Abstract: A sheet conveyor device is to be attachably and detachably mounted to an external apparatus which forms an image on a sheet. The sheet conveyor device includes a judgement section, a speed determining section, and a conveyance controller. The judgement section determines which of a plurality of model groups the external apparatus belongs to based on specification information indicating specifications of the external apparatus. The speed determining section determines a conveyance speed at which the sheet is to be conveyed based on the determined model group. The conveyance controller directs conveyance of the sheet at the determined conveyance speed.

Abstract: A quality control station (2) for a sheet element processing machine, the station having at least one camera (6) arranged for capturing images of sheet elements (4) transported through the quality control station (2), and further having a camera calibration system (10). The camera calibration system (10) having a target holder (12) for holding an optical target (14), and a drive (15) for the target holder (12). The drive (15) is adapted for displacing the target holder (12) between a rest position, in which it is outside of the viewing area (7) of the camera (6), and a calibration position in which it is arranged in the viewing area (7) of the camera (6).

Abstract: A paper roll support assembly is provided with a collapsible spindle with distal ends to be received in a pair of bracket receptacles. Product packaging is sized to receive the collapsible spindle only in a collapsed state of the spindle to minimize an overall size. The collapsible spindle is provided with an outer spindle member, an open end spaced apart from the distal end, and a cavity formed therein with a first diameter. An inner spindle member is provided with a proximal end spaced apart from the distal end with an outer diameter sized to be received within the cavity for translation and rotation relative to the outer spindle. A first retainer is oriented in the cavity in cooperation with a second retainer oriented on the inner spindle member such that extension is prevented in a first rotational orientation and extension is permitted in a second rotational orientation.

Abstract: A reel apparatus comprising a pipe; an outer flange assembly comprising two outer support walls connected to the pipe and wherein each outer support wall comprises an inner wall and an outer wall; an inner flange assembly comprising two inner support walls, wherein the inner flange assembly is rotated relative to the outer flange assembly and the pipe and wherein each inner support wall comprises an inner wall and an outer wall; and a motor assembly connected to the inner flange assembly and outer flange assembly, wherein the motor assembly is physically connect to the outer flange assembly and wherein the motor assembly is rotationally connected to the inner flange assembly.

Abstract: A vertical bounce detection system of an elevator system includes at least one sensor operable to detect vertical movement of an elevator car in a hoistway. The vertical bounce detection system also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the at least one sensor and a memory system having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processing system, cause the vertical bounce detection system to determine a bounce energy level of the elevator car based on sensor data from the at least one sensor. The instructions further cause the vertical bounce detection system to compare the bounce energy level to a bounce condition threshold. A speed reduction of the elevator car is commanded to continue movement of the elevator car at a reduced speed based on determining that the bounce energy level exceeds the bounce condition threshold.

Abstract: A braking device may be utilized by an elevator system that has a cabin that is movable within an elevator shaft. The braking device may comprise an actuator and a brake. The actuator may be configured to provide an actuating force for the brake as needed. The braking device may include a force measuring assembly for generating a load state value of the cabin. The force measuring assembly may be mechanically coupled to the actuator such that the actuating force is dependent on the load state value. The actuator may be configured such that the greater the load state value the greater the actuating force.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a self-propelled elevator system having multiple motors or one motor, and methods for synchronizing said multiple motors. This invention is also directed to an elevator brake system to be used in said self-propelled elevator system or other types of elevators to increase their level of safety.

Abstract: A belt for an elevator system includes a plurality of tension members arranged along a belt width and extending longitudinally along a length of the belt. Each tension member includes a plurality of first fibers, and a plurality of second fibers different from the first fibers dispersed into the first fibers. A jacket material at least partially encapsulates the plurality of tension members. An elevator system includes a hoistway, an elevator car located in the hoistway and movable therein, and a belt operably connected to the elevator car to suspend and/or drive the elevator car along the hoistway. The belt includes a plurality of tension members arranged along a belt width and extending longitudinally along a length of the belt. Each tension member includes a plurality of first fibers and a plurality of second fibers different from the first fibers dispersed into the first fibers.

