Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber encapsulation mechanism for energy dissipation in a fiber amplifying system. One example embodiment includes an optical fiber amplifier. The optical fiber amplifier includes an optical fiber that includes a gain medium, as well as a polymer layer that at least partially surrounds the optical fiber. The polymer layer is optically transparent. In addition, the optical fiber amplifier includes a pump source. Optical pumping by the pump source amplifies optical signals in the optical fiber and generates excess heat and excess photons. The optical fiber amplifier additionally includes a heatsink layer disposed adjacent to the polymer layer. The heatsink layer conducts the excess heat away from the optical fiber. Further, the optical fiber amplifier includes an optically transparent layer disposed adjacent to the polymer layer. The optically transparent layer transmits the excess photons away from the optical fiber.

Abstract: The exemplary systems, apparatus, structures, and methods may include an assembly including substrate, an optical waveguide, and an optical access associated with the optical waveguide. Light from the optical access may be measured along the optical waveguide. The coupling loss of the optical waveguide may be determined based on at least the light measurements from the optical access.

Abstract: A method and system for operating an air jet spinning machine, that features at least one spinning unit with one spinning nozzle for producing a yarn. During normal operation of the spinning unit, a fiber composite is fed to the spinning nozzle through an inlet and in a predefined transport direction. The fiber composite within a vortex chamber of the spinning nozzle receives a twist with the assistance of a vortex air flow, such that a yarn is formed from the fiber composite, which leaves the spinning nozzle through an outlet. After an interruption in yarn production, a piecing process is carried out, with which one yarn end on the spool side moves counter to the transport direction through the spinning nozzle, is overlaid with one end of the fiber composite after passing through the spinning nozzle and, together with this, is brought through the inlet into the spinning nozzle. After conclusion of the piecing process, the production of yarn is continued through the resumption of normal operation.

Abstract: An elevator maintenance kit is provided for surfacing an elevator sheave that engages with an elevator tension member. The kit includes a substrate with an adhesive backing, and a substrate applicator that is operable to apply the substrate to the sheave as the sheave is rotated. The adhesive backing is operable to attach the substrate to the sheave during the sheave rotation.

Abstract: A synthetic resin-made welding joint that has a pipe end portion into which an end portion of a synthetic resin-made tube is to be fitted and inserted, and that is configured so that the pipe end portion and the tube end portion which is fitted and inserted thereinto are enabled to be welded together by heating of heating means which externally surrounds the pipe end portion, therefore, a synthetic resin-made holder which is fitted and attached onto the pipe end portion is disposed, and a flange for ensuring a radial expansion gap with respect to the heating means is integrally formed in the holder.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to systems, methods, and apparatuses for monitoring the condition and temperature of belts in belt driven machines, and for determining maintenance plans for the belt driven machines.

Abstract: An optical interface device for optically connecting photonic devices to optical device along with methods of making. The method includes providing a glass support member that is either monolithic or laminated. A laser beam is used to write cores in the body of the support member. The support member includes a bend section and the cores generally follow the bend section and serve to define curved optical waveguides. The cores provide strong out-of-plane optical confinement, thereby allowing for strong bends and therefore a compact design for the optical interface device.

Abstract: An optical fiber strand holding tool is disclosed for organizing and retaining splice sleeves and fibers from a first fiber bundle during, and optionally after, a splicing activity in which the first bundle is spliced to a second fiber bundle. The apparatus and associated method provide a means of removably securing splice sleeves in an orderly fashion, preventing movement and contamination of the bare fibers during splicing. Magnets and clamping pressure are used separately or in conjunction to provide the retention force. A removable splice retaining portion permits permanent optical joint storage and protection, and reduces handling of the optical joints. Color coded splice sleeves and splice channels are employed for quick matching between fibers in fiber bundle pairs being spliced.

Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit (PIC) may be optically aligned to a plurality of optical components (e.g., an optical fiber array). Optical alignment may be facilitated by the use of an optical impedance element coupled between a first input/output (I/O) optical waveguide and a second I/O optical waveguide of the PIC. The optical impedance element me be configured to be transmissive during optical alignment and to be non-transmissive during the regular operation of the PIC.

