Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of manufacturing an optical-fiber module including a plurality of optical fibers assembled and held together by a flexible resin, said method including a resin-application step in which said flexible resin is applied to the entire set of said fibers which are disposed parallel to one another so that their longitudinal axes lie in substantially the same plane;wherein said resin-application step is followed by the following steps:partially cross-linking said resin so as to obtain a ribbon;rolling up said ribbon by bringing together its longitudinal edges so as to give it a shape that is substantially cylindrical; andfully cross-linking said resin so as to maintain the cylindrical shape of the rolled-up ribbon.

Abstract: A method for forming a mold element comprised of metallic pellets and a bonding agent to bond together the metallic pellets. The metallic pellets can be a mixture of ferrous shot and ferrous grit and the bonding agent can be a solvent or a resin. The method comprises conditioning at least some of the metallic pellets by impaction to form a flaky surface.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an optical-fiber cable containing at least one optical-fiber module including a plurality of optical fibers assembled and held together by a flexible resin so as to define a ribbon, the ribbon inside the cable being rolled up so that its longitudinal edges substantially touch each other, and so that it is substantially cylindrical in shape, wherein the flexible resin is applied asymmetrically relative to the midplane of the ribbon in the unrolled state, which midplane contains all of the longitudinal axes of the fibers, and wherein the ribbon is rolled up by bringing its longitudinal edges together so that the majority of the resin is located inside the convex volume defined, when the ribbon is in the rolled-up state, by the surface that contains all of the longitudinal axes of the fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable, including optical fibers and a tube housing the fibers, is made by a process wherein optical fibers are fed from one or more pay-out device to the interior of an extrusion head which also receives a sheathing material in viscous form. The extrusion head extrudes the viscous material to form a sheath surrounding, but out of contact with the fibers. With the fibers still out of contact with the sheath, the fibers and sheath pass through a jig which calibrates the sheath to the final form of the tube, and cools the viscous material in a first stage of solidification. Thereafter, the cable comprising the tube and optical fibers is would up around a first draw-in device and heat treated. From the first draw-in device the cable passes to a second draw-in device with the tension of the cable between the two draw-in devices being regulated.

Abstract: A packing material for a column comprises a porous support coated with silicone polymer having an Si--R bond, wherein R is a hydrophobic group and an Si--R' bond, wherein R' is a hydrophilic group, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: The cable comprises at least one module (3) of fine conductors (1) each covered in a primary sheath (2), the conductors being wrapped in a supporting sheath (4) that provides mechanical coupling between the fine conductors (1), and the fine conductors (1) being coated in an oil (5) having viscosity lying in the range 100 cPo to 5,000 cPo.

Abstract: A method for improving the properties of ceramic green bodies is provided. In particular, ceramic green bodies having improved green strength are provided. Incorporating certain acid-containing polymers as binders at a level of at least about 1 to about 15, preferably at least about 3 to about 10 percent by weight based on the weight of ceramic particles improves the green strength of the resulting ceramic green bodies.

Abstract: A housing lining for a piston engine, drive motor, or machine composed of a sound-absorbent layer of fibers. The fibers are compressed and glued to form an essentially pore-free supporting frame at least in the vicinity of the edge of the layer.

Abstract: A method of introducing a casting compound composed of aggregates and a matrix with a hardening binder into a hollow space within a tubular sheathing of a tension member composed of one or more individual elements, particularly in the anchoring range of the tension member relative to a structural component. In accordance with the method, the aggregates are introduced first and the matrix is then introduced in the liquid state into the grain structure formed by the aggregates. A finely granular material is used as the aggregate. The finely granular material is introduced with the aid of compressed air through at least one tubular lance which is inserted in longitudinal direction of the tension member through the anchoring range.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydrophobic free-flowing pellets having an average particle size of 5 to 150 .mu.m, which consist of one or preferably more hydrophilic inorganic powders having a particle size of >0 to 30 .mu.m and contain one or more hydrophobic polyorganosiloxanes in a quantity of 0.03 to 15% by weight, to a process for their production and to their use.

Abstract: Iron-rich-material waste products, such as electric arc furnace dust, are formed with an organic binder into discrete shapes, such as briquettes. The shapes can then be used in iron and steel making processes and the iron and heavy metal values in the waste product recovered.

