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: 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: A die member forming a component of cross-head die apparatus is configured to facilitate removal of the die member from the axial bore of the body of the apparatus following assembly of a die member at room temperature with a body at elevated temperature. The external, frustoconical surface of prior art die members is provided with recessed portions which do not contact the opposing surface of the axial bore in the body. Also, the angle of taper of the conical plane of the mating die member and body bore surfaces is increased to 7.degree. from the prior art standard of 5.degree..

Abstract: An apparatus that comprises a body including a reservoir adapted for receiving a quantity of fluid and a plurality of fluid distribution channels each having a length and a cross-sectional area and being in fluid communication with and extending from the reservoir from a first end and terminating at a second, distal end in an orifice. The apparatus further comprises a distribution chamber in the body for commonly receiving the fluid exiting each of the orifices, for merging the fluid exiting each of the orifices into at least one continuous coating stream, and for equalizing the pressure of the fluid, the distribution chamber having a first side in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid distribution channels and a second side that is open to allow the fluid to exit the body for uniform distribution onto the web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covering a ribbon of optical fibers with a resin. The resin is polymerizable under the effect of UV radiation and forms a protective covering surrounding and holding the fibers. The method includes a pre-polymerization step during which the coated fibers advance through a UV irradiating chamber having a pre-polymerization ultraviolet radiation power of less than one fourth of the total power required to polymerize the resin, which is just sufficient to initiation polymerization. This step is followed by a polymerization finishing step during which the pre-polymerized ribbon is subjected to UV radiation of higher power than the radiation produced during the pre-polymerization step, which completes the polymerization process.

Abstract: A finish applicator mounting unit includes an apertured member having a plurality of apertures shaped to receive a corresponding plurality of finish applicator nozzles, and a locking mechanism that selectively obstructs the plurality of apertures such that when the corresponding plurality of finish applicator nozzles are received in the plurality of apertures, the finish applicator nozzles are selectively locked in the finish applicator mounting unit. The mounting unit preferably includes an alignment pin that ensures both proper alignment and proper insertion of the finish applicator nozzles. The finish applicator nozzles include a ceramic applicator head fictionally received in an elastic connector. A filament slot is configured to cooperate with the alignment pin to ensure the proper alignment and insertion of the nozzles. The nozzles operate more effectively and efficiently than conventional nozzles, and the mounting unit enables easy access to the nozzles for cleaning, repair and/or replacement.

Abstract: A cross-head die for applying one or more layers of coating materials to a single, longitudinally fed, filamentary member, or to a plurality of such members in spaced, side-by-side relation. Tip and die members of relatively flat, wafer-like configuration are placed in a cylindrical cavity of the body member of the apparatus with central openings in each of the tip and die members coaxially arranged and a protrusion surrounding the opening in the tip extending into the opening in the die. Flowable coating material is injected through a radial opening in the body member and flows in both directions about an annular passageway formed by cooperatively arranged grooves in the peripheries of the tip and die members. The coating material flows from the annular passageway to the die aperture through opposing, spaced, angularly arranged surfaces on the tip and die members.

Abstract: Cross-head die apparatus and method for applying visually distinguishable coating layers simultaneously to two filament members such as electrical wires. The apparatus includes a body having a pair of generally axial bores and a pair of radial bores respectively communicating between sources of first and second flowable coating materials and the axial bores. A flow guide to direct the coating materials through the axial bores to form uniform layers on wires moved axially through the bores. The two axial bores mutually communicate through an internal conduit, coaxial with the two radial bores, in the body. The two coating materials are supplied at different pressures, causing a portion of the first material to migrate through the internal conduit from one axial bore to the other, whereby the first material forms the entire coating layer on one wire and appears, together with the second material, as a longitudinal stripe in the coating layer on the other wire.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying gel to a plurality of optical fibers includes a housing having a cavity through which a plurality of separated optical fibers are fed. The gel is provided to the cavity from a gel reservoir via a pump that maintains the pressure and gel level to ensure that the optical fibers are coated with gel to eliminate air gaps and thus prevent sticking among the optical fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for coating a thread with a thermoplastic organic material. This device, which is mounted in the manner of a cross head at the end of an extruder, comprises an inlet aperture followed by a hollow punch, of which the conduit opens into a central duct, the said duct being connected to the extruder by way of a supply chamber, part of this device being movable or removable, and displacement of the said part enabling the said device to be opened and closed along its entire height, from its periphery to its axis. Application to the production of composite products.

