Abstract: A joint between a mass-impregnated paper insulated cable and a plastic insulated cable is sealed to contain the mass impregnating, oil material by applying a heat-recoverable oil resistant tubing over the exposed paper insulation so as to leave a portion thereof uncovered adjacent the exposed conductor of the cable, applying an oil resistant mastic to said uncovered portion of the insulation and over an adjacent end of said tubing, and applying a further heat-recoverable tubing over the mastic and an adjacent portion of the oil resistant tubing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing strain relief to a cable splice area is disclosed. A length of flexible cord is secured to the cable on each side of the splice. A frictional substrate is supported over the cord and the cable. The frictional substrate is compressily secured to the cable thereby frictionally supporting the cord to the cable.

Abstract: An electrically insulating, overcoated bulky sleeve is disclosed comprising a tubular sleeve prepared from bulky (i.e. low density, high surface area) continuous filament yarns and an overcoating. When an electrical conductor is positioned therewithin, the large surface area of the bulky yarns of the interior of the sleeve provides an intimate fit for an expanded range of conductor diameters. For applications where a void-free impregnation of the sleeve interior between the overcoating and the conductor is desired, the large interior surface area of these sleeves can promote retention of the impregnation composition. The overcoated sleeve can be expandable, deforming to allow pull-back and return or fold-over, and/or conforming to accept transitions in conductor diameter. The overcoated bulky sleeve can be employed in a method for electrically insulating a conductor, which method may further include an interstitial impregnation step.

Abstract: A sleeve, terminal body, plug body, or the like receives tubular or ring-shaped, normally solid but thermoplastic filler elements, being traversed by a cable or conductor, particularly a portion from which insulation has been stripped. A plunger-like element receives also the cable or conductor and is inserted in one end of the sleeve, or body, the other end being closed by another plunger or body structure. Upon heating, the filler element melts and the plunger or plungers are forced further in to cause melted filler material to fill all voids; the deformed material resolidifies and seals and bonds all parts together.

Abstract: A method and composition for effecting splices of high voltage cable sections for use with a mold placed around the cable sections. The composition comprises a liquid polyolefin, a finely divided solid polyolefin and a chain extension agent capable of reacting to form addition polymer linkages with the liquid polyolefin.

Abstract: An assembly for sealing and protection of cable splices comprising a recoverable, preferably heat-recoverable outer sleeve 5 surrounding a cable or other body 1; a thermoplastic support layer 7 surrounding the body 1 and within the sleeve 5; and a heat barrier layer, preferably foamed, between the support 7 and the sleeve 5, to prevent thermal deformation of the support 7 during heat recovery of the sleeve or during other heat treatment 5.

Abstract: A splice between at least two multi-wire electric cables is protected from ingress of water by forming a compressible reservoir about the splice, filling the reservoir with a curable liquid sealant, compressing the reservoir to force the liquid sealant to penetrate into the interstices between the individual wires of the splice bundle and into the adjacent cable core and maintaining the reservoir under compression at least for a time sufficient for the sealant to cure.

Abstract: A cable breakout article (78) which is formed of a polymeric material and which is preferably heat-recoverable comprises a body portion and at least two tubes or outlet portions (91 to 94) leading from apertures in the body portion. The length and flexibility of the tubes (91 to 94) is such that at least one of them can be bent away from the other(s) to allow operations such as heat recovery to be carried out on an end portion of one of the tubes in isolation from the others.Preferably one or more of the tubes (95) is corrugated at least near its end adjacent to the body portion (78) so as to assist bending.

Abstract: A dimensionally recoverable body, which is preferably heat-recoverable, has a body wall which is provided with a plurality of locking elements that are engageable with each other, or are engageable with corresponding elements located on a separate partition, to furcate the body into a plurality of channels.The body may be used for enclosing branch-offs in electrical cables in order to protect the enclosed branch-off from the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an insulated connection between a pair of insulated electrical cables by means of curing uncured insulation wrapped around joined conductors in the cables. The apparatus comprises a multiple part mold assembly having a cylindrical cavity, mechanisms for heating and cooling the mold parts and an assembly for creating a radially inwardly directed, substantially constant pressure on the curing insulation while allowing radial expansion and contraction of the insulation and mold parts during heating and cooling. The pressure-creating assembly comprises a pair of rectilinear power devices and a pair of cables wrapped around the mold parts and tensioned by the power devices, this assembly applying a radially inwardly directed, equal and substantially constant force to the mold parts. Preferably, the mold assembly comprises three equal parts, each defining one-third of a cylindrical body and each having rollers on the outer surface for receiving the cables therein.