Abstract: A conduit assembly (10) is manufactured by extruding a casing (11) through a die while at the same time feeding a web member (15) into the casing (11) as it is being extruded to form a plurality of chambers (16, 17). If the conduit assembly (10) is manufactured with a line, such as a rope (18) or a cable (19), the rope (18) and/or cable (19) is likewise fed into the casing (11) adjacent to the web member (15) into one or both of the chambers (16, 17).

Abstract: Reinforced polymer composites having a uniform mixture of reinforcing fibers having a polymodal length distribution and having polymer particulates are provided exhibiting a good balance of impact strength and processability/formability. The composites are prepared by forming a dilute aqueous slurry of a solid heat-fusible organic polymer and a reinforcing material having a polymodal length distribution, agitating the slurry and then dewatering the slurry to provide a mat of thermoplastic polymer particles and reinforcing fiber. The mat is dried and then stamped under pressure and heat to consolidate the thermoplastic material and form a sheet-like composite structure.

Abstract: A process for the co-extrusion of an inner layer around a conductive medium and an outer layer around the inner layer including:(i) introducing into an extruder adapted for profile coextrusion, a preformed conductive medium; an inner layer formulation including a homogeneous polyethylene having a polydispersity in the range of about 1.5 to about 3.5 and an essentially uniform comonomer distribution, and an organic peroxide; and an outer layer formulation including (A) one of (a) a copolymer of ethylene and an unsaturated ester; (b) or a polyethylene having a polydispersity greater than about 4.0 and a density of at least 0.916 gram per cubic centimeter, said polymer made by a high pressure process; or (c) a heterogeneous copolymer of ethylene and one or more alpha-olefins having a density of less than 0.916 gram per cubic centimeter, a melt index of at least about 4 grams per 10 minutes, and a polydispersity greater than about 4.

Abstract: A buffer tube for an optical fiber cable is made from a polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer resin having nucleating agents and filler materials disbursed therein. The nucleating agents and filler materials improve compression-tension resistance and thermal expansion properties of the polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer buffer tube.

Abstract: A process which produces a detergent composition that exhibits improved solubility as well as improved flow properties is provided. The improved solubility can be detected by evidence of increased solubility of the surfactants in the washing solution and/or by the decreased amount of detergent residue left on laundered clothes. It has now been discovered that incorporating nonionic surfactant on and/or in spray-dried detergent granules before cooling the granules and while they are relatively hot, and thereafter cooling and mixing the granules improves the solubility and flow properties of the granules.

Abstract: A process for preparing shaped articles comprises the steps of:(a) mixing a water curable binder with vegetable particulate material to form a first mixture, the moisture content of said first mixture being insufficient to cure said binder prior to said mixture being placed in a mold;(b) feeding said first mixture to a mold having molding plates, said molding plates and said first mixture defining an interface;(c) providing water to at least a portion of said interface, the amount of water added at said interface, in conjunction with the moisture content of said first mixture, being sufficient to cure said binder; and,(d) subjecting said first mixture to elevated temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: Production of plasterboard includes spreading of a mixture formed of gyps fibers and water onto a continuously moving belt to form a spread layer subsequently precompressed to 110% to 180% of a final board thickness and successively wetted from both sides and thereafter compressing the wetted layer to the final board thickness.

Abstract: In manufacturing fiberboard, it is known to press mixtures of lignocellulosic material and binding agents to form a board product. In this invention, an improved process for manufacturing fiberboard is disclosed including the step of adding a solution of maleic anhydride and glycerol to the lignocellulosic material prior to refining thereof. The binder used is preferably phenolic-formaldehyde resin, in which case post-heating may be beneficial.

Abstract: A paste supply tube in a molding compound manufacturing apparatus includes first and second paste supply tubes extending parallel or substantially parallel to each other and in a direction widthwise of a pair of carrier films, each of the first and second paste supply tubes having upstream and downstream ends opposite to each other with respect to the direction of supply of a resinous paste material thereinto. While the downstream ends of the respective first and second paste supply tubes are closed, the first and second paste supply tubes are supported with the upstream and downstream ends of the first paste supply tube neighboring the downstream and upstream ends of the second paste supply tube, respectively, with respect to a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of each paste supply tube.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing light panels using a plate- or sheet-like carrier having optical fibers therein ending according to a certain pattern. The optical fibers (4) taken from a fiber supply are positioned in accordance with said pattern by means of a pattern plate (5). The optical fibers (4) lying on the side of the pattern plate (5) remote from the fiber supply (21) are introduced into a mould (1) in order to have them surrounded by a layer of a castable or injectable and quickly setting material (3) for forming the carrier. The fibers (4) are held in the desired position at the upper surface of the carrier to be formed within the mould (1) and the fiber ends are deflected in a group out of the mould (1).

