Abstract: A sleeve for enclosing a cable connection, comprising a bendable sheet adapted to be laid around the cable connection. The sheet has a series of equally spaced longitudinal cuts in at least one marginal portion to be arranged transversely of the longitudinal direction of the cable connection. The cuts subdivide the marginal portion into tongues so that as the sheet is laid around the cable connection, the tongues can be laid with a partial overlap tapering down onto the cable sheath at the end of the cable connection. The longitudinal cuts are formed by cutting lines which extend in a direction deivating from the longitudinal direction so that the free ends of the tongues are offset with respect to the base portions of the tongues in a direction transversely of the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: In a low pressure mold, the mold parts have surfaces for forming a mold cavity and which are covered in a thermally insulating coating with a thickness from 0.005 inches to 0.050 inches. The coating may be formed from epoxy resin or polytetrafluorethylene. Also provided is a sealing member for a low pressure mold, the sealing member having in-series edge regions around a body and each edge region is formed with a semi-circular sealing edge or arrangement of edges. The sealing edge or arrangement of edges of each edge region is different from other edge regions. When the two sealing members are mounted upon mold halves at each end of a low pressure mold, they may be changed in position to locate any associated pair of sealing edges in opposition across the mold closure line.

Abstract: The invention relates to an article for sealing the exposed portion an electrical connection, especially motor connections, of two or more cables comprising an envelope, having an opening at one end, of a material having a flexural modulus of at least 1,000 psi at 23.degree. C. The envelope contains a polymeric gel having a cone penetration value of about 30 to about 400 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an elongation of from about 25% to about 850% and further comprises a retaining means for retaining the polymeric gel and envelope on the electrical connection.

Abstract: A sleeve for protecting cable splices, in particular for telephone cables, comprises two half-shells (3, 4) so designed as to be assembled together along their longitudinal edges (3a, 4a) around the cable splice (2). The opposite ends of the sleeve have jaws (5, 6, 7, 8) for radial clamping and axial retention of the two cable ends (1a, 1b) and means are provided for forming a fluid-tight seal between the two half-shells (3, 4) and between the cable and the jaws. The half-shell (4) comprises two end elements (9, 10) which are intended to be fitted over the clamping jaws (5, 6, 7, 8) and a central element (11) which is placed between the two end elements and covers their adjacent edges (9a, 10a).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a wrapper for surrounding an object such as a cable splice to form a cover or envelope containing an insulating compound characterized by a film having adhesive along two lateral edges for securing the film onto the object to form an enveloping cavity. The film has a container of a predetermined amount of the insulating compound which container is opened during the operation of wrapping the film onto the object so that upon completion of the wrapping, the container can be kneaded externally through the cover or envelope to remove the compound from the container and to knead the compound into the spaces and cavities of the object. Subsequently, additional layers such as a foil layer and a heat shrinkable protective sheath can be applied to the cover.

Abstract: This invention relates to an assembly of a splice between a cable containing paper insulation and a cable containing oil or petroleum based materials wherein the splice, or at least the end of the cable containing the oil or petroleum based material, is encapsulated in a particulate material such as calcium carbonate and placed under compression in order to prevent the oil or petroleum based material in one cable from migrating into the splice area or into the other cable and damaging the paper insulation in the splice or the other cable. The assembly also prevents the migration of water from either cable into the splice area.

Abstract: A cable sleeve for covering a cable splice. An enveloping hose of heat shrinkable material is on its inside provided with a hot melt adhesive coating. A device designed cross-shaped in cross-section for support of the cable ends is inserted between the cables. The device is of hot melt adhesive whose fusion point is below that of the material of the hot melt adhesive coating.

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 method and apparatus for providing a sealed cable splice area is disclosed. The cable splice area is wrapped with an open cell spacer web. An adhesively coated liner is separately wrapped around the cable and the spacer web to form a pocket around the splice area. The pocket is filled with a cable encapsulating material which flows completely around the electrical conductors of the splice area. The filled pocket is then sealably wrapped to seal the cable splice area.

