Abstract: This specification teaches a method of manufacturing a curved windshield with an electrically conductive film thereon. The method includes the steps of placing an electrically conductive film, an oxidizable metal layer, and an oxidized metal layer in layered relationship on a flat glass sheet. A glass templet is cut from the coated sheet and electric bus bars are applied and dried on the electrically conductive film on the coated glass templet. A glass templet is cut from an uncoated glass sheet and the two so-formed templets are united with the coating of the one sheet exposed to the ambient. The glass sheets are heated and bent into curved configuration. Thereafter, a laminating interlayer is placed between the glass templets and the glass templets are laminated together.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for coupling ends of first and second multicore coated optical fibers each having multiple optical fibers integrally covered with a coating. The method includes a clamping step of setting the first and second multicore coated optical fibers in first and second clamp members, respectively, a cutting step of cutting off exposed fiber ends of the first and second multicore coated optical fibers and a coupling step of coupling cut end faces of the optical fibers of the first and second multicore coated optical fibers such that the cutting step and the coupling step are performed without detaching the first and second multicore coated optical fibers from the first and second clamp members, respectively.

Abstract: In the interest of producing high-strength splice connections between silica-based glass fibers a method of using a tri-particle flow of gases for flame fusion is disclosed. An outer relatively high-velocity flow of oxygen surrounds an intermediate, lower-velocity flow of chlorine or oxygen which in turn surrounds a central flow of H.sub.2, D.sub.2, NH.sub.3, or ND.sub.3.Particularly high strengths are achieved when a central flow of hydrogen or deuterium and an intermediate flow of chlorine are used in such a fashion as to heat fiber ends to be spliced to temperatures of 500 degrees C. and beyond only after these ends have been enveloped by chlorine.

Abstract: A bundle of optical fibers each covered by an acid-soluble borosilicate glass is treated with an acid solution, with an alkali solution, and then with an acid solution to completely remove the acid-soluble glass from the middle portion between the end portions of the optical fiber bundle. A plastic material is charged into the interstices among the fibers at the boundary portions between the middle portion and the end portions. These interstices are free of any insoluble residue of the acid-soluble glass. A reinforcement is formed around the periphery of at least a part of the boundary portions by covering the periphery with a flexible plastic material or by winding a linear member around the periphery.

Abstract: A low loss fiber optic coupler is fabricated by forming a coupler preform having a plurality of spaced glass cores extending longitudinally through a matrix of glass having a refractive index lower than that of the cores. The coupler preform is heated and stretched by first pulling means to form a glass rod which is drawn by second pulling means past an intermittant source of localized heat. When the localized heat source is turned on, the second pulling means draws the rod downwardly at a rate faster than the first pulling means. Since the rod is softened by the localized heat source, a necked-down coupling region is formed. The rod is severed to form a plurality of coupler units. When an end of a unit is immersed in acid, the matrix glass dissolves, thereby leaving the unit cores and surrounding etch-resistant cladding glass protruding from the newly formed endface of the unit.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a passive fiber optic component, in which two or more fibers are each bared at one end by removal of the outer coating of the fiber the bare portions of the fibers are etched to produce a cylindrical end portion which adjoins a conical portion. Subsequently, the fibers (1) are arranged with their etched portions in a capillary tube which is sealed at one end. The tube is then evacuated and is fused with the etched portions of the fibers to form a solid rod with a rotationally symmetric distribution of the end portions of the fibers. The fibers are etched to such a diameter that after fusion of the fibers with the tube, the fused fibers ends have a circular cross-section substantially equal to the cross-section of a single fiber core. An end face is formed on the rod by cleaving or by grinding, and by polishing to obtain a fused fiber head.

Abstract: An automatic machine for welding optical fibers end-to-end comprises a first plate (1) for supporting a first or "reference" fiber (2) and a second plate (5) for supporting a second or "moving" fiber (6). The second plate can be translated along Ox and Oy axes in a plane perpendicular to the axes of the fibers. The ends of the fibers are illuminated by light sources (30, 31), optical systems make images thereof, and optical pick-ups (12, 13, 18, 19) located at the image points provide optical signals representative of the positions of the optical fibers relative to each of said Ox and Oy axes. These signals are converted into electrical signals and are compared by electronic comparators (15, 21) which deliver corresponding error signals to control means (17, 23, 24) for moving the second plate until the moving fiber is in alignment with the reference fiber.