Abstract: A method for calendering a suture includes passing the suture lengthwise between two pairs of calendering rollers each pair being oriented orthogonally to the other pair. The suture may be coated and/or filled by passing it through the contacting region of a suture filling applicator to which filling agent is supplied by a metering pump. The filling process may be computer controlled.

Abstract: An optical fiber coating apparatus which has a left holder unit 13a and a right holder unit 13b, in the left holding space 12a and right holding space 12b defined in those units are housed a second layer die 16a, 16b, a first layer die 17a, 17b, and a nipple 18a, 18b in a superposed state. The second layer die 16a, 16b and the first layer die 17a, 17b and the nipple 18a, 18b have block shaped planar outer contour shapes and the holding space 12a, 12b housing these also has a block shaped planar outer contour shape. Since the outer shapes of the dies 16a, 16b and 17a, 17b and the nipple 18a, 18b and the holding space 12a, 12b are all block shaped, it is easy to perform the axial alignment of the holes 30, 31, and 32 through which the optical fiber passes by pressing the die 16a, 16b, the die 17a, 17b, and the nipple 18a, 18b against the reference surfaces 19, 21 of the left holding space 12a.

Abstract: Crosshead apparatus for receiving molten plastic from an extruder to be dispensed as plastic tubing or as a sheathing or jacket about a continuously fed product core such as wire. The crosshead includes a body and manifold within the body having a central passage in which the core to be jacketed is continuously fed. The plastic to be dispensed is constantly heated for temperature stability so as to maintain the flow in a molten state while a predetermined smooth transition flow path forms a substantially annular distribution plane from which the flow concentrically converges about the passing product core at the dispensing site.

Abstract: In the manufacture of coated optical fiber, fiber (21) is drawn from a preform (22) and is coated with one or preferably two layers (42,44) of light curable coating materials. Afterwards, the coating materials are cured. Increases in manufacturing line speed may be achieved if the cure speed of the coating materials is increased. This is accomplished by the simultaneous application of a magnetic field during irradiation of the curable coating materials to enhance the crosslinking of the coating materials by a free radical polymerization mechanism. Upon absorption of light, a photoinitiator in each composition cleaves to produce two free radical fragments in the spin paired or singlet state. The magnetic field has the effect of enhancing the production of spin parallel radicals which enhances the polymerization initiation of the coating material, thereby allowing an increase in the manufacturing line speed through drawing and coating apparatus.

Abstract: Crosshead deflector for extrusion wire coating, including a wire guide tube carried in a holder, which holder is mounted in the main bore of a main body; a radial passage enters the main bore to introduce molten plastic and the holder is formed to bring about even flow around the guide tube for application to the wire as it moves out of the tube.

Abstract: A double-coating cup for applying two protective coatings simultaneously to an optical fiber includes a body having an bore formed therein and provided with a plurality of first and second coating-material inlet channels. A die holder is positioned in the bore in the body and the outer surface of the die holder has first and second slots formed therein positioned opposite the first and second coating-material inlet channels, respectively. The die holder also has first and second radial bores formed therein which communicate with the first and second slots, respectively. A guide die having a bore formed therein is positioned in the bore in the die holder and has a bore formed therein. First and second die nozzles and an intermediate die guide positioned therebetween are disposed in the die holder bore.

Abstract: Drawn optical fiber is provided with at least one layer of a coating material. The coating material typically is a UV curable material and provides the optical fiber with mechanical and environmental protection. It has been found that the temperature at which the optical fiber is cured has a pronounced effect on the modulus of the cured coating material. In order to provide a coated optical fiber of which the coating material has a desired modulus, the temperature of the coating material during cure is controlled by controlling the amount of energy of infrared wavelength which impinges on the coating material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for impregnating a continuous fiber bundle or fiber bundles (10) with molten or fluid curing resin in manufacturing fiber reinforced material, the material comprising one or several fiber bundles (10) encircled by matrix resin. The fiber bundles (10) are so conducted to pass across the nozzle opening (13) that the resin runs through the nozzle (11) from a higher pressure zone through the fiber bundle (10) to a lower pressure zone.