Abstract: Provided is a wire rope flaw detector according to the present invention includes a magnetizer configured to form a magnetic path in a predetermined segment of a wire rope, a magnetic sensor configured to detect a leakage magnetic flux generated from the wire rope, and a protective cover configured to prevent the wire rope from being brought into contact with the magnetic sensor. The wire rope flaw detector further includes a magnetic sensor protecting member configured to prevent the protective cover from being brought into contact with an upper face of the magnetic sensor so as to prevent application of a pressure equal to or larger than a predetermined pressure to the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: An illustrative example elevator assembly includes a header beam and a first elevator cab supported by the header beam. A plurality of vertically oriented rods extend beneath the first elevator cab. A horizontally oriented mid-beam is coupled to a first one of the rods near a first end of the mid-beam and coupled to a second one of the rods near a second end of the mid-beam. A second elevator cab is situated beneath the first elevator cab and beneath the mid-beam. At least one linear actuator is supported at least partially on the mid-beam. The linear actuator selectively causes vertical movement of the second elevator cab relative to the rods.

Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of elevator sheave liner includes a rigid central portion made of a first material and a resilient outer portion made of a second material. The central portion defines a traction surface that is configured to receive an elevator tension member. The outer portion defines an engagement surface that is configured to secure the sheave liner to an elevator sheave.

Abstract: Provided is a guide rail cleaning device, including: a first cleaning portion including a first cleaning member configured to clean a driving-roller guide rail for a step; a second cleaning portion including a second cleaning member configured to clean a trailing-roller guide rail; and a mounting plate. The mounting plate is removably mounted to a step shaft having a driving roller fixed thereto. The first cleaning portion and the second cleaning portion are mounted to the mounting plate. The first cleaning member is brought into abutment against the driving-roller guide rail. The second cleaning member is brought into abutment against the trailing-roller guide rail. With this, the driving-roller guide rail and the trailing-roller guide rail are simultaneously cleaned through use of the first cleaning member and the second cleaning member.

Abstract: A telescoping boom includes a boom actuator having a fixed part and a movable part, the movable part configured to move along a length the fixed part, a rotary actuator operably connected to the movable part and configured to rotate relative to the movable part, a coupling pin connected to and configured to rotate with the rotary actuator, and a telescoping boom having a plurality of boom sections including a base section and one or more telescoping sections configured for telescoping movement along a longitudinal boom axis relative to the base section. A rotary extension and locking system is mounted on at least one telescoping section and is configured for selective coupling to the boom actuator and selective locking with a nearest outwardly adjacent boom section.

Abstract: An industrial truck includes a main chassis, a transport platform to transport goods, a lifting device to raise and lower the transport platform, and a pushing device with at least one actuatable pushing arm. The pushing device displaces the goods relative to the transport platform.

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum-sealing a lid onto a jar includes a cap skirt joined to a cap. The cap and cap skirt are formed with internal threads for engaging corresponding external threads on the jar. A lid for the jar placed against the lid press will be drawn against the rim of the jar after air is pumped out of the jar through the cap. An airtight seal is established between the lid and the rim of the jar when air at normal atmospheric pressure enters the vacuum port, the pressure difference between the outside and inside of the jar forcing the lid onto the jar rim and sealing the jar. A prying plate positioned on the top of the cap permits removal of the lid without deforming the lid beyond its elastic limit, enabling lids to be removed and re-sealed against the jar.

Abstract: Keg sensors and keg sensor assemblies are disclosed. In some embodiments, the keg sensor may include a main body and a first connector attached to the main body and configured to be connected to a keg dispensing coupler. The keg dispensing coupler may be configured to be moved between a closed position and an open position; The keg sensor may additionally include a second connector attached to the main body and configured to be connected to a valve of a keg. The keg sensor may further include a sensor assembly attached to the main body and configured to detect one or more operating parameters of liquid dispensed, via the keg dispensing coupler, from the keg through the keg sensor. In some embodiments, the keg sensor assembly may include a keg sensor and a stack cage assembly. The stack cage assembly may include a cage sized to surround the keg sensor.

Abstract: A contactless autofill dispenser includes a housing and a dispense area for receiving a cup. The dispenser includes a supply of consumable product disposed within the housing. The dispenser includes an outlet connected to the supply and extending from the housing into the dispense area for dispensing the consumable product into the cup. The dispenser includes a controller disposed within the housing and connected to the supply, wherein the controller is configured to control dispensing of the consumable product from the outlet. The dispenser includes a time of flight sensor attached to or with a direct line of sight into the dispense area and connected to the controller.

