Abstract: A method and apparatus for enclosing a splice joining at least first and second cable segments prevents water from entering the splice. The apparatus includes a flexible reservoir sealingly attachable to a sealing surface of an end plate assembly. The end plate assembly is sealingly attachable to the cable segments. The pressurized splice closure sections sealingly engage one another and the end plates. The method includes forming a reservoir about the splice, sealing the reservoir to the first and second conductor segments or to the end plates, forming an opening in the reservoir, pouring a curable encapsulant into the reservoir, working the encapsulant into intersitices between the conductors in the cable segments, sealing the reservoir, enclosing the reservoir in a splice closure and pressurizing the splice closure. This method combines a curable encapsulant such as a two-part polyurethane with a pressurized closure such as a 2-type, gas pressurized closure.

Abstract: A method of preventing core water from tracking through an electrical cable to a cable splice area is disclosed. The method incorporates a pair of water blocks placed on each side of the cable splice area which blocks the core water thus preventing entry into the cable splice area. The cable blocks are formed by disposing a curable blocking compound around the cable adjacent each side of the cable splice area. The curable compound hardens to a solid form thereby blocking core water penetration.

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: An apparatus for treating air core cables such as air core plastic insulated telephone cables, which includes a treatment tank provided with air and liquid application piping; an air application saddle or fitting and at least one liquid application saddle or fitting applied to the telphone cable in spaced relationship, with air and liquid application connections extending from the saddles; and a cable block sealing a segment of the air core cable to be treated. Air and liquid are applied in sequence to the plastic insulated cable pairs located in the cable, in order to clear water and other fluids from the cable and restore electrical transmission through the cable pairs.

Abstract: A high voltage mass impregnated power cable to be used on land and in shallow waters by including in the cable construction a pressure body having a number of pressure tapes applied in several layers on a bedding between the metal sheath and the tapes. The pressure tapes have good elastic properties and may consist of high quality metal or a strong synthetic material and are applied with a short lay length. The pressure body maintains under all load conditions including no-load, an internal pressure on the cable insulation above atmospheric pressure and high enough to prevent creation of voids in the insulation.

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

Abstract: An optical fiber cable in which plural optical fibers are joined in a flat assembly. Each assembly is coated with a water-swelling resin, stacked with other such flat assemblies and fitted in a spiral groove of a spacer. A tape is wound around the so-fitted spacer.

Abstract: An insulating polyolefin laminate paper and a method for producing such a paper in which first and second fiber paper layers are laminated to a polyolefin film layer. The fiber paper layers have an impermeability of 20 to 4000 Gurley-seconds. At least one of the fiber paper layers is mechanically deformed in such a manner that irregularities are produced having a depth of 2 to 50% of the thickness of the fiber paper layer. The mechanical deformation is accomplished prior to lamination. Before lamination, the water content of the fiber paper layers is controlled to be no more than 4%. Preferably, the thickness of the fiber paper layers is at least 30 microns. Furthermore, an electric power supply cable includes an insulating polyolefin laminate paper as an insulating layer.

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 multi-wire conduit dam consisting of a molded strip of closed cell sponge rubber or equivalent that is shaped like a timing belt having recesses on at least one side with the recessed surface coated with adhesive or double sided adhesive tape after wires are placed in the recesses. The strip is then rolled together to form a cylindrical dam which may then be installed in an appropriate conduit.

Abstract: A water migration resisting filler for filling the interstices of a stranded conductor, an electrical power transmission cable including such filler and a method of making such cable. The filler includes a polymeric compound having a 100 gram needle penetration value between 50 and 100 tenths of a millimeter at 25.degree. C. and particles of a water swellable material having a particle size of not greater than 200 microns are in contact with the polymeric compound either by admixing it with the compound or applying it to the surface thereof. In the method, the polymeric compound is flowed around the wires of the conductor as they are stranded together and the water swellable material is either admixed with the compound or applied thereto as the conductor is formed, a semi-conductive layer is extruded around the so-filled conductor and a layer of insulation is extruded around the semi-conductive layer.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for making the cable core of a telecommunication cable water-tight in the longitudinal direction, in which a filling material having a base of petroleum jelly is heated to a temperature above the drop point, is supplied under pressure to a filling head (5), is divided into a number of jets distributed over the circumference of the cable core, is passed through the filling head (5) with simultaneous conversion of the static pressure into kinetic energy and is injected through the outer layer of the cable core into the heart of the cable core, in which a reconversion of the kinetic energy into static pressure is effected and all the interstices and gaps between the single wires of the cable core are filled with the filling material.

