Applicator for high-speed gel buffering of flextube optical fiber bundles

Abstract

The present invention includes an apparatus for combining a water barrier fluid to a bundle of optical fibers including an entrance die having an orifice which is dimensioned to allow for a bundle of optical fibers to be drawn therethrough. Also, an exit die having an orifice is provided. The entrance die and the exit die, respectively, have inner sides which define a cavity. The cavity is in fluid communication with the orifice of the entrance die and the orifice of the exit die, such that a gap is formed at a meeting point between the cavity and the respective orifices of the entrance and the exit die. The gap is radially surrounded by an extension of the cavity to define a critical flow region. A plurality of baffles are formed in the exit die which are operative to inject fluid into the cavity. Also provided is a main body which supports the entrance die and the exit die. The main body includes a passageway that is in fluid communication with the plurality of baffles. A retaining ring is included which secures the entrance die and the exit die to the main body.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.