Abstract: In an approach for pouring control, a processor recognizes that a user requests material from a dispenser with a container. A processor evaluates the container via one or more sensors. A processor determines that the user is allowed to receive the material. A processor, in response to determining that the user is allowed to receive the material, triggers the dispenser to pour the material into the container. A processor monitors the dispenser pouring the material. A processor determines that an anomaly is detected during pouring the material. A processor, in response to determining that the anomaly is detected during pouring the material, signals the dispenser to stop the pouring.

Abstract: A MEMS vibration element includes: a base unit; a fixed unit fixed to the base unit; a movable unit that is movable relative to the fixed unit; and an elastic support unit that elastically supports the movable unit at the base unit. The elastic support unit is made of a material different from a material of the fixed unit and the movable unit.

Abstract: An embodiment is a MEMS device including a first MEMS die having a first cavity at a first pressure, a second MEMS die having a second cavity at a second pressure, the second pressure being different from the first pressure, and a molding material surrounding the first MEMS die and the second MEMS die, the molding material having a first surface over the first and the second MEMS dies. The device further includes a first set of electrical connectors in the molding material, each of the first set of electrical connectors coupling at least one of the first and the second MEMS dies to the first surface of the molding material, and a second set of electrical connectors over the first surface of the molding material, each of the second set of electrical connectors being coupled to at least one of the first set of electrical connectors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a MEMS device and an electronics apparatus. The MEMS device comprises: a substrate; a MEMS element placed on the substrate; a cover encapsulating the MEMS element together with the substrate; and a port for the MEMS element to access outside, wherein the port is provided with a filter which has mesh holes and includes electrets to prevent particles from entering into the MEMS element.

Abstract: A MEMS sensor includes a housing with an interior volume, wherein the housing has an access port to the interior volume, a MEMS component in the housing, and a protection structure, which reduces an introduction of electromagnetic disturbance radiation with a wavelength in the range between 10 nm and 20 ?m into the interior volume through the access port and reduces a propagation of the electromagnetic disturbance radiation in the interior volume.

Abstract: A wire-based microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) apparatus is provided. In examples discussed herein, the wire-based MEMS apparatus includes a MEMS control bus and at least one passive MEMS switch circuit. The passive MEMS switch circuit is configured to close a MEMS switch(es) by generating a constant voltage(s) that exceeds a defined threshold voltage (e.g., 30-50 V). In a non-limiting example, the passive MEMS switch circuit can generate the constant voltage(s) based on a radio frequency (RF) voltage(s), which may be harvested from an RF signal(s) received via the MEMS control bus. In this regard, it may be possible to eliminate active components and/or circuits from the passive MEMS switch circuit, thus helping to reduce leakage and power consumption. As a result, it may be possible to provide the passive MEMS switch circuit in a low power apparatus for supporting such applications as the Internet-of-Things (IoT).

Abstract: A device preferably for use in an inertial navigation system the device having a single IC wafer; a plurality of sensors bonded to bond regions on said single IC wafer, at least one of said bond regions including an opening therein in gaseous communication with a pressure chamber associated with at least one of the plurality of said sensors; and a plurality of caps encapsulating said plurality of sensors, at least one of said plurality of caps forming at least a portion of said pressure chamber. A method of making the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A transparent electrode with a transparent substrate and a composite layer disposed thereon, wherein the composite layer includes a graphene layer and a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles are embedded in the graphene layer and extend through a thickness of the graphene layer, and wherein the plurality of nanoparticles are in direct contact with the transparent substrate and a gap is present between the graphene layer and the transparent substrate.

