Abstract: Illuminating coherent or partially coherent light may be directed over an optical fiber and may be despeckled by vibrating the optical fiber or by increasing the number of modes and modal dispersion. An exemplary embodiment is directed to an optical fiber attached to a vibrating device operable to vibrate the optical fiber above a threshold frequency. Another exemplary embodiment is directed to an optical fiber configured to have a refractive index profile operable to increase the number of modes and modal dispersion.

Abstract: Apparatus for the simultaneous manufacture of several chains by means of not less than three and not more than five operating stations (5-8) equally distributed about a circular course and serving successively to add a link to the chains and to perform the operations required to finish the link. A set of movable conveyors (11-14) equalling in number the operating stations carried by an annular supporting member (22) rotatable about the vertical axis of the course successively presents depending ends (1a-4a) of the chains to the operating stations. A set of stationary conveyors (15-18) receives the chains discharged by the movable conveyors and conveys them to points from which they can be withdrawn to localities remote from the manufacturing apparatus.