Abstract: A filament coating apparatus comprising a frame including a first filament holding fixture and a second holding fixture for releasably securing a filament adjacent to an extrusion coating fixture also attached to said frame. The extrusion coating fixture comprises a guide rod, a carriage movably mounted on the guide rod, and a coating head including an opening for directing a curable coating composition to a filament positioned in a channel formed in the coating head. A radiation source is aligned to the coating head for radiation curing of the curable coating composition applied to the filament. Both the coating head and the radiation source are joined to the carriage to move relative to a portion of a filament during application of curable coating composition to its surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating fibers shaped as fiber strands (roving and mats) using a fluidized bed techniques, wherein (i) the desired composition of the individual coating constituents is directly applied from the fluidized bed without previous compounding and (ii) the individual coating constituents contained in the fluidized bed are additionally mixed in the mass so that dissociation of individual constituents is substantially avoided. The invention also relates to a device for implementing the method.

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: An apparatus and method for evenly applying an atomized adhesive for bonding a die to a leadframe is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a hood in communication with an air supply and a vacuum plenum that encompass a semiconductor device component located in a target area during adhesive application so that the adhesive is selectively applied to specific portions of the leadframe or other semiconductor device component and adhesive is not allowed outside the system. A mask or stencil may be employed for further prevention of adhesive application to undesired areas. An air purge may be employed to direct the adhesive mist toward the component to be coated. In another embodiment, a fine adhesive spray is directed against the surface of the workpiece to be coated, selected areas being masked to prevent coating. Wafers may be coated as well as leadframes.

Abstract: A system and a method for curing a coating applied to an optical fiber or optical fiber ribbon using a laser curing device which emits a plurality of laser beams, having a predetermined wavelength or wavelength range, that impinge on the fiber or ribbon at differing angles to provide a uniform cure. The system includes at least one laser for outputting a laser beam; a splitter for splitting the laser beam into a plurality of output beams; and reflector arrangement for reflecting the output beams such that the output beams are irradiated on the coating of the optical fiber from different angles. The reflector comprises a plurality of mirrors or, alternatively, a housing, which substantially surrounds the optical fiber where at least a portion of an inner surface of the housing is reflective. Alternatively, the reflector may be replaced with a bundle of UV-waveguides directing portions of the beam to the substrate at different angles and/or directions.

Abstract: Molding material consisting of resin coated reinforcing fiber strands in a molten mass of resin is prepared at a molding site for controlled supply to a molding machine. Continuous strands of fiber from supply spools are entrained with pressurized, molten resin flowing through a coating device and coated with the resin. The movement of the fiber and resin through the coating die may be controlled so as to accurately and predictably produce any desired quantity the molding material, i.e. the coating apparatus may be operated in a discontinuous manner to provide any predetermined quantity of molding material to a receiving device. The receiving device may be the feed screw for an injection molding machine or simply a plate movable to and from a compression molding machine. The fiber strands may be cut into predetermined lengths by a cutting device positioned downstream of the aforesaid coating device.

Abstract: A textile yarn slashing system having a foam applicator disposed therein for pre-wetting the sheet of yarns prior to passing through the size box. The foam is delivered under pressure and a resilient hold down member opposes the slot to create a space for foam on the opposite side of the yarn sheet from the slot for application of foam to both sides of the yarn sheet. A flexible cover sheet covers the surface of the hold down member and is shifted to replace a worn portion with an unworn portion opposite the slot. A valve assembly is incorporated in the applicator to close off the passage to the slot and permit bypass flow of the foam. End seal blocks have rigid metallic outer chamber engaging surfaces and resilient material interior of the surfaces to press the surfaces against the sides of the chamber adjacent the slot. A plurality of horizontal tubes may be used as an alternate to the slot with one or more yarns traveling through each tube.

Abstract: The fiber-coating apparatus comprises an injector having a tubular grid mounted between two dies between which the fiber travels on the axis of the grid, which grid filled with resin that penetrates therein via holes distributed through its wall. The wall of outside diameter dext is situated at a minimum distance from the wall of diameter Dext which surrounds it in the injector, such that the ratio Dext/dext is not less than 1.35 and the difference Dext−dext is not less than 4 millimeters. The holes through the wall have a minimum diameter of 0.50 mm and a minimum density of 0.20 holes per mm2. The height of the grid lies in the range 5 mm to 50 mm, and the difference between the outside and inside diameters of the cylindrical wall of the grid is not greater than 10 mm, with a minimum inside diameter of 5 mm.