Abstract: An improved method of joining insulated conductors and providing a water-tight seal. The area about the joined conductors is filled with a putty-like insulation filler material and an O-ring placed on the conductor insulation, some distance from the joint. The joint, including the O-ring, is overtaped with resin-rich insulation tape and the tape is surrounded by a shrinkable polyester film. Heat is applied to partially cure the insulation tape, and to cause the polyester film to contract tightly about the joint.

Abstract: A heat-resistant insulated electric wire and cable which comprises an electric conduction; the first coating layer thereon consists of a mixture of a binder and a finely ground and unmelted inorganic substance; and the second organic insulating coating layer formed on the first coating layer. Said heat-resistant insulated electric wire can advantageously be used for a coil of a magnet or a motor.

Abstract: An improved power cable for a heating system that utilizes the skin effect of alternating current, and a method and apparatus for joining lengths of the improved cable. Lengths of the improved cable are joined by first removing predetermined portions of the insulating and semiconductor layers from a terminal end (50) and a feed end (52) of respective cable lengths. The exposed conductors (30') are mechanically joined and covered by a spirally wrapped carbonized TFE tape (60). An insulating layer (62) is formed over the junction by spirally wrapping uncured, nonadhesive tetrafluoroethylene tape with a 50% overlap and then heat fusing the layer. Shield extensions (66), (68) are formed by spirally wrapped, carbonized TFE tape that extend into noncommunicating, isolated overlapped relationship from the respective shield layers (38) of each cable end. The entire splice is covered with a layer of insulation (73) formed by uncured, nonadhesive TFE tape which is subsequently heat fused.

Abstract: A closure for a telecommunications splice case is provided, which comprises a wraparound sleeve secured for example by a rail and channel closure. Re-entry is achieved by cutting of the old rails and channel and removing a central portion of the sleeve, and shrinking a new sleeve across the butts of the old sleeve. If the new sleeve is to seal properly, there must be no leak path along any gap between the remnants of the old rails. Deformations are provided on the flap of the original sleeve, or at the base of the short rail, to allow adhesive on the inside of the sleeve to fill the area between the rail.

Abstract: A heat-recoverable closure assembly for enclosing e.g. cable splices comprising a heat-recoverable outer sleeve surrounding a body to be enclosed thereby, a support member surrounding the body and within the sleeve which support member has slotted end portions arranged to be capable of forming a tapering transition from the support member to the body, and a flexible barrier layer bridging the slots of the slotted portions. The barrier may act to seal the slots against ingress of moisture ior heat, and the barrier layer preferably covers substantially all of one surface of the support. Foamed polymer layers are particularly suitable as heat barriers, and metallic layers carried on a flexible carrier are particularly suitable as moisture barriers. The barrier may be inside or outside the support member, to suit end use requirements. A heat barrier will normally be placed outside the support member when the latter is made of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating a substrate, especially a splice in a telephone cable, comprises (1) preparing an assembly comprising the substrate; an enclosure, preferably a heat-shrinkable enclosure, around the substrate; sealing material within the enclosure; and a heater within the enclosure; and (2) using said heater to change the viscosity of the sealing material. Preferably the heater is a PTC heater, especially one which is attached to thermoplastic sealing material in the form of a sheet or tape. In this way a desired distribution of heat through the assembly can be obtained so that extended heating times can be used.

Abstract: In providing an electrically insulative covering for a cable splice, a sleeve is assembled with an outer rigid shell and is maintained in fluid-sealed relation therewith. A supply of positively pressurized air is placed with the assembled sleeve and outer member, in fluid-sealed relation with the sleeve interior. The sleeve is expanded into contiguous relation with the outer member by the pressurized air. The expanded assembly is placed over the splice and the fluid-sealed relation of sleeve and outer member is interrupted, causing the sleeve to collapse upon the splice and cables, whereupon the outer member is removed and discarded.

