an efficient thermal transfer of heat from the thermal mass through the base via a heat exchange system communicating with the base which employs a low temperature cryo-refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A method for a cooling system operates by vaporizing liquid nitrogen at sub-atmospheric pressure subsequently compressing and then warming the vaporized nitrogen. A device for a cooling system which operates by vaporizing liquid nitrogen at sub-atmospheric pressure subsequently compressing and then warming the vaporized nitrogen has a pressure venting or metering device, which serves the pressure venting or metering of the liquid nitrogen, a container, in which the released nitrogen is conducted and from which refrigeration is discharged to at least one refrigeration consumer, a heat exchanger which serves the super cooling of the liquid nitrogen and the warming of the vaporized nitrogen, and a compressor, which serves the compression of the vaporized nitrogen.

Abstract: An operation method and an operation apparatus for multi-system refrigerators, and a refrigerating apparatus. When gas compressed by a single compressor is supplied to a plurality of refrigerators through valves provided for the individual refrigerators, the opening/closing frequencies of the individual valves are slightly shifted to one another. As a result, with a simple constitution, the performances of the individual refrigerators are balanced without observing valve timings.

Abstract: In heating and cooling apparatus, molecules of working gas are excited by light irradiation and thereby cooled as the gas flows through a mirrored cooling cell. In a closed loop embodiment, the gas then flows by means of a fan or compressor to a first heat exchanger where heat from the matter being cooled is transferred to the gas; and, then to a second heat exchanger where heat is transferred from the gas to a heat sink. The apparatus may be used either like a heat pump or air conditioner. In an open-end cooling apparatus embodiment, the gas flows from the cooling cell, through the first heat exchanger, and to atmosphere. The light source may be a 10.6 micron laser; or a 9-11 micron electric arc, a hot filament or the Sun. Working gases comprise N2 and C02; exhaust gases of engines or fuel cells; and gases which comprise different molecular composition gases or different isotopic species of the same molecular composition gas.

Abstract: An odorless refrigerator with a deodorizing function free from insufficient refrigeration, which is provided with a deodorizing device operable with a stable deodorizing performance for a long time, simply structured, small-sized, and provided at a low cost. The refrigerator includes a draft air duct as a passage of refrigerated air blown off forcibly by an inside fan to the compartments, a damper in the draft air duct and opens/closes to allow/prevent the supply of refrigerated air to the compartments, a bypass channel in the draft air duct between the damper and a cooling device for returning refrigerated air from the cooling device to the cooling device, and a deodorizing device in the by-pass channel for deodorizing refrigerated air supplied to the compartments. The refrigerated air inside the draft air duct between the damper and the cooling device is forcibly blown off through the bypass channel by closing the damper.

Abstract: To provide a refrigerating unit using ammonia as a refrigerant, which uses a lubricant that is excellent in the compatibility with an ammonia refrigerant as well as in the lubricity and the stability.

Abstract: A method of operating a refrigeration system having a discharge port that guides conditioned air from the system to a conditioned space and a return port that guides air from the conditioned space back to the system. The method comprises providing a first control algorithm and second control algorithm for controlling the system. The first control algorithm is a function of the air temperature at the discharge port, and the second control algorithm is a function of the air temperature at the return port. The method further comprises operating the system using the first control algorithm when a first condition is met, operating the system using the second control algorithm when a second condition is met, and automatically switching between the first control algorithm and the second control algorithm depending on the status of the first and second conditions.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a displacement control valve which is capable of shortening a time period for transition in operating displacement, and operating without necessitating a large solenoid force even if the size of the valve is increased so as to increase the amount of refrigerant. A differential pressure-sensing section is separated from a valve section, and caused to sense the differential pressure by a small-diameter piston rod such that even a small-sized solenoid section can set a differential pressure. A valve element, which is formed to have a larger diameter than that of the piston rod to increase the amount of refrigerant, is configured to operate as a member formed in one piece with a shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to cryogenic devices and, more particularly, to cryogenic devices of very small size based on superconducting elements, low thermal transmission interconnects and low dissipated power semiconductor

Abstract: A refrigerator water filter assembly is provided in the ceiling of a refrigerator and is adapted to hinge downwardly from the ceiling for changing the filter cartridge. The cartridge is normally partially recessed within the ceiling so as to minimize the use of space in the food compartment of the refrigerator. The filter assembly includes a base mounted in the refrigerator ceiling, a manifold pivotally mounted on the base, a filter cartridge attached to the manifold, and a cover pivotally mounted on the manifold so as to be movable between open and closed positions. When the cover is opened, the filter cartridge is angled downwardly from the ceiling for easy grasping by a person for replacement of the cartridge.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to improve heat efficiency of an absorption refrigerator driven by exhaust heat supplied from the other apparatus as a part of heat sources.

