Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing a splice enclosure to protect cable splice connections retained therein. The sealing member is a single piece body integrally formed of a suitable material which resists detrimental environmental effects and is resiliently compressible in an axial direction to seal the splice enclosure. Axial compression of the sealing member is employed to create sealing forces both about the outer periphery of the sealing member and between the sealing member and cables projecting therethrough. Reentry into the enclosure does not require destruction of the sealing member and does not require tapes, adhesives or other materials and is hence very time, labor and material efficient.

Abstract: A nuclear qualified in-containment electrical connection comprises an insulated, sheathed instrument lead having electrical conductors extending from one end thereof to provide two exposed lead wires, a watertight cable having electrical conducting wires therein and extending from one end of the cable to provide two lead wires therefrom, two butt splice connectors each connecting the ends of respective ones of the lead wires from the instrument lead and cable, a length of heat shrinkable plastic tubing positioned over each butt splice connector and an adjacent portion of a respective lead wire from the cable and heat shrunk into position, a length of heat shrinkable plastic tubing on the end portion of the instrument lead adjacent the lead wires therefrom and heat shrunk thereon and a length of outer heat shrinkable plastic tubing extending over the end portion of the instrument lead and the heat shrinkable tubing thereon and over the butt splice connectors and a portion of the cable adjacent the cable lead l

Abstract: Die plates for forming moisture seals about the junctions of wire harnesses afford improved wire separation and contact between the sealant material in a sealant pad and the wires if the opposed die plates have an elastomeric surface, and the opposed surface of at least one plate is radiused causing the sealant material to separate the wires and flow between and around each wire.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a waterproof joint for a joint section of a plurality of wires of a wireharness, each wire having a conductor and an insulating cover surrounding the conductor, and the joint section comprises a connecting portion of the conductors and the insulating covers of the wires near the connecting portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a cable splice in a cable splice enclosure includes a rectangular cradle portion of flexible net having first and second parallel, opposite longitudinal sides and first and second parallel, opposite transverse sides; the transversed sides interconnecting the first and second longitudinal sides. The cradle portion has first and second sleeves disposed longitudinally thereon with the first and second sleeves being parallel and spaced apart from each other. A cover portion of flexible net has first and second opposite cover sides, with the first cover side being connected to the cradle portion. A connector is on the second cover side of the cover portion and is releasably connectable with the cradle portion.

Abstract: The invention provides for a reusable telecommunications pedestal closure containing a water and oxygen impervious liner to minimize the oxygen and water degradation effects on the fine copper wires contained in a telecommunications splice between at least two telecommunications cables.

Abstract: An electrical conductor or cable splice is formed by passing the conductor ends from which any insulation has been removed through a ceramic insert so that portions of the conductor ends protrude out of the ceramic insert. These protruding portions are then mechanically and electrically connected to each other, by example, by soldering, welding, or brazing. A metal sleeve is then pushed over the ceramic insert and the ends of the sleeve are hermetically sealed to the metal jackets of the conductors or cable. The seal is accomplished, for example, for soldering. In this manner a so-called parallel connection is easily made in which the conductors double back. A longitudinal connection can also be made in which the conductors continue in the same direction through two inner sleeves and through an outer sleeve.

Abstract: A splice for joining the armoring of two wire-armored cables (1, 2). The armoring is clamped between conical parts (5, 9; 6, 10) at each cable end. Each inner conical part (5, 6) is integral with a flange (7, 8) bolted to one of two similar flanges (13, 14) fixed to opposite ends of a generally tubular flexible assembly itself constituted by three layers of metal wires. The innermost first layer (22) is wound helically. The other two layers (19, 20) are wound with substantially equal and opposite pitches. The inside diameters of the first layer and of the circular openings in each of the two flanges (13, 14) fixed thereto are such that the flexible assembly is capable of sliding at one of its ends over at least one of the cables to be connected after its armoring layers have been removed, and at its other end over the splice (21) between the cables themselves. The invention also provides a method of making the splice.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealed cable article and method for sealing the area between two or more cables and between the cables and an enclosure with a shaped article at a location where the cables exit from the enclosure, the method comprising (a) providing a shaped article of a polymeric gel said gel having (i) a cone penetration value of about 30 to about 450 (10.sup.-1 mm), and (ii) an elongation of from about 25% to about 750%; (b) positioning the shaped article around the cables; and (c) positioning the enclosure such that it surrounds the shaped article. An article aspect of the invention comprises two or more cables, an enclosure surrounding the cables, and a polymeric gel having the properties as described above sealing the area between the cables and the enclosure.