Abstract: In the interest of reducing the effect on tensile strength of flame processing of a silica-based optical fiber waveguide, such processing is by a method in which a significant flow of oxygen surrounds a flame produced by combustion of hydrogen, deuterium, ammonia, or deuterated ammonia. Flame processing may be for purposes such as, e.g., fiber drawing, fiber fusing for the sake of lateral coupling, refractive index modification by the diffusion of dopants, and fiber splicing in the manufacture of long lengths of fiber. Even though there is no use of chlorine, at least 80 percent of spliced fibers have a tensile strength greater than or equal to 500 kpsi (3.45 GPa) as is desirable in optical fiber cable manufacture.

Abstract: In a process for preparing glass flowers having petals, the steps of preparing petals which comprise providing a blown elongated enlarged hollow bulb on a hollow glass tube, heating and manipulating the bulb so as to separate it into two vertical dish-like pre-petal members, removing the pre-petal members from the tube, elongating the ends of the pre-petal members so as to form solid tips, attaching the members to a glass flower stem at the tips and heating and manipulating the members so as to refine the shape of the petals.

Abstract: There are disclosed an optical fiber junction device and a method of making the same. The method comprises the steps of providing a central inner pipe or rod of glass, arranging a plurality of optical fibers around the inner pipe or rod, and externally heating the optical fibers and the central inner pipe to form a thermally fused assembly having cores of a sectorial cross section. The inner pipe may include a tapered portion having a reduced diameter. The optical fibers may comprise optical fiber junction units each composed of a plurality of optical fibers.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a magnetic head, a magnetic layer is sputtered or evaporated on a surface of a first substrate of glass or nonmagnetic material and a nonmagnetic material such as glass is sputtered on one end face of the composite body formed by the substrate and the magnetic layer to form a gap filling layer. A second substrate of the same material and thickness as the first is bonded thereto with the magnetic gap filling being interposed therebetween. Magnetic material is sputtered or evaporated on the bonded substrates until a predetermined thickness is reached to form a second magnetic layer. The magnetic layers are then lapped to reveal an edge of the gap filling layer between adjacent edges of the two magnetic layers.Since the gap filling layer is formed by sputtering method, magnetic gap length can be precisely determined and since the thickness of the magnetic layers determines the track width, a magnetic head having a narrow width can be easily manufactured.

Abstract: An optical fiber comprising a core and cladding having different refractive indices and forming a single-mode guiding region, the core having a non-circular cross-section defining two transverse orthogonal axes which, in combination with the different refractive indices, permit the de-coupling of waves polarized along the axes. The guiding region is located sufficiently close to the surface of the fiber along a selected length of the fiber, to allow coupling to a guided wave. The outer surface of the fiber has a non-circular cross-section with a predetermined geometric relationship to the guiding region and the orthogonal transverse axes so that the location of the guiding region and the orientation of the axes can be ascertained from the geometry of the outer surface.

Abstract: A single-ended low wattage high intensity discharge lamp and manufacturing process wherein a sleeve of electrical insulating material having the same coefficient of expansion as quartz is telescoped over an electrical lead a fuzed to the "pinch" seal portion of a quartz envelope.

Abstract: A method of making an optical fiber, comprising the steps of forming an optical preform having a core and a cladding with different refractive indices, the core being offset from the geometric center of the preform and having a non-circular cross-section defining two transverse orthogonal axes, the core having a longer transverse dimension along one of the orthogonal axes than along the other of the axes for guiding two fundamental modes, which, in combination with the different refractive indices, permits the de-coupling of waves polarized along the axes, the outer surface of the preform having a non-circular cross-section forming an indexing surface with a predetermined geometric relationship to the core and the orthogonal transverse axes so that the location of the core and the orientation of the axes can be ascertained from the geometry of the outer surface, and drawing an optical fiber from the preform with the drawing rate and the temperature of the preform being controlled to produce a fiber with a cro

Abstract: A chalcogenide glass rod and/or a fluoride glass rod are covered with a thermally shrinkable synthetic resin tube, the resulting assembly being heated under vacuum to produce a preform, and a thermally shrinkable synthetic resin tube with a plurality of said preforms formed in a bundle and inserted thereinto is drawn again under heating.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical shield for a laser catheter is disclosed in which a rod of light transmissive material is optically polished and inserted into a tube of similar material and fused and the distal end of the rod is cut and the assembly is optically polished at the distal end.