Abstract: A filament-fusing apparatus includes a first body, a first-heating element, a second body and a second-heating element. The first body includes a first surface and a first-filament groove disposed thereon. The first-heating element disposed on the first surface has a first-connecting groove and a first-overflow groove. Two opposite sides of the first-connecting groove connect the first-filament groove. An axial side of the first-connecting groove connects the first-overflow groove. The second body includes a second surface and a second-filament groove disposed thereon. The second-heating element disposed on the second surface has a second-connecting groove and a second-overflow groove. Two opposite sides of the second-connecting groove connect the second-filament groove. An axial side of the second-connecting groove connects the second-overflow groove.

Abstract: A cut sleeve for a fiber optic connector adapter includes a cylinder having a discontinuity along an axial length of cylinder. The discontinuity is distributed around at least half of a circumference of the cylinder. The cylinder is sized to receive a first fiber ferrule and a second fiber ferrule with cross-sections having a same size minimum bounding circle.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a mount for securely holding an optical fiber in place, for example, on an optical bench or a translation stage. In one embodiment, the mount includes a lower block having a first portion, which has an upward-facing channel formed in the top surface thereof and extending from the front surface to the rear region. The channel forms a groove at its bottom. The mount further includes an upper block disposed over the first portion of the lower block. The upper block has a downward-facing ridge that includes one or more holding surfaces disposed adjacent the groove and extending along the downward-facing ridge. The upper block is held against the first portion of the lower block, such that the one or more holding surfaces are positioned to hold the optical fiber in the groove.

Abstract: A method and a device for welding plastic pipes (1) made of thermoplastic material by a butt-welding method, wherein the pipes (1) are held in a coaxial position in relation to one another by clamping points (2), are trimmed by a trimmer (3), which can be brought between the clamping points (2), and are heated up by heated tools (6), which can be fitted in place of the trimmer (3), wherein the heating of the free pipe ends (8) to be welded has the effect of forming a melting region which forms a bead when pressing occurs, the pipe projection (5) of the pipes (1) being trimmed to a defined size.

Abstract: A composite structure having an embedded sensing system is provided, along with corresponding systems and methods for monitoring the health of a composite structure. The composite structure includes composite material and an optical fiber disposed within the composite material. The optical fiber includes a plurality of quantum dots for enhancing its non-linear optical properties. The quantum dots may be disposed in the core, in the cladding and/or on the surface of the optical fiber. The optical fiber is configured to support propagation of the signals and to be sensitive to a defect within the composite material. The quantum dots create a non-linear effect, such as a second order effect, in response to the defect in the composite material. Based upon the detection and analysis of the signals including the non-linear effect created by the quantum dots, a defect within the composite material may be detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for connecting a first tube to a second tube, the tubes being interconnected in an overlapping region by means of an adhesive that fills a gap in the overlapping region between the tubes. Said method is characterized in that: a) adhesive is applied to the overlapping region of at least one of the tubes and the adhesive is selected in such a way that it is solid at temperatures of below 30° C.

Abstract: An anti-reflection device, comprising: a first optical fiber, having a first optical fiber core; and a second optical fiber, having a second optical fiber core which is fusion spliced to the first fiber core to form a spliced point optical fiber core. Thereby, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing an anti-reflection device, comprising the step of: providing a fusion splicer to perform a parameter setup process upon at least one optical fiber so as to proceed with a splice process on the at least one optical fiber based on the result of the parameter setup process, while enabling an optical fiber alignment operation, an end surface preheating operation, an optical fiber splicing operation and an optical fiber fusion stretching operation during the proceeding of the splice process.

Abstract: Method and device for forming a continuous tubular foil (106, 308). Foil (106, 308) is supplied and buffered. Foil (106) is supplied as flattened tubular foil (106) from a supply. A next piece of foil (308) is supplied from a next supply. The ends of tubular foil (304, 309) are connected. This then allows supplying and buffering next tubular foil (308) supplied from the next supply. The device and method allow connecting the ends of tubular foils (304, 309) by opening the end (309) of the next flattened tubular foil (308) supplied from the next supply and moving the end of the flattened tubular foil (304) in an upstream direction (299) into the opened end of next tubular foil (309) from the next supply. Connection is made using a tape (250, 270) applied onto the foil ends (304, 309).

