Abstract: A vent-safe protector for a telecommunications gas tube (102) includes two electrodes (108,140) (150',140) separated by a non-linear resistive material (134). Each electrode is connected to a gas tube protector terminal (108, 142) to provide an alternate discharge path if the gas tube (102) fails. The non-linear resistive material (134) is substantially non-conductive when the electrical potential between the electrodes is less than the material's breakdown voltage V.sub.B. Above that voltage it becomes conductive and supports a plasma discharge therethrough, effecting a sudden increase in conductivity between the electrodes for discharging high energy potentials with a voltage foldback functionally analogous to the foldback behavior of the gas tube protector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protection of electrical contacts as well as a process for splicing electrical wires that are to be exposed to an adverse environment. The protection apparatus ensures that the electrical contacts are protected when they are otherwise located in an adverse environment. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus includes a connector, an insulating sleeve adapted to retain the connector, and an encapsulant. The encapsulant, which is disposed with protection apparatus, e.g. the insulating sleeve, has a cone penetration value of 100 to 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 200% and preferably an elastic modulus of less than 10.sup.7 dynes/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for splicing electrical wires that are to be exposed to an adverse environment. The apparatus includes a connector, an insulating sleeve adapted to retain the connector, and an encapsulant. The encapsulant, which is disposed within the insulating sleeve, has a cone penetration value of 100 to 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 200%.

Abstract: An article and process for splicing electrical wires that are to be exposed to an adverse environment. The article includes a connector, an insulating sleeve adapted to retain the connector, and an encapsulant. The encapsulant, which is disposed within the insulating sleeve, has a cone penetration value of 100 to 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 200%.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cable closure which includes a central closure body and a pair of end caps preferably made from structural foam situated at each end of the closure body. There is also disclosed a cable block which includes void filling material selectively inserted among the insulated conductors of the cable and a directional control device which consists of a conduit also selectively inserted among the insulated conductors of the cable. Together the cable closure, cable block and directional control device make up the splice closure system. There may also be provided a heat recoverable seal adhesively attached to the cable closure in which case there will also be provided means for preventing milk-off of the seal from the cable closure. finally, there is disclosed a method for forming the cable block.

Abstract: A splice between two multiconductor cables is protected from ingress of water by a closure which contains a pressure means such as a bladder inside the closure capable of pressurizing a sealant present inside the closure to a pressure sufficient to force the sealant into the interstices of the splice and the interstices between the conductors in the cable, and maintaining the pressure until the sealant cures or hardens. The pressure means may also interact with seals at the end of the closure to seal the closure to the cable jacket.

Abstract: A splice between two multiconductor cables is protected from ingress of water by a closure which is filled with an expanding foam sealant which provides pressure inside the closure sufficient to force the sealant into the interstices of the splice and the interstices between the conductors in the cable, which pressure is retained in the closure until the sealant cures or hardens.

Abstract: A splice between two multiconductor cables is protected from ingress of water by a closure which is filled with a sealant which is pressurized by a bladder inside the closure to a pressure sufficient to force the sealant into the interstices of the splice and the interstices between the conductors in the cable, and the pressure is maintained by the bladder until the sealant cures or hardens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protection of electrical contacts. The protection apparatus ensures that the electrical contacts are protected when they are otherwise located in an adverse environment. To this end, the protection apparatus includes an insulating gel that is characterized by a cone penetration value from approximately 150 to 350 (10.sup.-1 mm); an ultimate elongation of at least approximately 200%; a maximum tensile strength of approximately 20 psi; and a cohesive strength greater than its adhesive strength. The protection apparatus further includes a first means to contain the gel, a second means to retain the gel within the first means and a force means which acts on the first means so that the gel is maintained in compressive contact with the electrical contacts and substantially encapsulates a conductive portion of the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A method of bracing an article, especially a junction between conduits subject to an internal pressure greater than that of their surroundings, which comprises applying thereto, in the order listed, a gas-impermeable member (this step may be omitted), a reinforcing member and a heat-recoverable member, the reinforcing member being radially inwardly deformable, at least at elevated temperatures, and heating the assembly to cause recovery of the heat recoverable member.