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 device for constricting an electric cable used underwater for restricting the flow of water lengthwise of the cable when its sheath is perforated intentionally or accidentally. The device comprises a rigid hollow cylinder which fits around the cable with spacing between the cable and the interior wall of the hollow cylinder and has an end wall with an opening for the passage of the cable through the hollow cylinder. The opposite end of the hollow cylinder has an exterior flange, and the space between the interior wall thereof and the cable is filled with an elastomeric or plastomeric sleeve. An annular body which fits around the cable and into the hollow cylinder so as to engage the sleeve has an external flange by which the body may be pressed into the hollow cylinder and thereby compress the sleeve and, hence, the cable.

Abstract: An assembly for mechanically connecting an electrical cable to the housing of an electrical device comprises a cable jacket with an annular groove filled with a resinous substance such as polyurethane, the resin forming a prism fitted to an aperture in the device housing. The surface defining the groove is roughened and provided with a multiplicity of teeth.

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: A method of sealing electrical fittings is provided. The method comprises foaming in situ a removable, flame retardant, solvent resistant, substantially closed cell isocyanurate foam. The isocyanurate foam is prepared from a two-part, liquid, foamable, curable composition, the parts being mixed at the time of application, the composition comprising, in a first part, a prereaction product of an isocyanate and a polyol, and, in a second part, catalyst, chain extending agent, flame retardant agent, and blowing agent. Also provided are an electrical fitting and cable duct or riser sealed with the isocyanurate foam.

Abstract: An apparatus which routes electrical conductors through a sealed opening in a wall using a flexible printed wiring cable is disclosed. The apparatus includes a thermoplastic material injection molded around a flexible printed wiring cable. Within the molded object, the cable contains two sections where cable conductors are not enclosed within flexible printed wiring insulation. The two sections are separated by a third section in which cable conductors are enclosed within insulation. The cable additionally contains an increased amount of conductor material where the cable enters and exits the molded object. Two O-rings are contained within the periphery of the molded object.

Abstract: A plug assembly for encircling a cable and encapsulating it within a conduit includes a first and second ring members, each of which is formed of resilient material and has an inner wall conformable to a circumferential portion of the cable's outer surface. A rigid spacer is disposed between the first and second ring members for defining a sealant-receiving channel therebetween. Sealant material, such as a silicone compound, is dispensed within the channel, and a compression means associated with the plug assembly is operable for deforming the first and second ring members axially and radially, thereby to deform the channel so that at least some sealant material received in the channel is displaced into the region between the inner walls of the first and second ring members and corresponding portions of the cable's outer surface to provide a cushion/sealant between the ring members and the cable.

Abstract: A gland which is installed in the hole of a wall between two different atmospheres to prevent the leakage of a fluid from the one side to the other side of the wall along the outer sheath of an electric cable has a tubular metallic housing which is sealingly installed in the hole and into which the cable extends. The interior of the housing is filled with a hardened filler material which completely surrounds bare portions of conductors. Beads are formed on such bare portions. Sleeves are shrunk onto the bare portions of the conductors between the respective beads and insulators for the conductors. A tension reducing clamp surrounds the outer sheath of the cable in the housing. The aperture at one end of the housing contains an O-ring which is biased against the external surface of the outer sheath of the cable and against the surface surrounding the aperture by a second ring.

Abstract: A braided, composite lead-in conduit for use in conducting electricity to electroconductive heating means of a heated, multiple-glazed window has spaces between individual wires filled with a substantially moisture impervious material to minimize mositure-vapor penetration into the insulating air space of the window.

Abstract: A bonded ASP cable includes a multiconductor core which is filled with a waterproofing material. The core is enclosed by a plastic layer (28) which is flooded with a waterproofing material. Wrapped longitudinally about the plastic layer is a corrugated inner shield (31) having a longitudinal seam (35) and having an outer surface covered with a waterproofing material. The inner shield is enclosed by a corrugated outer shield (36) which has an overlapped longitudinal seam (38) and which has an outer surface coated with a layer of an adhesive material. As the outer shield is being formed, a sealant material is introduced into engagement with the inner shield in the vicinity of the longitudinal edge portions of the outer shield. Then as the longitudinal edge portions of the outer shield are overlapped and engaged with each other, the sealant material is caused to flow into cavities between the two shields adjacent to the seam of the outer shield to form a gasket (66).

