Abstract: The invention relates to a device for impregnating fiber bundles with a polymer melt, in which device fiber bundles, which are inserted in parallel with one another into a slot-like infeed of an impregnation unit (4), are guided through between two guide plates (16, 17), which have undulating surfaces and are arranged so as to be complementary to one another at a defined spacing, and are discharged from the impregnation unit (4) via an outlet (28), the fiber bundles being saturated with the polymer melt while passing through the impregnation unit (4), which polymer melt following the slot-like infeed is introduced between the guide plates (16, 17) into the passage (29). According to the invention, the impregnation unit (4) comprises at least two passages (29) for a defined number of fiber bundles in each case, the passages (29) each comprising an inlet (26) for polymer melt.

Abstract: An apparatus for adhering a filament to a surface can include a body having a filament inlet port, at least a first filament outlet port spaced apart from the filament inlet port, and at least a first filament travel path extending between the filament inlet port and the first filament outlet port. A reservoir chamber can form a portion of the first filament travel path between the filament inlet port and the first filament outlet port and can contain a viscous adhesive material. Imparting relative axial movement between the body and a first filament can urge the first filament along the first filament travel path and through the reservoir chamber so that the first filament is coated with the viscous adhesive material when exiting via the first filament outlet port, for adhesion to the surface.

Abstract: A system for recovering precious metals includes a rotatable drum, recyclable materials, and a separating solution. The rotatable drum is configured to receive recyclable materials. The recyclable materials include non-metallic materials and electronic components, with one or both of the non-metallic materials and the electronic components having attached thereto one or both of base metals and precious metals. The separating solution is disposed in the rotatable drum and is configured to separate the base metals and the precious metals from the electronic components and the non-metallic materials and to separate the electronic components from the non-metallic materials. The rotatable drum is configured to agitate the recyclable materials and to wash the recyclable materials with the separating solution. The electronic components, non-metallic materials, base metals, and precious metals are each separately removable from the separating solution.

Abstract: A high-density optical fiber cable interconnect includes a fiber ribbon or fiber ribbon cable having at least one fiber ribbon and first and second ends. The fiber ribbon is formed from small diameter optical fibers arranged in at least one row, with each fiber having a glass section and a non-glass coating section surrounding the glass section. The diameter of the non-glass coating section can be less than 205 microns. A matrix layer encapsulates the small diameter optical fibers to define the fiber ribbon. A first optical connector terminates the first end of the fiber ribbon or fiber ribbon cable and has a first fiber pitch correspond to a standard optical fiber connector. A second optical connector terminates the second end of the fiber ribbon or fiber ribbon cable and has a second fiber pitch less than that of a standard optical fiber connector.

Abstract: A method of pretinning a guidewire core made of shape memory alloy and having an elongate axis, comprising: placing a ball of solder in a pocket in a soldering block; melting the ball of solder; holding a guidewire core over the ball of solder; lowering the guidewire core into the ball of solder; removing the guidewire from the ball of solder.

Abstract: A facility for dip-coating a metal strip in continuous motion includes: a liquid coating metal bath from which the strip exits in a vertical strand; a bottom roller, a decambering roller, and, optionally, a stabilizing roller, all immersed in the liquid-metal bath; drying blades at an exit of the bath, for injecting compressed gas in order to remove excess coating that has not yet solidified so as to create a drying wave having a downward return stream of liquid metal; and a dissipating hydrodynamic-stabilization device placed between the drying blades and a last immersed roller, the dissipating hydrodynamic-stabilization device including a plurality of hydrodynamic pads for applying a load to at least one side of the metal strip and mounted so as to pivot around hinges so as to self-align the pads, the plurality of hydrodynamic pads extending transversely across a width of the strip.

Abstract: A composite part is fabricated by rastering a deposition head over a substrate, and additively forming part features by extruding a polymer having an entrained continuous nanotube reinforcement from the deposition head onto a substrate.

