Abstract:
In accordance with the invention, a preform from which fiber optics are drawn is fabricated by supplying reactants and gas vapors to the preform and by using two opposing forces to control the movement of a heat source supplying heat to the preform. The two forces function to reduce any hesitation or backlash in the movement of the heat source along predetermined portions of the preform to enable uniform layers to be formed within the preform.
Abstract:
A dual seal system for retrofitting existing vapor deposition apparatus for starter tubes has a first tubular member which surrounds the chemical vapor delivery tube and forms a channel therewith for passage of starter tube gases to a stationary seal coupling member which, in turn, is connected to monitoring apparatus. A second tubular member surrounds the first tubular member and forms a passage therewith extending from behind a seal assembly in the starter tube to a bore in the coupling member connected to a buffer gas supply. The second tubular member also forms a third passageway with the interior wall of the arbor driving the starter tube and is held spaced therefrom by a perforated support member. The third passageway extends from a region behind the sealing system to a sealed buffer chamber in the coupling member, which is connected to a low pressure of vacuum source and to a pressure monitoring member.
Abstract:
An extrusion system for producing a desired extrusion profile on a continuously moving work piece has a die containing two or more pressurized fluid extrusion cells therein, through which the work piece passes. Fluid under pressure id directed against the work piece to shape it without physical contact between the die and the work piece. The individual extrusion cells are configured to produce the desired profile, which is monitored by a non-contact metering member which applies signals to a processing unit which, in turn, applies correction signals to a pressured fluid supply module to control the pressurized fluid supply to each of the extrusion cells.
Abstract:
A hydrostatic guidance system for the torch carriage used in an MCVD system has a plurality of air bearings mounted on the carriage and a pressurized fluid manifold device for routing pressurized fluid, such as air, to the several air bearings. The several bearings are located and oriented on the carriage adjacent the rails or ways of the lathe bed so that the carriage is made to float, contact free, over the ways for smooth, jerk free movement. The manifold house valve adjustments for controlling the amount of air routed to each air bearing, and the spacing of each bearing from the adjacent way is controlled by adjustable studs having the air bearings mounted on the ends thereof.
Abstract:
A sealing arrangement for use in a gas delivery system to a rotating tubular member has first and second disposable seals spaced apart to form a sealed buffer zone within the rotating tube. A supply coupling is connectable to a source of buffer gas and has an insert member which has one or more channels for routing the buffer gas into the buffer zone. The supply coupling is also connectable to a low pressure source and the insert member has one or more channels for routing the gases contained in the buffer zone out of the zone to the supply coupling, thus creating a continuous circulation of buffer gases.
Abstract:
A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a flexible portion supported therebetween. The flexible portion permits pivotal movement of the distal portion of the elongated shaft and an end effector supported thereon. A locking mechanism is operatively associated with the flexible portion of the elongated shaft to selectively impede pivotal motion of the distal portion. The locking mechanism includes a fluid chamber defined within the flexible portion in which a variable viscosity fluid disposed. The variable viscosity fluid is responsive to the application of an electromagnetic field to exhibit increased rigidity in the presence of the electromagnetic field and reduced rigidity in the absence of the electromagnetic field. An electrical coil is arranged such that the electromagnetic field may be selectively induced by the delivery of electrical energy from a power source.
Abstract:
A surgical instrument is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom that defines a longitudinal axis therethrough, and supports an end effector having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes a movable handle and a fixed handle. The fixed handle is adapted to couple to one or more selectively removable grips and the movable handle is configured to impart movement of one or more movable jaw members operably associated with the end effector.
Abstract:
An end effector assembly for use with a forceps includes a pair of jaw members, a knife assembly, and one or more cam assemblies. One or more of the jaw members are moveable relative to the other about a pivot from a first, open position to a second, closed position. One or more of the jaw members include a knife channel. The pivot includes a bore. The knife assembly includes a knife blade and an actuation shaft. The knife blade is disposed distally relative to the pivot. The actuation shaft is configured for slidable translation through the bore to allow selective advancement of the knife blade through the knife channel. The one or more cam assemblies are operably coupled to the one or more moveable jaw members and are actuatable to move the one or more jaw members from the first to second position for grasping tissue therebetween.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for maintaining the pressure in an overclad tube at a reduced level despite axial movement of the tube during performance of an RIT overcladding operation. The overcladding tube is held by means of the lathe chuck, and a tubular extension of a rotary union member extends into the tube. The distal end of the extension has a sealing member replaceably mounted thereon which forms a seal with the interior wall of the tube. A vacuum source thus is enabled to connect to the interior of the overcladding tube through the rotary union, the extension tube, and the seal.
Abstract:
A firearm silencer for suppressing sound intensity generated by the discharge of a firearm, the discharge generating propellant gases, is disclosed. The firearm silencer includes an outer tube. The outer tube is generally hollow and generally cylindrical. The firearm silencer also includes a monolithic baffle stack inserted within the outer tube, and the monolithic baffle stack positions and constrains the outer tube coaxially and axially at a first and second end of the outer tube relative to a first and second end of the monolithic baffle stack using seals and retention seals, with such seals also providing an atmospheric sealing function. The monolithic baffle stack includes a first end that includes a first hole. The monolithic baffle stack also includes a second end that includes a second hole. The second end is located opposite the first end of the monolithic baffle stack. The monolithic baffle stack further includes a plurality of chambers in fluid communication with each other via a plurality of holes and annular void. The monolithic baffle stack also includes a plurality of recesses in fluid communication with the plurality of chambers via a plurality of through holes and annular void. The monolithic baffle stack also further includes plurality of protrusions and plurality of lands within the plurality of chambers where said lands and plurality of holes in chambers form an equivalent cylindrical bore dimension. Moreover, the firearm silencer includes a path extending from the first hole adjacent the first end of the monolithic baffle stack through the first hole adjacent the second end of the monolithic baffle stack. The plurality of chambers, the plurality of recesses, the plurality of through holes, the plurality of protrusions, the plurality of lands, the annular void, and the path are configured to allow propellant gases to travel there through.