Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement in a wire or cable system comprising a wire or cable portion, an insulation composition surrounding the wire or cable portion, a filler material surrounding the insulation composition and a jacket composition surrounding the filler material wherein either the insulation composition, the jacket composition, or both comprise at least one antioxidant, wherein the improvement comprises the inclusion in the filler material of a stabilizing mixture comprising at least two antioxidants, selected from at least two members of the group consisting of:(a) metal dithiocarbamate salts,(b) amine antioxidants, and(c) sterically hindered phenolic antioxidants,wherein the stabilizing mixture is present in the filler material in an amount that is effective for the reduction of the oxidation of the cable filling material, thereby reducing deterioration of the jacket and/or insulation.

Abstract: A cable construction comprises the following components: (i) a plurality of insulated electrical conductors having interstices therebetween, said insulation comprising (a) one or more polyolefins selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof, and, blended therewith, (b) a mixture containing one or more alkylhydroxy-phenylalkanoyl hydrazines and one or two functionalized hindered amines; (ii) hydrocarbon cable filler grease within the interstices; and (iii) a sheath surrounding components (i) and (ii) wherein said hindered amines have the following structural formulae: ##STR1## wherein n is about 2 to about 12; R is CxHyOz wherein x is about 2 to about 6, y is about 4 to about 16, and z is zero to about 3; ##STR2## wherein m is about 2 to about 30; n is about 2 to about 30; and x is about 1 to about 30; or ##STR3## wherein n is about 2 to about 20.

Abstract: Insulated electrical cables which are suitable for use in gasoline fuel tanks comprise a stranded conductor which is blocked by a polysulfide and is covered by polyamide insulation.

Abstract: A cable construction comprising the following components: (i) a plurality of insulated electrical conductors having interstices therebetween, said insulation comprising (a) one or more polyolefins selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof, and, blended therewith, (b) a mixture containing one or more alkylhydroxy-phenylalkanoyl hydrazines and one or two functionalized hindered amines; (ii) hydrocarbon cable filler grease within the interstices; and (iii) a sheath surrounding components (i) and (ii) wherein said hindered amines have the following structural formulae in which n is about 2 to about 10: ##STR1##

Abstract: Novel dielectric liquids for such electrical components as transformers, capacitors and cables, especially adopted for low temperature applications, comprise immixtures of benzyltoluene, (methylbenzyl)toluene, benzylxylene and (methylbenzyl)xylene, and optionally include the benzyl or methylbenzyl derivatives thereof; these immixtures are facilely prepared by chlorinating a mixture of xylene and toluene and then adding a catalytically effective amount of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst to the medium of chlorination.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising (i) a plurality of electrical conductors, each surrounded by one or more layers of a composition comprising (a) one or more polyolefins and, blended therewith, (b) a mixture containing one or more alkylhydroxyphenylalkanoyl hydrazines and one or more functionalized hindered amines; and (ii) hydrocarbon cable filler grease within the interstices between said surrounded conductors.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising, as a first component, a plurality of electrical conductors, each surrounded by one or more layers comprising a mixture of (i) one or more polyolefins; (ii) a first antioxidant selected from the group consisting of poly(2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline); the reaction product of diphenylamine and acetone; the reaction product of diphenylamine, acetone, and formaldehyde; and mixtures thereof; and (iii) a second antioxidant selected from the group consisting of 2,2'-oxalyldiamidobis ethyl-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propiona te!; 1,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamoyl)-hydrazine; and mixtures thereof; and, as a second component, hydrocarbon cable filler grease within the interstices between said surrounded conductors.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising, as a first component, a plurality of electrical conductors, each surrounded by one or more layers of a mixture comprising one or more polyolefins and the reaction product of a compound containing a sterically hindered amine or phenol and a quinone compound, and, as a second component, hydrocarbon cable filler grease within the interstices between said surrounded conductors.