Abstract: A splice between ends of a pair of telecommunications cables is encapsulated in a thermoset foam. To encapsulate the splice it is positioned within a mold with the cables extending through apertures in the mold. At the apertures the cables are wrapped with an open cell foam material to block the cavity ends. A foam base material is then mixed with an activating agent which includes both a heat activated blowing agent and a material which reacts exothermically with the foam base material. The mixture is deposited within the mold and the mold closed. The mixture then foams to fill the mold and rapidly cures. The resulting joint is light, durable, waterproof and re-enterable.

Abstract: A method for holding together the opposing ends of a flat sheet wrapped around an elongate substrate employs one or more closure devices, each closure device comprising a pair of frictional elements and a means for interengaging same. The frictional elements each have a channel member having a slit and a rod member positionable within said channel member, which when so positioned cooperates therewith to provide a conduit thereinbetween and to apply frictional forces to one end of the flat sheet when the end has been inserted through the slit and is in position between the rod member and the channel member. The closure is especially suited for joining elastomeric flat sheet, the sheet and closure device or devices collectively providing a protective closure.

Abstract: An enclosure for a shielded cable termination or joint comprises a protective sleeve comprising a conductive outer layer (51), an insulating inner layer (52), advantageously of substantially uniform cross-section for at least a portion of its length, and optionally a stress grading innermost layer (53). At least the insulating layer (52) and/or the stress grading layer (53) overlaps the or each cable shield, in the case of the insulating layer by an amount at least equal to the thickness of the portion of the insulating layer overlapping the cable shield end. Preferably the sleeve is installed by heat recovery.

Abstract: A cable splice joining insulated conductor ends wherein the conductors are coated with lead, lead-tin alloy or tin, said splice comprising a metallic sleeve member joining the conductor ends, a first layer of adhesive over the sleeve member and any exposed conductor areas, a layer of foil formed of lead or lead-tin alloy covering the first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer covering said layer of foil and extending over the exposed insulation; a helically-wrapped insulation layer formed of a thermosetting polymer, an over-lapped layer of fabric surrounding the insulation layer, a helically-wrapped heat-shrinkable type layer surrounding the fabric layer, and a heat-shrinkable sleeve surrounding the splice area, and a method for forming said cable splice, for providing cable splices which resist depressurization failure and corrosion of conductors when employed in high pressure gassy oil wells containing corrosive well fluids.

Abstract: A bracing surround which comprises a heat-recoverable especially a heat-shrinkable, sleeve provided with a reinforcing member which does not prevent recovery of the sleeve but which is capable, when in the configuration held when the sleeve is recovered, of resisting forces tending to return it to the configuration held when the sleeve is in its recoverable configuration. The surround is used to enclose substrates, e.g., pressurized conduit junctions, that are subject to expansion in use.

Abstract: A casing provides a hermetically sealed enclosure around a joint between two elongate substrates. The casing comprises two generally cylindrical members, each of which comprises a first open end section and second open end section. The first end section includes a heat-shrinkable sealing member which can be shrunk by heat to form a hermetic seal between the first end section and a substrate passing therethrough. The second open end section of each member can be hermetically sealed to the second open end section of the other member. There is a generally cylindrical flexible connecting section between the first and second end sections. This connecting section can be deformed to permit relative axial movement between the first and second open end sections to provide access to the joint.

Abstract: A recoverable tubular article comprising an elastomeric sleeve held in an expanded or extended condition and capable of recovering to its unexpanded condition of smaller diameter upon the removal of an outer restraint, an outer restraint, essentially tubular in configuration, bonded to said elastomeric sleeve, said restraint and said bond between the sleeve and the restraint being sufficiently strong to retain the elastomeric sleeve in its expanded condition under ordinary conditions of storage and said restraint being capable of being segmented and peeled from said elastomeric sleeve to permit said sleeve to recover to its original state.

Abstract: A first cable is spliced to an intermediate portion of a second cable by inserting an end of the first cable and a stripped intermediate portion of the second into a metallic tube, then forging the tube and cable portions together, then bending the first cable at a desired angle relative to the second cable, then soldering the cables and tube together, and then molding a plastic cover over the tube and exposed conductive portions of the cables.

