Abstract: A method of molding articles having layers or sections of varying hardness in which the interface between the diverse hardness consists of a permanent homogeneous intermaterial crosslink and therefore continuous chemical bond. The invention contemplates using combinations of selected peroxide catalyzed reactions to crosslink very high molecular weight, heat curable, high consistency polymers of diverse cured hardness across composition boundaries. The technique involves combining selected heat-curable materials of various hardnesses and combining each with selected peroxide crosslinking catalysts having various half-lifes with respect to free radical decay.

Abstract: An obturating band of the despun variety is manufactured within the channel of a projectile assembly. A split ring polymer pre-band is clamped around the band seat of the projectile assembly and the free ends are welded together to form a continuous ring around the diameter of the projectile assembly within the encircling channel. One free end includes a male connector and the other free end includes an undersized female receptacle. Upon exposure to ultrasonic energy, the free ends are welded together at a scarf joint. A calculated amount of extra material which is present in the male connector is allows the joint to weld itself. The joining surfaces are positioned on indented sections of the free ends such that the resulting obturating band does not bulge at the joint. The obturating band is constructed to slip against the band seat and, therefore, is allowed to rotate at a rate independent of the underlying projectile.

Abstract: A wet-mateable fiber optic connector includes mateable and demateable plug and receptacle parts having opposite end housings. The housings mount inner sleeves which interfit with one another when the connector parts are assembled together. Guide and latch fingers attached to the receptacle part facilitate interfitting of the sleeves together and latching and retaining the connector parts in mated condition. A pair of elongated wand structures mounted at outer ends to the end housings receive and hold end portions of respective optical fibers. The wand structures are mounted at inner ends to centering and sealing members in the respective inner sleeves. When the parts are mated together, one of the centering and sealing members mounts in axially aligned and a butting relation respective inner ends of the wand structures and positions in axially aligned and optically coupled relation the respective ends of the optical fiber end portions extending through the wand structures.