Abstract: Provided are a blade device equipped with a blade member which can accurately adjust pressing force due to a blade member, and a printing machine and a coating device equipped with the blade device. A blade device according to the present invention has: a blade member contacting with a plate roll to which coating material is to be applied; an upper holder contacting with the blade member from one surface side of the blade member; a lower holder contacting with the blade member from another surface side of the blade member; a tube contacting with the blade member and configured to expand and contract by pressure of fluid; and a tube positioning part which is provided on the upper holder and positions the tube closer to the roller, in a direction in which the blade member extends, than a tip end of the lower holder is. The tube adjusts a pressing force, of the tip end of the blade member, against the roller by being expanded or contracted while being held by the tube positioning part and the blade member.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced polymer part is fabricated by rastering a deposition head over a substrate, and additively forming part features by extruding a polymer having an entrained continuous reinforcement from the deposition head onto a substrate.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses for the infusion of one or more additives into the surface of a linear substrate. The apparatuses include a processing barrel having an infusion chamber defined therein as well as a linear substrate inlet and a linear substrate outlet. The processing barrel also includes an infusion fluid inlet and an infusion solution outlet in fluid communication with the infusion chamber. The infusion chamber is dimensionally reconfigurable, optionally during an infusion process.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved medical devices for use in surgical procedures and methods for manufacturing improved medical devices. In some embodiments, the improved medical devices can include improved surgical needles that are capable of being repeatedly passed through tissue using minimal force. More particularly, the improved surgical needles can be manufactured with two or more different coatings that provide the surgical needles with both durability and lubricity for ease of repeated and successive passes through tissue. Improved methods for manufacturing the surgical needles and for providing and applying coatings to the surgical needles are also provided.

Abstract: A manufacturing method uses a solid coating die for applying an insulation varnish around a flat wire conductor. The die includes a die body and a die hole formed through the die body, into which the conductor is inserted. The die hole includes an entry portion having a cross section monotonically decreasing along a conductor insertion direction, and a coating portion including at least a sub-portion having a constant cross section. The cross section of the coating portion is a rectangle having four straight sides and four rounded corners. Each inner surface of each straight side has an inwardly projecting protrusion, a top contour of each protrusion being a circular arc, an elongated circular arc, an elliptical arc or a combination of these arcs, the maximum curvature of the top contour of each protrusion being larger than the maximum curvature of inner surface of the rounded corners.

Abstract: A coating machine for coating fiber yarns includes: a yarn supply device; a coating device including a tank, a drum rotatably disposed in the tank, and at least one annular groove formed circumferentially in an outer surface of the drum; a thickness adjuster disposed downstream of the coating device and including an adjuster support and at least one adjusting die mounted movably to the adjuster support, the adjusting die having a through hole, the through hole having an upstream inlet end and a downstream outlet end and being tapered from the upstream inlet end to the downstream outlet end; a shape-setting device disposed downstream of the thickness adjuster and having a heating unit controllable to operate at a predetermined temperature; a cooling device disposed downstream of the shape-setting device; and a yarn pick-up device disposed downstream of the cooling device.

Abstract: A die and a method for impregnating fiber rovings with a polymer resin are disclosed. The die includes a manifold assembly (220), an impregnation zone (250), and a gate passage (270). The manifold assembly (220) flows the resin therethrough, and includes a channel (222). The impregnation zone (250) is in fluid communication with the manifold assembly (220), and is configured to impregnate the roving with the resin. The gate passage (270) is between the manifold assembly (220) and the impregnation zone (250), and flows the resin from the manifold assembly (220) such that the resin coats the roving. The gate passage (270) includes a projection (300). The projection (300) is configured to diffuse resin flowing through the gate passage (270).

Abstract: A coated film manufacturing method and a coating machine are provided which can prevent deformation of a die coater due to evaporation of a coating liquid and prevent surface deficiency occurring when starting the coating. A coating machine is prepared which includes a die coater having a manifold, a slot communicating with the manifold, and a lip face formed at an end of the slot, a heat-insulating plate being disposed in a region below the lip face of the die coater and having a tapered top end portion, and a depressurizing chamber being disposed upstream in a web conveying direction from the die coater. The coating machine is made to stand by at a position for forming a clearance greater than a predetermined clearance between the coating machine and the web at the time of coating while flowing the coating liquid from the die coater.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to extrusion coating systems, extrusion coated substrates, and processes for making the same. In some aspects, extrusion coating systems as described herein may include an at least partially insulated outlet wall, which may facilitate production of coated substrates exhibiting a very desirable surface texture and appearance. Coated substrates of the present invention may be utilized in a variety of end applications, including, but not limited to, interior and exterior construction materials for homes, buildings, and furniture.

Abstract: An apparatus for coloring optical fibers, includes: a first reservoir for containing a natural coating material to be applied onto an optical fiber being drawn; a second reservoir for containing a colorant to be mixed with the natural coating material; a mixer in fluid communication with the first and second reservoirs to receive a first flow of natural coating material and a second flow of colorant and to mix the first and second flows to obtain a colored coating material; a coating die in fluid communication with the mixer to receive the flow of colored coating material and to apply it onto the optical fiber being drawn.