Abstract: Pipe joint, which comprises at least one first pipe section (2), and a sleeve part 5, into which the butt end part of the pipe section (2) is disposed in such a way that the sleeve part (5) extends a distance on top of the pipe section (2) from the butt end of the pipe section that is inside the sleeve, and heating means (7), such as resistance wires. For forming the joint, a joint component (3) is arranged between the outer surface (16) of at least one pipe section (2) and the inside surface (15) of the sleeve part (5), which joint component is configured to form a joint with the sleeve part (5) when the joint area is warmed with the heating means (7), and that a collar (6) is arranged on the pipe section (2), which collar comprises a detent surface (10) for the joint component (3). The invention also relates to a method for forming a pipe joint.

Abstract: A multi-core optical fiber may include a cladding with a cross section having a central region and an outside diameter. Multiple transmission cores are arranged symmetrically within the central region of the cladding, extending parallel to a central axis of the multi-core optical fiber. Multiple alignment cores are arranged within the cladding, extending parallel to the central axis of the multi-core optical fiber and near the outside diameter of the cladding so that each of the multiple alignment cores are visible through a side view of the cladding. Ends of similarly configured multi-core optical fibers may be mated and aligned. Alignment cores of a first multi-core optical fiber may be aligned with alignment cores of a second multi-core optical fiber using a side view of the mating interface. Aligning the alignment cores causes multiple transmission cores with the multi-core optical fibers to also align.

Abstract: The invention is a method of bonding a first fluid conduit (14) to one or more other fluid conduits (12) or elements such as an electrode (92) or heating element. The method comprises positioning a first fluid conduit (14) substantially in contact with the other fluid conduits or elements (12) wherein a bond region (16) is created. The bond region is wetted with a liquefied thermoplastic polymer (34) which is then subsequently cooled forming a substantially fluid tight bond between the first fluid conduit (14) and the other fluid conduits or elements (14).

Abstract: Plume shield shroud (10) for a plasma gun (30) includes a substantially tubular member (14) comprising an axial length, a plume entry end (11), and a plume exit end (13). The shroud (10) is adapted to be mounted to a plasma gun (30). A method of protecting, confining or shielding of a gas plume of a plasma gun (30) includes mounting (20) a gas plume shroud (10) on the plasma gun (30) such that the shroud (10) is sized and configured to substantially surround at least a portion of the gas plume.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes: heating and melting at least a portion of the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; and butt fusing the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion, thereby creating a fused joint area. A fusion apparatus for employing this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pipe for joining to another pipe, the method including the steps of fixing a cutting tool to one side of a fusion welding machine; fixing a pipe to an other side of the welding machine; moving the cutting tool with respect to the pipe so that the cutting tool engages an internal wall of the pipe to thereby cut the internal wall of the pipe, preparing the pipe for joining to another pipe.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing tubular bodies (1) exhibiting an inner circumferential surface (8) and outer circumferential surface (7) for packaging tubes out of a strip-shaped film substrate (2), which exhibits at least one weldable plastic layer (3) or consists of the latter, and which encompasses a first edge face (5) extending in the longitudinal direction of the film substrate (2) or a second edge face (6) spaced apart from the first edge face (5) by the width of the film substrate (2), wherein the first edge face (5) runs at a first angle (?) relative to a first thickness extension direction on a first radially innermost border (9) of the first edge face (5), and the second edge face (6) runs at a second angle (?) relative to a second thickness extension direction on a second radially outermost border of the second edge face (6), and wherein the first and second edge faces (6) are placed opposite each other and joined together during exposure to heat, wherein the first angle (?) and second angle (?) differ

Abstract: Furcating fiber optic cables without direct coupling of optical fibers to strength members are disclosed. Related methods and assemblies are also disclosed. The furcation includes shrink tube(s) securing optical fiber(s) to their fiber sub-unit jacket(s). The shrink tube(s) is secured inside a cable jacket of the fiber optic cable to secure fiber sub-unit(s) and their optical fiber(s) as part of the furcation. The strength member(s) of the fiber optic cable is also secured to the cable jacket as part of the furcation. The shrink tube(s) prevents direct coupling of the optical fiber(s) to the strength member(s) in the furcation. By not directly coupling the optical fiber(s) to the strength member(s), cable strain can be directed to the cable jacket and the fiber sub-unit jacket(s). The shrink tube(s) can also prevent or reduce micro-bubbles from forming around the optical fiber(s) in the furcation which may cause attenuation from optical fiber micro-bending.

