Abstract: A self supporting sealing member (2) having a layer of sealant (4) positioned longitudinally between two constraining layers (6, 8). The lateral dimensions of the sealing member are designed to fit within a hollow member. A perforation (12) is formed or cut in the sealing member to define a removable section of sealant (14). A substrate or wire (S) can be inserted and withdrawn an unlimited number of times, without tearing or otherwise damaging the sealing material. Once the substrate or wire is inserted, force is applied to seal the device. The sealing member of the present invention also provides for contact serviceability and insertion forces lower than in prior art devices.

Abstract: A silicone gel formulation is described having a Voland hardness of from about 6 to 20 grams, a tack of from about 17 to 35 grams, and a stress relaxation greater than 50%. The material is especially suitable for sealing the back end of connectors containing a multiple fine wires with gauges between about 14 gauge and 28 gauge. It is particularly suitable to seal the back end of an automotive connector subjected to a wide variety of harsh environmental conditions.

Abstract: A self supporting sealing member having a layer of sealant positioned longitudinally between two constraining layers. The lateral dimensions of the sealing member are designed to fit within a hollow member. The constraining layer is preferably a gel having a Voland hardness greater than the Voland hardness of the sealant. This configuration does not allow particles to contaminate the connection of substrates or wires inserted through the sealing member.

Abstract: Flame retarded organopolysiloxane gels suitable for sealing and protecting electrical contacts include (i) an organopolysiloxane gel having repeat units of the structure ##STR1## where each R is independently phenyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or fluoroalkyl, at least 40% of the R groups being phenyl; and (ii) an additive package mixed with the organopolysiloxane, which is (a) zinc oxide; (b) antimony oxide; (c) a brominated compound having a molecular weight of at least 450 and a bromine content of at least 40 weight %; (d) a chlorinated compound having a molecular weight of at least 300 and a chlorine content of at least 40 weight %; or (e) combinations of the above. The additive package is used in an amount between about 10 and about 60 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of organopolysiloxane.

Abstract: Flame retarded organopolysiloxane gels suitable for sealing and protecting electrical contacts include (i) an organopolysiloxane gel having repeat units of the structure ##STR1## where each R is independently phenyl or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl or fluoroalkyl, at least 40% of the R groups being phenyl; and (ii) an additive package mixed with the organopolysiloxane, which is (a) zinc oxide; (b) antimony oxide; (c) a brominated compound having a molecular weight of at least 450 and a bromine content of at least 40 weight %; (d) a chlorinated compound having a molecular weight of at least 300 and a chlorine content of at least 40 weight %; or (e) combinations of the above. The additive package is used in an amount between about 10 and about 60 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of organopolysiloxane.

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 process of placing a sleeve on a cable comprising:A) wetting at least one ofa) the internal surfaces of the sleeve andb) the external surfaces of a substrate on which the sleeve is to be placed with an aqueous mixture comprising a lubricant;B) draining excess aqueous mixture from the wetted surfaces;C) placing the sleeve into close and conforming contact with the substrate;D) sliding the sleeve off of the substrate; andE) placing the sleeve over the cable.

Abstract: A thermoplastic fluoropolymer adhesive composition containing a thermoplastic fluoropolymer, an elastomeric fluoropolymer, a thermoplastic ethylene copolymer and a tackifier, in which the combined amount of ethylene copolymer and tackifier is less than about 30% by weight (based on the weight of the four components) and the ratio of ethylene copolymer is less than about 2:1, has improved sealing performance and flame resistance than similar compositions containing greater amounts of ethylene copolymer and tackifier. The composition is particularly useful for sealing surfaces of uncrosslinked ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymers.

Abstract: A latent curing fibre is produced by coating a glass fibre with an (optional) thermoplastic (polyamide) adhesion-promoting layer, a (preferably brittle) curing agent layer (e.g. styrene/maleic anhydride), and a flexible curable layer of epoxy plus curable polyester. Composites of this fibre with non-reactive glass braids consolidate and cure exceptionally well under a heat-shrink sleeve to provide Class F electrical insulation.