Abstract: A cable connector is provided which is particularly adapted for use in the field whereby the connection may be quickly and reliably made without the use of special tools other than those ordinarily carried by welders and electricians, such as screwdrivers, knives and hammers. The connector comprises a length of copper tubing having an inside diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the cable to be connected. The copper tubing is slotted along its length to define deformable portions which are forced into the cable strands after the ends of the cable to be connected have been inserted into abutting relation through opposite ends of the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for providing an improved power and fluid supply system which operates in a multiple functioning welding and cutting apparatus and which consists of a combination of a main power transformer which supplies the main welding current and a very high voltage transformer for supplying very high voltages above 200 volts required for plasma cutting. A transformer switching device provides for coupling between the main transformer and the very high voltage transformer in order to selectively connect the main transformer and the very high voltage transformer in parallel. The power supply including the main transformer, the very high voltage transformer and the transformer switching device are connected to a tool coupling device in order to selectively apply appropriate voltage and current levels to the tool coupling device through the use of a selector switch which is coupled to the fluid supply end of the power supply for selectively changing their respective outputs.

Abstract: Polyurethane foam products having relatively noncombustible properties, low flame spread ratings and low smoke generating tendencies when exposed to fire can be produced by combining aqueous sodium silicate into the foam forming composition which also includes a viscous, hydroxyl-terminated polyester and a polyisocyanate prepolymer or quasi-prepolymer along with a suitable catalyst, surfactant and halogenated alkane blowing agent. The aqueous sodium silicate ingredient constitutes from about 30 to 60 percent by weight. The aqueous sodium silicate has a weight ratio of SiO.sub.2 /Na.sub.2 O of 2.4 to 3.0 and contains 25 to 75 percent by weight water. The resulting foam, with a density of 1.5 to 4.5 pounds per cubic foot, has a K-factor less than 0.26 and is useful as a thermal insulating substance, especially in building panels.