Abstract: A device for applying adhesive onto a fiber, such as an optical fiber, is located between the fiber supply spool and rewinder and comprises a covered cup for holding liquid adhesive, and a drying chamber. The cup has first and second bores for passing the fiber therethrough and is suitably insulated from external temperature changes. The entrance of the drying chamber is coupled to a side of the cup so that it surrounds the second bore.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the impregnation of a continuous length of multifilament or multifiber yarns with a molten thermoplastic polymeric resin includes a member for spreading the multifilaments or multifibers apart during their immersion in a bath of the molten resin. The shape, configuration and location of the member facilitates the homogeneous impregnation, particularly with highly viscous melts, to produce a uniform and thorough encapsulation of the filaments or fibers.

Abstract: A die bar carrier for use in transporting die bars for enameling magnet wire is disclosed. Such a carrier comprises a sleeve having one closed end and one open end, two sleeve cable notches, one sleeve filament notch situated therebetween, and a rod slidably disposed within the sleeve and partly extending through said open end having two rod cable notches corresponding to said sleeve cable notches, and one rod filament notch situated therebetween.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing reinforced optical fiber including conveying optical fiber from a source; symmetrically, coaxially winding reinforcing fiber to a selected density per unit length around the optical fiber; forming an resin matrix among the reinforcing fibers; and coating the resin matrix with an external coating. Reinforcing a predetermined length of an elongated optical fiber comprises gradually reducing the thickness of the external coating and then gradually reducing the density of reinforcing fiber and the thickness of the resin matrix to form a transition from a reinforced fiber and a non-reinforced fiber.

Abstract: A cable lubricating device (1) including a split housing (2). Lubricant (25) is introduced into the housing through a vertically oriented orifice (6), the cable (37) advancing in a generally horizontal direction. A coupling adaptor (59) permits withdrawl of lubricant by a standard fitting (64) without danger of the collapse of hose (56) even at high lubricant discharge pressures. A series of sponges (18, 19) apply lubricant to the cable in a metered fashion. A method is also disclosed wherein lubricant may be "preloaded" into conduit (26) to enhance uniform lubricant distribution.

Abstract: A coating thickness regulating device for regulating the thickness of the paint film coating an elongate article, such as a wire, a pipe or the like, in coating the elongate article by an elongate article coating system. The device comprises a spreading block having a cavity consisting of a cylindrical section and a taper section, an outlet opening, an inlet opening and through holes opening into the cavity; a spreading element formed of a nonwoven web formed by laminating webs of elastic and abrasion-resistant fibers, such as stainless steel fibers and/or copper alloy fibers, and packed in the cavity of the spreading block so as to receive and pass a coated elongate article therethrough; and pressing means for adjustably compressing the spreading element so that the coated elongate article is passed properly through the spreading element to form a uniform paint film having a desired thickness over the surface of the elongate article.

Abstract: A die bar carrier (40) has a beam (42) to support the die bar (10) having wire (20) threaded therethrough, an attachment spring (60) to couple the beam (42) to a pulling mechanism (70), and a wire retainer (50) that is spaced from the beam (42) to hold the wire (20) between the beam (42) and the retainer (50).

Abstract: A split coating head assembly for elongated strands, the assembly comprising first and second mounting blocks with first and second die components respectively mounted therein, the die components defining therebetween a coating chamber which is in communication with a pressurized source of coating material, the die components forming upper and lower apertures for drawing of the strand vertically therethrough, and through the coating chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a coating die which has a dilatable orifice, the orifice being dilatable due to the use of a flexible, resilient portion of the die. The die is individually cast and is "strung-up" in the casting process. The preferred use for the die is in the coating of textile filaments, especially small diameter filaments that are slubby.

Abstract: To uniformly coat a fiber, it is fed downwards through a passage filled with a coating fluid. The passage has a downwardly tapering lower zone into which fluid is directed from outside the passage uniformly, radially inwardly and downwardly. The fluid directed into the lower zone suppresses turbulence within the fluid at a bottom outlet aperture within the lower zone. The passage at an upper zone is large enough to allow bubbles to float to the surface of the fluid. The arrangement prevents turbulence and air bubbles from causing thinly coated fiber regions which might adversely affect the fiber integrity. The passage is defined by two relatively moveable bodies so that the rate at which the coating fluid is injected into the lower zone can be varied.

Abstract: Making an insulated electrical conductor having an insulation layer formed from dielectric carrier with magnetically permeable particles dispersed therein in which the conductor bearing the layer is passed through a magnetic field to cause an increase in magnetization of magnetic domains of the particles towards a single direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for continuously coating aligned cords having knots or other enlarged irregularities therein. A cord-alignment baffle means of novel construction located at the cord entrance of an extrusion coating die assembly enables passage of splices such as knots. The baffle means comprises a plurality of cord-alignment apertures, each of which comprises a guide position and an enlarged knot-passing position. During operation of the coating process, cords are maintained in alignment as they pass through the die, and intermittent knots pass through the enlarged knot-passing positions of the alignment apertures. A bleed means controls the pressure within the extrusion chamber to prevent undesirable backflow through the enlarged knot-passing positions of the alignment apertures.

