Abstract: Forming a metal shield on a cable core in which a frusto-conical forming surface for the shield has a plurality of former sections disposed side-by-side from a downstream end of the former. The sections are removable, in order, from the downstream end to increase the downstream end diameter of the forming surface and may be replaced, in order, so as to decrease the diameter at the downstream end for the purpose of applying shields to cable cores of different diameters.

Abstract: Forming metal shield for cable core in which a metal tape is moved along a passline over a concave forming surface which tapers in a downstream direction. A convex rotating roller lying parallel to an adjacent region of the forming surface urges the tape against the concave surface to form the tape into a laterally curved shape. The tape then moves along the concave surface and through an overlapping die to complete the shape of the shield with the tape wrapped around the core with overlapped edges.

Abstract: In the making of an electrical cable, a metal shield is formed by wrapping metal strip around a cable core with longitudinal edges of the strip overlapping. The strip is corrugated with the corrugations nesting in the overlapped regions. A shield gap filler is provided by extruding a heated molten plastics material and directing it between the overlapped regions. Upon cooling, the filler hardens and bonds the edges together. A cable jacket is extruded around the shield.

Abstract: Extrusion apparatus with means to effect movement of a die insert. The die insert has an upstream extension with two planes of movement. For each plane of movement, two thrust means are provided, one at each side of the insert for movement in one direction in the plane. Each thrust means acts at an angle to the required direction of movement of the insert, and produces thrust which is inclined to the direction of movement of the thrust means. In one arrangement, two arms move together, one at each side of the insert extension and place thrust upon the extension. In another arrangement there is cam operation controlled by operating rings surrounding the extension. For movement in each plane, the extension is held in that plane by stationary thrust means which, during movement, controls extension movement in the other plane.

Abstract: A device and method for wrapping a wrapping material to form S-shaped shields around a cable core of two side-by-side core units in which two tubes are provided for passage of the core units. A space between the tubes accepts the thickness of a central region of the wrapping material which has side portions extending away from the central region. Concave turning surfaces extend partially around the tubes and approach each other as they extend towards an outlet end of the tubes. The core units pass along the tubes and the wrapping materials passes along between the tubes while the turning surfaces progressively turn the side portions inwardly towards and around the tubes whereby the side portions are turned around the core units when these emerge from inside the tubes. In a practical arrangement, the turning surfaces are formed by the inside surface of a frusto core.

Abstract: Cable laying apparatus with a cable guide mechanism having a guide roller and means to apply a force downwardly through the cable feed path at an inclined angle opposite to the direction of lay of the cable. In one construction, a cable guide roller is inclined to direct its laying surface opposite to its direction of transverse and a means is employed to apply a downward force to the roller. In another construction, two opposed rollers are used and a biasing means causes the rollers to trail behind the lay direction. In this construction, the guide mechanism is mounted by a universal connection and employs means to apply a downward pivoting force at the connection which is inclined to the vertical also in a trailing sense relative to the direction of cable lay.

Abstract: Heat treating stranded together conductors in a reeled condition by passing electrical current along a path through some of the conductors in one direction around the reel and then through other conductors in the opposite direction around the reel. In preferred methods, the current is passed in one direction through one half of the conductors and then in the opposite direction through the other half.

Abstract: Controlling the bending of an overlapping edge portion of a metal shield of a cable core by supporting one side of an edge portion at a position along its feed path and applying pressure against the edge portion immediately downstream of and in a direction opposite to the support. Bending of the edge portion occurs immediately it has passed the support while the support dampers resiliency in the edge portion to prevent or lessen springback. Apparatus for bending is placed immediately upstream of the overlapping die and preferably includes means to vary the applied pressure. Hence, the desired orientation of the bent edge portion is obtainable by varying the pressure dependent upon the actual orientation as the overlapped shield leaves the die.