Abstract: An adhering jig for an adhesive connecting member is provided, in which the adhesive connecting member can be adhered without being broken even if it is twisted during connection of an optical fiber. The adhesive connecting member of the present invention has a tabular member having insertion holes fitting a shape of the optical connector, and an adhesive connecting member having a certain size. The adhesive connecting member has a strongly adhesive layer and non-adhesive layer, and the adhesive connecting member was arranged at a bottom of the insertion hole via the weakly adhesive layer, so that the non-adhesive layer is lower.

Abstract: An optical fiber end processing method includes fixing two portions of an optical fiber, heating and fusing the optical fiber between the two fixed portions, to form a first heat fusion region, heating and fusing the optical fiber fixed between the two fixed portions unit while fixing the two fixed portions, moving a heat fusion unit from a side of the first heat fusion region toward a base end side of the optical fiber, and pushing a heat fusion portion of the optical fiber in a direction of shortening a length of the heat fusion portion, to form a second heat fusion region continuous to the first heat fusion region and in which the air holes of the optical fiber disappear; and removing the first heat fusion region by cutting the optical fiber within the second heat fusion region after the second heat fusion forming.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding ends of two separate articles or a single article to form a single welded article. The apparatus comprises first and second molds for supporting and clamping first and second ends of at least one article and an infrared heating element for thermally energizing over a prescribed period of time the first and second ends of the at least one article to a welding condition. The apparatus further comprises a regulator for altering the power supplied for energizing the infrared heater over at least a portion of the prescribed period of time to achieve increased electromagnetic radiation penetration into the body of the at least one article beyond the first and second ends. The apparatus also comprises an actuator for advancing the first and second ends into a contacting position to form a single welded article.

Abstract: Methods for assembling fiberglass reinforced plastic sucker rods include transporting fiberglass reinforced plastic sucker rod sections from an off-site location to an assembly facility at or near a point of use, and transporting a sufficient number of metallic end fittings to connect respective ends of the plurality of sucker rod sections in series at the assembly facility. Systems for assembly of completed sucker rods from sucker rod sections transported from off-site location to or near a point of use. The systems may include a female threaded end component, collar and machine mount that allows completed sucker rods to be pull tested, and record load, peak load, and elongation during the pull test.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a bio-degradable polymer composition comprising: 30% to 50% (w/w) of an extrusion grade bio-degradable polymer; and 50% to 70% (w/w) of an injection molding grade bio-degradable polymer. The bio-degradable polymer composition of the present disclosure is used for manufacturing bio-degradable article, such as bio-degradable tubes. The present disclosure further provides a process for manufacturing of bio-degradable tube. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for reinforcing a connection tube having an expansion part, and to a connection tube having an expansion part reinforced by said method, characterized in that, in the method, a reinforcing tube manufactured using a homogeneous or heterogeneous synthetic resin, which is mounted on the outer surface of one end of a tube body formed by extruding a synthetic resin, and said tube body, in which the expansion part is to be formed, are heated to the glass transition temperature thereof. Then, the end of the tube body is fitted and fixed into an external former mold for expansion within a range in which said reinforcing tube is mounted, and an expansion member is inserted into the tube body so as to expand and form the end of the tube body on which the reinforcing tube is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for growing fullerene nanotube forests, and forming nanotube films, threads and composite structures therefrom. In some embodiments, an interior-flow substrate includes a porous surface and one or more interior passages that provide reactant gas to an interior portion of a densely packed nanotube forest as it is growing. In some embodiments, a continuous-growth furnace is provided that includes an access port for removing nanotube forests without cooling the furnace substantially. In other embodiments, a nanotube film can be pulled from the nanotube forest without removing the forest from the furnace. A nanotube film loom is described. An apparatus for building layers of nanotube films on a continuous web is described.

Abstract: A butting step S1 of butting end surfaces of multi-core fibers against each other by aligning central axes CA of clads 20 of the multi-core fibers to cause each core 11 of one multi-core fiber 1a and each core 11 of the other multi-core fiber 1b to face each other, and a fusing step S2 of fusing the multi-core fibers to each other by carrying out discharge by a pair of discharge electrodes 50a and 50b that sandwich a butted position of the multi-core fibers and face each other are provided. The fusing step S2 causes tips 51a and 51b of the discharge electrodes to perform reciprocating motion such that a straight line SL that connects the tips 51a and 51b of the discharge electrodes moves while describing a surface perpendicular to the central axes CA.