Abstract: A process for producing a casting ceramic including water glass and a powder containing silicon and aluminum, includes mixing epoxy resin based on bisphenol-A into a casting ceramic to reduce open porosity. The casting ceramic is subsequently subjected to at least one heat treatment.

Abstract: Improved wood fiber mat comprised of a mixture of thermo-mechanically processed wood fibers and synthetic fibers.

Abstract: A process for producing a cured composite and flexible light pipe, in which a molten cladding polymer and a crosslinkable core mixture are concurrently and coaxially extruded through a core mixture delivery tube of a coextrusion die, the extruded tubular cladding is filled with the extruded crosslinkable core mixture, and the crosslinkable core mixture is cured within the tubular cladding.

Abstract: A method of fixing plastic reinforcing pins into non-woven filamentary material includes the steps of: (a) providing an elongated web of randomly-aligned synthetic fibers, (b) creating a repeating pattern of holes through the by a hole-punching mechanism having a plurality of heated punch heads maintained at a temperature above the melting point of the synthetic fibers, (c) conveying the web from the punching mechanism over a supporting belt such that the belt provides a closed bottom for each hole, (d) injecting a quick-setting liquid polymer into the holes with an injector mechanism having a plurality of liquid injector nozzles arranged in an identical pattern as the pattern of punch heads and operated in coordinated sequence with the punching mechanism, such that an injector nozzle is inserted into a corresponding hole, and (e) allowing the severed ends of the fibers to imbed into the liquid polymer before it sets.

Abstract: This invention relates to a molding process that utilizes different kinds of recycled materials to create a nonhomogeneous article. The materials are first granulated or shredded and then loaded into specific volumes within a mold. An uncured liquid thermosetting resin is then injected into the mold to fill the voids between the particles and completely encapsulated to the particles within the resin. The resin is allowed to cure in an unheated and an unpressurized state to form finished articles.

Abstract: A mold arrangement for molding an optodevice onto an optical fibre ribbon. The mould includes several plates which are intended for insertion between the movable top plate and the stationary bottom plate, or counterpressure plate, of a transfer molding press, and includes an inlet channel, primary and secondary runners, and an optodevice molding cavity which is defined by two of the plates, the mould plates, when the mould is closed, and through which the fibre ribbon extends. Each of the mould plates is provided with respective front and back exchangeable jaws. One jaw of the front jaws is provided in the jaw dividing plane with V-grooves which correspond in number to the number of fibers in the fibre ribbon and in which the optical fibers from which a protective covering material has been stripped are positioned so that their centers lie in the jaw dividing plane. That side of the other jaw which lies proximal to the fibers is provided with a recess in which a pad of soft resilient material is mounted.

Abstract: Improved PMD performance is achieved in fiber optic cable fabricated in accordance with the principles of the invention by twisting each of a plurality of optical fibers in a controlled manner as the cable is being formed. A controlled amount of twist is imparted to each optical fiber uniformly along its entire length. Uniformity of twist reduces twist-induced strain and promotes optimum PMD reduction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing a cable having a channel for receiving energy conductors, e.g. optical fibers, with a channel cover which has a weak bond with the material forming the channel to facilitate removal of the cover. The plastic material which provides the channel and the plastic material which forms the cover are simultaneously extruded around optical fibers in two flows which are separated in advance of enclosing the fibers and which join with a weak bond as the flows meet thereafter. In the apparatus, the extruder has a tubular element through which the fibers are fed and the tubular element divides the plastic material into two separate flows in advance of a die. The tubular member is adjustable in position with respect to the die to balance or equalize the plastics flow.

Abstract: A cylindrical polymer fiber filter cartridge for liquid filtration is formed by applying an acrylic latex binder, diluted with water, to a batt of thermoplastic polymer fibers and winding the batt onto a core to form a hollow fibrous cylinder while applying compression with a compression roll to an outer surface of the fibrous cylinder. After the batt is fully wound onto the core, the cylindrical cartridge is rotated at a speed sufficient to cause the acrylic latex binder to foam in-situ thereby fluidizing the cartridge to allow the polymer fibers in the cartridge to reorient to form a smooth outer surface on the cartridge and to evenly distribute the acrylic binder throughout the cartridge. The binder in the cartridge is then cured to bond the fibers together at their points of intersection and annular grooves are cut in the outer surface of the cartridge to increase the surface area of the filter.

