Abstract: A fastener useful for attaching components of an eyeglass frame together. The fastener includes a pin having a smooth or fluted shank and a retainer having a hole for receiving the shank, the hole being sized to provide an interference fit with the shank. The retainer is made from a titanium nickel shape memory alloy in an optimized elastic condition. The optimized elastic condition is provided by work hardening a tube or wire of Ni--Ti and cutting the retainer out of the tube/wire. The retainer accommodates wear in moving parts held together by the retainer and pin assembly.

Abstract: A fastener useful for attaching components of an eyeglass frame together. The fastener includes a pin having a smooth or fluted shank and a belleville washer having a hole for receiving the shank, the hole being sized to provide an interference fit with the washer. The washer is made from a titanium nickel shape memory alloy in an optimized elastic condition. The optimized elastic condition is provided by work hardening a sheet of Ni-Ti and cutting or stamping the washer out of the sheet. The washer is also plastically deformed into a conical shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a substrate includes a collapsible reservoir filled with a three-dimensional elastic gel which is relatively soft and has an ultimate elongation of at elast 200%. The apparatus is disposed in contact with a substrate having a recess therein to be environmentally protected, and a force is applied to the reservoir to at least partially collapse the reservoir forcing the gel from an open surface of the reservoir into the recess so as to substantially fill and encapsulate the recess.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a substrate includes a collapsible reservoir filled with a three-dimensional elastic gel which is relatively soft and has an ultimate elongation of at least 200%. The apparatus is disposed in contact with a substrate having a recess therein to be environmentally protected, and a force is applied to the reservoir to at least partially collapse the reservoir forcing the gel from an open surface of the reservoir into the recess so as to substantially fill and encapsulate the recess.

Abstract: A splice between two multiconductor cables is protected from ingress of water by a closure which is filled with a sealant which is pressurized by a bladder inside the closure to a pressure sufficient to force the sealant into the interstices of the splice and the interstices between the conductors in the cable, and the pressure is maintained by the bladder until the sealant cures or hardens.

Abstract: A modular, reusable installation tool for clamping laid-together portions of cross-linked, dimensionally heat unstable polymeric material along a to-be-formed bond line during the application of heat from an external source to form a bond between clamped portions of the material. The tool comprises an assembly of hand-operated clip modules which are threaded longitudinally on a cable to facilitate their rapid one-hand installation and removal along a bond line. An improved modular clip is disclosed which incorporates a pair of bond line gripping flanges attached to a pair of ventilated cooperating jaw plates.