Abstract: A toolless environmental splice enclosure capable of fitting within an aerial splice case is disclosed. The environmental closure permits sealing and reentry to a cable splice region.

Abstract: A wrap-around sleeve for environmental sealing of cables etc. comprises a first web of shrinkable material, preferably electrically-heatable and having closure rails at opposing edge portions which can be held together to maintain the sleeve in a wrapped configuration. A second web extends from one of the rails within the sleeve, it has a length less than the length of the sleeve, and it can act as a localized cable build-up, or help to seal between branching cables.

Abstract: A method is described for making an electrical through connection between a first conduction line comprising a flat conductor to a second conduction line comprising a round conductor. The steps of such method comprise removing end portions of insulation layer from the flat conductor and the round conductor; placing a positioning ring about the exposed end of the round conductor; bonding the round conductor to the flat conductor; extending the bonded conductors with the positioning ring into an injection molding apparatus and axially fixing the round conductor by compressive engagment of the positioning ring by a plunger element; and injecting a plastic material into the injection molding apparatus to form an insulating seal longitudinally about the bonded conductors and the positioning ring.

Abstract: A method for sealing the interstices between individual cables of a cable bundle to achieve the sealing of the cable bundle in the longitudinal direction applying a liquid resin system to the area between the cables, the system comprising the reaction of a polyisocyanate and at least one fatty acid polyol having a hydroxy number of at least about 150 and an acid number of no greater than about 1.0, followed by curing thereof to a non-flowable state.

Abstract: To reduce the number of parts, assembly work time and cost of a cable closure including a two-splittable cylindrical sleeve for covering the cable junction point, and a pair of two-dividable annular end plates fitted to both inner ends of the sleeve to close spaces between the cables and the sleeve, the end plates are formed by a rigid plastic material and gaps between the cable and the end plates are sealed by rubber airtight tape wound around the cable by adjusting the number of turns according to cable diameter. Further, two cable gripping means are fixed to the end plates, respectively to protect the junction point from external force applied between the two cables by the strength of the sleeve coupled to the end plates.

Abstract: A method of joining a substrate, particularly a polymeric pipe for transporting fluids, e.g. natural gas and water, to an article which is not heat-recoverable and which comprises a conductive polymer composition. The article is heated by passing electrical current through the conductive polymer. The heated article makes direct contact with and fuses to the substrate, and is preferably a coupler which is used to join two pipes together. The conductive polymer preferably comprises carbon black dispersed in a sintered polymer, particularly ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, or carbon black dispersed in a very high molecular weight polymer, particularly polyethylene having a molecular weight greater than 150,000.

Abstract: To seal a cable junction, an insert is placed between two branch cables of the junction, which is then enclosed by a heat shrinkable envelope. The insert has at least one insert part having a block of heat fusible material attached by one or more flanges of heat conductive material to the branch cables. The block lies between the branch cables at least partially inside the envelope. Then, when the envelope is heated to cause it to shrink, the block fuses, thus forming a seal. For most sizes of branch cables, two insert parts may be used, but three or more may be used for large branch cables. The flange preferably has a tongue extending into the block to assist heat conduction.

Abstract: Environmental sealing may be achieved by means of a flexible envelope having therein a sealing material having a cone penetration value preferably from 100-350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 100%. The material is preferably mechanically deformed preferably by shear and preferably causing it to be comminuted.

