Abstract: This invention provides a device for placing elongate joint-forming preforms such as solder columns on electronic components such as chip carriers using a water soluble retaining member which positions and holds the preforms while they are attached to the electronic component. The retaining member is then dissolved in hot or cold water. The retaining member is constructed of water soluble or water dispersible paper in combination with coatings of or layers of a water soluble material such as polyethyleneoxide. The water soluble retaining member can be a laminate of alternating layers of water soluble paper and water soluble polymeric material.

Abstract: A compression pressure indicator includes a compression member which is disposed within a termination and is constructed such that when exposed to a pressure above a predetermined pressure a portion of the compression member protrudes from the termination thus indicating that optimum pressure has been applied inside the termination. The compression member includes an indicator portion and a collapsible portion, the collapsible portion being shaped such that when exposed to a pressure above the predetermined pressure, the collapsible portion collapses thus allowing relative movement between the indicator portion and pressure extending member such that the indicator portion protrudes a predetermined distance from an end of the pressure exerting member.

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: An end cap for protecting a substrate includes an outer band disposed around a gel container in a vicinity of a crimp ring, the outer band protecting the container from being pierced by a crimping tool, and keeping a material of the container deformed subsequent to crimping the crimp ring so as to prevent separation between the container and the crimp ring due to relaxation.

Abstract: This invention provides an article for storing and dispensing tubes open at two ends and containing materials which are pure or must be protected from the environment or which are present in premeasured amounts. The article of this invention comprises a flexible tape for sealing the ends of the tubes, flexible tape being movable within a case to hold the tubes sealed in the case and discharge the tubes from the case. One embodiment is a cassette for tubes containing adhesive for splicing optical fibers.

Abstract: A gasket arrangement for a two-panel door or observation window of a high temperture oven has, preferably, two gaskets disposed one on each side of one panel of the door or window around its periphery so as to provide a seal between the panels and to allow sealing of the door or window against a further member, for example frame, of the oven. A layer of vapor impermeable material extends between the gaskets so as to prevent escape of fumes from the oven. The gaskets are preferably of glass fibre, and the vapor impermeable material a metallic foil.