Abstract: A solid coating die for applying an insulation varnish around a flat wire conductor includes a die body and a die hole formed through the die body, the conductor to be inserted into the die hole. The die hole includes: an entry portion having a cross section monotonically decreasing along a conductor insertion direction; and a coating portion including at least a sub-portion having a constant cross section. The cross section of the coating portion is a rectangle having four straight sides and four rounded corners. Each inner surface of the straight side of the coating portion has an inwardly projecting protrusion, a top contour of each protrusion being a circular arc, an elongated circular arc, an elliptical arc or a combination of these arcs, the maximum curvature of the top contour of each protrusion being larger than the maximum curvature of inner surface of the rounded corners.

Abstract: A first varnish 11 supplied from a first varnish tank 12 and a second varnish 13 supplied from a second varnish tank 14 are mixed by a mixer 15 to provide a varnish 2, and supplied to a varnish bath 18. Coating dies 19A-19F are connected to the varnish bath 18 via tubes 20A-20F. A wire 3 is installed into the coating dies 19A-19F through a hole 20a provided in each of the tubes 20A-20F. The varnish 2 supplied to the varnish bath 19 is dropped by its self weight through the tubes 20A-20F, and continuously supplied to the coating dies 19A-19F. The varnish 2 is applied to a surface of the wire 3 by the coating dies 19A-19F.

Abstract: Among other things, a communication line is attached along a target surface of a building by laying out the line from a tool. An outer surface of the line is in a temporarily tacky condition as the line is laid out along the surface. The line is in the temporarily tacky condition based at least in part on an adhesive component having been pre-applied to the outer surface of the line. The line becomes non-tacky after it has been attached.

Abstract: A heating device includes a high-frequency electrode embedded substantially in parallel with a heating surface of a ceramics base in the vicinity of the heating surface. A conducting hole toward this high-frequency electrode is formed in a back face of the ceramics base. This high-frequency electrode has a trapezoidal cone-like concave section toward the conducting hole at a region opposed to the conducting hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for coloring optical fibers, includes: a first reservoir for containing a natural coating material to be applied onto an optical fiber being drawn; a second reservoir for containing a colorant to be mixed with the natural coating material; a mixer in fluid communication with the first and second reservoirs to receive a first flow of natural coating material and a second flow of colorant and to mix the first and second flows to obtain a colored coating material; a coating die in fluid communication with the mixer to receive the flow of colored coating material and to apply it onto the optical fiber being drawn.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system and method for color-coating an optical fiber. The system includes a flow controller that controllably delivers and mixes color concentrate from one or more color concentrate reservoirs with a coating material, which colored coating material is fed to a coating die through which optical fiber passes. The color concentrate reservoirs are more compact and can be made portable along with the flow controller. Thus, the entire color coating system can travel to any appropriate location in the fiber manufacturing facility, e.g., at any one of a number of draw towers. Such portability allows many different colors to be used at the same draw tower much more easily than conventional arrangements, which typically only have one color line per draw tower. The method includes providing an optical fiber, controllably delivering color concentrate with a coating material to a coating die, coating the optical fiber with the coating die, and curing the coated fiber.

Abstract: A guide hole guides a primary-coated optical fiber to a tubular inlet hole. An inner diameter of the guide hole is larger than that of the tubular inlet hole. An inner diameter of the tubular inlet hole is in a range from 1.5 times to 2.0 times that of the primary-coated optical fiber. A length of the tubular inlet hole is in a range from 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm. A depth of the guide hole is in a range from 2.0 mm 9.0 mm. A relation B?A is satisfied, with B equal to or larger than 7.0 mm, where A is an inner diameter of a leading edge of the guide hole continued to a trailing edge of the tubular inlet hole, and B is an inner diameter of a trailing edge of the guide hole.

Abstract: In a wire insulating line, a cooling device that cools down a traveling high-temperature linear material, which is resin-coated by an extruder, in cooling water includes a reservoir tank that reserves the cooling water and allows the linear material to pass therein, and water spray nozzles that are provided in plural numbers in the reservoir tank with a gap along the linear material traveling direction and spray water to the linear material in the cooling water.