Abstract: In a process and a material for producing an electrically insulating sheathing around a junction between electrically conductive elements, the material comprises first and second layers which have different melting points and which are disposed around the junction in such a way that the layer having the lower melting point constitutes an inner layer around the junction while the layer having the higher melting point is disposed on the outside of the inner layer. The material is pressed around the junction by means of ultrasound welding, with the inner layer softening at least to such an extent that, under the pressure applied thereto by the outer layer, the inner layer fills any spaces between the junction and the outer layer, and the outer layer forming a sealing enclosure around the inner layer and the junction.

Abstract: A forced encapsulation system and method that can be advantageously used to encapsulate cable splices e.g., multiconductor communications cables. Containment means are formed around a substrate comprising part of at least one cable, and secured to the cable, thereby forming an enclosure into which liquid encapsulant can be introduced under pressure and in which the encapsulant can be maintained at pressure above ambient pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the containment means comprise a containment bag formed in situ from an elastomer sheet and sealed to the cable sheaths, with a reinforcing outer enclosure surrounding the containment bag.

Abstract: An article that may be employed to protect a substrate by wrapping the article around the substrate. The article comprises a flexible matrix which is composed of a first material and comprises a plurality of open interstices, the interstices having an average volume of less than 0.01 inch.sup.3 ; and an impregnant which is composed of a second material which has a cone penetration value of 100 to 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 200%, and comprises a plurality of interconnected segments which lie within the interstices of the matrix. The matrix and the impregnant are such that, when the article is stretched, the matrix reaches its ultimate elongation before the impregnant reaches its ultimate elongation.

Abstract: A method and arrangement are provided to generate an environmental seal around a connection such as an electrical junction. The arrangement comprises a pad arrangement having a substrate and a sealant pad associated therewith. The sealant pad comprises a highly viscous sealant which, under pressure, can be forced into areas between adjacent wires, to provide effective moisture seals. According to preferred methods of the present invention a substrate having sealant thereon is folded around a junction to be sealed, such that the substrate retains the sealant against the electrical junction. In a step of the preferred method, pressure is applied to the enclosed sealant pad, generating hydraulic forces contained in such a manner as to the direct sealant between adjacent wires, spreading same apart. In preferred applications, preferred direction of sealant is facilitated by a preferred pressure die arrangement.

Abstract: The invention provides a laminated wrap for repairing an electrical cable, the wrap being adapted to be stretched around the cable with the longitudinal sides of the wrap overlapping one another. The outer layer of the wrap is of a wear and fire resistant flexible material such as rubber while the inner layer is an adhesive layer preferably of uncured rubber which is adapted to vulcanize in contact with the surface of the cable. The outer layer includes an overlap zone which is preferably also of uncured rubber which is adapted to vulcanize in contact with the overlapping portion of the inner layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to interruption of screens of power cables (1,2) with double stress cone systems (23,30). Such interruption systems have hitherto always been made at the same place as the cable core joints. However, with interruption systems at the location of the cable core joint, undesirable gas pockets can form at the interface between the joint insulation and the double stress cone system. In order to eliminate this problem, the interruption system is provided at a position remote from the cable core joint.

Abstract: An environmental closure and method are provided, for use in generating an environmental seal about wire splices or the like. The preferred closure comprises a unitary construction having an outer, openable, shell with an internal biasing mechanism. In use, viscous sealant material is positioned within the closure such that the biasing mechanism generally forces sealant material around a junction to be sealed and, in particular, between adjacent wires in such junctions. In one application relatively highly viscous sealant material is utilized in association with junctions in a manner according to the present invention. In another general application, a relatively low viscosity sealant is used; the low viscosity sealant being generally bordered by high viscosity sealant, to inhibit leakage outwardly from a closure during use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a submersible electrical cable splice, and the method of making the same. It employs a housing sleeve of an elastomeric material which is hollowed out to include a central cavity connected at each of the ends by bores which are of slightly smaller diameter than the cables which are to be connected. In the process of making the splice, one end of the housing sleeve is lubricated, and one of the cables is pushed clear through and out the other end of the housing, where it is joined to the other cable end in abutting relation in a metal crimp connector. The joined cables are then pulled in the opposite direction back through the bore of the housing sleeve, until the crimping connector seats in the central cavity, which is of slightly smaller diameter than the crimping connector, squeezing out the air. It should be understood that a pocket or void or space is to be eliminated or reduced to insignificant amounts.