Abstract: Carbogel anode materials and method for their preparation are disclosed. The described carbogels exhibit, at a temperature of 20° C., an electrical conductance of at least 0.5 S/cm and a reversible electrochemical capacity in relation to lithium of at least 350 mAh/g under a C/2 discharge current, enabling their use for preparation of anode materials, particularly those intended for preparation of lithium-ion cells.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing multi-wall carbon nanotubes, includes the steps of: (a) dissolving a metal precursor in a solvent to prepare a precursor solution; (b) perform thermal decomposition while spraying the precursor solution into a reactor, thereby forming a catalyst powder; and (c) introducing the catalyst powder into a fluidized-bed reactor heated to 600-900° C. and spraying a carbon-based gas and a carrier gas to synthesize multi-wall carbon nanotubes from the catalyst powder, wherein steps (a) to (c) are performed in a continuous type and wherein the catalyst powder contains metal components according to equation 1 below. <Equation 1> Ma:Mb=x:y, wherein Ma represents at least two metals selected from Fe, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Mo, V, W, Sn, and Cu; Mb represents at least one metal selected from Mg, Al, Si, and Zr; x and y each represent the molar ratio of Ma and Mb; and x+y=10, 2.0?x?7.5, and 2.5?y?8.0.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of synthesizing graphene, wherein a Cu—Ni thin film laminate including a copper thin film and a nickel thin film formed thereon is placed in a chemical vapor depositor, brought into contact with a graphene precursor and subjected to chemical vapor deposition (CVD), thus synthesizing thickness-controlled graphene on the copper thin film, whereby the thickness of multilayer graphene can be easily and reproducibly controlled by adjusting only nickel thickness and CVD time, and a process window for obtaining reproducible results can be widened due to self-limiting properties whereby the maximum thickness of graphene is obtained after a certain synthesis time due to the thickness-controlled nickel thin film. Also, carbon atoms absorbed to the nickel thin film reach the copper thin film opposite thereto through internal diffusion of the metal laminate to thus grow graphene via surface-mediated reaction thereon, thereby improving the uniformity of synthesized graphene.

Abstract: A method of producing a graphene film (22) includes forming a catalyst film (20) on a support (18); forming a graphene film (22) on the catalyst film (20); and electrolytically removing the catalyst film (20) from the support (18). The method may include transferring the graphene film (22) to a substrate (29). A supported graphene film includes a conductive support (18); a catalyst film (20) formed on the conductive support (18) having a thickness in a range of 1 nm to 10 ?m, and a graphene film (22) formed on the catalyst film (20).

Abstract: A silicon carbide-graphite composite is described, including (i) interior bulk graphite material and (ii) exterior silicon carbide matrix material, wherein the interior bulk graphite material and exterior silicon carbide matrix material inter-penetrate one another at an interfacial region therebetween, and wherein graphite is present in inclusions in the exterior silicon carbide matrix material. Such material may be formed by contacting a precursor graphite article with silicon monoxide (SiO) gas under chemical reaction conditions that are effective to convert an exterior portion of the precursor graphite article to a silicon carbide matrix material in which graphite is present in inclusions therein, and wherein the silicon carbide matrix material and interior bulk graphite material interpenetrate one another at an interfacial region therebetween.

Abstract: A method of making neopentasilane, the method comprising: contacting perchloroneopentasilane with a reductive effective amount of an alkali metal aluminum hydride in an alkylaluminum compound of formula RxAlCl3-x, where R is alkyl having from at least 5 carbon atoms, x is an integer from 1 to 3, and the alkylaluminum compound has a boiling point of at least 250° C., at conditions sufficient to reduce the perchloroneopentasilane, to form a reaction product mixture comprising neopentasilane, and separating the neopentasilane from the product mixture to form a neopentasilane isolate.

Abstract: Nitric oxide-releasing materials, methods of making nitric oxide-releasing materials, and uses of nitric oxide-releasing materials are provided. The nitric oxide-releasing materials include a mesoporous silica core and an outer surface having a plurality of nitric oxide donors. In an exemplary aspects, the nitric oxide-releasing material includes a mesoporous diatomaceous earth core, and an outer surface having a plurality of S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine groups covalently attached thereto. Uses of the nitric oxide-releasing materials can include coatings for medical devices such as catheters, grafts, and stents; wound gauzes; acne medications; and antiseptic mouthwashes; among others.

Abstract: In a novel method for start-up heating of a converting re-actor in an ammonia synthesis plant, the conventional use of a gas fired heater is replaced by inductive heating. The inductive heating is obtained using an alternating high frequency current, which is passed through an inductive coil located inside the reactor, especially mounted inside a pressure shell. The method makes it possible to run reactions at high temperatures and high pressures in a very efficient way.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising heating a strontium-containing compound using radiation in a first reactor; decomposing the strontium-containing compound into an oxide and carbon dioxide as a result of heat generated by the exposure to the radiation; reacting the oxide and the carbon dioxide in a second reactor; where the oxide and carbon dioxide react to produce heat; heating a working fluid using the heat produced in the second reactor; and driving a turbine with the heated working fluid to generate energy. Disclosed herein too is a composition comprising strontium carbonate; and strontium zirconate; where the mass ratio of strontium carbonate to strontium zirconate 2:8 to 8:2.