Abstract: A cable splice formed by wrapping an electrical connection in sealing tape and injection molding an encapsulation on the connection. The sealing tape is formed of material (e.g. ethylene propylene rubber) which softens under the influence of the injection molding temperature, and is shaped intimately into fluid-tight sealing contact with the electrical connection by shrinkage of the encapsulation during cooling. The material of the sealing tape is also heat insulating to resist increase in temperature of the insulated conductors within the cable during the injection molding process.

Abstract: A method of butt-joining metal tapes coated on one or both sides with a film of thermoplastic polymer material.The film is detached from an end portion of each tape (1A 1B) by immersion in a solvent at its boiling point. The detached film is removed and the ends of the two tapes welded together. A film (17, 18) of high-density polyethylene and ionomer resin is applied to the stripped area and bonded thereto by the application of heat and pressure. Device for implementation of the method.

Abstract: Cable splices of outside telephone plant are rehabilitated by a method in which a length of tubing of a kit of parts is moved over end portions of cables which are to be respliced, if necessary. The tubing is collapsed adjacent jacketed portions of the cables and a collar comprising a plurality of turns of sealing tape is formed about the jacket of each of the cables in adjacent locations. A spacer block is positioned between the collars to maintain the cables spaced apart after which a liner made of a perforated, transversely corrugated strip of plastic material is wrapped about the splice. The tubing is extended over the liner and its lower end is taped about the collars to form a closed end to prevent the escape of a waterproofing material which is flowed into the opposite open end of the tubing. A length of transversely and longitudinally scored plastic is wrapped about the tubing and cut along one of the score lines to form a cover which is secured by a plurality of clamps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for environmentally sealing a wire splice for use in nuclear power stations and the like. More particularly the device includes three components, an end cap, a sleeve and a separator. The end cap is cross-linked and heat shrinkable. The sleeve and separator fuses under the temperature required for shrinking the end cap. Upon fusing, the sleeve and separator mixes into an impermeable unitary mass in which are embedded the wires.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting an external conductor of a coaxial cable which stands up well to bending and has good electromagnetic propagation. Solid non-perforated or woven strips are wound in a helix along the whole length of the part which is to be repaired and the ends of the intact external conductor and said strips are glued on these ends with an electrically conductive glue. Application to coaxial telephone cables.

Abstract: A cable splice comprising a metallic sleeve member joining the conductor ends, a layer of adhesive over the sleeve member adjacent insulation and lead sheath, a helically-wrapped insulation layer formed of a thermosetting polymer, an overlapped layer of fabric surrounding the insulation layer, an overlapped layer of lead foil surrounding the fabric layer and extending over the lead sheath a helically-wrapped heat-shrinkable tape layer surrounding the lead foil layer and a heat-shrinkable sleeve surrounding the splice area which resists invasion by corrosive well fluids and consequent corrosive in high pressure gassy wells, and a method for forming said cable splice.

Abstract: A coaxial cable of the type comprising a litz wire with individually enameled strands as an inner conductor and a wire plait as an outer conductor is spliced to a coaxial connector by exposing a top of the inner conductor and stripping part of the insulation from the outer conductor to expose a portion thereof set back from the tip of the inner conductor. Before splicing, the stripped cable extremity is immersed in a solvent for the enamel such as sulfuric acid, then subjected to ultrasonic vibration in a bath containing alcohol or fluorinated hydrocarbons, and thereafter immersed in a solution of tin. After neutralization and drying, the conductor portions so treated are joined to corresponding conductors of the coaxial connector whereupon a sleeve is placed around the joint and crimped to secure the connector to the cable.

Abstract: A method and composition for effecting splices of high voltage cable sections for use with a mold placed around the cable sections. The composition comprises a liquid polyolefin, a finely divided solid polyolefin and a chain extension agent capable of reacting with condensation reaction moieties of the liquid polyolefin.