Abstract: A joint between high voltage cables is formed by employing a connector having the same diameter as the cable dielectric. A layer of stress controlling material extends from the cable screen on one side of the joint, along the cable dielectric, across the connector, along the dielectric of the other cable and on to the screen of the other cable. A layer of conducting material extends on top of the stress controlling layer and longitudinally encompasses the conductor connector and overlaps the dielectric of both cables. An insulating layer encloses the conductive layer. Further layers of conductive and/or stress controlling material may be applied around the joint. In addition to being used in the formation of a joint between high voltage cables, a layer of stress controlling material with a layer of conducting material on its outer surface is employed in forming a termination of a high voltage cable.

Abstract: A moisture resistant splice assembly for communications and electrical cables is provided. The assembly employs a moisture activatable encapsulant.

Abstract: A method of re-establishing mutually insulated semi-conducting layers (9, 10) around respective ones of a pair of spliced electric cables, which is characterized in that the semi-conducting layer of at least one cable is terminated with a stable cable insulation (4) as a base. A sleeve (12) for use in the performance of this method consists of a material relatively stable against heat action an comprises a cylinder-shaped part (15) with a predetermined inside diameter as well as a hopper-shaped part.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for forming a cover layer over a joint of electrical wires. Portions of insulation layers of wires to be joined are stripped and the bared conductors of the wires assembled in a desired configuration to form a joint. The joint is placed in a transparent mold and the mold is filled with a photosetting resin. Radiation of an appropriate wavelength is then passed through the mold to harden the resin.

Abstract: A joint structure for covering a joint between cables is provided in which an insulation structure extends over and beyond cut back ends of insulation layers of the cables, but terminates at a distance ahead of cut back ends of insulation shield layers of the cables. The insulation structure of the joint structure includes a multi-layered, heat shrinkable tube with its ends beveled or "feathered". In assembling the joint, the tube is positioned to overlie the cable conductors and the insulation layers of the cables and is shrunk thereover so as to terminate at a distance from the cut back ends of the insulation shield layers of the cables. The heat shrinkable tube can be manufactured with feathered edges, so that no additional time or labor is required to shape the sleeve when the joint is assembled. The joint structure also includes a semiconductive conductor shield member applied in successive convoluted layers over the exposed conductors of the joint prior to application of the heat shrunk tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enclosing a splice joining at least first and second cable segments prevents water from entering the splice. The apparatus includes a flexible reservoir sealingly attachable to a sealing surface of an end plate assembly. The end plate assembly is sealingly attachable to the cable segments. The pressurized splice closure sections sealingly engage one another and the end plates. The method includes forming a reservoir about the splice, sealing the reservoir to the first and second conductor segments or to the end plates, forming an opening in the reservoir, pouring a curable encapsulant into the reservoir, working the encapsulant into intersitices between the conductors in the cable segments, sealing the reservoir, enclosing the reservoir in a splice closure and pressurizing the splice closure. This method combines a curable encapsulant such as a two-part polyurethane with a pressurized closure such as a 2-type, gas pressurized closure.

Abstract: A composite material comprising a recoverable fabric and a polymeric matrix material may be recovered around a cable splice to protect it. The fabric may have multifilament glass fibres in one direction which may be provided with a continuous coating to prevent moisture that may travel along their length from travelling through the thickness of the composite.