Abstract: An improved coating apparatus including a paint vessel having an opening at its bottom for passing of an object to be coated therethrough, a sealing member disposed below the opening of said paint vessel and having an opening for passing of the coating object therethrough, a supporting section for supporting the paint vessel and a driving section for moving the paint vessel relative to the object to be coated. The sealing member has a brush to be in contact with the coating object passing through its opening and an elastic member provided exteriorly of the brush for pressing the brush against the object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for coating elongated materials such as optical fibers wherein a shear force is developed by the elongated material moving through liquid coating material in a coating applicator of a magnitude such as to prevent the coating material from flooding the applicator.

Abstract: Providing an electrical conductor with an insulation layer having a layer of dielectric carrier with magnetically permeable particles dispersed within the carrier, in which homogeneity is maintained in a fluid mixture of a fluid carrier and the particles, the conductor is moved vertically through a die means to coat it with a fluid layer of the mixture, the fluid carrier is dried and thickness of the dried insulation layer is controlled. This control is achieved by monitoring the thickness or diameter of the dried layer and, if a variation exists between the monitored and required values, the rate of fluid flow through the die means is adjusted to adjust the monitored values towards that required.

Abstract: In a method of insulating an electrical conductor, the conductor passes upwardly through a coating fluid and a die means which is carried in a vertical position by a supporting fluid force. This force is provided by the supporting force of the fluid or a magnetic force which holds the die in suspension. Freedom for horizontal movement of the die is provided to enable it to move in a manner corresponding to any lateral movement of the conductor, this die movement being controlled by hydrodynamic forces between conductor and die to maintain the concentricity of a fluid layer formed on the conductor.

Abstract: A die assembly is provided which is suitable for the extrusion coating of elongate cores, such as optical fibers. The die assembly comprises a nozzle having an orifice therethrough. A die tip has a through-bore and is mounted such that the through-bore is alignable with the orifice to conduct a core through the through-bore and orifice. A passage is arranged for conducting a flowable coating material into and through the orifice. A hollow guide tube is slidably mounted in the through-bore and is sized to receive the core. The guide tube is positionable such that the forward end thereof is movable relative to the nozzle orifice.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing tape-shaped silicon bodies for solar cells wherein a tape-shaped reticulate carrier is passed vertically downwardly through a drawing nozzle including a slot which is full of molten silicon. The drawing nozzle is located above the level of molten silicon in a vat containing such molten silicon, and capillary means are provided to deliver the molten silicon from the vat into the drawing nozzle to fill the same with the molten silicon.

Abstract: The applicator is annular in configuration, having top and bottom walls formed of elastic material. The central openings through these walls are undersized, so that the walls seal around the string of pipe passing through the openings. The applicator is mounted on the string and is free to move laterally with it. Thus there is provided a free-floating, sealed, annular spray chamber mounted on the string and free to move laterally with it. A ring of nozzles is mounted within the chamber for spraying the string. A pump and conduit supply pressurized chemical to the nozzles. A vacuum pump and conduit suck excess chemical from the chamber for recovery.

Abstract: An applicating-device for use in coating a strand comprising a die assembly of two elements having contiguous flat surfaces which are securely laminated together, this die assembly having a bore through both elements which is of essentially uniform diameter through one of the elements and tapered through the other. The one element is of polycrystalline synthetic diamond material and the other element is of carbide material. The other surface of the polycrystalline element is flat and parallel to the aforesaid contiguous flat surfaces. The assembly is in two semi-circular halves which are abuttingly engaged along a plane which diametrically divides said bore. The method comprises cutting a laminated disc into halves along a diameter thereof, this disc being of two laminations, one of these being of polycrystalline diamond material and the other of carbide material. The two halves are assembled into a disc assembly and a coaxial bore is formed therethrough.

Abstract: A nozzle used in the coating of optical fibers with a protective resin layer comprises an aluminum body split into two symmetrical halves with cavities which upon assembly form a frustoconical funnel terminating at its narrower lower end in a coaxially converging outlet port. The cavities are machined in solid aluminum blocks whereupon each block is anodized in sulfuric acid to form thereon an abrasion-resistant oxide layer with few, small pores which may be sealed by an aftertreatment in hot de-ionized water.