Abstract: A method of end-to-end connection single- or multi-conductor electric cables having compressed mineral insulation and apparatus for end-to-end connection. The conductive metal sheath and the mineral insulation which covers the conductor(s) are removed along a short length at each cable end, a metal sleeve is fitted on the ends of the conductors, opposite each other, the sleeve is crimped on the ends of the conductors, a ring made of the same metal is fitted on each cable end, then a cylindrical connection sleeve with thin ends is fitted over the rings, then the ends of the cylindrical connection sleeve are crimped on the rings and on the ends of the cables.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for maintaining electrical conductivity between the ends of spliced metallic webs during surface treatment operations.

Abstract: The formation of a hermetic seal in an assembly resulting from the connection or encapsulation of one or more substrates such as cables by one or more dimensionally-recoverable covering members such as heat-recoverable sleeves is checked by detecting the increase in air pressure which occurs during heating of the assembly once a hermetic seal has been made. To this end, a covering member is provided with an aperture which communicates with a detection device such as a balloon or a manometer and with a space within the assembly in which there is a build up of air pressure.

Abstract: Two coaxial metal pipes, whose confronting extremities are each provided with a plurality of peripheral ribs of staggered height separated by two or more peripheral grooves, are interconnected by a coupling sleeve of fiber-reinforced thermosetting resin subdivided into several coaxially interleaved and independently deformable cylindrical shells each terminating in a pair of internal beads engaged in a respective peripheral pipe groove. The shells, increasing in axial tensile strength from the innermost to the outermost one, are preferably separated from one another by interposed antibonding layers of thermoplastic resin. A resinous filler can be inserted between the pipe extremities for electrically insulating them from each other. The shells of the coupling sleeve can be formed by coiling resin-coated filaments around the pipe axis, advantageously with application of an antifriction layer on each inner shell before the thermosetting material thereof has been fully hardened.

Abstract: Electrical cables having cross-linked polymer insulations are spliced by heating the insulations nearest the ends to be joined to a temperature such that the cross-linked polymers become amorphous, then expanding and axially moving the insulations away from the conductors such that they can be joined, then cooling the displaced insulations, then joining the conductors, and then reheating the insulations such that they return to generally their original shape and position around the conductors. The prior art technique of bevelling the insulators nearest the cable ends prior to conductor joining, with concurrent waste of insulating material, is made unnecessary.

Abstract: A method and composition for effecting splices of high voltage cable sections for use with a mold placed around the cable sections. The composition comprises a liquid polyolefin, a finely divided solid polyolefin and a chain extension agent capable of reacting to form addition polymer linkages with the liquid polyolefin.

Abstract: A method and composition for effecting splices of high voltage cable sections for use with a mold placed around the cable sections. The composition comprises a liquid polyolefin, a finely divided solid polyolefin and a chain extension agent capable of reacting with condensation reaction moieties of the liquid polyolefin.

Abstract: A device for forming a connection between a first and second group of glass fibers with each fiber of the first group being held in alignment with a given fiber of the second group characterized by an elongated carrier member having longitudinally extending grooves and a shrinkable tube telescopically received on the elongated member. In forming the connection, the glass fibers of one group are inserted individually in separate grooves from one end of the carrier member and the fibers of the second group are inserted from an opposite end until their end faces abut and engage the end faces of the respective fiber of the first group. After insertion, the tube is shrunk such as by a heat shrinking step so that the fibers are tightly and firmly held in their respective grooves by the shrinkable tube.

Abstract: Novel methods for sealing a closure member to a substrate make use of pressure generated in a chamber to create and/or maintain a seal between a closure member and a substrate. The chamber has a flexible wall which is urged towards the substrate by the pressure. Where the substrate has a hollow interior which is maintained at superatmospheric pressure, e.g. a pressurized telephone cable, a fluid passage is preferably provided between the interior and the closed chamber after the seal has been formed, thus taking the closure member out of peel with the substrate. A preferred closure member is an inflatable bag which has sealing material on selected portions of one surface thereof, so that it can be wrapped around the substrate to form a hollow enclosure around the substrate. After placing a restraining means around the wrapped closure member, the closure member is inflated, thus improving the seal around the enclosure.