Abstract: A polarization-preserving single mode fiber coupler, fabricated by a method which does not require mutually aligning the fiber polarization axes provided the actual misalignment angle is not close to 90.degree.. The protective jackets from two or more polarization-preserving single mode birefringent fibers are partially removed and the fibers are twisted around each other to bring them into contact over the jacketless region and provide a coupling length that is large compared to the birefringent beat length of the fibers. Next, the cladding layers of the fibers in the contacting region are partially etched without degrading the birefringent beat length over their coupling length. Then, the etched region is heated to the softening point of the fibers while axial tension is applied to taper and fuse the etched region until a desired coupling of the fibers is achieved. Finally, a mechanical supporting structure is added to the tapered and fused region of the fibers.

Abstract: A process for making a honeycomb sandwich panel in a single furnace cycle which is particularly applicable to making a glass honeycomb sandwich panel as might be utilized in the construction of a glass mirror substrate. In one embodiment, lengths of glass tubing are sandwiched between glass faceplates. On heating to softening temperature, the faceplates are compressed between rigid plates until they are sealed against the open tube ends. Then the sealed tubes are inflated, or the external gas pressure decreased, so the tubes expand and seal also against each other. At the same time the softened faceplates are pressed against and conform to the shape of the rigid restraining plates. One way to achieve inflation of the tubes is with a gas manifold communicating through a hole in the back faceplate and into each tube. A pressure differential is maintained while the glass is cooled until it becomes rigid.

Abstract: High-strength, low-loss splices of optical fiber can be produced by fusion splicing the fiber with a D.sub.2 -O.sub.2 flame. According to the invention, the deuterium concentration in the gas mixture used to produce the flame is at least 10% by volume of the reducing gas present in the mixture. Preferably, substantially all of the reducing gas in the mixture is deuterium, with oxygen the oxidizing gas species.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a novel method of coating a substrate, e.g., including a transparent glass substrate, with a very thin inorganic coating of predetermined varying composition, e.g. an electrically-conductive tin oxide coating. The coating is carried out in such a way that quality control problems associated with leakage of the coating reactants from the reaction zone are virtually eliminated. The resulting coating can exhibit excellent non-iridescent properties even at thicknesses well below one micrometer.

Abstract: A method of making a single mode optical fibre directional coupler in which a pair of fibres (30,31) in side-by-side contact is subjected to a succession of drawing operations produced by traversing the fibres longitudinally through a flame (34) while stretching them between a pair of carriages (32,33) driven at slightly different speeds.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a glass product, in which a symmetrical glass member same in shape as a good made by combining a plurality of glass products is molded once and then the symmetrical glass member is cut to provide the plurality of glass products.

Abstract: In an apparatus for mounting, within the glass neck of a cathode ray tube envelope, an electron gun assembly which includes the usual glass stem in the form of a disk with an exhaust tubulation extending centrally therefrom for eventual evacuation of the envelope, an upright support tube is provided with a central bore which is closed at its lower end and opened at the upper end for receiving the exhaust tubulation when the electron gun assembly is supported by such tube with the stem above the upper end of the support tube, and the support tube further has longitudinal passages therein spaced outwardly from the central bore and isolated from the latter, such longitudinal passages opening at ends thereof adjacent the upper end of the support tube.