Abstract: A fitting which couples two conduit members in a manner to permit relative longitudinal motion therebetween and which prevents the gases within the fitting from escaping at a temperature which might ignite an external ambient atmosphere. One form of the fitting includes a bushing affixed to an end of one of the conduit members and positioned and configured to mate with the interior of a body member affixed to an end of the other conduit member to permit sliding motion therebetween. The bushing has sufficient surface area in close proximity to the interior surface of the body member as to cause any gases passed between the bushing and body member to approach a temperature equilibrium with the body member.

Abstract: An improved transmission cable containing a filling material having superior handling and melt point characteristics useful for waterproofing telecommunication cables composed of a styrene-ethylene butylene-styrene block copolymer dissolved in petrolatum with polyethylene added for consistency and to increase the melting point of the mixture.

Abstract: A method of providing a dam in a loading coil case for the blocking of an encapsulant solutions penetration into the cable beyond a desired distance by inserting, via a hypodermic needle, a quantity of encapsulant activator at the desired site of a dam. The encapsulant upon contacting the activator jells very rapidly preventing the remaining encapsulant from draining into the cable.

Abstract: A hazardous location sealing fitting is provided with a multipart assembly so that the fill and drain opening may be maintained in a vertical orientation irrespective of the conduit orientation. The main body member comprises a "T" with a service port through which a fiber dam is placed to limit the volume of the sealing chamber. Subsequently, an auxiliary body member is coupled to the main body member at the service port. The auxiliary body member includes the fill and drain port together with a barrier dam and baffle for limiting the amount of sealing compound placed in the sealing chamber and directing the sealing compound into the sealing chamber, respectively. Because the main and auxiliary body members comprise separate parts, the fill port may be positioned with its axis in a vertical plane irrespective of the orientation of the axis of the conduit coupled to the main body member.

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: This invention relates to a method of producing a dam comprising the steps of exposing transmission members 4 by stripping the sheath 3 of a communication cable, covering the exposed portions of the transmission members 4 with a mold 5 and injecting self-curing resin 2 into the mold 5 to cure it. A resin which is cured while being foamed is used as the self-curing resin. The resin 2 is foamed in the mold after being injected into the mold while it is still not foamed. The resin 2 has the pressure increased by increasing the fluidity resistance of the resin 2 as it progresses to be cured when the resin 2 intrudes into gaps between the transmission members 4 within the sheath 3, which is caused by an expansion of volume of the resin 2 during foaming whereby the resin 2 is cured under a high pressure.

Abstract: A cable core, comprising conductors with insulation and carrying a conductive shield layer is protected and shielded by a corrugated metal tube cooperating either with individual, electrically conductive sealing rings, or a conductive helical sealing ribbon with foam filling any gaps. The construction ensures adequate space for thermal expansion of the insulation without undue tensioning of the tube. A method of making the assembly is described and examples for the ribbon and the foam are given.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit sealing connector that may be made from metal or a heat stable polymeric material that is adapted to secure at least two conduits together that also may be made from a metallic or heat stable polymeric material. The connector is provided with a sleeve having a chamber therewithin containing an expandable material which upon heating the connector after is is secured to the conduits is able to expand and engulf any electrical conductors and/or cables extending through the connector between the conduits and fill the chamber sufficiently to provide a barrier against the flow of vapor through the conduits.

Abstract: Permeation of water between inner and outer insulating jackets of an elongate electrical heater or other device along a metallic braid between the jackets is limited by means of a water-blocking section. The water-blocking section is generally placed near the connected end of the device to prevent water from reaching the connection. In the water-blocking section, the outer jacket is removed and an insulating sleeve, preferably a heat-shrunk polymeric sleeve, is placed over the exposed length of the inner jacket and the ends of the outer jacket. A water-proof sealing material is placed between the sleeve and part only of the exposed inner jacket. In this way, water which permeates between the jackets to the water-blocking section is prevented from passing through the section but is permitted to escape from the device.

Abstract: Disclosed is contractible conduit sealing connector that features an expanded sleeve made from a heat recoverable metallic material which when exposed to a sufficient amount of heat is able to contract and secure at least two conduits together while at the same time enabling an expandable material contained within a chamber of the sleeve to expand and engulf any electrical conductors and/or cables extending through the connector between the conduits and fill the chamber sufficiently to provide a barrier against the flow of vapor through the conduits.