Abstract: A kit comprising materials for protecting splices of electrical cables. Such splices as must be maintained underground between cables used in providing cathodic protection against corrosion to buried pipelines. The kit contains (a) a malleable butyl rubber composition having good low-temperature brittleness and exhibiting some cold flow characteristics, (b) a restraining fabric impregnated with a curable resin such as moisture-curable polyurethane which is characterized by good shelf life and a controlled curing speed when subjected to moisture. The invention also relates to the novel protected spliced structures which are formed by use of the kit material.

Abstract: A branch-off region at an end of a sleeve (2), enclosing for example a branch in a telecommunications cable, is sealed by a method which includes positioning at the end of the sleeve (2) some means for example a clip (1) or a filling piece that forms terminal conduits (3), positioning a heat-activatable adhesive (5) in the end, and activating the adhesive by a heating means such as an electrical heater.

Abstract: Forming an encapsulated splice region between cables in which conductors of one cable are electrically connected to conductors of the other cable to form splices. After electrically isolating splices from one another, a barrier layer is provided which extends axially across and beyond the splices onto the cables and then a plastic encapsulation is molded so as to enclose the barrier layer. The materials of the molding and barrier layer are such that they do not unite at any interfacial region between them. This construction makes it easier to open the splice region subsequently.

Abstract: Making a gas pressurizable closure for a splice region of a telecommunications cable in which plastic ends of the closure are molded in position by locating molds for the ends in axially spaced-apart positions one at each side of the splice region. While the cable is allowed to follow its natural path through and between the molds, the molds are held fixed relative to one another and aligned with one another and the plastic ends are molded. A shroud means of the closure is then located between and sealed to the plastic ends with the cable still following its natural path.

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: An exposed portion of an electrical cable is sealed by applying a sealant material to the exposed cable and then placing the ends of a split unitary cover over the sealant material in overlapped disposition. The cover is then compressed into contact with the sealant material. In repairing a damaged cable sheath, a reinforcing member may be placed over the sealant material prior to placing the cover thereover.

Abstract: Forming an encapsulated splice region between cable ends in which the splices formed by connecting conductors together are laid onto the jacket of a cable and are sealed from one another. A layer of resilient tape is wrapped around the cable and over the sealing material to seat it tightly onto conductors leading to the splices. A molded encapsulation is then formed around the splice region and the resilient tape, still in resilient condition holds the tight seal onto the conductors and prevents moisture from within the cables from reaching the splices.

Abstract: A process for surrounding joined cable ends with an elastic, monolithic sleeve which comprises expanding the bore of the sleeve, positioning the sleeve around the joined ends and then, permitting the bore to contract elastically, radially and progressively from one end of the sleeve toward the other. Also, apparatus for performing the process which comprises a rigid tube having a bore larger than the exterior size of the joined ends, having an ogive at one end, having a collar secured to the tube at the other end and at least two rigid, annular bodies mounted on the tube, one of annular bodies being engageable with an end of the sleeve and being slidable on the tube and the other annular body engaging the collar, and having threaded rods engaging the annular bodies through rotatable, threaded bushings for forcing the annular bodies apart in the axial direction of the tube to remove the tube from the sleeve.

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: This invention relates to the mechanical and environmental protection of cable joints, especially in power or other current-carrying cables. Disclosed is a recoverable sleeve which conforms closely to the cable joint, and a non-profiled liner which bridges the joint and comprises a plurality of elongate elements assembled into a sheet. Flexible means is provided for holding the elements in a side-by-side arrangement and allowing the separation between the elements to vary to allow the liner to conform to the profile of the cable joint. Such flexible means may extend across the element and provide a water vapor barrier. Disclosed also is a method of protecting a cable joint utilizing the sleeve and liner. Where the cables to be jointed have metal armor, screen and/or shielding, the elements may be fabricated from metal or metal alloy and may then provide both armoring and a fault current path across the joint.