Abstract: Liquid finish is applied to a travelling filament by bringing the travelling filament into contact with an arcuate surface portion associated with a normally stationary, but rotatable, annular finish applicator, and thereafter periodically rotating the annular finish applicator to bring at least one other arcuate surface portion thereof into contact with the travelling filament. Most preferably, an actuator assembly is provided having first and second actuator fingers which are capable of relative separable rectilinear movements towards and away from one another. These actuator fingers, in an especially preferred embodiment, are each pivotally moveable and magnetically coupled to one another. As such, separable movement will in turn cause that one of the actuator fingers connected to the annular finish applicator to pivot thereby rotating the later to expose a “fresh” arcuate surface region in contact with the filament.

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: Resin impregnation of fiber bundles for use in making a composite material is described. The impregnated fiber bundles are suitable for use as a prepreg tape or for inline use in extrusion, pultrusion and filament winding operations. The improvements of the disclosed method and impregnation head enable high fiber take-off speeds without excessive damage or fraying of the fiber bundles. Encapsulated air or voids in the impregnated product are consistently less than 1% by volume of the impregnated product and decrease with increased take-off speed. These improvements are achieved by passing the fiber bundles through a multi-chambered impregnation head in which the resin is injected into a downstream chamber. The cross sectional area of the fiber bundles, the velocity of the fibers bundles, the size of the openings to the chamber, the viscosity of the resin and the pressure at which the resin is pumped into the downstream chamber all control the pressure within the downstream chamber.

Abstract: An applicator for the deposition of size and other coating compositions onto the surfaces of reinforcing fibers, such as glass. The device may be used to apply aqueous or non-aqueous size to continuously formed fiber materials in a high speed forming process. The applicator may include an atomizing spray pre-applicator in combination with a slide-die applicator. The atomizing spray pre-applicator can be connected to a vacuum source, which increases contact of the spray with the fibers, and thereby improves coating coverage. The slide-die applicator may include a slide-die configuration that reduces leakage of the liquid coating. The process of using the invention can provide a more uniform thin film coating, higher coating efficiency, and better coating coverage than size applicators otherwise known in the art.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for coating a fiber with a coating material are described. The apparatus includes a coating block and a curing device for curing the coating on the fiber. In the process, the fiber is drawn through the coating block containing the coating material. The coating material on the fiber is then cured in the curing device.

Abstract: In a pressure infiltrating apparatus 20 according to the invention, an upper end of an inlet side orifice 23 in the drawing is formed to take a tapered convex shape and a lower end of an insertion hole of an intermediate orifice 25 in the drawing is formed to take a concave shape having a diameter gradually increased corresponding to the convex shape of the inlet side orifice 23. Consequently, a space A between the inlet side orifice 23 and the intermediate orifice 25 is set to be small without damaging the fluidity of a molten metal 11 between the inlet side orifice 23 and the intermediate orifice 25 in a bath container 22.

Abstract: A coating applicator for continuously applying matrix material to a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a ribbon configuration is described. The coating applicator has a first contacting means for contacting the plurality of optical fibers on a first side of the plurality of optical fibers and for contacting a first end fiber of the plurality of optical fibers. The coating applicator also has a second contacting means for contacting the plurality of optical fibers on a second side of the plurality of optical fibers and for contacting a second end fiber of the plurality of optical fibers. The second contacting means is located downstream of the first contacting means, and is located relative to the first contacting means so that the optical fibers are forced to contact the first and second contacting means as described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extrusion coating apparatus having a structure which is capable of correctly forming and applying a coating layer with a desirable cross-sectional form even when thermal distortion occurs in its extrusion unit. This extrusion coating apparatus comprises an extrusion unit extruding a thermoplastic resin while heating the resin, a coating unit providing a coating layer of the thermoplastic resin from the extrusion unit around a linear body pulled at a predetermined tension, and various distortion-absorbing structures absorbing the distortion in the extrusion unit caused by heating the thermoplastic resin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a metallic coating on an object (4) emerging from a bath of molten metal (5). The object can for example be a wire or a plate. A magnetic field is created near the point of exit of the object. The object leaves the bath of molten metal via an exit channel (3) containing a meniscus of the said bath of molten metal. The thickness of the metallic coating is controlled as a function of the second derivative of the curve of the meniscus (6) and of a capillary number Ca representing the ratio between the viscous forces of the molten metal and the forces of surface tension at the surface of the molten metal.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing optical fiber ribbons which has a optical fiber gathering device, one or more coating applicators and a turn roller arranged in a straight line, with one or more alignment guide in plate form being provided on a travelling line of optical fibers or optical fiber ribbons upstream of the coating applicator. The alignment guide is chamfered to arch form on the side that contacts the optical fibers or the optical fiber ribbons. The alignment guide suppresses the optical fibers or the optical fiber ribbons from vibrating in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the arrangement of the optical fibers or the optical fiber ribbons.