Abstract: A photocathode arrangement comprises a body of semiconductor material, such as gallium arsenide which is bonded to a fiber optic face plate. A thin anti-reflection coating of silicon nitride is positioned between the body and the plate and forms an integral part of the bond. The properties of the glasses from which the fiber optic face plate is made are carefully chosen to minimize crystal dislocations which can be introduced into the body of gallium arsenide when it is bonded to the face plate. Such crystal dislocations can seriously impair the performance of the photocathode. It has been found that it is advantageous to use a glass having an annealing temperature of about 575.degree. C. or less. Because of high temperature processing steps, its softening temperature must be about 680.degree. C. or greater. The photocathode arrangement so formed is intended to constitute the input port of an image intensifier.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an optical attenuator includes the following steps. Measuring the magnitude of optical loss imposed on an optical signal transmitted through first and second abutted optical fibers. Aligning the abutted ends of the first and second optical fibers for minimum distributed optical signal loss through both optical fibers, as measured at the far end of the second optical fiber. Heating the abutted ends of the first and second optical fibers into a plastic state. Physically distorting the optical fiber ends until the measured optical signal loss increases by a desired additional lumped optical loss value. Cooling the abutted ends of the first and second optical fibers to form a fusion splice imposing the desired additional lumped optical loss value between the ends of the first and second optical fibers.

Abstract: An advantageous method for fabricating an optical attenuator between the ends of two optical fibers uses the following steps. The axes of the cores of optical fiber ends are misaligned by an offset distance and then one of them is moved along its center axis until the ends of the fibers abut one another. Abutted ends of the optical fibers are melted. While the fiber ends are molten, surface tension aligns the axes of the cores of the optical fibers. Finally the abutted ends region of the optical fibers is cooled into a lumped optical attenuator.

Abstract: A process for producing an image fiber comprising drawing an image fiber preform consisting of a bundle of a plurality of optical fibers each of which is drawn from an optical fiber preform and consists of a core and a cladding, in which at least one of the optical fiber preform, the optical fiber, the image fiber preform and the image fiber is hydrogenated at a temperature higher than a room temperature, the image fiber produced having improved attenuation which is less increased when it is irradiated, particularly with gamma-ray.

Abstract: A method for forming an optical fiber from a single characteristic glass includes arraying hollow starter tubes about a central axis with each starter tube contacting its adjoining tubes along respective lines of contact to define a longitudinally extending opening about the central axis. The arrayed starter tubes are heated to cause them to fuse together along their lines of contact, and the fused starter tubes are inserted into a jacketing tube, preferably having the same physical and optical properties as the starter tubes. A pressure differential is established between the interior of the starter tubes and the tube-defined longitudinally extending opening. The tube assembly is heated to allow the established pressure differential to cause portions of the starter tubes to reform by moving toward and to the central axis to create a solid, void-free core and supporting webs. Other portions of the starter tubes expand toward and fuse to the interior surface of the jacketing tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fusion splicing optical fibres, in which the first clamping arrangement comprising arms 3 and 4 and clamps 3a, 4a pivots over from a first position to a second position in which magnetic fibre clamps 14a, 14b hold the fibre ends in a two-part fibre V-location 8a, 8b to precisely coaxially align the fibre ends. Fusion electrodes 11, 12 fuse the ends together.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a low-pressure mercury vapor discharge lamp having a discharge envelope sealed in a vacuum-tight manner and comprising four substantially parallel co-extending glass tube parts (1,2,3,4), adjacent tube parts (1,2) being connected through a cross-coupling (5) to each other so that during operation of the lamp the major part of each of the tube parts (1,2,3,4) as well as the cross-couplings (5,6,7) are traversed by the discharge.According to the invention, first a cross-coupling (24) is established between a first tube part (20) having a length l.sub.1, which is sealed at one end (20a) and comprises at the other end an electrode (22), and a tube part (18) likewise sealed at one end (18a) having a length l.sub.1 +l.sub.2, which tube part (18) comprises at its other end an electrode (16), the tube part (18) being subdivided at (18b) into two tube parts, one of which has a length l.sub.1 (26) and the other has a length l.sub.2 (27), the tube part having a length l.sub.

Abstract: A method of minimizing distortion and preventing wrinkles in optical plastic-glass composites utilizing a lens-laminating mechanism wherein stretched synthetic fabric is disposed between a plunger and the plastic-glass composite wherein the stretched synthetic fabric transfers some of the plunger forces toward the perimeter of the plastic-glass composite during contact of the plunger with the composite.