Abstract: A termination closure (20) for buried or underground service cable splice locations includes molded stepped end blocks (40--40) and a cover (100) which comprises a sheet adapted to be wrapped about service cables (28--28) having conductors (26--26) which are spliced to conductors (24--24) of a distribution cable (22) and secured by clamps. The closure also includes a pivotally mounted organizer (80) which is perforated to allow an encapsulant to be flowed therethrough into engagement with an enclosing bladder (90). The organizer effectively isolates splice connections from the distribution cable core (23). The bladder which is wrapped about the organizer is adapted to receive encapsulant from a tube which extends through one of the end blocks to allow it to be flowed into the interstices among the spliced conductors and distribution cable core. Air in the closure is pushed from one end of the closure and evacuated through a relief valve (59) in the other end block.

Abstract: This invention involves an insert (1) for a shrinkable cable sleeve of heat-resistant and water vapor-impermeable material with a longitudinally split central part (2) and at least one lateral part (10) which has incisions (4, 4a) for the formation of a conical transition. The incisions (4, 4a, 5) in the lateral part (10, 13) are cut obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the insert (1) through an incision angle (EW), so that obliquely projecting strips (3, 7, 8) are formed which, after the insert (1) has been wrapped, for example, around a cable splice, can be turned in spirally to form conically extending transition areas.

Abstract: A method of forming a molded encapsulation around a sealed spliced region between two cables in which the cables pass through a mold with the splice region in the mold cavity and correctly centered before molding. To allow for the centering operation to be performed, apertures are provided in the mold. Hook members are passed through the apertures. These hook members are caused to engage both inner and outer mold surfaces and they also engage tie means at two circumferentially spaced positions around the splice region to centralize the region within the cavity. The mold is then filled with molten material and the hooks removed from the apertures with the material still molten. Hook removal may take place either when the cavity is completely filled or after sufficient molten material has entered the mold to hold the splice region in fixed position. The method is applicable to low pressure molding, i.e. below 100 psi and preferably below 50 psi.

Abstract: A branch-off article includes a branch-off member having a body portion and at least two tubes extending from the body portion to an interior region of a splice cavity, with individual break-out members extending through the individual ones of the tubes. End portions of individual ones of the tubes are recovered and sealed to individual ones of the break-out members and the body portion is sealingly secured to a member which surrounds the splice region and the tubes.

Abstract: An armored submarine cable joint comprising a tubular housing with internally tapered end portions closely fitting the outer sheath of the submarine cable wherein the armoring wires or tapes adjacent each cable end are splayed and deformed within each tapered end portion. The housing is fabricated from glass filament wound epoxy resin material. The completed joint is potted with a filled epoxy resin system.

Abstract: A method of splicing a submersible pump motor lead to a power cable provides a smaller splice. A transition rod is welded between each motor lead conductor and power conductor. The transition rod has a smaller diameter on one end to connect to the diameter of the motor lead. The larger diameter end has a cavity for receiving the power cable conductor. After welding, an insulating layer is molded around each rod. Then, an elastomeric jacket is molded around all three of the rods.

Abstract: A splice case for encapsulating a substrate includes first and second containers each of which contain a gel having a cone penetration between 100 and 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 200%, the gel in each container having an exposed surface, one exposed surface having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the other exposed surface, the first and second containers being adapted for telescopic engagement.

Abstract: A grease compatible cyclic olefin extended polyurethane comprising the reaction product of an isocyanate terminated polyisocyanate with a polyol in the presence of a cyclic olefin extender and, a plasticizer having a total solubility parameter of between about 8.3 and 8.9 or about 9.1 and 9.7. Certain extended polyurethanes are characterized as being reenterable, such that they can be used for repairing, encapsulation or reclaiming electrical or telephone cables. Alternate formulations can be used as hard volume encapsulants for general elastomer use.