Abstract: An integrated system to filter air, cool air, cool water, and heat water by coupling a filter box with compressors and heat exchangers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cascade refrigeration system with screw compressors (3) connected with each other thermally via a heat exchanger (20) wherein the refrigerant of the low-temperature circuit is condensed in said heat exchanger (20), and the refrigerant of the high-temperature circuit is expanded in said heat exchanger (20), and in addition to said heat exchanger (20) a desuperheater (8) is arranged in flow direction ahead of said heat exchanger (20) in which the working medium of the low-temperature side is cooled down, while the working medium of the high-temperature circuit is expanded.

Abstract: An ice maker is provided including a refrigeration system for cooling an ice forming surface below the freezing temperature of water. The ice maker further includes a water supply inlet, a water collecting device connected to receive a supply of water from the water supply inlet and arranged to receive a flow of water from the ice forming surface, a recirculating pump having an inlet connected to the water collecting device, a recirculating passage connected at a first end to an outlet of the recirculating pump and arranged to direct water toward the ice making surface, and a magnetic field generating device positioned along a length of the recirculating passage.

Abstract: A cooling air blowing apparatus of a refrigerator includes: a driving motor fixed at a motor mound formed at a rear side of a freezing chamber; a blowing fan mounted at a rotational shaft of the driving motor and blowing cooling air in a suction direction along the axis direction and blowing cooling air in a suction direction along a radial direction, while being rotated as the driving motor is driven; and a shroud positioned in a circumferential direction of the blowing fan. The blowing fan for blowing cooling air into the cooling chamber and the freezing chamber includes a turbo blade for blowing cooling air in a radial direction of the direction in which cooling air is blown in addition to the axial flow blade for blowing cooling air in an axial direction of the direction in which cooling air is blown, to supply cooling air into the freezing chamber and the cooling air chamber. Thus, in the complicated and long cooling air passage structure, cooling air can be circulated smoothly and quickly.

Abstract: A chiller compartment is provided that secures to the inside of a refrigerator door. The chiller compartment includes a pair of French doors that are connected by a linkage that causes the doors to simultaneously open or close. The doors retract within the chiller compartment when opened, thereby protecting the doors should the refrigerator door be closed while the chiller compartment doors are left open. The chiller compartment also includes a tray of sufficient height to secure tall beverages or food items and prevent such items from toppling out of the chiller compartment while the refrigerator door is opened or closed.

Abstract: An accumulator with an internal heat exchanger for use in an air conditioning or refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator is disclosed. In operation, the accumulator is placed in the system so high pressure, high temperature refrigerant flowing from the condenser and low pressure, low temperature refrigerant flowing from the evaporator simultaneously enter and flow through the heat exchanger disposed in the accumulator whereby the low pressure, low temperature refrigerant absorbs heat and thereby cools the high pressure, high temperature refrigerant. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises a tube having at least one high temperature channel and one low temperature channel extending through the interior of the tube. In a second embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises a single spirally wound coaxial tube having an outer tube and an inner tube positioned within the outer tube.

Abstract: An accumulator with an internal heat exchanger for use in an air conditioning or refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator is disclosed. In operation, the accumulator is placed in the system so high pressure, high temperature refrigerant flowing from the condenser and low pressure, low temperature refrigerant flowing from the evaporator simultaneously enter and flow through the heat exchanger disposed in the accumulator whereby the low pressure, low temperature refrigerant absorbs heat and thereby cools the high pressure, high temperature refrigerant. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises a tube having at least one high temperature channel and one low temperature channel extending through the interior of the tube. In a second embodiment, the heat exchanger comprises a single spirally wound coaxial tube having an outer tube and an inner tube positioned within the outer tube.

Abstract: A method of producing glass balls, which method can be used for all types of glass, even for glass balls having a very small diameter. If glass fibers or glass rods are plasticized at least partially at their ends by the effect of heat, if glass portions are separated from the plasticized parts of the glass fibers or glass rods, sprayed or passed through nozzles, and if glass balls are formed by subsequently cooling the separated and sprayed glass portions as a result of minimizing the surface energy, then a complex, mechanical surface-finishing treatment is not required.

