Abstract: A conductive polymer composition which has low resistivity and good electrical stability. In one aspect the composition comprises a nonconductive filler which is a dehydrated metal oxide. In another aspect the composition comprises a conductive filler which is metal particles in which the bulk density is less than 0.15 times the true density. Compositions of the invention are particularly useful for circuit protection devices.

Abstract: An environmentally protected electrical socket and plug assembly (10) retains environmental security throughout repeated connections and disconnections. The socket and plug assembly includes a socket 100 containing an electrical conductor 85 and adapted to insertably receive a plug 90, an environmental sealant 140 at least partially filling the socket so that the sealant is at least partially displaced from the socket when the plug is inserted into the socket, and an elastomeric containment means 40 having an inset dimple 50 for being outwardly deflected to contain displaced sealant when the plug is inserted into the socket and to urge the sealant back into the socket when the plug is removed.

Abstract: A sealed vented surge arrester and method of manufacture is described wherein the valve elements are held under compressive loading while strength members including a moisture sealing void filling compound are pressed fit from the sides of the unit with a shed applied over it. The design achieves all the desirable features of tubular strength members with an ease of manufacture from utilizing half-shell or more members which can be applied from the sides along the longitudinal axis of the valve elements during manufacture to provide better void filling between the structural members and the valve elements.

Abstract: A method and a device is provided which allows the connection of coaxial cable termini to one another with minimum long-term loss of RFI shielding. The method comprises the removal of metal oxides from the concentric conductor portions of the two cable termini, applying a sealant to the concentric conductor termini and then connecting the central conductor termini to one another and the concentric conductor termini to one another. The device comprises a collet structure dimensioned to slip over the outside of a standard connection jack. Within the collet structure is disposed a quantity of sealant and the collet structure has at least one aperture through which sealant oozes from the collet structure to the exterior of the collet structure. When the collet structure is attached to the jack, the sealant is caused to ooze onto the concentric conductor thereby sealing the concentric conductor from the ambient.

Abstract: A re-enterable seal (25) for sealing an elongate object (16) passing through a barrier (24) between two environments (53, 54) includes an invertible enclosing member (30) containing a sealant (40). The sealant (40) is adhered to the inside surface (31) of the enclosing member (30). During insertion of the elongate member (16), the enclosing member (30) is inverted inside-out, with the sealant remaining on the inside surface (31) (now positioned outside the enclosing member). The elongate member (16) is then pulled back, causing the enclosing member (30) to re-invert, and bringing the sealant (40) into sealing compression against the elongate member (16).

Abstract: A method of forming a heat-recoverable article including the steps of profile extruding polymeric material into a predetermined shape, irradiating the polymeric material and then deforming the polymeric material into a generally planar configuration. Also disclosed is a heat-recoverable article including a generally planar layer of polymeric material which is in the heat unstable condition. Opposed surfaces of the polymeric material have a latent recovery stress, however opposite in sense, so that the article upon recovering towards a predetermined shape, exhibits substantially no residual stress. Further disclosed is a heat-recoverable article made by the method.

Abstract: Modules integral with the body of the assembly include one for drop wire connections, one for subscriber wire connections, one for an electronics interface, and one for a network interface device. Protective sealant material within the assembly protects contacts from corrosion and other deterioration, and from shorting. Sealant plungers and a chamber containing a compressed gas impose compressive forces upon the sealant material. Shunt plugs associated with two of the modules permit signal transmission across the modules at desired times, and when removed eliminate the possibility of a subscriber being shocked or transmitting a spark when accessing subscriber components of the assembly. The main body and the modules of the assembly preferably are integrally connected and form a unitary sealed assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protection of electrical contacts as well as a process for splicing electrical wires that are to be exposed to an adverse environment. The protection apparatus ensures that the electrical contacts are protected when they are otherwise located in an adverse environment. In a particular embodiment, the apparatus includes a connector, an insulating sleeve adapted to retain the connector, and an encapsulant. The encapsulant, which is disposed with protection apparatus, e.g. the insulating sleeve, has a cone penetration value of 100 to 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 200% and preferably an elastic modulus of less than 10.sup.7 dynes/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A hinge gel-filled environmental sealing and security protection device particularly designed for coaxial cables is described. More specifically, the invention utilizes at least one longitudinal pin and click-n-lock receptacle with a hinge opposite thereto.

