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US 5,700,341 AGranted
Methods for reducing surface friction in fiber optic dispensers
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
InventorsMichael L. Steelman, Calvin W. Long
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Reduction of the surface friction of a cured elastomer, sealant or adhesive s accomplished through the use of a dry lubricant such as hexagonal boron nitride powder either as an additive to the uncured polymer mix or applied to the uncured polymer surface prior to effecting a cure.
Claims1
A method for reducing surface friction in a fiber optic dispenser during payout, said method being practiced while the fiber is initially being wound onto the dispenser and comprising the steps of:
- a) coating hexagonal boron nitride powder with a pre-selected surfactant;
- b) mixing the coated hexagonal boron nitride powder with an uncured, pressure-sensitive adhesive solution to create a composite sprayable solution, said coating step promoting bonding between the boron nitride powder and the adhesive solution;
- c) spraying the composite solution onto each successive layer of fiber optic as the fiber is wound onto the dispenser;
- and
- d) curing the fiber optic dispenser upon completion of the winding of the fiber onto the dispenser.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.