Abstract: A cable having a thixotropic filling compound therein, the filling compound being a gel composition including a water absorbent hydrocarbon polymer with pendent anionic groups. The composition eliminates shorts caused by moisture contact with such wires. The cable including the composition is stabilized against thermally induced capacitance changes and shows improved oxidation induction times.

Abstract: A bow-tie tree resistant electrical insulating composition comprises 100 parts by weight of at least one polymer selected from polyolefins and ethylene copolymers, 0.005-1.0 part by weight of a metal salt of a fatty acid containing a hydroxyl group in the molecule, and 0.005-1.0 part by weight of a fatty acid or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprising (i) a plurality of electrical conductors, each surrounded by one or more layers of a composition comprising (a) one or more polyolefins and, blended therewith, (b) a mixture containing one or more alkylhydroxyphenylalkanoyl hydrazines and one or more functionalized hindered amines; and (ii) hydrocarbon cable filler grease within the interstices between said surrounded conductors.

Abstract: A light waveguide lead has at least one light waveguide accommodated within a protective sheath and this light waveguide is embedded in a pasty filling compound characterized by small balls being added to the compound, which balls are composed of a different material than the filling compound material. The diameter of the small balls and the number are selected so that the light waveguide has a displaceability within the filling compound that is adequate to allow stranding in other processes to the light waveguide lead.

Abstract: A cable (20) includes a plurality of conductors (24) included in a core (22) enclosed in a sheath system. Voids between the conductors are filled by a mixture of a filling composition characterized by a styrene-rubber block copolymer having a styrene/rubber ratio of from 0.2 to 0.5, an ASTM Type 104A oil and polyethylene and a superabsorbent polymer material. The mixture has a viscosity in the range of about 400 cps at 88.degree. C. to 11 cps at 110.degree. C. and may be used to fill substantially voids in a cable comprising as many as 3000 pairs of insulated metallic conductors. The superabsorbent polymer is incorporated into the gel composition in a concentration of about 10 parts by weight to per 100 parts by weight of the filling mixture. A flooding material which comprises a mixture of a flooding composition and a superabsorbent polymer may be used to flood voids between layers of the sheath system.

Abstract: A waterproofing agent for an optical or electric cable, formed of a cross-linked macromolecular compound containing a sulfonic acid group or a salt thereof in an amount of not less than 0.5 mg. equivalent/g and a dissociating group in an amount of not less than 1.0 mg. equivalent/g, and a method for waterproofing said cable by packing said waterproofing agent in the sheath of said cables.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a jacketed signal conduit with a blocking material are provided. The blocking material is injected into the jacketed signal conduit such that the blocking material occupies space within the jacketed signal conduit not occupied by the signal conduit. The injected blocking material inhibits fluid intrusion and migration between the signal conduit jacket and the signal conduit.

Abstract: An aramid yarn, preferably poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), is coated with a water swellable superabsorbent material. The swelling value of the yarn is at least 60. The superabsorbent provides water blocking capability to the yarn, so that it is suitable for use as a strength member, for example, in water tight optical communication cables. The yarn is made by successively treating an aramid yarn with a water-in-oil emulsion, a superabsorbent material being present in the water phase of the emulsion, and removing the liquid components from the treated yarn by evaporation.

Abstract: A composition including a gel, water absorbent hydrocarbon polymer with pendant anionic groups and a tackifier. The gel composition is activated with moisture so that the water absorbent composition migrates to engage and absorb the water. The composition is used as a protective filling around communication wires prior to wrapping and as a filling inside the cable cover containing the wires. The composition eliminates shorts caused by moisture contact with such wires.

Abstract: The invention discloses a composite material 1 comprising essentially a mixture of hydroexpandable powder and thermobonding powder, sandwiched between two flat solid supports, one at least of which is at least partially hydrosoluble.This material can be used in agriculture, medicine, surgery, in the hygiene field and in the cable, particularly electric cable, industry. In this application, when water penetrates into the cable, the at least partially hydrosoluble support or supports release the hydroexpandable powder which rapidly forms a pad preventing propagation of the water through the cable.