Abstract: A process for producing pressure sensors and other similar devices in which a fluid-tight bond between a sealing glass and another material is obtained under the effect of the application of heat and an electric field.The process is characterized in that the parts to be assembled float on the surface of a molten metal bath. The bath is positioned in a chamber within which a partial vacuum prevails.

Abstract: A disposable, single-use, medication charged syringe is described wherein the syringe body is formed with a tubular glass barrel having a steel needle mounted on the barrel by means of a tubular glass bead. The beading and barrel are initially made from common stock of right circular hollow cylindrical tubes. The syringe body is formed by a number of steps including a barrel flaring operation and a needle attaching operation in which the needle is first sealed to the glass tubular bead before the glass bead is sealed to the glass barrel. Identification of the syringe and the particular unit dose therein is provided by a flared colored plastic gripping sleeve which is slipped over the glass barrel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tubulating a glass barrel including a glass lathe with the tubing in one chuck and a barrel holding device in the other chuck having a pair of spring members to engage the openings of the barrel and hermetically seal the barrel with an air pressure source to induce pressure to the inside of the barrel with the method including heating the end of the tubing and the point on the barrel for attachment, blowing a hole out through the point and welding the tube over the hole while the parts are spinning on the lathe.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fiber-optical coupling element by fusion of two monomode fibers. The fiber cores are made of a core glass, the American softening temperature of which is at least 80.degree. C. higher than that of the cladding glass. The fibers are heated to a temperature between 520.degree. and 560.degree. C. By the method, fibers can be fused to form a coupling element without undesirable deformation of the fiber cores.

Abstract: In the manufacture of sintered silicon nitride articles by hot isostatic pressing, multiple silicon nitride parts are encapsulated within a single capsule for the pressing operation. Suitable spacers placed between the parts ease separation thereof after sintering.

Abstract: In the manufacture of sintered silicon nitride articles by hot isostatic pressing, silicon nitride preforms are assembled in a stack with spacers between the preforms. A plurality of such stacks are inserted in a glass tube closed at one end. The glass is melted around each stack to encapsulate each stack in a single sealed capsule.

Abstract: In the manufacture of sintered silicon nitride articles by hot isostatic pressing, silicon nitride preforms are assembled in a stack with spacers between the preforms. The stack is completely enveloped in refractory metal foil and then encapsulated within a single capsule for the pressing operation.

Abstract: An acid-soluble glass used in manufacture of a flexible fiber optic bundle and a process for manufacturing a flexible fiber optic bundle using the glass. The glass has a composition expressed by mol percent comprising more than 15.0% and less than 41.0% of SiO.sub.2, more than 29.0% and less than 54.0% of B.sub.2 O.sub.3, more than 6.0% and less than 23.0% of BaO, and more than 5.0% and less than 19.0% of at least one alkali metal oxide selected from the group consisting of Na.sub.2 O, K.sub.2 O and Li.sub.2 O, the total amount of SiO.sub.2, B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and BaO being more than 71.0% and less than 80.0%.

Abstract: An acid-soluble glass for use in making a flexible optical fiber bundle, which comprises the following composition:20.0 mol %<SiO.sub.2 <48.0 mol %25.0 mol %<B.sub.2 O.sub.3 <50.0 mol %5.0 mol %.ltoreq.BaO.ltoreq.6.0 mol %7.0 mol %<Na.sub.2 O, K.sub.2 O, or Li.sub.2 O, or total of the two or more thereof<18.0 mol %71.0 mol %<SiO.sub.2 +B.sub.2 O.sub.3 +BaO<80.0 mol %7.4 mol %<ZnO<12.0 mol %1.8 mol %<Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 <7 mol %The acid-soluble glass exhibits a high solubility in an acid, a high resistance to water, and a high viscosity at the fiber-forming temperature.

