Abstract: A kit of parts for assembling an elongate former suitable for transversely folding a longitudinally advancing tape around an advancing cable core comprises a primary former having a conically-shaped channel therethrough, a plurality of separately formed nose cones each having a conically-shaped bore, the cross-sectional size of the bore of each nose cone at its downstream end differing from that of each of the other nose cones, and means for detachably securing any nose cone to the downstream end of the primary former. Each nose cone has a length substantially less than the primary former and, as a consequence, each nose cone is readily formed from a transversely folded strip of sheet metal.

Abstract: In a single core or multi-core electric power cable, the dielectric screen of the or each cable core is surrounded by a moisture barrier consisting of a composite tape comprising a carrier layer of plastics material which is sandwiched between radially inner and outer metal foils bonded to the major surfaces of the carrier layer and electrically connected together. The composite tape surrounds the dielectric screen with its longitudinally extending edges overlapping and secured to one another throughout their lengths to form a moisture-tight seal. The moisture barrier so formed effects electrical interconnection between the underlying dielectric screen and a surrounding neutral, earth or ground conductor of the core. The moisture barrier is less expensive than moisture barriers hitherto proposed and used.

Abstract: A splice organizer useful in fibre optics. The organizer has plates and each plate receives a length of fibre having a splice formed in it. The fibre lengths are retained on each plate. There are suspension points on each plate. A chassis of spaced side members and cross members extending between the side members is positioned to receive the suspension points on the plates. The organizer is relatively cheap to make and easy and efficient to use.

Abstract: An electric cable having a core made of insulated conductors disposed within a polymeric sheath. Voids within the core, between the conductors, are at least partially filled in the unused cable with a mixture comprising untreated calcium carbonate and a water-attracting polymer able to form a gel on contact with water without swelling. The cables are made waterproof by the presence of the mixture, which is cheaper than prior mixtures but as effective.