Abstract: The conductors of multi-conductor, medium voltage, power cables, at locations where the cable insulation has been removed, are insulated by positioning between the conductors or cores, an insert, at least the surface of which comprises a first void-filling material capable of forming a substantially void-free interface with each conductor, placing a second void-filling material over the conductors and recovering a dimensionally recoverable polymeric sleeve over the resulting assembly. The method is particularly useful to provide insulation between conductors of a joint between two multi-conductor, medium voltage power cables.

Abstract: A method of forming a connection part for polyolefin insulated electrical wires or cables is disclosed which comprises a cross-linkable reinforcing insulation layer around said connection part, providing around said reinforcing insulation layer a heat shrinkable tube consisting of an integrated assembly of a semiconductive layer and a specific insulated portion consisting of at least two cylindrical heat shrinkable semiconductive members in combination with each other through an insulation material, and then heating said tube under pressure to effect crosslinking of said reinforcing insulation layer and cause said reinforcing layer to become integrated with said heat shrinkable tube. A heat shrinkable tube for use in this method is also described.

Abstract: Cable splice and closure arrangement to cover a cable region which is devoid of sheath and jacket. At each side of the devoid region, the cable has a strap member encircling it and piercing means of the strap member protrude through the jacket and into the sheath at spaced positions around the cable. An outwardly projecting means of each strap member is intimately embedded in a moulded plastic end of a combined closure and tensile strength means. This combined means may be an integral moulding having the two ends and a portion between the ends and which bridges the devoid region. Alternatively, it may comprise individual moulded plastic ends with tensile means such as steel rods extending between the embedded in the ends. The invention also includes a strain relief device for inclusion in the splice and closure arrangement.

Abstract: A wraparound closure with closure means which can be easily re-opened, such as a zipper or Velcro-type closure, provides environmental protection for splices or branch-offs in elongate substrates, such as communications or other cables, which closure has the advantage that it can be opened and re-closed easily and quickly. The end portions of the closure are sealed around the cable substrate with a sealing material having a cone penetration value of 100 to 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 200%. The wraparound may include a retaining means, such as a resilient plastic ring, which may be positioned to hold the wraparound closure away from the cable substrate when the closure is opened and work is being performed on the cable and may be positioned around the cable to provide support for the wraparound closure when it is in the closed position.

Abstract: A closure for a splice region in cable and method of making it by providing a plastic moulding around the cable jacket. A fluid-tight seal between the moulding and the jacket has inner and outer layers of different materials which eliminate the need to fuse the moulding to the jacket to provide a seal. The inner layer is a compressibly deformable material surrounding and contacting the jacket. The outer layer surrounds the inner layer and is in a circumferentially resiliently stretched condition to compress the deformable material into intimate contact with the jacket and form a first seal region. The deformable layer has an annular portion engaging and fused to the plastic moulding to form a second seal region. The seat is suitable for pressurized and non-pressurized cable.

Abstract: Telecommunications cable with a splice closure covering conductors which have been severed and each having one severed end electrically connected to another cable. The other severed ends of the conductors are placed in series with a coil formed of electrical windings to enable a current to be passed through the coil by passing it through the electrically "dead" parts of the conductors to create an electromagnetic field around the coil to indicate the splice position. Preferably, the coil is formed by windings passing around the cable and these windings may be embedded in the closure.

Abstract: Gas pressurized electrical cables, having a portion of an outer sheath removed for repair or splicing, are sealed while under pressure by providing at the exposed cable portion a gas pressure escape vent having a vent opening of area less than that of the cable exposed portion. Sealant tape is wrapped around the exposed cable portion and the vent exterior effectively sealing the entire exposed cable portion with the exception of the vent opening through which the gas escapes while such sealant tape is applied. The vent opening, being smaller than the original exposed cable portion, is readily sealably closed as by suitably plugging such vent opening and covering same with a sealant material.