Abstract: To reliably sheath two coupled conductors of two wires, a tube made of a light transmittable material is fitted to the two coupled conductors and adjoining wire insulating covers; a photohardening resin is put into a gap formed between the tube and the wires; and the photohardening resin is irradiated from outside the tube with an ultraviolet ray into hard polymer. The sheath thus formed is resistant against moisture and strong in mechanical strength.

Abstract: A connection system for electrical conductors is disclosed. The system involves an outer sheath manufactured from a material transparent to ultraviolet light. A tubular, deformable crimp ferrule is inserted within the sheath. Thereafter, a portion of ultraviolet-curable adhesive is placed within the ends of the sheath, which are covered with cap members to retain the adhesive inside. To connect the conductors (e.g. insulated wires or cables) the ends thereof are pushed through the cap members, through the ultraviolet-curable adhesive, and into the crimp ferrule. The crimp ferrule is then deformed to securely engage the ends of the conductors. Ultraviolet light is subsequently applied which passes through the sheath, causing the adhesive to solidify. The foregoing process produces a strong and secure bond between the conductors, and is readily adaptable to large-scale, mass production manufacturing conditions using a minimal amount of time and labor.

Abstract: A wraparound recoverable article comprises longitudinally opposed edge regions which can be brought together to close the article. On recovery of the article a configurational change of or adjacent the closure member can be seen. This can be used as a temperature indicator to show that recovery is complete. Preferably the configurational change is a rotation of the material at the edge regions which results in a white line extending along the length of the closure, and which is not visible before recovery, becoming visible.

Abstract: A method of preventing core water from tracking through an electrical cable to a cable splice area is disclosed. The method incorporates a pair of water blocks placed on each side of the cable splice area which blocks the core water thus preventing entry into the cable splice area. The cable blocks are formed by disposing a curable blocking compound around the cable adjacent each side of the cable splice area. The curable compound hardens to a solid form thereby blocking core water penetration.

Abstract: A cutter for use in stripping ends of a circular-section conductors insulated with silicon-rubber type material that heat will deteriorate so that a heat stripping is precluded, provides a vehicle that is manually moved across a table top with a length of the insulated conductor to be stripped rolled along the table top in the rolling embrace of a plurality of rollers of the vehicle, guiding and forcing it down while a blade bears down on the insulation at a position offset from the conductor that is insulated. Different roller-lengths protect against slippage of the insulated conductor. Adjustment for various sizes of insulated wire and cable is provided also in different versions of the invention.

Abstract: Electrical joint compounds for the protection of electrical connections are formed from a solution of polymer dissolved in solvent with or without conductive filler. Partially cured thermosetting polymers are preferred as they flow under service conditions to better seal the electrical joints. Thermosetting polymers which cure by an addition mechanism are preferred over those which cure by condensation, and polyimides are most preferred.

Abstract: A two-component settable liquid is mixed in a tube to start the setting of the liquid. A pair of electrical cables are separately fed through a retaining cap and a splice is made between the cables. The splice is inserted into the mixed settable liquid and the retaining cap is secured on the tube to hold the splice in the mixed settable liquid while the liquid sets to form a seal about the splice. Various structure is also shown to pressurize the contents of the tube to force the settable liquid into and around the splice.

Abstract: An arrangement for forming a joint between electrical cables comprises a connector arrangement, e.g. a crimp connector, a fusible block capable of being positioned to enclose the connector and a heat-shrinkable sleeve having a recovery temperature at least 10.degree. C. above the melting point of the fusible block. Preferably the fusible block is formed from a number of interlocking component parts. The arrangement is particularly suitable for forming joints between submarine cables, and may include a tubular shield portion for connecting the shields and shielded cables.

Abstract: A method of joining, repairing or reinforcing substrates, particularly polymeric pipes for transporting fluids, e.g. natural gas and water. The method makes use of an article, preferably a heat-recoverable article, which comprises a conductive polymer composition and which is heated to its recovery temperature by passing electrical current through the conductive polymer. Preferably the article is a heat-shrinkable coupler. The coupler may make direct contact with and fuse to the pipes, or there may be an insert between the coupler and the pipes. The article preferably comprises carbon black dispersed in either a sintered polymer, particularly ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or a very high molecular weight polymer, particularly polyethylene having a molecular weight greater than 150,000.