Abstract: An optical cable portion (10), resident within a cable closure (14), is caused to receive a water blocking arrangement which is effective to prevent water, which enters an internal cable portion (24) through an unintended cut (21) in an outer jacket (18) of a cable portion (20), from entering an interior of the cable closure. A plurality of water blocking materials (30 and 32) are coaxially disposed about the outer jacket and a core tube (26) of the cable portion, respectively, and cooperate with a heat shrinkable plastic tube (34) which substantially covers the water blocking materials to prevent the movement of water from the internal cable portion past the water blocking materials.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for applying a moisture block compound to a stranded electrical conductor using a double twist buncher apparatus are disclosed. An oil, such as drawing oil, is applied to the outer layer of wires to prevent "rolling" of the moisture block compound to the exterior of the stranded conductor. An improved applicator is also disclosed for applying the moisture block compound to the core of the stranded conductor in a coating having a precisely controlled thickness.

Abstract: A water absorptive fabric including a layer of a water absorptive polymer whose major components consist of a cross-linked poly(metal salt of acrylic acid) and a water-soluble resin. The fabric may be produced by first impregnating a fabric substrate with a solution which contains a metal salt of acrylic acid in the form of a monomer, a cross-linking agent and a water-soluble resin, and then heating the impregnated fabric substrate to thereby copolymerize the monomer and the cross-linking agent, in the presence of the water-soluble resin.

Abstract: A composite tape structure having a metal tape layer and a layer of swellable water blocking material, the two layers bonded together face-to-face. The tape structure is for use as a composite shield and water blocking structure surrounding the core of a cable, preferably a telecommunications cable. One edge region of the metal tape layer may extend beyond the layer of water blocking material so that overlapping edges of the metal tape layer confront each other for bonding purposes when used as a shield. The layer of water blocking material may be formed from tape impregnated with or provided with a particulate swellable material, or the particulate material may be applied directly to and bonded to the metal tape layer.

Abstract: An unshielded buried service wire (20) includes a core (22) and a jacket (40). The core comprises two pairs (24-24) of insulated metallic conductors (26-26). Also associated with each conductor pair is a longitudinally extending waterblocking member (33) which inhibits the flow of water longitudinally of the wire. The jacket has a transverse cross sectional configuration which is generally oval. Adjacent to each of opposed small radius of curvature portions of the service wire and embedded substantially in the jacket is a longitudinally extending, rod-like strength member (50) which is caused to adhere to plastic material of the jacket.

Abstract: The invention provides an encapsulant composition capable of use with signal transmission devices, such as electrical or optical cable. The composition is the extended reaction product of an admixture of an anhydride functionalized composition and a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: An aerial service wire (20) includes a jacket (40) having a generally rectangularly shaped cross section and comprising a polyvinyl chloride plastic material. Enclosed by the jacket are two groups of strength members (36--36) each of which includes a plurality of filaments and each of which is impregnated with a material which is compatible with that of the jacket. The strength members are disposed along axes (52,54) of the cross section which are normal to an axis (42) which passes through a geometric center through which a longitudinal axis (50) of the jacket passes. Conductors (30--30) which are individually insulated are disposed adjacent to the longitudinal axis with each strength member being disposed between the conductors and the outer surface of the jacket.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (20) which is particularly suited for shipboard use includes a core (22) and a sheath system (30). The core includes a plurality of optical fiber cable components (24,24) each including a buffered fiber (26) and high strength aramid yarn (27). About the four optical fiber cable components which are arranged about a central organizer (25) is a waterblocking-strength member system (32) which includes at least two spaced layers (33,33) each comprising a superabsorbent material. A strength member layer (40) is disposed between each two adjacent superabsorbent layers. An outer jacket (34) comprises a plastic material which in a preferred embodiment includes a low halogen, fire-resistant material.

Abstract: A water-tight rubber or plastic insulated cable includes water-tight compound which is injected into apertures among stranded wires for a conductor. The stranded conductor is compressed to have a solidity factor of 85 to 95% of the conductor. The water-tight compound is injected into the apertures among the stranded wires except for an outermost surface of the conductor. The water-tight compound has a scorch time of more than 20 minutes under a temperature of 130.degree. C. and includes conductive carbon of 50 to 60 weight %.