Abstract: Techniques for measuring the temperature at various locations through the thickness of glass products and to control the glass processing operation with the sensed temperature information are disclosed. Fluorescence emission of iron or cerium in glass is excited and imaged onto segmented detectors. Spatially resolved temperature data are obtained through correlation of the detected photoluminescence signal with location within the glass. In one form the detected photoluminescence is compared to detected scattered excitation light to determine temperature. Stress information is obtained from the time history of the temperature profile data and used to evaluate the quality of processed glass. A heating or cooling rate of the glass is also controlled to maintain a predetermined desired temperature profile in the glass.

Abstract: A method for separating beads from a strand of plastic glass, which emerges continuously from a storage unit, wherein the glass strand passes a periodically controllable glass cutter, and the beads are separated from the glass strand in cutting phases. The separated beads are received by molds which are displaced beneath the glass cutter at a timed rate of conveyance, which is adapted to a cutting sequence of the glass cutter, an emerging speed of the glass strand and a desired size of bead. The control of the glass cutter includes, in the periods, two different cutting phases for alternately separating useful beads and waste beads, and the waste beads are easily discharged between the conveyed molds.

Abstract: A glass melting furnace has a gas inlet positioned proximate to a charging section oxy-fuel combustion region to introduce gas into the region and to at least partially displace gas having a partial pressure of alkali vapor from the region, and optionally a gas outlet is adapted to provide an exit for a volume of furnace atmosphere. A method for reducing alkali vapor corrosion of glass furnace refractory structures includes providing a gas inlet proximate to the oxy-fuel combustion region; introducing a volume of gas from the inlet into the region, displacing a volume of gas having a partial pressure of alkali vapor from the region; and, optionally providing a gas outlet adapted to provide an exit for a volume of furnace atmosphere.

Abstract: After the start of the control operation of a drawing apparatus, the operation control of a line speed being the drawing-in speed of an optical fiber is performed by a line speed control unit (19), and an optical-fiber feed speed control is performed by a preform feed speed control unit (22), in order that an optical fiber outside diameter measured by an optical-fiber outside diameter measurement unit (8) may become a target outside diameter. By way of example, in a case where the distal end of an optical fiber preform is not in a shape steadily melted in a heating furnace, the preform speed control unit (22) controls the feed speed of the optical fiber preform in the three stages of an optical-fiber-preform initial feed speed control, an acceleration-associated preform feed speed control and a line speed-associated preform feed speed control.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a glass preform having a uniform J ratio by adjusting the weight of glass particles to be deposited on a starting glass rod. The method uses an OVD method by which glass particles are successively deposited on an external cylindrical surface of a starting glass rod to create a growing soot layer thereon and the soot layer is then vitrified into a transparent glassy body, wherein the glass particle deposition is conducted by adjusting an amount of glass particles to be deposited based on data of J ratio fluctuations (where the J ratio is a ratio of an outer diameter of a glass preform to an outer diameter of a starting glass rod) of a previously produced glass preform in its longitudinal direction so that the glass preform to be produced can attain a uniform J ratio in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a waveguide using an ion exchange process. The present invention controls the refractive index and the thickness of a surface layer on a glass substrate using an ion exchange process, forms the waveguide pattern on the surface layer by means of photolithography and etching process and coats with materials having the refractive index same to or lower than that of the glass substrate to form a cladding layer. Accordingly, the present invention can manufacture a planar waveguide, which is excellent in dimension control and reproducibility and has a sharp step wall.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of fabricating rare earth-doped preforms for optical fibers. A silica soot is deposited as a layer with high porosity on an inner surface of a silica-based tube by a modified chemical vapor deposition (MCVD) process at a temperature high enough to produce the silica soot but low enough to avoid sintering of the soot into the silica-based tube. The silica-based tube is then immersed in a solution including a rare earth element and a codopant element for impregnation. The excess solution is drained and the silica-based tube is dried in a stream of chlorine and inert gas at an elevated temperature. Then, the rare earth element and the codopant element are oxidized under an oxygen partial pressure at a temperature high enough to overcome kinetic limitations against oxidation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical article including the steps of providing a substrate tube; forming one or more cladding layers inside the substrate tube, the one or more cladding layers including an innermost cladding layer; forming a concentric fluorine reservoir adjacent to the innermost cladding layer; and forming a core adjacent to the fluorine reservoir and concentric with the one or more outer cladding layers. The fluorine concentration in the fluorine reservoir is higher than the fluorine concentration in either the core or the innermost cladding layer.