Abstract: A highly active quaternary mixed transition metal oxide material has been developed. The material may be sulfided to generate metal sulfides which are used as catalyst in a conversion process such as hydroprocessing. The hydroprocessing may include hydrodenitrification, hydrodesulfurization, hydrodemetallation, hydrodesilication, hydrodearomatization, hydroisomerization, hydrotreating, hydrofining, and hydrocracking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning the settled solids in the bottom of a wastewater filtration tank to reduce the acidification of the sludge and prevent the excessive growth of undesirable biological growth.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to filtering technologies that combine elements of continuous and batch NF/RO based on the constraints of the end-user facility to achieve a target balance between, for instance, recovery and power consumption, and to reduce long term operating cost of a plant. A method for extending batch operation into a second induction period with antiscalant injection is also disclosed herein, with the second induction period allowing for yet higher water recovery.

Abstract: A water purifying and desalination system includes solar concentrators that receive a sunlight and direct the sunlight toward many locations. Heat collection elements positioned at the of locations absorb and convert a solar radiation into thermal energy. Some of heat collection elements include perforations to facilitate a state change in a heat-transfer fluid having a high salinity. A condenser condenses a portion of the heat-transfer fluid using a portion of the heat-transfer fluid as its coolant.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for removing antimicrobial material from a composition includes providing a container that contains a plurality of carbon elements such as granules, rocks and sheets. The carbon elements are submerged with a liquid and a composition that includes an antimicrobial material is deposited in the container. The carbon elements are configured to remove the antimicrobial material from the composition. The level of the liquid in the container is monitored and controlled to maintain a submerged condition of the carbon elements.

Abstract: Water disinfecting modules, water supply systems, methods of assembling a water supply system as well as method of disinfecting water are provided. The water disinfecting module includes a frame, hot and cold water flow switches and hot and cold UV treatment modules is provided. The frame supports a hot and cold water inlets and hot and cold water outlets. Hot and cold water flow switches are fluidly interposed between the respective inlets and outlets for sensing water flow. Hot and cold water UV treatment modules are fluidly interposed between corresponding inlets and outlets and are coupled to flow switches for activation upon sensing of water flow. All of the components are supported by the frame to form a complete unit. The systems and methods incorporate the use of such a water disinfecting module.

Abstract: A process for removing metal ions from aqueous systems is disclosed comprising the treatment of the aqueous system with a membrane M, wherein the membrane M has a molecular weight cut-off above 3,000 Da and comprises A.) a carrier membrane CM, wherein said carrier membrane CM has a porous structure wherein the average pore diameter on one surface is smaller than in the rest of the membrane, thus forming rejection layers R on one side of carrier membrane CM, and B.) an active layer A comprising at least one polymer P comprising a plurality of functional groups G capable of forming stable complexes with metal ions selected from Ca, Mg, Al, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Sb, Co, Cr, Cd, Hg and/or Ag, wherein said active layer A is located on the surfaces of the rejection layers R of carrier membrane CM and throughout the porous structure of carrier membrane CM.

Abstract: Applicant's faradic porosity cell combines adsorption (physical and capacitive) and faradic immobilization of a target species by optimizing electrode porosity, applied E, and Pourbaix operating regions. The optimization parameters are (i) physical adsorption; (ii) capacitive adsorption; (iii) electrochemical pH modulation; (iv) electrochemical peroxide (H2O2) generation; (v) electrodeposition (e.g., electroplating, electrophoretic deposition); (vi) electrochemical oxidation or reduction; (vii) precipitation; (viii) pore mouth diameter profile, and (ix) electrode spacing, and (xi) flow-by vs. flow-through vs. carbon block cell design.