Abstract: A communications cable comprising a core of at least one transmission medium and a plastic jacket includes provisions for preventing the movement of water within the cable. An impregnated tape (35) is interposed between the core and the jacket and is wrapped about the core to form a longitudinal overlapped seam. The tape comprises a substrate tape (37) which is impregnated with a superabsorbent material which upon contact with water swells and inhibits the further movement of the water. The tape and its thickness are controlled so that the thickness is minimal while the tensile strength of the tape and its porosity prior to impregnation are optimized.

Abstract: An electrical insulating oil composition which comprises 45% by weight or more of at least 2 members selected from the group consisting of (a) m-ethylbiphenyl, (b) p-ethylbiphenyl, (c) o-benzyltoluene, (d) m-benzyltoluene, (e) p-benzyltoluene, and (f) 1,1-diphenylethane; and the remainder of non-condensed bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbons having not more than 17 carbon atoms besides the above 6 components; and is characterized in that, when the temperature of the composition is -40.degree. C., (I) the total quantity of solid phase obtained by calculating according to the following solid-liquid equilibrium equation is 45% by weight or less relative to the total quantity of the composition, and (II) in the liquid phase composition calculated by the following solid-liquid equilibrium equation, the total quantity of the compounds (a) to (f) is 40% by weight or more and the viscosity of this liquid phase is 500 cSt or lower, ##EQU1## wherein X.sub.

Abstract: A high voltage electrical power cable with a stranded central conductor encircled by insulation, a metal tape, metal strips or metal wires following helical paths outwardly of the insulation and a water swellable material at least between the adjacent edges of the tape, strips or wires. Preferably, the water swellable material is included with a polymeric material which is flowable at a temperature at least as low as 100.degree. C., the polymeric material has a 100 gram needle penetration value in the range from 50-100 tenths of a millimeter at 25.degree. C. and the water swellable material has a particle size not greater than 200 microns.

Abstract: A high voltage electrical power cable with a longitudinally folded, smooth or corrugated, metal strip around a plurality of layers around the conductor and a water swellable material at least at the adjacent edges of the strip. Preferably, the water swellable material is included with a polymeric material which is flowable at a temperature at least as low as 100.degree. C., the polymeric material has a 100 gram needle penetration value in the range from 50-100 tenths of a millimeter at 25.degree. C. and the water swellable material has a particle size not greater than 200 microns.

Abstract: There is provided a method for restoring in-service electrical distribution cable having a stranded conductor and polyolefin insulation, comprising(i) drying the interstices of said conductor,(ii) exposing the interior of said cable to an anti-treeing additive till said additive is absorbed by the insulation,(iii) filling the interstices of said stranded conductor with a water block composition comprising (A) an Si-H endblocked polydiorganosiloxane fluid; (B) a polydiorganosiloxane fluid; (C) a siloxane crosslinker; (D) a hydrosilation catalyst; and (E) a polymerization inhibitor, and(iv) curing said water block composition to a non-flowing state. Proper selection of catalyst and inhibitor concentrations imparts a controllable viscosity-time profile to the composition and allows cables of various sizes and lengths to be filled before the water block composition cures.

Abstract: An electrical or fibre optic cable comprising one or more conducting filaments within a protective sheath are provided. The cable is characterized by having HEC powder between the filaments and the protective sheath. The HEC powder is of a type having an MS value between 0.7 and 1.25 and has not been treated with glyoxal.

Abstract: A communications cable comprising a core of transmission media such as optical fibers, for example, disposed in a core tube and a sheath system (32) includes provisions for preventing the movement of water within the cable core. Water blocking provisions (26) are disposed in the core tube and may comprise a tape or a yarn, for example, or both. The tape may comprise substrate tapes between which is disposed a superabsorbent material in powder form which upon contact with water swells and inhibits the further movement of the water. In another embodiment, a water swellable yarn may extend longitudinally linearly with the optical fibers in the core.