Abstract: A fusion splicing apparatus includes discharge electrodes 13 and 15 to discharge-heat and fusion-splice end faces 5a and 7a of optical fibers 1 and 3, fiber holders 17 and 19 to hold the optical fibers 1 and 3, V-groove blocks 21 and 23 to receive, position, and fix parts of the optical fibers 1 and 3 on the end face sides of the fiber holders 17 and 19, V-groove-block moving mechanisms 33 and 35 to move the V-groove blocks 21 and 23 so as to shift an axial center of the optical fibers 1 and 3 from a straight line between the discharge electrodes 13 and 15, and holder moving mechanisms 37 and 39 to move the fiber holders 17 and 19 so as to shift the axial center of the optical fibers 1 and 3 from the straight line between the discharge electrodes 13 and 15.

Abstract: A method for forming a connection between two tubular sections having a polymeric outer surface jacket, using induction heat to fusion bond a casing of similar, non-crosslinked polymer to the outer surface of the tubular sections. Casing with a configuration capable of such fusion bonding.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for assembly of tubular joints which overcome the drawbacks and limitations of conventional joints. In certain embodiments, the tubular joints may comprise threaded joints used in oil exploration. Joints may be assembled using a combination of a) position control, b) specific production tolerances for thread parameters, and c) coatings applied on threaded areas of the joint. In further embodiments, the tubular joints may have no torque shoulder and/or metal to metal seals. In additional embodiments, the joints may be further assembled and disassembled several times without application of dope or grease and exhibit enhanced sealability. Beneficially, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide high tolerance, precisely assembled joints that provide improved performance (e.g.

Abstract: Method and article of manufacture are disclosed for onsite-manufacturing of any length, any shape, size, and any thickness pipe. Sheets of fabrics saturated with resin may be wrapped around desired shape mandrels, cured, and removed to form such pipes onsite. Cured laminated sheets of resin-saturated fabrics may be wrapped around to also form onsite manufactured pipes. Disclosed pipes eliminate almost all weaknesses of plastic, metal and concrete pipes and noticeably reduce costs of transportation as well as manufacturing. One of the advantages of the disclosed pipes is that they have few joints, limiting the leakage and other problems associated with joints in ordinary pipes.

Abstract: A conveying pipe for transporting solids includes a pipe body and a pipe collar connected to at least one end of the pipe body. The pipe collar and the pipe end are coupled to each other by an interference fit at least in some sections in a coupling region in a longitudinal direction of the pipe body. In the coupling region, an anaerobically hardening adhesive is optionally arranged in craters or depressions. The conveying pipe is produced by roughening the pipe collar inner surface and/or the pipe end outer surface in a coupling region, cleaning the pipe collar inner surface and/or the pipe end outer surface, applying an anaerobic hardenable adhesive the pipe collar inner surface and/or the pipe end inner surface, and pressing the pipe collar onto the pipe end and/or pressing the pipe end into the pipe collar.

Abstract: An RF inductor such as a Tesla antenna splices nanotube ends together to form a nanostructure in a polymer foam matrix. High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) is gently sheared and stretched in a reactor comprising opposed coaxial counter-rotating impellers, which parallel-align polymer chains and also carbon nanotubes mixed with the oil phase. Stretching and forced convection prevent the auto-acceleration effect. Batch and continuous processes are disclosed. In the batch process, a fractal radial array of coherent vortices in the HIPE is preserved when the HIPE polymerizes, and helical nanostructures around these vortices are spliced by microhammering into longer helices. A disk radial filter produced by the batch process has improved radial flux from edge to center due to its area-preserving radial vascular network. In the continuous process, strips of HIPE are pulled from the periphery of the reactor continuously and post-treated by an RF inductor to produce cured conductive foam.

Abstract: A composite structural member is provided. The structural member includes a tubular shaft having a mating region of stiffness, and possibly thickness, greater than another region of said shaft. The shaft defines a lumen, and a fitting is disposed in the lumen. The fitting has a coupling region that defines at least one recessed portion bounded by one or more non-recessed portions, and the mating region mates with the coupling region of said fitting. As such, the shaft and fitting are mechanically restrained from at least some relative movement due to interference of the shaft and the fitting. A sleeve may be coupled to said shaft, for example, by including a tubular inner surface that proximately surrounds at least part of said shaft and mating region, for discouraging expansion of the mating region of said shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for joining plastic tubes is provided. The apparatus comprises a treatment body which is arranged above a depositing surface of the apparatus and is guided over a joining section of the plastic tubes during the joining operation.

