Abstract: A method and apparatus for measurement of the eccentricity dimension which measures the eccentricity dimension .alpha. between optical fibers and a coating member of a fiber ribbon made up of optical fibers and a coating member having a rigidity relatively lower than the fibers and covering the outer surface of fibers. When taking up the fiber ribbon at a constant speed, the rotational speed .omega..sub.a of a first rotary drum made to contact one surface of the fiber ribbon and the rotational speed .omega..sub.b of a second rotary drum made to contact the other surface of the fiber ribbon are measured and the radii R of the rotary drums, the overall thickness t of the fiber ribbon, and the rotational speeds .omega..sub.a and .omega..sub.b of the rotary drums are substituted in the following equation to compute the eccentricity dimension .alpha.:.alpha.=(.omega..sub.b -.omega..sub.a) (R+t/2) / (.omega..sub.b +.omega..sub.

Abstract: A method for making a cover for an integrated optical circuit, a cover for an integrated optical circuit, and an integrated optical circuit made with this cover are proposed. The method serves to minimize the effort and expense in integrating optical components in fiberoptical systems. An optical element 29 is placed in a molding die (10) with adjusting elements (13) that adjust the optical component (29) in its position, and a curable liquid is cast all around the optical component (29), and after it solidifies, this liquid forms the cover (25).

Abstract: A mold arrangement for moulding an optodevice onto an optical ribbon fibre. The mould includes of a plurality of plates which are intended to be inserted between the movable top plate and the stationary bottom plate, or counterpressure plate, of a transfer moulding press, and includes an inlet channel, primary and secondary runners and an optodevice moulding cavity formed when two plates are brought together and through which the ribbon fibre extends. According to the invention, the mould cavity is provided with an outwardly projecting part at the ribbon-inlet end of the optodevice, and a seal in the form of a rubber sleeve or a sleeve of some similar material disposed around the ribbon and positioned in the mould cavity so that one end of the sleeve will completely fill the outwardly projecting part and so that the other end of the sleeve extends into the mould cavity. The seal in the moulded optodevice extends out from the optodevice around the ribbon fibre.

Abstract: The present invention relates to provide a drawn optical transmission medium having excellent heat resistance and a continuous refractive index distribution in a good productivity at a low cost, and the disadvantages in a conventional synthetic resin optical transmission medium can be eliminated, which method is characterized by a step of crosslinking a polymer having a continuous refractive index gradient distributed from the peripheral portion to the central portion in its cross section and having a crosslinkable functional groups, after the step of heating and drawing.

Abstract: The invention presents a method for the fabrication or production of three-dimensional lenses with a variable refractive index by wrapping a material with a given refractive index. It is preferred, that this material has the shape of a thread, which might be cylindrical. The preferred shape of the lens to be produced is spherical or semi-spherical, which can be achieved by an appropiate wrapping process or by cutting the spherical shape. By the inventive method it is possible to produce the said lenses with a smooth varying of the refractive index. It is preferred to use the produced lenses as part of a microwave antenna system.

Abstract: A process of fabricating a light-focusing plastic optical element includes preparing a prepolymer transparent preform. The prepolymer preform is immersed in a solution containing more than one monomer, each of the monomers having a different reactivity ratio from the other. Some of the monomers may permeate into and disperse in the preform so as to swell the prepolymer preform. The monomers dispersed in the preform are copolymerized after the preform is swelled completely to produce a plastic optical element.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing optical waveguides including providing a plurality of longitudinally extending, cylindrical passage-forming members positioned in parallel, spaced apart relationship. Molding a cladding member having opposed surfaces around the passage-forming members so that the passage-forming members extend through the cladding member and each of the opposed surfaces. Removing the passage-forming members from the molded cladding member subsequent to the molding step so as to leave a plurality of passages through the cladding member from one opposed surface to the other and positioning waveguide core material in the passages to form a plurality of optical waveguides.

Abstract: A method to produce nonlinear optical microcomponents is described which makes it possible to employ material combinations not yet used to date. By means of X-ray depth lithography not only waveguide structures, but also microcell structures are produced, into which subsequently material of nonlinear optical properties is placed. By means of X-ray depth lithography and micromolding techniques a mold insert with a waveguide structure is produced as a positive mold, and the waveguide structure is impressed into a polymer base material by means of the mold insert. Then the impressed waveguide structure is filled with optically linear material, and after the filling operation at least one microcell structure is produced, at least in the areas of the optically linear material, into which microcell structure optically nonlinear material is placed. The microcell structure may also be impressed by means of another mold insert.