Abstract: A marine cable for a fiber optic waveguide with regenerator supply. A marine cable for a fiber optic waveguide must be provided with an electrical conductor for energy supply, in order to supply energy to the regenerators. For this purpose, the optical transmission elements are surrounded by a stranded layer of metal wires with good conductivity, which serve to supply energy. The stranded layer of metal wires with good conductivity is surrounded by an insulation layer, which in turn is protected by a stranded layer of sheathing wires. Both of the stranded layers of wires are embedded in a layer of a plastic, water-repellent material. The outer casing of the cable is formed by a metal composite layer sheath. The marine cable for a fiber optic waveguide with regenerator supply line, as described, can, for example, be laid down as an intercontinental cable.

Abstract: A waterproof cable having a filling material for filling voids in the cable which comprises a styrene-rubber diblock copolymer, a styrene-rubber-styrene triblock copolymer a paraffinic oil, a polybutene oil and a polyethylene wax. The cable is suitable for aerial use as well as underground use.

Abstract: A communications cable comprising a core of at least one transmission medium and a plastic jacket includes provisions for preventing the movement of water within the cable. An impregnated tape (35) is interposed between the core and the jacket and is wrapped about the core to form a longitudinal overlapped seam. The tape comprises a substrate tape (37) which is impregnated with a superabsorbent material which upon contact with water swells and inhibits the further movement of the water. The tape and its thickness are controlled so that the thickness is minimal while the tensile strength of the tape and its porosity prior to impregnation are optimized.

Abstract: A mineral oil-free cured cable splice encapsulant comprises between about 20% and about 60% polyurethane, by weight of the cured encapsulant, the balance comprising diluent(s) and/or plasticizers, and typically has a cure and typically has a cure time of at least 50 minutes at 25.degree. C. The relatively long cure time, together with other properties of the material, including a viscosity typically between 150 and 1500 centipose, and relatively good "bonding" to plastic-insulated conductors, results in improved water-intrusion resistance of splices enveloped in the novel encapsulant.

Abstract: There is provided a method of extending the serviceable life of a stranded conductor electrical distribution cable wherein the interstices of the conductor are filled with a curable silicone water block composition which is subsequently cured to a non-flowing state. The composition has a low viscosity and comprises (A) an Si-H endblocked polydiorganosiloxane fluid, (B) a polydiorganosiloxane fluid endblocked with an unsaturated organic radical, (C) a siloxane crosslinker, (D) a hydrosilation catalyst and (E) a polymerization inhibitor. Proper selection of catalyst and inhibitor concentrations imparts a controllable viscosity-time profile to the composition and allows cables of various sizes and lengths to be filled before the water block composition cures.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable (20) includes a core (21) comprising at least one optical fiber (24) which is enclosed in a tubular member (34) and which includes a sheath system (40). The sheath system includes two strength members 42--42 which extend linearly longitudinally along the cable parallel to a longitudinal axis (29) of the cable. The strength members are enclosed in a plastic jacket (46). The strength members have predetermined relative tensile and compressive stiffnesses. The stiffnesses are such that the strength members are capable of withstanding expected compressive as well as tensile loading and are coupled sufficiently to the jacket to provide a composite arrangement which is effective to inhibit contraction and which controls the position of the neutral axis during bending while providing suitable flexibility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydroexpansible composite material, the method of preparing same and a composition for implementing this method, as well as to the uses thereof. The composite material includes a solid flat support having, on at least one of its faces, a coating with a high proportion of a hydroexpansible polymer powder fixed to the support by means of a hydrosoluble binder, the coating being essentially formed of:95 to 55% by weight of hydroexpansible polymer powder;5 to 23% by weight of hydrosoluble binder; and0 to 22% by weight of surfactant.This hydroexpansible material may advantageously be used in medicine, surgery agriculture and especially as sealing agent in cables, particularly electric cables.FIG. 2 shows how, in a cable, this material (11, 13) forms a sealing ring (13) about the point of infiltration of the water, thus preventing its longitudinal propagation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a swellable nonwoven fabric strip for a cable wrapping having a specific resistance of 3,000 .OMEGA..multidot.cm.sup.2 or less and a method for its manufacture. The strip is in the form of a fibrous flat material without perceptible layered construction, wherein the fibers are aligned mainly lengthwise of the strip and are 95 to 75 wt.- % in the form of viscose fibers and 5 to 25 wt.- % in the form of shrunken polyvinylalcohol fibers soluble in water beginning at 80.degree. C. The flat material is uniformly impregnated with a binding agent which under the action of water loses its ability to adhere. The strip contains swelling powder particles which swell upon the access of water but do not dissolve, the swelling agent being distributed in an amount of 20 to 40 g/m.sup.2. The strip is capable of swelling at the place of access of the water to at least 90% of its achievable thickness in approximately one minute.

