Abstract: A permanent marking article for use with an elongate object, consisting of a strip of transparent polymeric film having an upper and a lower surface, at least a portion of the upper surface being imprintable, the polymeric film being fusible to itself with the passage of time, and remaining transparent even after fusion such that any marking placed on any portion of the article remains readable even if covered by one or more overwrapping portions of the strip.

Abstract: A tool for expanding elastic tubes which may then be placed around wires or cables. The tool includes three arms terminating in three parallel, elongated tips. Two of the arms are pivotally attached, while the third is retractably coupled to the first two. An elastic tube is positioned over all three tips when they are in close contact. When the handles of the tool are squeezed, all three tips separate, thereby expanding the tube. The tool may be used to apply insulating covers to cable splices, or for marking terminal connections with color-coded tubes.