Abstract: A method for jointing CV cables includes a lock mechanism which closes a split portion of a mold, used for extrusion-molding and opens the split portion by heat when crosslinking is performed.

Abstract: A cable closing method and the resultant cable closing constructed by enclosing the cable area to be closed with a flexible waterproof enclosure, wrapping the cable with a water-activatable urethane resin impregnated cloth to span the area enclosed by the flexible waterproof enclosure, wetting the water-activatable urethane resin impregnated cloth to activate the resin and permitting the urethane resin to cure.

Abstract: A closure and method for protecting a splice connecting at least two cables. The closure includes a flexible reservoir positioned around the splice, a curable liquid sealant introduced into the reservoir, a means applied to the reservoir for increasing the pressure therein and a pressure measuring tube communicating between the inside and outside of the reservoir.

Abstract: A kit comprising materials for sealing leaks in low-pressure gas lines. The kit contains, (a) optionally, a container of corrosion-resistant primer composition; and (b) a special laminated tape comprising a ply of rubber such as neoprene and a ply of pressure-sensitive conformable polyer-based adhesive material based on, e.g., ethylene-propylene rubber, and (c) a seal restraining fabric impregnated with a curable resin such as moisture-curable polyurethane which is characterized by good shelf life and a controlled curing speed when subjected to moisture. The tape of the invention also relates to the novel protective patch structures which are formed by use of the kit material.

Abstract: A joint between a mass-impregnated paper insulated cable and a plastic insulated cable is sealed to contain the mass impregnating, oil material by applying a heat-recoverable oil resistant tubing over the exposed paper insulation so as to leave a portion thereof uncovered adjacent the exposed conductor of the cable, applying an oil resistant mastic to said uncovered portion of the insulation and over an adjacent end of said tubing, and applying a further heat-recoverable tubing over the mastic and an adjacent portion of the oil resistant tubing.

Abstract: This invention provides articles and methods for surface protection which comprises a layer of a gel material having a cone penetration of about 100 to about 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 100% and a covering layer of a flexible material which is flexible when installed on the surface to be protected and is hardenable or curable so that after installation the covering layer hardens to hold the gel layer in position and protect the gel layer from mechanical and other environmental conditions. This invention is particularly suitable for providing surface protection for underwater structures by applying the gel layer to displace the water from the surface which is underwater and providing a water curable covering layer which, after being applied to the surface, cures underwater to provide the required mechanical protection for the gel layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for closing an exposed area of aerial cable is described. A foraminous barrier is placed around the cable adjacent the exposed area. A cover is placed thereover. The foraminous barrier permits water to pass through the cable without accumulating at the exposed area. However, debris, dirt, and other contaminants are prevented from entering the exposed area.

Abstract: The long term water intrusion resistance of cable splice systems that use a gelable encapsulant that is pressurized prior to geletion can be improved by providing pressurization means that maintain the pressure on the cured encapsulant above a given pressure p.sub.2 >p.sub.o, where p.sub.o is the ambient pressure. Absent such pressurization means, the pressure on the encapsulant typically decreases with time due to creep or relaxation of nominally rigid components, e.g., a polymeric closure around the encapsulated splice, or varies due to differential thermal contraction. The pressurization means comprises one or more energy storage elements, e.g., an elastic member such as a spring, or a volume of compressed gas.

Abstract: An exposed portion of an electrical cable is sealed by applying a sealant material to the exposed cable and then placing the ends of a split unitary cover over the sealant material in overlapped disposition. The cover is then compressed into contact with the sealant material. In repairing a damaged cable sheath, a reinforcing member may be placed over the sealant material prior to placing the cover thereover.