Abstract: A gas-insulated high voltage cable for submersion in water has an increased internal gas pressure in the interior of the outer cable housings which are to be at a depth greater than 100 feet. The wall thickness of the housings may be the same as that of housing sections which are at external ambient pressure or at an external pressure given by immersion in water at a depth of less than 100 feet. The increased pressure is applied to the housings through the central conductor which is continuous for the cable.

Abstract: A cable filler composition comprises a mixture of a mineral oil, a styrene-ethylene-butylene-stryene block copolymer and 2 to 6 weight percent of an isotactic, crystalline polypropylene, the polypropylene having an average molecular weight of between 20,000 and 50,000.

Abstract: A cable filler composition comprises a mixture of mineral oil, a styrene-ethylene butylene-stryene block copolymer, and about 2-6 percent by weight of a thermoplastic polymer comprising an isotactic, crystalline polypropylene copolymer containing 0.1-4% by weight of an olefinic comonomer, the copolymer having a molecular weight of between 20,000 and 40,000.

Abstract: An insulated cable core is provided with a shield made of individual wires which are embedded in a first plastically deformable jacket which carries a water vapor impermeable sleeve made of wrapped or folded metal or metallized foil or ribbon whose adjoining edges are sealed. This sleeve carries a second plastically deformable jacket to be embedded in-between two such jackets. The usual protective covering is provided around the outer deformable jacket.

Abstract: In a stop joint between fluid-filled electric cables, the barrier to flow of dielectric fluid from one to the other of the cables comprises an elongate metal member, by which the cable conductors are both electrically and mechanically connected, and a flexible membrane of fluid-impermeable insulating material. The membrane, which is a single sheet of the insulating material, is sealed to the elongate metal member and to the fluid-tight joint enclosure and is incorporated in a fluid-impregnated laminated body of lappings of paper and/or other insulating material built up on the elongate metal member and on the cut back ends of the cables.

Abstract: The invention provides for the waterproofing of a telephone cable by the incorporation of longitudinal strands within the sheath alongside the insulated conductors. The strands have deposited thereon a moisture sensitive swelling agent, such as ethyl hydrogen cellulose, and in the event of the sheath rupturing and the conductors being exposed to moisture the swelling agent on the strands reacts with the moisture rapidly forming a plug which prevents further ingress of the moisture.

Abstract: A void-free electrical conductor for power cables including a stranded electrical conductor formed of a central member and a plurality of abutting peripheral conducting members, the stranded conductor having a primary layer of electrical insulation heat shrunk about the exterior thereof and having an insulation material completely filling the internal space of the conductor within the primary external electrical insulation layer, the filler insulation adapted to fill all interstices between individual conducting strands outward from the abutment points between peripheral conducting members and the area inside of the abutment points being insulated by the insulation around the central conducting member to thereby form a completely void-free filling of the space within the primary electrical insulation in order to prevent the axial flow of any liquid or gaseous substance therethrough, said primary electrical insulation layer being void-free to increase the dielectric strength of the final electrical conductor c

Abstract: An optical communication cable structure having a longitudinally gas-impermeable cable core surrounded by an inner sheath, an intermediate layer and an outer sheath with the intermediate layer being bonded to the inner and outer sheath. The intermediate layer is comprised of a simple or crossed spinning of yarn, such as an aramide yarn, which is wound about the cable core with a given length of lay approximately corresponding to the diameter of the cable core and at select spaced apart cable length intervals the yarn is wound with a substantially shortened length of web lay relative to the given length of cable lay, to define space-free pressure windings compressing the core at such select intervals. With this type of an arrangement, inflation of the inner sheath and occurrence of longitudinal gas channels extending along the length of the cable core is avoided.

Abstract: An optical fiber submarine cable, in which a high viscosity material of good wettability containing air gaps is filled in a space between an optical fiber cord having housed therein at least one coated optical fiber and a pressure resisting material layer having housed therein the optical fiber cord for protecting it from seawater pressure. The air gaps and the high viscosity material are arranged alternately with each other in the space at suitable intervals in the lengthwise direction of the cable. Alternatively, the air gaps are contained in the form of bubbles in the high viscosity material.