Abstract: A process of applying and drying a liquid lubricant on a metallic material to be mechanically worked has the steps of passing a metallic material through a coating container with a lubricant so that the lubricant coats the metallic material and the latter exits from the coating container through an opening, removing the superfluous portion of the lubricant without contacting the same with outside air, and advancing the lubricant coated metallic material through a drying channel in which air is urged in disturbed state. An arrangement for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for manufacturing magnet wire in a continuous process by which coatings of a flowable resin material may be applied concentrically to a moving elongated filament in thicknesses of about 16 mils or less. The filament can be a bare copper or aluminum conductor having round or rectangular configuration or an insulated conductor upon which a top or an intermediate coat of material is desirably applied. Coatings of one and two mils also can be applied by the method of the invention. By the method and apparatus of the invention, magnet wire can be manufactured by continuously drawing the wire to size, annealing the wire, if necessary, insulating the wire with one or more coats of flowable resin material, curing the resin material, if necessary, hardening the resin material, and spooling the wire for shipment, without interruption at speeds limited only by the filament pay-off and take-up devices used.

Abstract: A device for applying hot-melt adhesive to a travelling length of string. The device includes an applicator plate assembly comprising a pair of abutting plates yieldably held against each other. A string-receiving passage defines between these plates receives string which travels through the applicator plate assembly.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an improvement in split gas-wipe apparatus, which, although not limited thereto, is normally used in coating or cleaning applications on wire, rod, or strand. The conventional apparatus has two segments hinged along an outer edge parallel to the passline of the wire or rod. The segments have mateable half-conical guides on their entry side which, when contacted by joints in the workpieces, cause rotation of one segment, the other normally being fixed, so that the joints have sufficient space to automatically pass through. The improvement of this invention involves providing pivoted mounting means replacing the hinged joint, the mounting providing an axis of rotation for one of the segments in a plane normal to the passline and substantially spaced therefrom. Advantageously, much larger joints may pass through the apparatus.

Abstract: A pad for the wiping of coated wire or strip and a method of forming such a pad. The pad includes a compressed non-combustible, alumino silicate fibrous material.The method of forming the pad wiping material includes compressing such an alumino silicate fibrous material into a pad by the application of pressure in the range of 7 to 20 tonnes per square inch.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for producing an electrical conductor wire, especially a profiled heavy wire wherein the wire to be coated is guided subsequently through applying means, calibrating means and through a hardening chamber in which the individual layers of varnish are exposed to ultraviolet radiation of different intensity of irradiation. The layers which are applied onto the conductor wire in superposing manner have different properties wherein the wire is running through the apparatus after each occurring application of varnish.

Abstract: A wire rope lubricator cleaner for applying to a wire cable a lubricant cleaner, and removing from the wire cable excess lubricant cleaner so as to lubricate and clean the wire cable. A lubrication canister removably coupled to a rectangular shaped frame assembly applies the lubricant cleaner to the wire cable. A die rotatably mounted on an upper slide assembly of the rectangular shaped frame removes the excess lubricant from the cable and cleans the wire cable.

Abstract: A method of cladding a wire with a powdered metal includes feeding the wire in its axial direction, applying powdered metal around its surface, compacting the applied powdered layer on the surface and subsequently continuously rolling-over the applied layer on a helical path to provide a helical zone of metallurgically bonded powdered material. The device of this invention has a storage container for powdered material, a rotary shaft defining at its center a forwardly tapering passage with an internal thread acting as a worm conveyor, the shaft being terminated with an exchangeable outlet nozzle, the nozzle supporting a set of cladding rollers, the axes of rotation of which are inclined at an acute angle to the axis of the passage. The driving arrangement for the rollers is preferably driven by a separate motor.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for manufacturing optical fibers in which a preform is heated in a furnace which is provided with a graphite heating element and a fiber is drawn from the heated preform. The fiber is subsequently cooled, provided with a coating, and, after drying of the coating, the fiber is wound onto a reel.For applying a coating to the fiber, the fiber is passed through a nozzle which has a polygonal nozzle opening.

Abstract: A method of coating an optical waveguide filament employing a die body having an at least partly tapered central aperture and radial means for introducing coating material to the central aperture is disclosed. The method includes exposing the optical waveguide filament to the coating material within the tapered aperture of the die body. The die body and an apparatus for coating the filament is also disclosed.