Abstract: An apparatus for use in selectively coating all or a portion of the interior surface of a tubular article, the apparatus including a plurality of axially spaced apart masks adapted to fit within the tubular article, support structure spacing apart the masks, and an electrically conductive coating means between the masks. The coating means may be electrically activated to spray the unmasked portion of the inside surface of the tubular article.The apparatus is useful in making tubular articles which are coated on their interior surfaces at selective locations. An alternative embodiment of the apparatus includes masks which have been chamfered. When this alternative apparatus is used to coat the interior surface of the interconnect, a non-uniform coating is delivered to the ends of the area which are coated. Using this alternative apparatus, a stress graded coating may be applied to the selectively coated interior surface.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in selectively vapor deposition coating the interior surface of a tubular article, the apparatus including a plurality of axially aligned spaced apart masks, the periphery of the masks being complimentary with the tubular article, and a vapor deposition coating means positioned between the masks for depositing a electrically conductive coating onto the unmasked area of the interior of the tubular article.

Abstract: A method of making a composite structure comprising an elongate substrate, especially an insulated electrical cable, and a covering member which has been heat-recovered and sealed around the substrate. A heat-recoverable article of a cross-linked crystalline polymer composition which transmits 5-50% of infra-red radiation incident thereon is placed around a substrate whose exterior is composed of a polymeric composition which is at most lightly cross-linked, which absorbs infra-red radiation and which has a crystalline melting point below that of the heat-recoverable article. The assembly is exposed to infra-red radiation such that the heat-recoverable article is heated to its recovery temperature and the exterior of the substrate is heated to its crystalline melting point, preferably before it is contacted by said article as it recovers. In this way an excellent seal can be created between the substrate and the recovered article without the need for any auxiliary fusible material such as a hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an apparatus for sealing to and protecting a cable jacket from damage when a sharp instrument is used to forcibly remove a sealed heat recoverable closure from the cable and a method for making same. The apparatus comprises a thin stainless steel sheet coated over part of its width on both sides with a thermoplastic adhesive. The adhesive coated sheet is wrapped around the part of the cable jacket to be protected and sealed and is secured by fiberglass reinforced tape. Heating of the closure causes the adhesive to flow thereby securing the shield in place.

Abstract: A method of making a composite structure comprising an elongate substrate, especially an insulated electrical cable, and a covering member which has been heat-recovered and sealed around the substrate. A heat-recoverable article of a cross-linked crystalline polymer composition which transmits 5-50% of infra-red radiation incident thereon is placed around a substrate whose exterior is composed of a polymeric composition which is at most lightly cross-linked, which absorbs infra-red radiation and which has a crystalline melting point below that of the heat-recoverable article. The assembly is exposed to infra-red radiation such that the heat-recoverable article is heated to its recovery temperature and the exterior of the substrate is heated to its crystalline melting point, preferably before it is contacted by said article as it recovers. In this way an excellent seal can be created between the substrate and the recovered article without the need for any auxiliary fusible material such as a hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: A reed relay of the type having a pair of parallel reed switches aligned so that opposite ends of one switch are adjacent opposite ends of the other switch, the adjacent ends of said switches being in thermally conductive but electrically insulated relation with each other whereby the thermal EMF of the relay is eliminated or reduced to minimal levels.