Abstract: A number of three-layer optical fibers each having a core a cladding and an overcoating layer of acid-soluble glass material are bonded together by means of an adhesive which can be removed by applying heat. The bonded optical fibers are heated and stretched to obtain a solid optical fiber bundle. The solid optical fiber bundle is brought into contact with an acid to elute (leach away) the overcoating layer of the acid-soluble glass material.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fiber optic waveguide which is particularly suited for infrared radiation transmission at extended wavelengths. The core of the waveguide is fabricated from heavy ionic compounds selected from metal halides in order to achieve such extended infrared transparency. While it is impossible to prepare these materials into optical fibers using conventional fiber drawing techniques, the present invention teaches how such materials may be prepared into optical fibers using an extrusion process at elevated temperatures and high pressures.

Abstract: A large metal cone cathode ray tube and envelope for the same in which the faceplate is adhered to the metal cone by a frit seal without distorting the faceplate. In some embodiments, a glass neck assembly also is adhered to the metal cone by a frit seal. Readily available glass and metal materials can be used.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer comprising a pair of disc shaped members having planar surfaces made from an insulator material, one of the members being several times thinner than the other plate and flexible and constituting a diaphragm and the other thicker plate constituting a stationary plate. A thin conductive film is formed on the surface of each of the members to form the plates of the capacitor. A glass frit is applied on the marginal edge of each member and when the members are held in adjacent relationship, the assembly is fired to seal the two members together while spacing them a predetermined distance apart so that the two conductive plates are opposite each other and are separated by an open gap of a predetermined distance, the two conductive plates being insulated one from the other. Leads are electrically connected to the conductive plate of each disc through the fused glass frit.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing distributor and mixer elements for optical communications technology, which elements have at least two glass fiber light waveguides fused to one another along a given segment, characterized by the steps of forming a preform by arranging at least two fiber optical rods to extend parallel to each other, fusing the arranged rods to one another in at least one sharply limited longitudinal area, then subsequently heating the preform and drawing the elements therefrom.

Abstract: There is disclosed a metallic clad glass fiber optical waveguide suitable for use as a high-strength optical transmission line, e.g., for high capacity communications systems and for sensors operating at high temperature. A metallic coating or jacket is formed on the glass waveguide structure, which comprises a core and glass cladding, by coating the glass fiber as it emerges from the furnace with a metal or alloy. The metal or alloy employed is one that (a) is substantially chemically inert with respect to the material comprising the glass fiber at the melting point of the metal or alloy during coating of the metal or alloy onto the glass fiber, (b) has a recrystallization temperature greater than room temperature or the contemplated working temperature, whichever is greater, and (c) forms a hermetic seal around the outer surface of the glass cladding.

Abstract: When a pair of plastics sheathed glass optical fibres (1, 2) is joined by a fusion splice there is a length of bare fibre between where the original sheathing of one fibre terminates and where that of the other begins. This gap is filled with reinstatement sheathing (5, 5b) which is fused to the original sheathing using a length (4) of heat-shrink tubing as a mould. The heat-shrink tubing is then removed to leave a smooth profile for the spliced fibre.

Abstract: An optical fibre cable comprises a support structure having helical grooves around its periphery. Optical fibres are laid in the grooves. Said fibre-containing grooves (2) are then partially untwisted in the direction of the arrow (4), thereby lengthening the pitch of the grooves and hence lengthening the fibres relative to the grooves.

Abstract: VAD torches include a plurality of coaxially aligned tubes. A typical outside diameter is about 1 inch. To fabricate smaller torch nozzles, spacers (20, 21, 22) are symmetrically placed between adjacent tubes (11, 12, 13, 14), and the entire tube assembly heated and drawn as a unit to reduce its diameter. The drawn tubes are then cut at a point along the reduced diameter region to produce a torch whose nozzle has the desired (i.e., reduced) diameter.

Abstract: In a flat panel display system including a polyhedral enclosing housing structure having opposed front and back panels, which structure requires a subatmospheric or evacuated environment for the performance of the electronic components contained therein, a plurality of substantially parallel transversely spaced apart and longitudinally extending supporting vanes are fixtured within said housing between said front and back panels for limited movement within said housing prior to evacuating the interior thereof and for engagably supporting said front and back panels against the forces generated by atmospheric pressure when said interior is evacuated.