Abstract: A communications cable comprising a core of at least one transmission media and a plastic jacket includes provisions for preventing the movement of water within the cable. A water blockable yarn (33) or strip (35) is interposed between the core and the jacket (32) and extends either linearly along the cable or is wrapped helically about a portion of the sheath system. In any plane along the cable which is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the cable, the yarn or the strip extends about an insubstantial portion of an inner periphery of the cable. As a result, any desired bond between the jacket and an underlying element of the cable sheath system is discontinuous for only an insignificant portion of the peripheral surface of contact. The yarn may be one which has been treated with a superabsorbent material whereas the strip may comprise a substrate strip which has been impregnated with a superabsorbent material which upon contact with water swells and inhibits the movement of water within the cable.

Abstract: A filler compound for the spaces between the wires of a stranded conductor surrounded by and contacting a semiconductive layer which is surrounded by a layer of extrudced insulation, a method for filling such spaces with the compounds and an electric cable including such compound. The compound has a polymeric base, a Mooney viscosity at 100.degree. C. between 10 and 60 and a Shore A hardness between 10 and 90. Preferably, the compound includes hygroexpansible, water insoluble organic powder having particle sizes less than 200 microns and specified other characteristics.

Abstract: Epoxy-grafted, low molecular weight amorphous polymer compositions are employed in pourable, liquid telecommunication cable encapsulation compositions. Also disclosed is a method for encapsulating telecommunication cables as well as cables encapsulated with such an epoxy-grafted liquid encapsulant.

Abstract: An insulating oil containing N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-cyclohexylamine at 0.5 mg/l or more. An electrical apparatus is filled with the insulating oil in which a copper component is immersed. During operation of the apparatus for a long period of time, the tan .delta. of the insulating oil does not increase so that deterioration of the insulating oil is deferred, thereby substantially extending the life of the insulating oil.

Abstract: A cable closing method and the resultant cable closing constructed by enclosing the cable area to be closed with a flexible waterproof enclosure, wrapping the cable with a water-activatable urethane resin impregnated cloth to span the area enclosed by the flexible waterproof enclosure, wetting the water-activatable urethane resin impregnated cloth to activate the resin and permitting the urethane resin to cure.

Abstract: A gelled dielectric encapsulant material and process therefor for use in reenterable and nonreenterable communication cable splices as well as applications relating to encapsulation of electronic components comprises a plasticizer which does not stress crack polycarbonate, an aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid, and a basic oxide or hydroxide.

Abstract: A flooding compound for a waterproof communications cable is formed from a heated mixture of 92-94% by weight of a microcrystalline wax, 3-5% polyethylene and 2-4% of a rubber. The heated mixture is extruded between the plastic jacket and core sheath of a cable. The compound exhibits the adhesive and slip characteristics of, and is a replacement for, atactic polypropylene.

Abstract: A slow forming, thermally reversible gel for filling cables at or below the polybutylene use temperature, which comprises a butene-1 polymer or copolymer which may contain either or both ethylene comonomer and a styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer, and the rest naphthenic or paraffinic oil with an oil aromatic content up to 25% by weight.