Abstract: An electrical cable splicing technique in which each joined conductor is insulated with a self-fusing insulator pad of rubber which preferably is fabric reinforced, the insulated conductors then being wrapped with uncured vulcanizable rubber tape to build up the splice to dimensions of a jacket sleeve. The sleeve, which is of molded fabric reinforced rubber, is then installed and bonded to the splice area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing an insulated joint between electrical conductors, particularly between cables insulated by cross-linked polyethylene material. Heat is applied to joined parts of the conductors which have been covered by a cross-linked polyethylene material in uncured condition and closely confined within an enclosure which is heated until the said material is cured, pressure being applied to the joint while the joint is cooling, whereby voids in the cured joint are substantially suppressed. More specifically, parts of cable cores are connected together, the joint and adjacent portions of the cables are covered with the uncured material, the covered joint is heated within a mould until the material is cured, and pressure is applied to the joint while it is cooling. Advantageously, the uncured material is in the form of a tape.The mould cavity for the joint may be defined by two mould parts and the pressure applied by moving one of them in relation to the other.

Abstract: A flexible, self-tightening mechanical splice between sections of cable or other elongated sections comprises an elongated braided wire sleeve receiving end portions of the elongated sections, and wire clamps securing the ends of the sleeve in circumferential grooves on two-piece grommets mounted on the elongated sections. The mechanical splice may be employed in conjunction with an electrical splice in electrical cable, such as armored electrical cable of the type used to support submergible pumping units in wells, for preventing application of tension to the electrical splice proper. An automobile jack of known construction is modified to provide a tool for forming the wire clamps.

Abstract: A cable shield connecting device for installation on a high voltage cable of the type having a metallic shield, the device including a relatively conformable, looped metal bar for placement around a bared portion of the metallic shield to extend circumferentially around a major portion of the circumference of the metallic shield while being spaced radially therefrom, a plurality of relatively flexible metallic fingers affixed to the bar, projecting from the bar in an axial direction and spaced circumferentially along the bar, each finger being attached to the metallic shield at a portion located remote from the bar to make electrical contact with the metallic shield, and a connecting conductor integral with the bar.

Abstract: The invention provides an air tight and water tight seal around a telephone cable that has been opened and has a number of pairs selected and spliced to wires or cables exiting from the splice. The seal extends over and around the cables exiting from the spliced joint. This is accomplished by encapsulating the cable with a molten material which seals to the cable sheaths.

Abstract: An assembly for protecting and insulating a junction such as a splice between cables. The assembly may be repaired or modified without a complete renewal of the junction. The assembly includes a relatively rigid longitudinally split tube which is positioned about the junction. Relatively rigid support means, such as rings, are positioned at the ends of the tube and a plurality of relatively flexible prongs project longitudinally, at spaced intervals, around the circumference of at least one end of the tube. The prongs may be attached to, or formed integrally with the support means. A heat-shrinkable sleeve of length greater than the length of the tube, with the support means and prongs, is disposed about the tube, support means and prongs. At least part of the inner wall of the heat-shrinkable sleeve is provided with a sealant so that on shrinking, the end regions of the sleeve overlying the free ends of the prongs are shrunk down over the conduits and are sealed thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel case for enclosing a short length of at least one elongate substrate, especially a cable splice. The case has a wrap-around body section and end sections comprising deformable sealing members which in use are deformed into a configuration in which an increase in pressure within the case increases the forces maintaining the sealing members in contact with the substrate. Preferably the case includes heating means which is used to heat the sealing members and to activate a hot melt adhesive placed thereon. The cases are particularly useful for encapsulating splices in pressurized telephone cables.

Abstract: Described herein are coupling means for joining substrates, for example, tubular articles, which include an inner member, having disposed thereon a fusible agent for binding the substrates together, and an outer member. The substrates to be joined are inserted between the fusible agent and outer member and the resulting assembly is heated. The application of heat is maintained until it permeates the assembly and raises the temperature of the fusible agent enough that it melts and flows through and/or about the substrates to be joined. The inner and outer members act to confine the melted fusible agent by defining boundaries between which it can flow. Longitudinal flow of the agent can be controlled by limiting the area heated, by the configuration of the coupling members or substrates, or by providing the coupling with additional members that "dam" longitudinal flow. When the heating is discontinued, the fusible agent hardens to bind the substrates together.