Abstract: A collectively coating die device (2) is provided for applying coating resin in a lump to coated optical fibers (1) arranged in parallel on one and the same plane so as to form a plurality of optical fiber ribbons (16) at the same time. The collectively coating die device (2) has a nipple portion (9) and a die portion (10), a resin accumulation space (8) formed between the nipple portion (9) and the die portion (10). The nipple portion (9) has two parallel planes and having a plurality of optical fiber passageways (13) shaped like ellipses in section and provided in the direction perpendicular to the planes. The die portion (10) has two parallel planes and has a plurality of optical fiber passageways (14) shaped like ellipses in section and is provided in the direction perpendicular to the planes. Each of the optical fiber passageways (13) of the nipple portion (9) has a tapered portion.

Abstract: An optical fiber resin coating apparatus including: a nipple including a nipple hole, and a resin reserving chamber for reserving resin, a meniscus-shaped portion being positioned at an end of the nipple hole; a resin coating die including a tapered-hole and a land portion continued to the tapered-hole and defining a hole of a diameter which defines a diameter of a resin coated optical fiber; and an intermediate die provided between the nipple and the resin coating die, including a hole communicating the meniscus-shaped portion and the second tapered-hole, a hole communicating to the resin reserving chamber. A first resin flow path is defined at a boundary portion of the nipple and the intermediate die. A second resin flow path is defined at a boundary portion of the intermediate die and the resin coating die.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a resin coated fiber composite of a rod shape, tubular-shape or plate shape comprises a plurality of first members having an annular shape with a semi-circular ring shaped internal surface, second members having a disc shape with a semicircular ring shaped external surface, first connectors for assembling the first members, second connectors for assembling the second members, an outer die member semi-assembled with the first members and connectors, an inner die member semi-assembled with the second members and connectors, a heater, an inlet nozzle and an outlet nozzle, a zigzag shaped tunnel formed between the inner and outer die members for providing a narrow flow path of the fiber filaments, and resin inlet ports to fill the molten resin in the zigzag shaped tunnel and pressurize the flow path of the fiber filaments.

Abstract: A cross-head die which is comprised of a die body with a flow chamber, a plurality of die cavities, die elements within the die cavities, communication between the die cavities and the flow chamber, a means for individual flow adjustment to each die cavity, and a means for axial motion of the filamentary member(s) through the die elements. The single flow chamber communicates to a plurality of die cavities through individual radial flow ports. The flow chamber is open at one end and closed at the other except for a cleaning hole. Within each of the radial flow ports resides a device for adjusting flow restriction. Within each die cavity is a cylindrical die piston. A gap created between the die piston and the die cavity defines a path for resin flow. The resin flow path is tapered to a point at which the filamentary member exits from a smaller cylindrical bore through the center of the die piston.

Abstract: A coating applicator for continuously applying matrix material to a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a ribbon configuration is described. The coating applicator has a first contacting means for contacting the plurality of optical fibers on a first side of the plurality of optical fibers and for contacting a first end fiber of the plurality of optical fibers. The coating applicator also has a second contacting means for contacting the plurality of optical fibers on a second side of the plurality of optical fibers and for contacting a second end fiber of the plurality of optical fibers. The second contacting means is located downstream of the first contacting means, and is located relative to the first contacting means so that the optical fibers are forced to contact the first and second contacting means as described above.

Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning a coating agent feed system and nozzles used for coating a fiber. The coating agent feed system comprises a feed channel for feeding coating agent from a coating agent tank into a coating agent chamber situated in a nozzle unit, between two nozzles, and a fiber inlet channel for guiding the fiber to be coated through a first nozzle into the coating agent chamber and a fiber outlet channel for guiding the fiber through a second nozzle out of the coating agent chamber. For an intensified cleaning function, the cleaning system comprises a second feed channel for steeping agent, positioned in the nozzle unit. The feed channel opens into the coating agent chamber. A change valve is arranged between an outlet end of the coating agent feed channel at the coating agent chamber and an outlet end of the second feed channel at the coating agent chamber, the change valve being arranged to close the second feed channel in one position and the coating agent feed channel in the other position.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the production of continuous composite materials from unidirectional reinforcing fibers and from thermoplastics, the longitudinally moved bundle of parallel continuous reinforcing fibers being preheated and impregnated with a continuously supplied thermoplastic melt, whereupon the continuous composite material thus formed is cooled. In order to improve the impregnating operation, it is proposed, according to the invention, that the thermoplastic melt form an elongate impregnation stage, into which mechanical energy is introduced continuously in order to reduce the melt viscosity, and that the preheated fiber bundle be drawn continuously through the zone of reduced melt viscosity.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for coating fibers with a thermoplastic material. The apparatus includes a housing which defines a reservoir and having an open top open to the reservoir. A lid is selectively movable between an open and a closed position so that, in its open position, the lid exposes the reservoir and in its closed position, the lid overlies the open top of the housing and forms a slot between the lid and the housing at opposed ends of the housing. An elongated wiper is secured to the lid and this wiper extends into the reservoir when the lid is in its closed position. At least one infeed guide bar is secured to the housing between the wiper and one of the opposed ends of the housing and, similarly, at least one outfeed guide bar is secured to the housing between the wiper and the other of the opposed ends of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a optical fiber which includes a furnace for softening an optical fiber blank; a tractor for drawing the optical fiber from the softened optical fiber blank; and a first applicator for applying a coating of a first coating material to the optical fiber, the first applicator having a rotatable die.

Abstract: An automated system for electroless metallization of optical glass fibers, includes a plurality of spaced apart plating stations having different solutions for electroless metallization of optical fibers. A motor-driven fiber transport and dipping apparatus is used in the system for shuttling optical glass fibers to the plating stations and immersing the optical glass fibers in the solutions. A programmable controller directs the transport and dipping apparatus to the plating stations in a selected order and at selected time intervals, and directs the apparatus at each of the stations to immerse the fibers into the solutions at a selected entry rate, for a selected duration, and at a selected withdrawal rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for coating sutures.

Abstract: A taper ruler coating nylon resin forming structure that includes mainly a forming structure body, a guide locator stem body, a positioning block, a forming die, and a stopper. The structure provides an improved forming structure for producing pre-printed tape ruler strips that are coated with a layer of nylon resin. The coating give the strips improved suppleness and increased wear resistance against frictional abrasion.

Abstract: A filament guide assembly is provided with a support rod carrying a plurality of filament guides each for guiding a respective one of a plurality of filaments. A pair of support blocks mount the support rod at each end thereof to allow for (i) rotational movements between a raised position, wherein the filament guides are spaced from a respective one of the filaments, and a lowered position wherein the guides are in contact with the respective one of the filaments, and (ii) lateral shifting movements between an operative position, wherein the guides are aligned with the respective one of the filaments, and a rest position wherein the guides are laterally misaligned with the respective one of the filaments. Most preferably, the guide assembly is employed in combination with a finish oil applicator so that the guides bias the individual filaments into contact with finish oil nozzles thereof, and in so doing, ensure that positive contact between the finish oil nozzles and the filaments occurs.

Abstract: A unidirectionally reinforced resin structure is manufactured by an apparatus which comprises a melt resin bath in which a melt resin is stored and into which a long fiber bundle passes, and a plurality of opening pins disposed in the melt resin bath. The long fiber bundle is impregnated with the melt resin and opened by the opening pins during the passing in the melt resin bath. The opening pins are arranged in a perpendicular direction with respect to the melt resin bath and the opening pins are composed of at least two groups in the perpendicular direction so as to open at least two long fiber bundles.

