Abstract: A thermoplastic member such as a length of tubing for forming a catheter balloon is positioned on the thermoplastic shaft of a medical device. A length of shrink tubing is placed over each end of the balloon tubing and adjoins a portion of the shaft. Each length of shrink tubing may then be preshrunk to maintain its position. The shaft, balloon tubing, and shrink tubing are then inserted in an apparatus capable of supplying radiant heat in a narrow annular band. The apparatus automatically positions each portion of the shaft and balloon tubing covered by shrink tubing at a location at which it will intercept the narrow annular band of radiant heat. Radiant heat is supplied by the apparatus to cause further shrinkage of the shrink tubing and to seal the balloon tubing onto the shaft. The shrink tubing may be removed to complete the assembly of a balloon catheter. It is preferred that the shrink tubing be tinted so as to enhance the seal formed between the balloon tubing and the shaft.

Abstract: A flexible, self-tightening mechanical splice between sections of cable or other elongated sections comprises an elongated braided wire sleeve receiving end portions of the elongated sections, and wire clamps securing the ends of the sleeve in circumferential grooves on two-piece grommets mounted on the elongated sections. The mechanical splice may be employed in conjunction with an electrical splice in electrical cable, such as armored electrical cable of the type used to support submergible pumping units in wells, for preventing application of tension to the electrical splice proper. An automobile jack of known construction is modified to provide a tool for forming the wire clamps.