Abstract: A precoated metallic member having a texturized, discontinuous coating of degradated, unplasticized plastic adhesion sites formed on selected portions of the surface of the metallic member may be used as an article of manufacture onto which an adherent coating of compound containing plasticized plastic may be molded to make other items such as plastic-coated fencing material or aluminum siding.

Abstract: A priorly used drop wire having a single layer of PVC insulating compound, containing a relatively-expensive epoxy additive, extruded over a spaced pair of conductors, having relatively rough surfaces, is replaced with drop wire having less-costly, relatively-smooth, drawn, conductors onto which spaced, unplasticized particles of PVC resin are coated and the portions of the particles contacting the surfaces of the conductors are melted, caused to undergo controlled degradation and adhere to the surface of the conductor, and thus form a relatively-stable, texturized, discontinuous coating of adhesion sites on the surfaces of the conductors with interdispersed portions of the surfaces being exposed.Over the precoated conductors, a composition containing a plasticized PVC resin may be extruded to form an insulating covering having a relatively-stable, controlled-degree of adhesion to the adhesion sites and the interdispersed, exposed surfaces of the conductors.

Abstract: A priorly used drop wire having a single layer of PVC insulating compound, containing a relatively-expensive epoxy additive, extruded over a spaced pair of conductors, having relatively rough surfaces, is replaced with drop wire having less-costly, relatively-smooth, drawn, conductors onto which spaced, unplasticized particles of PVC resin are coated and the portions of the particles contacting the surfaces of the conductors are melted, caused to undergo controlled degradation and adhere to the surface of the conductor, and thus form a relatively-stable, texturized, discontinuous coating of adhesion sites on the surfaces of the conductors with interdispersed portions of the surfaces being exposed.Over the precoated conductors, a composition containing a plasticized PVC resin may be extruded to form an insulating covering having a relatively-stable, controlled-degree of adhesion to the adhesion sites and the interdispersed, exposed surfaces of the conductors.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping cable of its outer sheathing includes first and second drive wheels, each having a non-rotating cutter blade extending beyond the wheel periphery. The amount of extension of the cutters is adjustable, and they are located on an imaginary line joining the centers of the wheels, hence cutting takes place in the region of maximum support for, and maximum pull on the cable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for coating elongated materials such as optical fibers wherein a shear force is developed by the elongated material moving through liquid coating material in a coating applicator of a magnitude such as to prevent the coating material from flooding the applicator.

Abstract: A lightguide preform chuck (15) comprises a collet (32) having a slotted conical end (36) and collet restraining means (40/42/45) in engagement with the collet ends but spaced from a collet mid-portion. The restraining means has a coefficient of thermal expansion less than that of the collet whereby under elevated temperature conditions the collet arches into gripping engagement with a lightguide preform held therein.

Abstract: A sealed rotary joint and method are described wherein a purge fluid is passed over a tube rotating within an end cap and through a ball bearing component of the joint.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming wire-like contact elements within a plastic housing (32) to form a coupler (35). Each of a plurality of leading end portions of wire supplies (61-61) is moved into a cavity at one end (38) of the plastic housing which is held in a nest (55), through one aligned passageway and into a cavity at the opposite end (37). The cavities are designed to receive modular plugs, the terminals of which are connected by the coupler. The leading end portions of the wires are formed into a retroflexed configuration (41) by tooling (57) which remains in the cavity at the opposite end (37) while the wire lengths in the housing are severed from their supplies adjacent to the cavity at the one end (38). Additional tooling (59) is moved to engage the newly formed trailing end portions of the wires and to bend them to have a retroflexed configuration (43) with free ends being disposed between partitions.

Abstract: A terminal arrangement for interconnecting electrical conductors includes a plastic block (121) in which are supported a plurality of terminals (20--20) arranged in rows and columns. Each terminal is formed from a flat strip (81) of metallic material as the strip is advanced through a progressive punch and die apparatus. The terminal includes a first portion 21 which has a seam 33 that is welded to join butted longitudinal edges of that portion after it has been formed into a cylindrical shape from a flat blank on the strip. After its seam has been welded, the first portion is internally threaded to receive a terminal screw. A second portion 51 of the terminal, which is formed integrally with the first portion, has a generally square cross-section. The second portion of each terminal is disposed in a similarly configured cavity (127) of the plastic block to prevent relative rotational movement between the terminal and the block.