Abstract: A system and method for impregnating a continuous fiber strand with a heated polymer melt involves the introduction of a polymer melt into a cavity and the routing the fiber strand through the cavity so the fiber is exposed to the polymer melt introduced therein. The strand is scrubbed as it is moved though the cavity so that the polymer melt is pressed against and blended within the fiber strand. The scrubbing action is effected by a rotating scrubber assembly mounted for rotation relative to the cavity about an axis of rotation and includes a plurality of smooth-surfaced pins arranged in a spaced, substantially circular arrangement about the rotation axis and so that the longitudinal axes of the pins are generally parallel to one another. The direction of movement of the pins along the fiber strand corresponds generally with the direction of movement of the strand through the cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing optical fibers provided with hermetic coatings, wherein the bare fiber made from a heated preform advances through a stream of reactive gaseous medium which flows at a constant speed in the direction of advance of the fiber, which is then accelerated, and which is finally removed remote from the fiber by a stream of inert gas flowing in the opposite direction from the direction of the stream of reactive gaseous medium. Application is to manufacturing optical fibers for telecommunications.

Abstract: In a resin coating applicator, a holder 14 is fixed on a base 15 fitted to a drawing machine, and in the holder 14, hot water can be circulated from an inlet 18. The inner circumferential surface of the holder 14 is formed into a tapered shape so that the outer circumferential surface of a cup-like member 4 of a cartridge type coating sub-assembly 1 is fitted to the holder 14. The respective outer circumferential surfaces of a nipple 2 and a coating die 3 are cylindrical so as to be fitted to the inner circumferential surfaces of an inner cylindrical member 6, and they are positioned by a step portion. Further, they are pressed from the upper and lower sides by the bottom portion of the cup-like member 4 and a lid member 5. The lid member 5 is fastened to the cup-like member 4 integrally by a thread.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high velocity dual coating optical fibers includes passing the fiber to be coated through an entrance die into a coating reservoir, to which liquid coating material is supplied under pressure. The diameter of the die passage and the pressure of the fluid is sufficient to prevent air from entering the reservoir. The coated fiber is passed through a centering and sizing die wherein the recirculation of excess coating material is controlled to produce centering forces on the fiber at the high fiber velocity, and wherein the initial coating is sized. The fiber is then passed through a second coating reservoir into an exit die which sizes the second coating. Upon leaving the exit die, the coatings are cured.

Abstract: When enveloping an electrical or an optical conductor, the method applies a radiation-reactive resin having photoinitiators with an absorption maximum onto the conductor and then the resin is cured by subjecting it to a radiation of a wavelength preferably in the wavelength range for the absorption maximum of the photoinitiators. The apparatus for enveloping includes an arrangement for applying the resin followed by a radiation source for applying the radiation of the desired wavelength that falls into the range of the absorption maximum of the photoinitiators of the resin.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems for applying filling compound, such as water blocking compound, and water absorbing powder to a core wire or wires of a stranded conductor or to subsequent layers of a stranded conductor, which are particularly suitable for use with a tubular strander, include a rotatable head, which may be positioned downstream of a wire strander. The core is drawn through a core passage where the filling compound is applied to the core and powder is applied to the filling compound. Strand through passages are provided through the rotatable head, for drawing the strand wires therethrough, without being coated. The strand wires are stranded about the core in a closing die. Preferably, the powder circulation circuit is a closed circuit, enabling recycling of the powder. The powder is preferably fluidized prior to its delivery to the applicator, and is withdrawn from the applicator under a slight vacuum.

Abstract: In the process of drawing optical fibers, a protective plastic coating is applied to the fiber by applying a curable liquid coating material thereto and the subsequently curing the liquid coating to a protective plastic layer. At high fiber draw speeds, air entrained with the fiber enters the liquid coating material and causes bubbles in the cured coating. The incidence of bubbles in the coating is reduced by replacing air adjacent the fiber surface with helium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber coating method and an apparatus therefor which can form high quality coating layer on an optical fiber (12) by preventing non-concentricity of a coating resin (14) applied on the optical fiber (12) and admixing of bubble.

Abstract: A novel die holder member for use in co-extrusion cross-head die apparatus for applying two coating materials in inner and outer layers to an electrical wire, or the like. A body member has a through, axial bore in which a tip and die members, with respective tip and die holders, are positioned. A pair of radial bores, with which sources of two flowable coating materials communicate, extend from the exterior of the body member to the axial bore. The first coating material flows forwardly of the apparatus through a first flow passage, the second coating material flows rearwardly through a second flow passage, and the two materials flow forwardly, in superposed relation, through a third flow passage from a confluence of the first and second passages to an orifice in the die member where they are deposited in uniform, inner and outer layers, on the wire. The die holder member of the invention has frustoconical external and internal surfaces with a first, annular groove extending to and 360.degree.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating a continuous fiber which comprises: (a) a coating composition container having an orifice in the bottom portion thereof, coating composition inlet means in the lower portion thereof and fluid inlet means in the upper portion thereof; (b) a furnace positioned above the coating container in axial alignment with the orifice in the coating composition container; (c) means for transporting a continuous fiber tow to be coated through the orifice, through the coating composition in the coating composition container, and through the furnace, including a source of continuous tow, a lower alignment and tensioning means, an upper alignment and tensioning means, and takeup means; (d) a catch vessel positioned below the lower alignment and tensioning means for collecting excess coating composition; and (e) means for removing coating composition from the catch vessel and passing the same to a surge vessel having an outlet in the lower portion thereof in fluid communication with the coating composit

