Abstract: Disclosed is a flat, electrical cable for use in extremely adverse environments, such as found in oil wells, comprising a plurality of conductors individually sheathed in insulation. The cable includes an elongated, compression-resisting member positioned adjacent an insulated conductor, the member being slotted laterally to impart a degree of bending thereto. A bendable liner is mounted between the member and the insulation sheath of the adjacent conductor to bridge the slots and thereby protect adjacent insulation from abrasion by edges formed on the member by the slots during bending.

Abstract: An armored cable is formed with an arcuate cross-sectional shape which substantially conforms to the curvature of the surface on which it is mounted. This shape takes maximum advantage of the annular space available, for example, between the inner wall defining the circular bore of an oil well and the cylindrical surface of a centrifugal submersible pump on which the cable is mounted. As a result, the diameter, and hence the efficiency, of the pump may be maximized.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flat cable incorporating an elongated, bendable protective structure which is comprised of a central channel member of rigid cross-section for resisting forces applied to a centrally disposed insulated conductor and at least one outer channel member of substantially lesser rigidity for resisting insulation-disruptive forces which may be applied to an insulated conductor adjacent one edge of the cable.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical cable embodying a plurality of individually, electrically insulated electrical conductors for use in adverse environments, such as oil wells. The cable comprises an elongated strut of rectangular cross-section interposed between two of the conductors and formed of a plurality of bendable sections of rigid cross-section for protecting the insulation on the conductors from external disruptive forces. The strut may be used with a channel member that protects the insulation from both internal and external disruption resulting from usage in the adverse environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an insulated connection between a pair of insulated electrical cables by means of curing uncured insulation wrapped around joined conductors in the cables. The apparatus comprises a multiple part mold assembly having a cylindrical cavity, mechanisms for heating and cooling the mold parts and an assembly for creating a radially inwardly directed, substantially constant pressure on the curing insulation while allowing radial expansion and contraction of the insulation and mold parts during heating and cooling. The pressure-creating assembly comprises a pair of rectilinear power devices and a pair of cables wrapped around the mold parts and tensioned by the power devices, this assembly applying a radially inwardly directed, equal and substantially constant force to the mold parts. Preferably, the mold assembly comprises three equal parts, each defining one-third of a cylindrical body and each having rollers on the outer surface for receiving the cables therein.

Abstract: A cable structure includes a plurality of insulated conductors, an exterior jacket and at least one support member within the jacket and between the insulated conductors. Each support member is made of a material which has good thermal conductivity and which is rigid to resist crushing of the cable and damage to the conductors or their insulation. Variously shaped support members are disclosed.

Abstract: A novel process and apparatus are disclosed which permit an air-stream interface to be maintained in a continuous vulcanization cable production process in order to enable accurate optical measurements of the cable to be taken at all times. Specifically, a baffle assembly is provided in conjunction with a high pressure, high temperature steam supply and a high pressure air supply to maintain a clear air region in a steam vulcanization chamber. The baffle assembly together with interconnected air and steam supply lines and an exhaust line provides a flow pattern which permits an optical window within the clear air region to be maintained in a clear and unobstructed state so that optical measurements can be continuously conducted while the vulcanization process is in operation.