Abstract: A device suitable for insertion into a mammalian body comprises an elongated tube or cannula, an elastic member for bending the cannula, and a straightener preventing the elastic member from bending the cannula. The straightener and elastic member are capable of relative axial movement, so that the elastic straightener can be positioned to prevent or allow the elastic from bending the cannula. Preferably the elastic member is formed from a superelastic shape-memory alloy. Other versions of the device without a straightener are described.

Abstract: An optical bypass switch includes a normal state and a bypass state, a transmission optical fiber having a signal withdrawn therefrom and injected thereto in its normal state so as to be capable of use in a ring or bus architecture. In the bypass state of the switch, the transmission optical fiber is substantially disengaged so that a signal being transmitted thereby can bypass the switch, and in this state optical fibers connected to a transmitter and a receiver of the bypass switch are maintained in a bent attitude so as to allow signals to be withdrawn and injected thereinto. A loop back path, e.g. a connector optical fiber, is provided which allows a path between the transmitter and the receiver to be completed in the bypass state of the bypass switch, and logic circuitry is provided for analyzing signals detected by the receiver which should have originated from the transmitter for evaluating a state of operation of the transmitter, receiver, and connecting means therefor.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of preparing a cable, a coaxial cable mandrel guide/spacer, and a plurality of coaxial cables capable of accepting flexible coaxial cable without the requirement or folding back the conductive shielding braid material to form a connection to the cable. The guide/spacer is also useful with other nonbraided type connectors to avoid the need for a multilevel stripping of the coaxial cable. Avoiding the need for braid rollback eliminates a potential leak path and creates an improved sealed connector.

Abstract: An encapsulated liquid crystal material which comprises a liquid crystal composition dispersed in a containmant medium and is responsive to an applied electric field to transform from a first visual state to a second visual state is made by: (a) providing a liquid crystal composition having an ordinary and an extraordinary refractive index; (b) providing a prepolymer material in which the liquid crystal composition is substantially immiscible and which is polymerizable into a containment medium having a refractive index which is substantially matched with the ordinary refractive index of the liquid crystal composition; (c) forming a dispersion of the liquid crystal composition in the prepolymer material, the dispersion having a mean volume diameter of less than 20 .mu.m; and (d) polymerizing the prepolymer material to form the encapsulated liquid crystal material.

Abstract: A device for forming an electrical connection between a number of electrical wires comprises an electrically insulating sleeve and a hollow connecting element, for example in the form of a coil, which is formed from solder for forming a solder joint between the wires. The connecting element has a tapering internal surface that is provided with a screw thread, for example by means of the coil windings, arranges so that a temporary electrical connection may be formed between the conductors by twisting them into the connecting element. The device can be higher and, when installed have reduced size compared with connectors that are provided with infusible connecting elements.

Abstract: Encapsulated liquid crystal is deposited onto an electrode by providing a substrate having an electrode pattern thereon; placing the substrate and the electrode pattern in contact with an electrodeposition medium comprising a liquid crystal composition, a containment medium or precursor therefor, and optionally a carrier medium; and depositing encapsulated liquid crystal material comprising the liquid crystal composition dispersed in the containment medium onto the electrode pattern or selected portions thereof by applying a voltage to the electrode pattern or selected portions thereof. The coated substrate-electrode combination can then be made into displays, privacy screens, signs, architectural partitions, and the like.

Abstract: This invention relates to flat cables comprising a plurality of substantially parallel insulated conductors bonded to a polymeric substrate which has a melting point greater than 200.degree. C. and/or a thickness less than 2.5 mils (98 microns) and a method for the production of such cables.

Abstract: A substrate, such as a splice between two or more wires, a wire bundle or an electrical component, such as a suse, diode or transistor, is enclosed and sealed using a recoverable article comprising a polymeric sheet having an involuted curled section at one end and a sealant having a melt flow index has a specified relationship to the hot modulus of polymeric sheet. In an alternate embodiment, the sealant is a gel.

Abstract: A device (1) is described for disconnectably connecting cable wires to a contact plate (2). The contact plate contains a through opening (9) and, in use, one of the cable wires to be contacted is urged into contact with the edges of that opening (9). The cable wire is moved by a thrust piece (3) which also contains a through opening (24) and which is moved relative to the through opening (9) in the contact plate by means of a screw element.