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a resin-impregnated structure reinforced by continuous fibers in which a practically endless continuous fiber bundle is dipped in a bath of molten resin and simultaneously passes through a space between a pair of opening pins. The opening pins can be positioned on sides of the bundle so that the continuous fibers are sandwiched by the pins without coming in contact with them. By doing so, the fibers of the bundle can be opened and can be impregnated with the resin. In addition, the foregoing continuous fiber-reinforced resin structure may be cut into pieces having a desired length to provide columnar products.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a cord for use in a power transmission belt. The apparatus has a guide system for guiding a cord in a predetermined path and a processing liquid application system including a receptacle for a discrete amount of a processing liquid. A container defines a reservoir for a supply of processing liquid. There is a discharge opening on the first container for communicating processing liquid from a supply of processing liquid in the first container reservoir to the receptacle. With a first predetermined amount of processing liquid in the receptacle, the predetermined path extends through the processing liquid in the receptacle. With the discharge opening blocked, the first container reservoir is air tight. A first structure is provided for mounting the first container in an operative position on the apparatus wherein processing liquid in the first container reservoir flows by gravity to the discharge opening.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a waveguide conductor ribbon by passing several light waveguides through a through-opening so that as the waveguides are passed through the opening, they are coated by a liquid coating material, which creates a drag force current for moving the waveguides through the opening. The diameter of the light waveguides and/or the position of the light waveguides inside the ribbon conductor is determined and the width of the through-opening of the coating apparatus is modified on the basis of the measured diameter value and/or on the basis of the size of any gap between the fibers to optimize the amount of drag current forces being produced.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fixture and method for holding optical waveguid such as fiber optic cable, in a relatively stable fashion for processing. The fixture includes a first frame and a second frame, releasably securable to the first frame to form a unitary structure. Chambers disposed in at least one of the frames are adapted for removably receiving optical fiber cable when the first and second frames are released from one another and for securely retaining with molding material optical fiber cables when the first and second frames form the unitary structure. A process area is defined in the unitary structure such that segments of optical fiber cables secured therein are accessible in the process area for processing. An optional coating fixture is securable to said unitary structure for forming with a molding material a protective coating about the cable segments in the processing area.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing string material such as suture from a rotating spool housed in a sealed housing which is filled with a liquid, for example an antiseptic fluid. The housing forms a hollow member into which the spool of suture is disposed so as to be freely rotatable. An end of the suture extends from the interior of the housing through a wiper member so as to be grasped by a user. The suture spool comprises an increased diameter core member which allows the entire length of suture stored thereon to be usable in an uncoiled manner when removed from the device. The center portion or core of the suture spool has a closed periphery so as to reduce the amount of antiseptic required to fill the interior of the housing and maintain the suture sterile. Also, the sidewalls of the housing are provided with projections that engage the sidewalls of the spool to permit a user to grasp and apply force against the housing while withdrawing the suture without slowing or stopping rotation of the spool.

Abstract: This invention, an apparatus for forming a two-sided fiberglass tape measure with two differently colored nylon resin coatings is characterized in that both sides of a glass fiber tape measure are coated simultaneously on both sides in a single forming step with differently colored resins.

Abstract: A container for dental floss which has dual chambers, one for a solution containing fluoride and another for peroxide. Each chamber has an aperture for applying the solution in each chamber to the floss, and a plunger for pushing the solution through the apertures.

Abstract: A method for producing continuous and discontinuous fiber metal matrix composites (CFMMC). The method uses aerosolization of finely divided metal powders in a controlled atmosphere which prevents explosions to coat the fibers and then the metal coated fibers are consolidated to form the CFMMC. The composites are useful as heat sinks for electrical components and in applications where a structural reinforced metal matrix composite is needed.