Abstract: A light transmitting body (10), (40) has a longitudinal axis (12), (42), and a light radiating surface (14), (46) extending substantially parallel to the axis (12), (42). Where the body is an optical fiber (10), the light radiating surface is the circumferential surface (14) of the fiber (10). Where the body is a rectangular panel (40), the light radiating surface is a rectangular surface (46) of the panel (40). A plurality of striations (16), (44) are formed in the light radiating surface (14), (46) parallel to the axis (12), (42), which cause light entering the body (10), (40) along the axis (12), (42) to be radiated out of the body (10), (40) through the light radiating surface (14), (46) with substantially uniform intensity along the axis (12), (42). The striations (16), (44) may be formed by molding, cold drawing, heating the body (10), (40) under tension, cutting, or by bundling and fusing a plurality of small optical fibers (90) together.

Abstract: A method of making an optical scanner is disclosed that includes light transmitting and receiving optical fibers to illuminate and scan an image to be copied, transmitted or stored.

Abstract: A multi-layer molded article including a fiber-reinforced resin sheet and a skin material laminated thereon and having improved appearance is produced by placing a preheated fiber-reinforced resin sheet on a lower mold of a press-molding mold having a sliding frame which vertically moves around an outer periphery of the lower mold, placing a skin material over the placed fiber-reinforced resin sheet and the sliding frame, then lowering an upper mold of the press-molding mold to hold a periphery of the skin material between the sliding frame and the upper mold, further lowering the upper mold to press and adhere the fiber-reinforced resin sheet and the skin material.

Abstract: A method for deodorization of cork accomplished by applying steam distillation to remove substances originating offensive odor in the cork is disclosed. The method comprises a first step of putting the cork into a container, a second step of supplying steam generated in a steam generator to the container, and a third step of discharging the steam along with the substance originating the offensive odor from the container. An apparatus for deodorization of cork by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process formulation and apparatus for producing formed parts of polymeric binders and elastic or inflexible particularized ingredients. A formulation for forming a formed material upon the application of heat and pressure comprising a mixture of: (a) 75 to 95.5 wt. % of elastic or inelastic particles; (b) 2.5 to 25.0 wt. % of a polymer binder; (c) 0 to 20.0 wt. % of a coloring pigment; and (d) 0.1 to 0.5 wt. % of a catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for converting hemicellulose of lignocellulosic material into a thermoset, water-proof adhesive. In one embodiment of the invention the thermoset, water-proof adhesive is used for converting other components of the lignocellulosic material into composite products such as panel products, reconstituted lumber and moulded articles without the use of any other adhesive binders which are an essential part of the conventional dry process of manufacturing composite products, such as wood-based particleboard, waferboard, medium density fibreboard, et cetera.

Abstract: Procedure for the manufacture of briquettes or pills for stoking made of stems from grain or straw or similar cellulosic waste material with the admixture of a binding agent. Compressing, principally by trace or piston pressing, at a pressure temporarily raising the temperature in the straw briquette to an area between 75.degree. C. and 200.degree. C., characterized by mixing stems with straw or similar waste material from pulses and/or protein plants to be used as binding agent.

Abstract: A process for producing flat products from particulate material comprises the steps of forming relatively smooth, castable slurry comprising a suspension of particulate material in an aqueous solution, a film-forming binder material and a dispersion of a particulate synthetic resin in an aqueous solution, depositing a coating of this slurry onto a support surface and, heating the deposited coating to a temperature at which a component of the synthetic resin volatilises. The coating may be removed from the support surface as a flat product either before or after heating to volatilize a component of the synthetic resin.

Abstract: A sculptured structural fiberboard product is formed using a mold that includes porous forming areas which, in one embodiment, are porous forming mandrels movably mounted on the mold, and liquid impervious thimbles which removably cover the porous areas. A fiber network is formed as water is drained off through the porous areas and the thimbles are moved to gradually unveil the porous areas during the mat formation. When mandrels are used, the mandrels are withdrawn in cooperation with a pressing force applied to the mat to consolidate and dry the web. The porous areas can also act as heat and mass transfer means during consolidation and drying. An alternative embodiment permits formation of laminated products and another alternative embodiment permits close control over the product density during consolidation and drying.

Abstract: Apparatus for making blocks from earth, soil or like material wherein a horizontally disposed channel is provided with a fill chamber and with a compression chamber downstream of the fill chamber and wherein further means is provided which, during a first cycle and while inhibiting further material from being supplied to the fill chamber, moves already supplied material from the fill chamber to the compression chamber to form a block and which, during a second cycle, enables further material to be supplied to the fill chamber.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing corks consists of punching the corks out from a block which is formed by moulding and then baking. At least one of the major surfaces of the block forms part of a sheet made from strips of natural cork previously placed side-by-side and glued together, with their pores arranged parallel to the plane of the said surface, the remaining portion of the block consisting of cork agglomerate.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved beverage mix tablets and an improved process for preparing them. According to the improved process, a dipeptide sweetener, acidulent, colorant and hydrophilic material are blended to form a dry mix with which an aqueous moistener comprising glycerine and monocalcium phosphate is admixed to form a cohesive powder. The moistened cohesive powder is then mixed with a disintegrant to form a tabletable mixture which can be suitably compressed to form a coherent tablet which has a tablet density, after drying, of about 0.5 to 1.0 grams per cubic centimeter. The resulting tablet is tough, void-free, nonfriable and rapidly soluble in water.