Abstract: There is provided an extrusion head that is capable of largely increasing a production speed rather than a conventional head that extrudes supplies a high viscous melt-coating composition.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus for combining a water barrier fluid to a bundle of optical fibers including an entrance die having an orifice which is dimensioned to allow for a bundle of optical fibers to be drawn therethrough. Also, an exit die having an orifice is provided. The entrance die and the exit die, respectively, have inner sides which define a cavity. The cavity is in fluid communication with the orifice of the entrance die and the orifice of the exit die, such that a gap is formed at a meeting point between the cavity and the respective orifices of the entrance and the exit die. The gap is radially surrounded by an extension of the cavity to define a critical flow region. A plurality of baffles are formed in the exit die which are operative to inject fluid into the cavity. Also provided is a main body which supports the entrance die and the exit die. The main body includes a passageway that is in fluid communication with the plurality of baffles.

Abstract: An optical fiber coating die is made such that an interfacial shear rate of the optical fiber to the resin coat is calculated in accordance with a pressure value of resin inside a coating cup, and the interfacial shear rate is in a range of ?1.5×105 to 0 sec?1. Also, an optical fiber drawing die is made such that the interfacial shear rate of the optical fiber to the resin coat is calculated in accordance with a diameter of a coating resin, and the interfacial shear rate is in a range of range of ?3×105 to 2×105 sec?1. By doing this, an optical fiber drawing die which can be used in an optical fiber drawing method so as to realize stable resin coating operation even in high-speed drawing operation and high productivity can be realized.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a method and apparatus to efficiently coat architectonic moldings made of diverse materials, providing a versatile, and continuous production, where polystyrene stands out from different types of coating materials. The apparatus consists of a leveled table on which the pieces to be coated are placed, aligned to one or more guiding strips, and moved by a two-way drive system. The pieces are introduced into an extrusion chamber, wherein the coating material adheres to them, according to the desired thickness.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a primary coating and a secondary coating to an optical fiber is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one pressurized source of primary coating, a first primary reservoir for applying a first layer of the primary coating to the optical fiber, a first primary die including a first primary land configured to size the first layer of the primary coating, a second primary reservoir for applying a second layer of the primary coating to the optical fiber, a second primary die including a second primary land, a pressurized source of the secondary coating, a secondary reservoir for applying a layer of the secondary coating to the optical fiber, and a secondary die including a secondary land configured to size the layer of the secondary coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and apparatus for curing coatings on optical fibers, without creating additional heat and compromising the manufacturing speed of optical fibers. The present invention uses at least one ultrasonic transducer coupled to a component of the optical fiber draw tower, such as the coating die, curing stage device or sheath, to emit ultrasound to the coating of the fiber. The use of ultrasound with current coating cure techniques, such as UV radiation curing, aids in accelerating the coating cure process through the effects of sonolysis, allowing an increase in current manufacturing speeds of optical fibers.

Abstract: The optical fiber coating device includes a die-support into which is integrated in one piece a grid, the die-support accommodating an entry die and an exit die with the entry die on one side of the grid and the exit die on the other side of the grid. The outside diameter of the die-support on each side of the grid is greater than the outside diameter of the grid, so as to define a chamber which has a large volume when the coating device is placed in its support.

Abstract: A new die insert for an extrusion machine and a method of using the invention that includes a continuous strand of fiber reinforcing material to be statically drawn directly to the center of the molten flow of polymer base matrix is provided. The insert is placed in line with the discharge end of an injection molding apparatus. A molten flow of polymer base matrix proceeds in a straight linear fashion through the die. A fiber feed tube is centered on the interior of the die. As the polymer flows past the feed tube the molten polymer draws a continuous strand of fiber reinforcing into the center of the flow. The polymer is then extruded and cooled and the extrusion is further pelletized to produce injection molding feed stock material having continuous fiber reinforcing. The result provides a continuous extrusion process that allows the formation of a continuous fiber-reinforced product employing brittle fibers in one-step process.

Abstract: An arrangement in connection with clamping tools, which comprises a nozzle structure which consists of coaxially arranged nozzle elements and is arranged to form one or more layers which cover a flexible elongated element on the surface of the flexible elongated element, which passes through the innermost nozzle element, in which arrangement at least the head of the nozzle element, which controls the flexible elongated element, is a separate unit which is arranged to be pushed into its position in the direction of the flexible elongated element and provided with gripping means, which grip the innermost nozzle element of the nozzle structure as the unit arrives at the nozzle element. The joint between the separate unit and the nozzle element of the nozzle structure is arranged to be loosened by repulsive force acting on the separate unit in the direction of the flexible elongated element and the separate unit is arranged to exit from the nozzle structure in the direction of the flexible elongated element.