Abstract: A cyclic olefin extended polyurethane system comprising the reaction product of an isocyanate terminated polyisocyanate with a polyol in the presence of a cyclic olefin extender and, optionally, a liquid ester or other type of extender. Said polyurethane systems are cured, crosslinked, non-spewing, grease compatible, and reenterable. This extended polyurethane is further characterized as having superior insulating properties so that it can be used for repairing, encapsulation or reclaiming electrical or telephone cables as well as hard volume encapsulants for general elastomer use. The extended polyurethane is comprised of a defined polyurethane, novel extender combinations, and optionally, a coupling agent.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable article comprising (1) a heat-shrinkable layer of polymeric material, (2) a laminar heater which comprises a conductive polymer layer sandwiched between apertured metal electrodes and which is secured to the inner surface of the layer, and (3) a member which is secured to the inside of the heater and which protects a substrate from damage caused by the heater when the layer shrinks. The protective member (3) has a first shape before the layer shrinks and a second shape after the layer shrinks. The member possesses sufficient strength to resist piercing by the electrodes when the layer shrinks. Such articles are particularly useful for enclosing splices in telephone cables.

Abstract: A method of forming an encapsulated splice region between two cable ends in which, after end portions of the core have been exposed beyond the jacket and sheath or shield, the conductors are splayed outwards and the cable end portions are brought close together. Splices are then formed between conductors of the two cables and the conductors are folded over either one cable jacket or the other to locate each splice upon and supported by the jacket. Each splice is individually covered with sealing material and end regions of the cables are encapsulated so as to encapsulate the splices and fluid tightly seal them.

Abstract: A sealed connection between an undersea coaxial line cable and a length of coaxial access cable connected to a repeater; the line cable comprising an axial conductor (11), insulation (12), a return path (13) and an outer sheath (14A); the access cable comprising an axial conductor (15), insulation, metal braiding (20A, B) forming a return path, and an outer sheath (14B); and the connection comprising a conical conductive metal connection part (16) for inter-connecting the axial conductors, a surface moulded layer of insulating thermoplastic material (17), a conductive connector (18) for interconnecting the return paths of the line cable and the access cable, and a reconstituted sheathing between the line cable and the access cable, wherein said conductive connector for inter-connecting the return paths comprises an aluminum flared tube fitted tightly over the surface-moulded insulation, with a layer of graft polyolefin or adhesive ionomer tape wound helically around the surface moulding being sandwiched in be

Abstract: A construction material adapted for a wide variety of uses is shown, as, for example, in repairing cracks, holes and dents in the hulls and bodies of boats and land vehicles, leaks in gas and liquid conduits such as exhaust pipes and water pipes, and leaks in gas and liquid tanks and other containers; repairing fractured poles, booms, spars, antennas, and the like, and strengthening similar structures that are not fractured; patching roofs, gutters, and drainpipes; sealing leaking containers of pressurized fluids, such as air-conditioning systems, swimming pools, and hydraulic hoses; and electrically insulating all manner of articles. The product comprises a flexible web impregnated with a pliable mastic in a sealed package which maintains its contents in stable soft and pliable condition until opened, after which the web is applied to the use intended and the mastic begins to harden in place upon exposure to water, or to only the moisture in the air.

Abstract: This invention relates to continuous manufacturing of insulated wire and conductor, and in particular to heating cables having "cold ends". A process is described by which predetermined lengths of resistance conductor (4) and of cold end conductor (9) are continuously and alternatively jointed together. After insulation and provision of additional protective sheats the continuous composite conductor is cut into cold end heating cables. A conductor jointing process is described.

Abstract: An assembly for enclosing a telecommunication cable splice comprising a wraparound sleeve having longitudinal edges which can be brought together and secured by for example a metal channel. A seal is made between these edges by an internal sealing member which bridges the abutting edges of the sleeve and is urged into contact with the sleeve by expansive urging means between the sealing member and underlying cable splice. The urging means is preferably a foam strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and positioning a cable is used to help splice large diameter multi-conductor cable end portions to each other. The apparatus includes a support frame having a first clamping mechanism for clamping a first cable end portion movably positioned on one end of the support frame and a second clamping mechanism for clamping a second cable end portion positioned on the support frame proximate the other end. After the individual strands of the cable end portions are spliced together, the first clamping mechanism is moved away from the second clamping mechanism, stretching the spliced section of the cable end portions, drawing individual conductors together so that the spliced section of the cable end portions can be properly reinsulated.