Abstract: A method for coupling corrugated pipe segments is disclosed. The method includes providing first and second thermoplastic corrugated pipe segments arranged to form a fluid flow path and aligning ends of the pipe segments adjacent one another to form a joint. The method further includes providing a coupling assembly having a thermoplastic sheet with a flexible weld rod of a thermoplastic material attached thereto and circumferentially contacting the coupling assembly with the first and second thermoplastic pipe segments. An electrical current is applied to the weld rod to cause the weld rod, sheet and pipe segments to fuse to one another and form a circumferential weld seam on each side of the joint.

Abstract: A technique is provided related to an input interface wherein entertainment is enhanced by an information processing system that includes means for producing a computer image that prompts a player to virtually touch a plurality of touch points; means for accepting input of a video image of the player captured by image pickup means; display control means for causing a display device to display and superimpose the video image and the computer image on each other; means for analyzing the video image during display of the computer image to detect virtual touches of any of the plurality of touch points; and means for executing predetermined processing when the detecting means detects virtual touches that are performed on a predetermined number of touch points in a predetermined order.

Abstract: A method for fusing a first conduit to a second conduit. The first conduit and the second conduit each include a linear portion having a linear portion inside diameter, and at least one bell portion with a first end and a second end and having a bell portion inside diameter that increases from the first end to the second end. The method includes: melting at least a portion of each of the second end of the bell portion of the first conduit and the second end of the bell portion of the second conduit; and engaging the melted second end of the bell portion of the first conduit with the melted second end of the bell portion of the second conduit, thereby creating a fused joint area.

Abstract: To provide a balloon catheter and an apparatus and method for manufacturing the balloon catheter, whereby the degree of welding can be appropriately adjusted and the balloon catheter can be formed so as to have a desired surface profile suitable for various uses including medical use. With a shaft 14 inserted through a catheter tube 30a inserted into an end portion 28b of a balloon and also with a pressure tube 32a fitted around a welding section where the end portion 28b of the balloon 28 is lapped over the catheter tube 30a, the shaft 14 is heated by emitting laser light from a laser radiation unit 8 to the welding section while the shaft 14 is rotated by a chuck, to weld the welding section.

Abstract: A multi-layer tube (MLT) to inhibit transmission of water vapor and for flame resistance greater than UL-94 HB includes an inner layer having a melt-extrudable polymeric material including a fluoropolymer and at least one additional layer positioned radially outward of the inner layer and including a flame resistant melt-extrudable polymeric material configured to minimize oxygen permeation. Additional layers may be configured to provide flexibility, oxygen and/or nitrogen barriers, thermal insulation, non-reactive materials, transparency, translucency, structural reinforcement, thermal and/or electrical conductivity, and/or dissipative properties. The MLT may be encased in a bundle cover with another tube element and/or electrically conductive element to form a tube bundle.

Abstract: An optical fiber end processing method includes fixing two portions of an optical fiber, heating and fusing the optical fiber between the two fixed portions, to form a first heat fusion region, heating and fusing the optical fiber fixed between the two fixed portions unit while fixing the two fixed portions, moving a heat fusion unit from a side of the first heat fusion region toward a base end side of the optical fiber, and pushing a heat fusion portion of the optical fiber in a direction of shortening a length of the heat fusion portion, to form a second heat fusion region continuous to the first heat fusion region and in which the air holes of the optical fiber disappear; and removing the first heat fusion region by cutting the optical fiber within the second heat fusion region after the second heat fusion forming.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing plastic packaging in tubular form, which process comprises a wrapping step during which a laminate (11) is wrapped, an abutting step during which the edges (8, 9) of the laminate (11) are butted together and a fastening step during which said edges (8, 9) of the laminate (11) are welded together, characterized in that a bead (12) of plastic in the molten state is extruded and deposited on the internal face of the packaging so as to cover at least the weld zone (10) defined between the edges. The energy needed to produce the weld (10) comes from the plastic bead (12). The invention also relates to packaging obtained from the aforementioned process and to a device for implementing said process.

Abstract: A method of joining pipes to produce underwater pipelines, wherein the facing free ends of two adjacent pipes, aligned along an axis, are welded to define a cutback; a protective sheet of plastic material is extruded close to the cutback; and the protective sheet is wound about the cutback.