Abstract: A seal plug for conduits is disclosed having a plug core including at least one radially-expansible seal member for sealing the conduit in which it is disposed, while permitting passage of cables or the like therethrough. Until required for the cable or cables, the passages in the seal plug are closed by removable pin inserts, retainer means being provided to hold the inserts in place. The plug includes longitudinal compression means to bring the seal member into sealing contact with the conduit wall. Each passage may open to the circumference of the respective seal member via slits to permit sideways insertion of the cable therein.

Abstract: A high pressure gland for optical fibres and/or electrical conductors has a tubular member through which the fibres/conductors are loosely passed. The bore of the tube is then filled with an encapsulating plastics material which adheres to both the fibres/conductors and the wall of the tube bore. The outside of the tubular member is shaped so as to be mechanically secured and sealed in an aperture in a bulkhead or the like. The construction of the gland is such that it can withstand a high axial pressure differential such as might be experienced on the sea bed.

Abstract: A re-entrable duct is provided through which a cable is adapted to penetrate a wall, e.g., of an environmentally controlled manhole. The re-entrable duct includes a duct pipe, e.g., a length of steel pipe, through which the cable passes. A resilient annular plug having a central aperture through which the cable passes, e.g., a so-called split rubber duct plug, is situated at each end of the duct pipe. The annular plugs with the duct pipe define a sealant chamber. A quantity of bentonite is provided which substantially fills the sealant chamber. A sleeve is secured to one end of the duct pipe adjacent one such split rubber duct plug, that sleeve including an end plate having a central aperture therethrough which the cable passes. The cable is thus secured within the central aperture in a circumferential, hermetic sealed manner, thereby defining a secondary sealed air chamber between the split rubber duct plug and the end plate.

Abstract: An electrical fitting for use in a conduit run which includes a sealing chamber into which a compound is placed to prevent the passage of gasses, vapors, or flames from one end of the fitting to the other. The fitting includes a drainage port to prevent the collection of water and a filling port through which the sealing compound is placed in the sealing chamber. The drainage port and sealing chamber have coplanar upper limits whereby any excess sealing compound placed in the sealing chamber is drained off through the drainage port. An interior shield member of the body shields the upper opening of the drainage port whereby no sealing compound can enter the drainage port directly from the filling port. Thus, there can be no flow of sealing compound through the drainage port until the sealing chamber has been filled. Underfill and overfill of the sealing chamber are prevented, and no core or plug projects upward from the drainage port during filling.

Abstract: A seal is used to prevent the escape of gas from a gas pressurized plastic-jacketed, multi-conductor cable where the conductors of an unjacketed portion of the cable enter a cabinet of a terminal which is exposed to temperature cycling. The seal includes a sleeve made of an elastomeric material having one end which engages an end section of the cable jacket with the conductors of the unjacketed portion of the cable extending through the other end of the sleeve into the cabinet. The seal also includes a metallic tube which is disposed about the elastomeric sleeve with one of the end portions of the tube which is aligned with the cable jacket being in compressive engagement with the sleeve and jacket. A plugging compound in the other end portion of the tube and which is compliant with the sleeve material encapsulates the conductors and the other end of the sleeve which extends into the plugging compound.

Abstract: The end of an electric cable for energizing the motor of a submergible pump is attached to the motor head by a device comprising a compression block receiving the cable conductors and a shield embracing the block and compressively clamping the block to the motor head. An adaptor sleeve mates with an opening in the motor head and a recess at one end of the compression block and is sealed in the opening and the recess. Better sealing against intrusion of well fluid and better protection of the sealed area are achieved.

Abstract: A prewired electrical switch having an attached electrical cable includes a housing which provides a cable seal which prevents fluid from traveling by capillary action from outside the housing through the electrical cable into the interior of the switch housing where the fluid can interfere with the normal operation of the switch. The cable seal is provided by a separate cable receiving section of the housing which has pockets which receive and isolate uninsulated portions of the individual electrical conductors of the cable. A non-conductive potting compound such as an epoxy resin fills the pockets and forms fluid-tight seals with the uninsulated portions of the individual conductors and adjacent insulated portions within the pocket. The potting compound also forms a fluid-tight seal with the end of the cable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming pressure plugs in cable systems which are under continuous air pressure while maintaining a continuous air flow through the cable. A supplemental air source is connected to the pressurized cable casing on both sides of the area to be plugged to provide an auxiliary air pressure of sufficient quantity to override the normal pressure in the cable casing. Then, the pressure plug may be installed in the cable while the entire cable, and the selected portion of the cable being plugged, remain under adequate pressure to prevent any moisture from entering into the casing.