Abstract: A cover for a buckle installed on a strap disposed about a suspension cable or similar relatively large diameter article of indefinite length exposed to the atmosphere defines a square or rectangle having thin edges and a thicker center which includes a buckle receiving opening or aperture. The thickness of the cover proximate the aperture or opening is preferably equal to or substantially equal to the projection of the strap buckle from the cable. Installed over the strap buckle, the cover smooths the region of the cable exterior adjacent the buckle, thereby improving the ease and uniformity of application of the cable wrap as well as the durability and life of the cable wrap. The cover may be fabricated of a material such as plastic and has an inside radius which matches or substantially matches the outside radius of the suspension cable.

Abstract: A heat application apparatus includes a longitudinally split cylinder that may be disposed about a section of a suspension bridge cable or similar tubular article. The cylinder is split into two essentially identical semi-cylindrical halves which are pivotally connected by an elongate hinge. A plurality of toggle clamps are arranged transversely across the opens ends of the halves and may be engaged to positively connect and lock the edges together. On each of the inner faces of the halves is secured a semi-cylindrical air bladder. The bladders are covered by a flexible heat blanket having a uniformly distributed electrical resistance heating element. Independent air pressure regulators which are supplied with compressed air provide air at low pressure to the bladders and a suitable electrical connector all reside on the exterior of the apparatus.

Abstract: A heat application apparatus includes a longitudinally split cylinder that may be disposed about a section of a suspension bridge cable or similar tubular article. The cylinder is split into two essentially identical semi-cylindrical halves which are pivotally connected by an elongate hinge. A plurality of toggle clamps are arranged transversely across the opens ends of the halves and may be engaged to positively connect and lock the edges together. On each of the inner faces of the halves is secured a semi-cylindrical air bladder. The bladders are covered by a flexible heat blanket having a uniformly distributed electrical resistance heating element. Independent air pressure regulators which are supplied with compressed air provide air at low pressure to the bladders and a suitable electrical connector all reside on the exterior of the apparatus.

Abstract: An encapsulated cable for a suspension bridge or a cable-stayed bridge, the cable (10) being encapsulated by a wrap (16) which is formed by spirally winding a flexible strand (S) of a synthetic rubber tightly therearound. The strand is wound with each wind thereof overlapping one-half the width of the preceding wind, thereby forming a uniform thickness, double layer wrap. After the spiral winding step the wrap is heated to heat seal the superimposed layers to one another to thereby seal the seam formed therebetween and shrink the wrap into tight engagement with the cable. The strand, specifically the outermost layer of a laminated multiple layer strand, is precolored with a suitable colorant to eliminate the need for after painting the wrap to obtain a suitable color match between it and adjacent portions of the bridge structure.