Abstract: Testing of conductors of a telecommunications cable in which, after stripping cable material surrounding one end of the core, the conductors in the end are separated from one another and are embedded within a dielectric material. The dielectric material is initially flowable and is caused to fill spaces between the conductors. After hardening, the dielectric material forms a solid mass with conductor end portions embedded within it. A planar end face is then formed on the solid mass with the electrically isolated conductor ends terminating at the end face. An electrically conductive probe is then moved successively into contact with exposed conductor ends to pass an electrical current to be passed into the ends to enable measurements to be taken of any desired electrical property.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying pulp to a conductor with a control to operate an adjusting means to vary the amount of pulp fibre in a pulp bath dependent upon signals received corresponding to weight of pulp applied to the conductor whereby the weight is controlled within preset limits. Another requirement is an oven with at least two zones and a moisture measuring and diameter measuring means for pulp issuing from the oven, the latter means controlling the oven zone temperatures to provide a controlled degree of pulp expansion during flash evaporation and a controlled moisture retention in the dried pulp.