Abstract: An apparatus for the manufacture of fiber-reinforced plastic compositions. The apparatus addresses the disadvantages of previous methods and apparatuses for the manufacture of fiber-reinforced plastic compositions using a plasticizing extruder. Some embodiments of the apparatus may increase and/or better define the fiber content in the plasticate, as well as improve performance in the production of plasticates from fiber fleeces and fiber mats. Embodiments include an apparatus with a plasticizing extruder with adapted geometry of the extruder casing and the corresponding screw elements.

Abstract: A micro-extruder, comprising a funnel shaped tip piece defining a front aperture, through which wire is drawn, and a front rim, around which extrudate flows, and which has an outer diameter of less than 3.8 mm (150 mils). In addition, a structurally unitary cross-head body has a front aperture and a protruding rim about this front aperture. The funnel shaped tip piece protrudes through the front aperture. Also, a die having a surface that defines an aperture is adapted and positioned to abut the protruding rim and to form a seal against the protruding rim, so that no extrudate may leak out between the surface defining an aperture and the protruding rim.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided to actively apply finish to one or more yarns in motion at speeds greater than about 3000 m/min, to achieve a finish application of 0.2 wt. % or more, and with a coefficient of variation of finish concentration of 10% or less. The devices are compact, portable and readily installed at a variety of positions on a fiber processing line. The devices of the invention contain the finish so that contamination of the surrounding areas is prevented. The devices may be used to provide an overfinish to a moving yarn between heated godet rolls. The so-provided heating may be used to dry the yarn and to promote curing reactions in the finish and between the yarn and finish compounds. The invention also includes the finished yarn products so produced. A yarn with increased finish uniformity is provided with an overfinish actively applied and dried on the draw bench before the first winding operation.

Abstract: A rotary cable treatment assembly for use on cables having a non-circular cross section formed from a stator that housing a rotor formed from two hydraulically sealing bearings. A cable having a non-circular cross section is passed through the assembly wherein a lubricant or high viscosity inhibitor is pressurized to about 3000 psi within the assembly causing the fluid to coat all internal strands that form the cable. The rotor and hydraulically sealing bearings rotate according to the helix of the cable to reduce or eliminate wear on the cable and sealing.

Abstract: The invention is addressed to the problem of providing a method whereby a mixing of bulk material containing fibers (fiber material) and plastic granules for the plasticate extrusion of long fiber reinforced thermoplastics (LFT) will be possible during the melting process with high production outputs and with minimized material content in the extruder system and minimized fiber damage, and to the problem of creating an apparatus with an extruder for the practice of the method, which will have an extruder housing of modified geometry as to the feed opening and the corresponding screw elements, so that the disadvantages described above are avoided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a polymer coating on an elongated substrate, preferably an elongate intracorporeal device in the form of a guidewire. An extrudable polymer cartridge is moved by a cartridge advancement mechanism into a guide chamber which is heated at an end with a die or orifice through which a desired portion of a guidewire may pass and be coated. Parameters such as guide chamber temperature, pull speed and force exerted by the cartridge advancement mechanism may be controlled with a computer program in order to achieve repeatable results. The guide chamber, extrudable polymer cartridge, die, and push tube may all be made from polymer components which can be reused or disposed of after a single use.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method which can be utilized to apply a thin layer of viscous coating material to an elongated continuously moving filament whereby the filament can be cabled, coated, and spooled in a continuous operation. The apparatus has a coating material applicator to deliver a flowable material, an air applicator to supply compressed air, a mixer to mix the flowable material and compressed air, a delivery means to spray the mixed flowable material and air onto a filament, and a coating chamber through which the filament passes. The chamber has a material collector and a coating die, and a sealing attachment with an exit hole is located beneath the coating chamber. The filament is sprayed before it travels into the material collector.

Abstract: A coating apparatus and method are disclosed that applies a coating to a product in a uniform and controlled manner. The coating apparatus comprises a feeding stage, an optional pre-treatment stage, at least one coating stage and a finishing stage. The coating stage(s) comprise a coating material feeder and a coating device. The coating device includes an aperture conforming to the perimeter of a substrate to be coated in a first and second dimension. As the substrate passes through the aperture, coating material is applied in a uniform and consistent layer ranging from 0.001″ to 0.250″. The coating material also back fills minor surface imperfections and blemishes on the substrate to achieve a consistent finish across the whole area where coating material is applied. The coating device includes first and second shell portions. The first shell portion has a concave surface surrounding the aperture portion.