Abstract: Disclosed are modular microbial fuel cell (MFC) devices, systems and methods for treating wastewater and generating electrical energy through a bioelectrochemical waste-to-energy conversion process. In some aspects, a modular MFC system includes a wastewater pretreatment system to receive and pre-treat raw wastewater for feeding pre-treated wastewater for bioelectrochemical processing; one or more modular MFC devices to bioelectrochemically process the pre-treated wastewater by concurrently generating electrical energy and digesting organic contaminants and particulates in the wastewater to yield treated, cleaner water; and a water collection module to receive the treated water from the one or more modular MFC devices and store the treated water and/or route the treated water from the system.

Abstract: An automated descaling system can be integrated into a tankless water heater or can be a separate system that is attached to a tankless water heater. The automatic descaling system comprises a cleaning media chamber and a four way valve with a motor. The descaling system can be set on an automatic cleaning schedule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and device for selectively removal of deflocculated sludge below a pre-selected size from a sludge mixed liquor. The invention resides in the concept of removing from the sludge mixed liquor deflocculated sludge. The removal is preferably carried out by a two-step separation providing a fraction comprising sludge flocs, substantially freed from deflocculated sludge, and a fraction containing mostly deflocculated sludge. The fraction comprising sludge flocs is returned into the sludge mixed liquor, while the fraction containing mostly deflocculated sludge is removed from the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for simultaneous removal of heavy metals and organic matters from wastewater, including four steps: anoxic reaction, incubation reaction, aerobic reaction and sedimentation reaction, to solve tricky problems and shortcomings of current treatment technologies for industrial wastewater containing both heavy metals and organic substances. Compared with current technologies, in the present invention, by regulating and controlling heavy metal ions in wastewater, catalysts with function of activating molecular oxygen are in-situ generated, catalyzing dioxygen to produce strong oxidative species, thereby realizing catalytic oxidation of organic pollutants and crystallization and precipitation removal of heavy metals, which creatively treats waste using waste to achieve green oxidation, shortened treatment process, improvement of treating efficiency, reduction of economic cost and promotion of technology for industrial application.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for wastewater treatment that yields zero liquid discharge (ZLD). These include pre-treating provided wastewater from any contaminated water source to remove heavy metals, ultra-filtering the pre-treated wastewater to remove suspended and colloidal solids, nano-filtering the ultra-filtered wastewater to yield treated water (with monovalent ions) and a concentrate, treating the concentrate to remove di- and tri-valent elements and other compounds from the concentrate, and to reduce a level of sulfates to a specified level which is above a solubility level of sulfates—to yield returned water, and sludge, mixing the returned water with the provided wastewater before or at the first treatment stage and/or with the pre-treated wastewater before the ultrafiltration, and removing residual water from the sludge to yield removed solids with ZLD. Advantageously, disclosed processes and systems are efficient, cheaper and more sustainable than prior art systems.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a band-shaped glass film (GF) includes use of: a plurality of rollers (10) configured to change a direction of the falling band-shaped glass film (GF) to a horizontal direction; and a first horizontal-conveyance unit (4) configured to convey the band-shaped glass film (GF) in the horizontal direction after the changing of the direction of the band-shaped glass film (GF). After a lower end of the band-shaped glass film (GF) passes through a position between the plurality of rollers (10) being at a retreated position (P2) and the first horizontal-conveyance unit (4), the plurality of rollers (10) are moved from the retreated position (P2) to a regular position (P1) to apply a pressing force to the band-shaped glass film (GF), to thereby cut the band-shaped glass film (GF) along a width direction by bend-breaking.

Abstract: A method for activating an inner surface of a hollow glass substrate tube for manufacturing an optical fiber preform including depositing a plurality of activation glass layers on the inner surface of the hollow substrate tube by a PCVD process, wherein a total thickness of the deposited activation glass layers is between 10 microns and 250 microns, and etching the deposited activation glass layers to remove at least 30% of the deposited activation glass layers.

Abstract: A system for drawing optical fiber in microgravity including a sealed housing to prevent infiltration of at least humidity and filled with a dry environment, a preform holder located within the sealed housing to hold preform material, a furnace located within the sealed housing to receive the preform material from the preform holder and to heat the preform material from which the optical fiber is pulled, a feed system to move the preform material from the preform holder to the furnace, a drawing mechanism located within the sealed housing to pull the optical fiber from the preform material within the furnace, a diameter monitor located within the sealed housing to measure a diameter of the optical fiber and a fiber collection mechanism located within the sealed housing to gather and store the optical fiber.