Abstract: A laminated fabric material, a nonwoven textile product used to make that material and methods of making each are disclosed. The nonwoven textile product includes a compressed nonwoven textile batt of textile staple fibers and a cured binder disposed substantially throughout the batt. The textile product is suitable as a substitute for foam backing layers in the production of laminated fabric materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for making preforms from a fibrous material such as glass fibers. The apparatus includes a porous mold form that, in carrying out the method, is attached over the open face of a charge box. The charge box and mold form are then rotated as a single unit to dump glass fibers or other fiberous reinforcement held in the charge box onto the mold form. Air is drawn through the porous mold form to thereby retain a layer of the glass fibers against the mold form. The mold form and charge box are rotated back to their initial position and then disconnected. A binder is sprayed onto the glass fibers if not otherwise already applied thereto. The binder is then cured, resulting in a unitary glass fibers preform.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for applying gel to a plurality of optical fibers (18) includes a housing (12) having a cavity (14) through which a plurality of separated optical fibers (18) are fed. The gel is provided to the cavity (14) from a gel reservoir (76) via a pump (74) that maintains the pressure and gel level to ensure that the optical fibers (18) are coated with gel to eliminate air gaps and thus prevent sticking among the optical fibers (18).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded waveguide (50) is provided. A first cladding layer (20) is provided. Channels (21) are formed in the first cladding layer (20). A second cladding layer (40) is subsequently provided. The channels (21) in the first cladding layer (20) are then filled with an optically transparent polymer. The second cladding layer (40) is subsequently affixed over the channels (21) of the first cladding layer (20), thereby enclosing the channels (21).

Abstract: A process for making a component by depositing a first layer of a powder material in a confined region and then depositing a binder material to selected regions of the layer of powder material to produce a layer of bonded powder material at the selected regions. Such steps are repeated a selected number of times to produce successive layers of selected regions of bonded powder material so as to form the desired component. The unbonded powder material is then removed. In some cases the component may be further processed as, for example, by heating it to further strengthen the bonding thereof.

Abstract: Glass fiber mats are made for subsequent use in preforming for an RTM or SRIM molding process, for example, such that the binder applied to the mat has two distinct curing stages. In the first stage, a partial cure is provided by visible light upon a free radical generation in response to a photoinitiator mixed in the binder in an exact ratio to give a predictable increase in viscosity to that of a semi-solid so that the fibers are sufficiently bound for subsequent handling, but not sufficient to complete a cure, while leaving a second stage ready for a final cure which is achieved by the use of a cationic-type second photoinitiator which is sensitive to ultraviolet light. During the second curing stage, the mat is formed into a three-dimensional shape of a desired end product and cured with ultraviolet radiation while still in the mold, to obtain a rigid three-dimensional preform structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming a preform (12) of structural fibers (14) includes a hermetically sealed housing (18) for controlling air pressures and flow therein. A perforated screen (28) is located within the housing (18) separating same into a high pressure chamber (34) and a low pressure chamber (36). Pressurized air is supplied to the high pressure chamber (34) to agitate and randomize fibers (14), and a vacuum (26) is provided in the low pressure chamber (36) to draw and compact the fibers against the screen (28). The pressure differential between the chambers (34, 36) provides significant compaction of the fibers against the screen. A binder (16) is applied to the fibers (14) to maintain the shape of the preform.

Abstract: Composite boards made primarily from recycled waste paper and methods for production of such boards are described.

Abstract: A loose tube element including a plastic sheath containing a grease-like material and an optical fiber or bundle of optical fibers or a ribbon of optical fibers is pulled from an extruder crosshead through a cooling bath and around a constant speed capstan. The loose tube element travels around the constant speed capstan a number of times and as it exits the capstan it is subject to a tensile force provided by a variable torque control capstan. The tensile force causes elongation of the plastic sheath, causes the optical fiber to be pulled taut and thereby controls the ratio of fiber length to sheath length within the loose tube element. While subjected to the tensile force, the element is subsequently cooled, causing the elongation of the plastic sheath to become permanent and thus fixing the fiber-to-sheath length ratio.