Abstract: A method of sealing an exposed area of electrical cable includes forming an enclosure around the exposed area and interposing inlet means into an opening in the enclosure. An encapsulant is poured into the enclosure through the inlet means to surround the exposed area. The enclosure and the inlet means are then sealably covered.

Abstract: A method of making a wire reference electrode in an electrolytic cell is provided wherein the wire reference electrode comprises a lead-in wire portion, a reference wire portion, a sealing material to seal the junction of the lead-in and wire reference portions, and a heat shrinkable insulating material which is heated for a predetermined period of time to collapse the heat shrinkable insulating material about the sealing material.

Abstract: In a cable stub assembly (20) which is used to interconnect two cables (22 and 24), at least one of which is pressurized with a gaseous medium, a portion of a plastic jacket is removed from an interior portion of a length (31) of cable to expose conductors (33--33) of a core (32). Heat shrinkable sleeves (61 and 66) each of which comprises an irradiation cross-linked polyolefin material are positioned over the jacket of the cable on each side of the interior portion from which the jacket has been removed. The heat shrinkable sleeves are caused to contract about the cable jacket. Inner surfaces of the sleeves are coated with an adhesive material which is helpful in providing a sealed engagement of the sleeves with the jacket. A length of tubing (81) is disposed about the cable jacket and the contracted sleeves. A polyurethane filling material (82) is introduced into the tubing and is adhered sufficiently to the sleeves to prevent substantially the escape of the gaseous medium from the at least one cable.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing and protecting the spliced junction of butt-spliced cables including a protective sleeve and two toroidal sealing rings and the method of assembling the sleeve and rings to the spliced cable which results in the sleeve being centered over the splice and the sealing rings spaced substantially midway between the splice and the ends of the protective sleeve.

Abstract: An article for forming a cable block or for enclosing a cable splice comprises a recoverable driver sleeve and a particulate heat-activatable adhesive temporarily restrained adjacent an inner surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A cable splice, branchout or termination has a heat recovered member (30) around one or more cable portions (33) extending out of an end of the member (30). The cable portion (33) is protected from physical damage and heat by placing around it individually a metal foil member (1), preferably aluminium of thickness 150-250 microns. The metal foil member is preferably coated with a hot melt adhesive (2) and a mastic (5) at distinct locations. A pressure sensitive adhesive (4) may also be provided to help secure the foil member (1) around the cable portion (33) before recovery of the outer member (30). Apertures (44) may be provided in the foil member (1) to allow passage therethrough of hot melt adhesive provided on the inner surface of the recoverable member (30).

Abstract: A splice assembly and method for splicing electrical cables comprises a sealing layer, a barrier and an open mesh sleeve. The sealing layer is formed of uncured insulation material, surrounds the connector coupling exposed adjacent ends of the cable conductors, and engages the insulation layers of the cables. The barrier surrounds the sealing layer for inhibiting flow of the sealing layer upon heating. The open mesh sleeve surrounds the barrier and has its opposite axial ends rigidly secured to the cables. During curing of the sealing layer, the open mesh sleeve applies substantially uniform and constant pressure in a radially inward direction on the sealing layer to avoid air voids and increase the strength of the splice assembly.

Abstract: A multilayer, heat shrinkable composite tube covering is provided for a cable joint structure in which intimately joined layers define a semiconductive inner or conductor shield, an insulation layer, and an outer or insulation shield for the joint. Furthermore, a highly resistive semiconducting layer is provided over the joint under the innermost layer of the composite tube, forming a dual layer conductor shield for the joint. In the preferred embodiment, the entire composite tube is pressure extruded in a common operation and all three layers are simultaneously chemically cured and cooled under pressure to provide the intimately joined layers of the composite tube. Subsequently, when the tube is shrunk over the joint, the three layers shrink as a unit, so that there is no possibility of trapping impurities or gas bubbles between layers.