# US 5,700,341 A · Methods for reducing surface friction in fiber optic dispensers

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- Number: US 5,700,341 A
- Document ID: US5700341A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/778,062
- Filed: 1996-12-23
- Granted: 1997-12-23
- Earliest claimed: 1996-12-23
- Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
- Inventors: Michael L. Steelman; Calvin W. Long
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5700341A

## CPC

- B65H 71/00: Moistening, sizing, oiling, waxing, colouring or drying filamentary material as additional measures during package formation (applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces in general B05)
- B65H: HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES

## 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.

## Claims

### Claim 1

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.