Abstract: Plasterboard is made by first spreading a mixture of plaster, fibers and er and then pressing this moist mixture to form the raw board. The upper and lower surfaces of the raw board are then wetted and the thus wetted raw board is pressed with a pressure less than the original consolidation pressure.

Abstract: A method of producing a patterned shaped article includes the steps of disposing at a prescribed position within a main form for molding the shaped article a cell form having a plurality of cells arranged in a contiguous manner, charging a prescribed amount of dry pattern-course material for forming the pattern course of the shaped article into prescribed cells of the cell form, charging a base-course material for forming the base course of the shaped article into the remaining space of the main form not filled with the pattern-course material, removing the cell form, causing the charged pattern-course material and base-course material to set into a shaped article, removing the shaped article from the main form and, optionally, sintering the shaped article.

Abstract: A method for covering at least one optical fiber with a protective layer comprises extruding the protective layer and embedding reinforcing elements in the protective layer to form a composite covering and simultaneously introducing the optical fiber into the composite covering. The method includes introducing a single waveguide or a plurality of waveguides, which may be formed into a bundle with a filling compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydraulically bonded cement compositions and methods of manufacture. Hydraulically bonded cement compositions and methods of manufacture include materials prepared by manipulating under pressure powdered hydraulic cement compositions using known or novel powder packing, casting, or expanding techniques, such that air within the powdered hydraulic cement is successfully removed while the cement is formed into a self-supporting near net final position. Thereafter, the formed hydraulic cement article is hydrated without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: Incorporation of solid removable aggregates into powdered cement which later completely dissolve, evaporate, volatilize, or melt leaving voids in the cement composition is discussed. Cementitious articles are prepared by manipulating powdered hydraulic cement or cement paste compositions into mechanically self-supporting structures of a predetermined configuration and thereafter hydrating the hydraulic cement compositions without mechanical mixing of the cement and water.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a fiberscopic catheter having a tightly fitted optical glass fiber bundle received within an internal lumen of the catheter. The lumen for receiving the optical glass fiber bundle is heated and expanded under internal fluid pressure. The catheter and lumen are then cooled with the lumen still under the internal fluid pressure. After cooling, the fluid pressure is released and the lumen retains its expanded condition. An optical glass fiber bundle is inserted into the expanded lumen to a predetermined position within the catheter. The catheter and lumen are reheated to contract the expanded diameter of the lumen about the optical glass fiber bundle to provide a fiberscopic catheter having a tightly fitted fiber optic bundle within the catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying filling compound or the like to a rotating optical ribbon stack comprising a stationary bearing through which a viscous substance is applied under pressure, a rotatable journal, and a ribbon wiping die secured within the journal through which a light waveguide ribbon stack may be passed.

Abstract: An optical coupler using round optical fibers whose ends have been formed into a predefined shape to allow greater physical packing densities in order to achieve greater uniform illumination efficiency. The interstitial space between optical fibers is greatly reduced by thermoforming the ends of round optical fibers in a mold that makes a gradual transition from a circular shape to the predefined shape to avoid optical loss. Since the change in shape is gradual, the total cross-sectional area of the fibers remains constant; and optical loss is minimal because there is no reduction in mode volume. The predefined shape may be substantially square or rectangular. The core and cladding materials of the optical fiber are carefully chosen with respect to the glass transition state temperatures of both materials because the temperature at which the materials are formed by a mold are slightly above the glass transition state of the core or cladding, whichever is higher.

Abstract: A composite material comprises a body, e.g., a slab, of a fused refractory oxycompound (3) having a multiplicity of discrete inclusions such as lumps (1) of an aluminum-wettable RHM in its surface. These bodies are especially useful as aluminum-wettable but non-current carrying components of aluminum reduction cells.

Abstract: A method of patterning a concrete surface and a pattern transfer mat for use in the method. The pattern transfer mat has a transfer surface having three-dimensional irregularities and carrying a multiplicity of grains to be transferred to the substrate concrete. Concrete is cast against the transfer surface of the mat and cured in situ and the mat is then detached.

Abstract: A process for preparing a diamond particle/silver metal matrix composite ucture by coating diamond particles with molten silver nitrate, decomposing the silver nitrate to form a silver metal coating on the surfaces of the diamond particles, consolidating the silver metal coated diamond particles into a composite structure having continuous pores between the silver metal coated diamond particles, infiltrating the continuous pores of the composite with molten silver nitrate and decomposing the silver nitrate to form silver metal which fills the continuous pores of the composite structure.