Abstract: A laminated decorative tile particularly for flooring purposes, is made by forming a base layer of granulated cellulosic material in a matrix of fusible plastics, and placing on the base layer a thin decorative layer of cellulosic material with natural holes and recesses therein. After a film of fusible plastic has been applied on the decorative layer the laminate is hot pressed and then immediately cooled in a cold press. The tile obtained has a pleasing appearance because the granules of the base layer have been forced up, in the hot pressing operation, into the holes and recesses of the decorative layer, filling out these holes and recesses. In this embodiment the tile has a smooth wear resisting layer surface but this surface can be provided with a relief pattern such that it conforms to the structure of the decorative layer, if the tile after cooling is heated in a free state, i.e. without press plates.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for pressing fibrous, particulate or laminar materials to provide laminated products of low to medium density. The system is characterized by the use of lightweight pressing plates which have horizontal and vertical permeability, by the sealing of the press to provide a closed environment, and by heating substantially entirely by the use of a fluid heat carrier which heats the materials by convection.

Abstract: This invention relates to the problem of water-soluble tablets, wherein dry, edible ingredients having a substantially granular or crystalline structure are blended to form a dry mix which is contacted with an aqueous moistener comprising corn syrup and admixed to form a dough or cohesive powder. The moistened dough or cohesive powder is then mixed with a hydrolyzed starch material to form a flowable composition which can be suitably compressed to form a coherent tablet, using tableting pressures below 200 psig that has a tablet density of about 0.7 to 1.0 grams per cubic centimeter. Optionally, said tablet may be subsequently dried to a stable moisture content to improve storage shelf-life. The resulting tablet is tough, void-free, non-crumbly and rapidly soluble in water.

Abstract: Composite products are formed, such as of lignocellulosic particles, by bonding through the transformation of added sugars and/or starches together with lignin and/or other phenolic containing materials, with the optional presence of added catalyst, the transformation causing the composition to convert into a furan-lignin type binder in situ by heat and pressure. The bonding composition is suitably activated by contact with live steam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming pellets from wood particulate material: The apparatus comprises one or more parallel aligned, elongated dies formed by first and second aligned and mating continuous belts comprising a plurality of pads linked together. At least one of the belts has pads that contains a plurality of parallel longitudinal grooves in their free surface and the pads of the other belt are confrontingly aligned with the free surface of the pads of the first-mentioned continuous belt, to form the elongated dies. The wood particulate material, containing from 12 to 20% water, is cut, compacted, extruded and autogenously heated in the elongated dies by simultaneously rotating one of the belts counterclockwise and the other belt clockwise at respectively rotational speeds such that the linear speed of one of the belts is greater than the linear speed of the other.

Abstract: A process for pelletizing tree bark and other botanical material for use as an industrial fuel. A dryer burning fines from the final product is used to heat bark or other botanical material which is typically a waste product from lumbering or agricultural production. Once dried, the material is finely ground, preheated and forced through a pelletizing mill to create a pelletized product having a diameter of approximately 0.635 cm. The pellets are then cooled and leave the process. Several pelletizing mills are disclosed which are situated to trap the dried material against at least one die such that there will be a continuous, positive feed of material into the die. The resulting product may be substituted for coal as a heating source.

Abstract: Cork-resin ablative insulation material is prepared in a form suitable for application to complex curved surfaces by mixing finely divided cork with a B-stage curable thermosetting resin, forming the resulting mixture into a block, B-stage curing the resin-containing block and slicing the block into sheets. The B-stage cured sheet is shaped to conform to the surface being insulated, and further curing is then performed. Curing of the resin only to B-stage before shaping enables application of sheet material to complex curved surfaces and avoids limitations and disadvantages presented in handling of fully cured sheet material.

Abstract: Method for the production of cement-bonded molded articles, particularly lightweight boards of wood fiber, wood chips or other lignocelluloses, of mineral fibers, glass fibers, plastic chips and fibers or various lightweight materials, like expanded silicates, expanded clay or expanded glass or granules of foamed plastics as a base material and portland cement as a binder, characterized in that the molded articles are produced in a heated molding duct formed of endless moving belts, for example, steel belts, using a portland cement as a binder in the molding compound which contains 1 to 30% by weight, perferably 15 to 25% by weight, of a calcium-halogen aluminate of the composition 11CaO.7Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.CaX.sub. 2 wherein X is any halogen. The cement with added calcium-halogen aluminate has such a short setting time, which is further accelerated by heating during molding, that boards may be successfully made on a continuous basis using a belt-molding machine.