Abstract: The invention provides for a modularized terminal block (100) and an improved method of manufacturing the modular block. The block permits the connection of a plurality of drop wires (550) or other devices (600, 700, 800) in a reversible manner through the use of a standardized plug in module (16) configuration. The module can be optimized for a given drop wire range which then uniformly connects to the base block (10) through a standardized demateable contact (15). The base block (10) electrical contacts (15) are encased in a sealant material (13) such as gel. The mateable plug-in module connectors enclose an electrical contact (24) also surrounded by such sealant (13). Upon mating of the contacts (15, 24), the sealant material (13) is maintained under compression.

Abstract: A surge arrester for protecting power distribution equipment from overvoltages has a varistor as the active surge-arresting element. In the event of a persistent overvoltage, an amorphous conductor electrically in series with the varistor heats up to or above a critical temperature at which its tensile strength substantially decreases. The amorphous metal conductor breaks, triggering a series of events including the closing of a switch creating a permanent short to ground, operating the network overcurrent protection to de-energize the arrester and associated protected equipment, and protecting the electrical network equipment from insulation damage and/or failure because of a sustained or permanent power frequency overvoltage condition.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of preparing a cable, a coaxial cable mandrel guide/spacer, and a plurality of coaxial cables capable of accepting flexible coaxial cable without the requirement or folding back the conductive shielding braid material to form a connection to the cable. The guide/spacer is also useful with other nonbraided type connectors to avoid the need for a multilevel stripping of the coaxial cable. Avoiding the need for braid rollback eliminates a potential leak path and creates an improved sealed connector.

Abstract: The invention provides for a modularized terminal block and an improved method of manufacturing the modular block. The block permits the connection of a plurality of drop wires or other devices in a reversible manner through the use of a standardized plug in module configuration. The module can be optimized for a given drop wire range which then uniformly connects to the base block through a standardized demateable contact. The mateable connectors each include a collapsible container filled with a sealant material such as gel or grease and an enclosed contact. Upon mating of the contacts, the deformation of the containers maintains the sealant material under compression.

Abstract: The invention provides for a modularized terminal block and an improved method of manufacturing the modular block. The block permits the connection of a plurality of drop wires or other devices in a reversible manner through the use of a standardized plug in module configuration. The module can be optimized for a given drop wire range which then uniformly uniformly connects to the base block through a standardized demateable contact.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector is provided for installation and use with a prepared end of a coaxial cable. The connector comprises a body and nut threadably tightenable to the body. The body includes a center pin chuck for engaging the center conductor of the cable when the nut assembly is tightened to the body. The nut defines an interior space including a mandrel assembly which is freely rotatable within the interior space until the nut is tightened to the body. The mandrel assembly includes an insulator cone for guiding the center conductor; it includes a clampling arrangement for engaging and clamping the center pin chuck as the nut is tightened to the body. The assembly further includes a mandrel which is slideably mounted under the cable outer metal jacket in a space provided after removal of a portion of the dielectric core incident to preparation of the cable end. A ferrule is slidably mounted over the outer jacket and the ferrule includes collet fingers disposed over a portion of the mandrel.

Abstract: A coaxial cable connector is provided for installation and use with a prepared end of a coaxial cable. The connector comprises a body and a nut threadably tightenable to the body. The body includes a center pin chuck for engaging the center conductor of the cable when the nut assembly is tightened to the body. The nut defines an interior space including a mandrel assembly which is freely rotatable within the interior space until the nut is tightened to the body. The mandrel assembly includes an insulator cone for guiding the center conductor; it includes a clamping arrangement for engaging and clamping the center pin chuck as the nut is tightened to the body. The assembly further includes a mandrel which is slideably mounted under the cable outer metal jacket in a space provided after removal of a portion of the dielectric core incident to preparation of the cable end. A ferrule is slidably mounted over the outer jacket and the ferrule includes collet fingers disposed over a portion of the mandrel.

Abstract: A plug for sealing an end of a coupling assembly secured to an end of a coaxial cable includes a flange having an end face which has a cross-sectional area substantially less than a cross-sectional area of a threaded portion of the plug, the end face being urged against an end face of the coupling assembly to form a seal therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus for terminating a coaxial cable includes a connection pin and a spring sleeve having first and second spring portions, the first spring portion receiving one end of the connection pin and the second spring portion receiving an end of a center conductor of the coaxial cable. The second spring portion has a conical outer surface received within a conical hole of a sleeve held in place by first and second connector bodies, the sleeve increasing a clamping force of the second spring portion on the center conductor when the center conductor is subjected to pull-out load.

Abstract: A hollow, cylindrically shaped, elastically deformable sealant member is disposed over external threads of a mounting unit, and subsequently a driver element having internal threads matable with the external threads is screwed onto the external threads, an elasticity and inside diameter of the sealant member being such so as to tightly adhere to at least one turn of the external threads and an outer surface of the driver element to provide an environmental seal between the internal and external threads.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a coaxial cable having a substantially rigid electrically conductive jacket, a center conductor and electrical insulation between the jacket and center conductor, which connector includes a body, a mandrel (which may be part of the body) and a clamp nut. The body is adapted for connection to a junction box or other device to which the coaxial cable is connected and contains insulating means for holding the center conductor of the coaxial cable or a pin which is connected to the center conductor. The clamp nut is adapted to be attached to the body and holds the mandrel for maintaining electrical contact with the jacket of the coaxial cable in electrical contact with the body. This invention provides means for securing the clamp nut to the body to prevent the loosening of the clamp nut from the body and to provide a visual indication that the clamp nut has been loosened from the body or that the connector has been reentered.

Abstract: A heat-recoverable closure device including a tubular member having an opening defining a means for readily communicating with articles disposed within the tubular member after heat-recovery. The closure device includes compression means attached adjacent and generally normal to each portion of the tubular member having an opening. The compression means further includes structure for maintaining it in constant compression during heat-recovery for preventing crack propagation.