Abstract: An optical fiber splice storage tray having a series of alternate height ridges 33, 34 in which the space or slot between each adjacent pair of ridges is narrow at the root and wider at a higher level so that small cross-section splices 35 can be disposed as an interference fit between any adjacent pair of the ridges larger cross-section splices 36 can be disposed between the same ridges but at a higher level, and very large cross-section splices 37 can be disposed as an intererence fit between any adjacent pair of the alternate higher ridges 34.

Abstract: A cable splice closure base (1,2) comprises a plurality of tubular cable entry ports each having an outer portion (4) which is heat shrinkable and being closed at its inner end by a frangible membrane (28). Cables may be installed through some only of the entry ports, which are then recovered about those cables while heat shields are used to insulate the other entry ports. Further cables may be installed subsequently through the other ports and/or ports which are already used may be opened and re-used.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable tubular article e.g. for screening an electrical connector, is provided over a surface thereof with an electrically conductive continuous coating of substantially pure indium. Upon recovery of the article, the indium coating remains continuous and adhered to the surface of the article.

Abstract: A tool for applying a flexible, one-piece plastics tie around a bundle of cables drives the tie tail-first from the tool where it is guided around the bundle so that upon completion of this step, the free end of the tail is spaced from but aligned with and directed towards an aperture through a head at the other end of the tail. A pushing element of the tool is then displaced to engage in a notch in an edge of the tail, to push the free end of the tail through the head, where it interlocks.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable electrically shielding tubular article is provided with an electrically conductive lining on its inner surface, which lining is formed of a continuous coating of a metal which deforms without cracking during recovery so that after recovery the coating will remain continuous and adhered to the surface of the article. The coating may be formed of an alloy which softens without fully melting, at the recovery temperature of the article.

Abstract: A tie gun for applying a flexible tie around a roll or bundle, said tie having an apertured head through which the tail of the tie, after looping around the roll or bundle, is threaded, tensioned and locked in position, the gun incorporating an indexing means in the form of a rotary drum which advances successive ties, tail forward, into the path of a push rod driven by a trigger actuated, pneumatically operated piston so that said push rod performs a rearward stroke during the second part of an operating cycle and in so doing indexes the tie feed drum and simultaneously turns the buckle of an advanced tie into a tail receiving position, thus completing loading of the gun in readiness for the next operating cycle during the first part of which the push rod moves forwardly to push the tail around the roll or bundle to be tied back through the pre-orientated buckle ready for tensioning and locking.

Abstract: A gun for applying cable ties includes a pinch wheel for acting on the flat tail of the tie to drive the tie from the gun, the tie being guided (as it is advanced, tail-first) around a nose loop guide. The tie finishes with its head engaged with a threader which is then lifted to lift the tie head and thus cause the tail to pass through the head aperture, become interlocked therein and project from the lower side of the head. Then the threader is lowered to lower the head and engage the projecting end of the tail with a pinch wheel which serves to tension the tie. The ties are fed from a bandolier of side-by-side ties in which they are interconnected at their heads and tail tips by continuous strips running along the edges of the bandolier, successive ties being cut from the bandolier while leaving the two strips intact.

Abstract: A marking apparatus for providing individual marker sleeves for cables is arranged to receive tubing and transport it lengthwise of itself past a marking head of the apparatus, the marking head being responsive to command signals supplied to it from a character generation unit to mark the tubing with required indicia or characters. Downstream of the marking head, a cutting mechanism is provided for severing or semi-severing the tubing according to the required individual marker sleeves.

Abstract: A tie gun for applying a flexible tie around a roll or bundle, the tie having an apertured head through which the tail of the tie, after looping around the roll or bundle, is threaded, tensioned and locked in position, the gun incorporating an indexing means in the form of a rotary drum which advances successive ties, tail forward, into the path of a push rod driven by a trigger actuated, pneumatically operated piston so that the push rod performs a rearward stroke during the second part of an operating cycle and in so doing indexes the tie feed drum and simultaneously turns the buckle of an advanced tie into a tail receiving position, thus completing loading of the gun in readiness for the next operating cycle during the first part of which the push rod moves forwardly to push the tail around the roll or bundle to be tied back through the pre-oriented buckle ready for tensioning and locking.

Abstract: A one-piece tie of synthetic plastic material is disclosed having a flat head through which the strap passes, after looping around a bundle of cables for example, for its serrations to interlock with the teeth of a pawl which is pivoted at one end. The strap is introduced through the head from the pivoted end of the pawl, and increasing back-tension in the strap, after the tie is tied, causes the strap to pivot the pawl so as more firmly to grip the strap.

Abstract: A one-piece synthetic plastic tie, for tying around a bundle of cables or the like and for securing the bundle to a panel, comprises a flexible elongate strap provided with a series of ratchet serrations (on its side lying against the bundle of cables) engaging with complementary teeth formed on a head at one end of the strap. In use, the free end of the strap is passed through a hole in the panel, around the cable bundle and back through the hole. When the free end of the strap is pulled tight, the head is pulled into the hole to wedge the strap against the periphery of the hole, the head teeth engaging the strap serrations to prevent withdrawal.

Abstract: A clip for fixing an end of an electric cable to a support panel, comprises a hollow, tubular body portion and a clamping portion to be introduced into one end of the body portion. A screw passes through the panel, through an opening in the opposite end of the body portion and is threaded in the clamping portion. When the screw is tightened, it draws the clamping portion into the body portion to clamp the cable between an inclined surface of the body portion on a surface of the clamping portion, and also the screw secures the clip to the panel. This surface of the clamping portion is provided with a V-section groove so as to be effective in clamping cables of different diameters.

Abstract: A clip for fixing an electric cable to a support structure, as for clamping the cable to an electrical appliance as it passes into the appliance, includes terminals for terminating respective conductors of the cable within the appliance. The clip comprises two portions of synthetic plastics material which are drawn together by a screw to clamp the cable end, which screw serves also to secure the clip to the support structure, the terminals being provided on one of the clip portions.