Abstract: A coated fiber strand including at least one heterogeneous region present in one or more coating layers. The heterogeneous region(s) preferably comprises a material useful for coding of the fiber. The optical fiber can include a primary coating layer and a secondary coating layer where the heterogeneous region(s) defines one or more colored stripes in or on the secondary coating layer. A method for forming a coated fiber, such as an optical fiber, includes introducing at least one coating layer onto a fiber strand such that one or more coating layers cover a portion of the surface of the strand. At least one heterogeneous region is introduced into or onto one or more coating layers, and the strand is cured to provide a desired product. A desired functionality, e.g., coding, can thus be introduced onto a fiber without adversely effecting subsequent processing steps, e.g., curing of the coating layer(s).

Abstract: Dies which facilitate the threading of a strand are disclosed. Each die embodiment includes portions that move relative to each other to allow access to the area between the portions. One embodiment of a die embodying the principles of the invention includes an upper portion and a lower portion. Each die portion includes components corresponding to substantially half of a wirecoating die. Accordingly, when the die portions are adjacent each other, they form a complete wirecoating die. In the preferred embodiment, the upper portion is moveable relative to the lower portion, which is fixed. Each portion is coupled to a support by a conduit through which resin can be supplied to the particular die portion. The upper portion is pivotally mounted to the support for movement between an upper position in which the die is open and a lower position in which the die is closed. This die is used in an in-line wirecoating process in which a strand is wirecoated downstream from a bushing during a fiber forming process.

Abstract: In an optical fiber coating method comprising the steps of; applying an injecting first coating resin to the outer periphery of the optical fiber while inserting the optical fiber through a first die hole provided in a first coating die; and applying an injected second coating resin onto the first coating resin while inserting the optical fiber through a second die hole provided in a second coating die.

Abstract: A tip assembly includes a tip having a nose portion. The tip defines a central bore. The nose portion includes a lip portion and defines a counterbore. The counterbore has a counterbore side wall and a seat surface. The counterbore is contiguous with the central bore. An insert member includes an inner surface, an outer surface and a side wall. The inner surface is opposite the outer surface. The side wall interconnects the inner surface and the outer surface. The insert defines a central aperture that extends from the inner surface to the outer surface. The insert is disposed within the counterbore such that the central aperture is substantially concentric with the central bore of the tip. The lip portion of the tip engages the outer surface of the insert.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement in connection with a fibre coating line which comprises a fibre payout device (1) from which fibres are arranged to be guided to a press (2) for forming a coating round the fibres, a cooling device (3) for cooling a conductor formed by the coating and the fibres, a pulling device (4) by means of which the conductor formed by the coating and the fibres is pulled further from the press (2), and means for guiding the conductor to the next processing stage after cooling, whereby the pulling device (4) is arranged above the height of the line so as to enable the lowest point of the pulling device (4) to be substantially at the height of the line. To facilitate the start-up of the line, the pulling device (4) is arranged to be uplifted entirely above the height of the line substantially in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A coating die that includes an insert having a high thermal conductivity, which is greater than 1 W/cm*K. Preferably, the insert is made of diamond having a thermal conductivity in the range of 5 to 20 W/cm*K. Use of this highly conductive insert helps to efficiently dissipate the heat produced by viscous losses in the coating as most of these losses occur very close to the inner wall of the die in the land region. It also reduces to negligible level the wall temperature unbalance between opposite sides of the fiber when this fiber is off-centered thus restoring conditions prevailing at low draw rates and subsequent satisfactory centering force.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an extruder head for applying a coating of material on a communications medium. The extruder head comprises an extruder head housing having an entrance end, an exit end, and an interior passage that extends from the entrance end to the exit end. A capsule is disposed within the extruder head housing in its interior passage and is pivotally mounted therein at a central portion of the capsule. Disposed within an interior passage of the capsule is a die which is axially aligned with the central portion of the capsule.

Abstract: A process and apparatus, including a separate coating head, for coating a strip article with a coating material. The process involves coating a strip article with a film of coating material by passing the strip article through a coating apparatus having at least one floating coating head provided with a coating face facing and extending laterally across a surface of the strip article to be coated. The coating head exudes a coating material and floats on the coating material as it meters the coating to a film of the desired thickness. The coating face of the coating head has a preferred coating profile between its opposite ends, and wherein distortions of the preferred coating profile during coating of said strip article are substantially prevented by modifying heat flux to or from selected parts of the coating head to compensate for distortions caused by differences of temperature within the coating head. The apparatus provides means of modifying heat flux to prevent such distortions of the coating profile.