Abstract: A non-contaminating fluid heater includes a heater body having an inlet and an adjacent outlet at one end, a tube which channels entering fluids centrally through the heater body to a point distally spaced from the outlet, and a resistance heating element helically wound about the tube. A connector assembly permits lead wires to pass through the heater body, without inducing fluid leakage, for connecting the heating element to a power source. In order to form an environmental seal about the electrical connections, the heating element and the lead wires are each jacketed with a thermoplastic material, the wire and heating element portions adjacent the connection are surrounded by a sleeve of additional thermoplastic material, and this sleeve is, in turn, surrounded by thermally activated shrink tubing. By melting the thermoplastic materials surrounding the connections and heating the shrink tubing, the various layers of thermoplastic material are fused together to form a hermetic seal.

Abstract: Turret type labeling machine with pairs of chucks arranged coaxially and rotated orbitally about the machine axis while spinning about their individual axes. Containers are gripped between each pair of chucks, such containers having at one or both ends an inwardly sloping portion. Labels are wrapped around each spinning container with one or both edges unattached and overlapping the sloping end portion or portions. One or both chucks of each pair has an extension which provide an extension of the body surface of the container so that the projecting edge or edges of the label lies against the extension.

Abstract: In a ribbon consisting of a cross-linked plastic which can be shrunk by the action of heat and can be placed in the manner of a collar (2a) around an elongated object (4), and after the connecting together of the edges (3a, 3b) of the ribbon, can be shrunk onto the object (4) by the action of heat. The edge regions (3a, 3b) of the ribbon consist of non-cross-linked plastic and a connecting together (5) of the ribbon edges (3a, 3b) is effected by fusion welding.

Abstract: A dimensionally recoverable article, preferably a heat-recoverable article, for providing an electromagnetic shield as a shielding layer which comprises an electrically conductive fabric. The fabric may be a non-woven fabric formed from electrically conductive fabrics or it may be a fabric that has been coated, for example with a metal, after it has been formed in order to render it electrically conductive.

Abstract: An electrical component, such as a joint between bus bars, is insulated by wrapping therearound a sheet of gel-like material, and manually causing it to conform to the joint. The material is curable by ultra-violet radiation, and this is directed on to the wrapped sheet to cause it to harden. A recoverable tube may be mounted over the sheet, before or after curing, to provide additional protection.

Abstract: Methods of modifying substrates, in particular joining pipes, especially pipes composed of glass fiber-reinforced polymers, make use of heat-recoverable conductive polymer articles. An insert is placed between the substrate and the article, and undergoes a desired chemical and/or physical change when the article is recovered. Preferably the insert is a fiber-reinforced thermosetting polymer which is cured in situ against the substrate. Preferably the conductive polymer is a sintered material or another material having good physical properties above its recovery temperature.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable strain relief device protects electrical wires passing through an aperture in a partition and secures the wires to the partition. The strain relief includes a first heat shrunk tube overlying the wires and having a diameter that is no larger than the diameter of the aperture. A second heat shrunk tube overlying a portion of the first heat shrunk tube has an outer diameter greater than that of the aperture. The strain relief is located in the partition with only a length of first heat shrunk tube that extends outward from the second heat shrunk tube passing through the aperture. A third optional heat shrunk tube positioned on the first heat shrunk tube is spaced apart from the second tube by a distance approximately equal to the thickness of the partition. The strain relief device is formed by locating lenghts of heat shrinkable tubing in predetermined positions on the wires, and applying heat.

Abstract: Cohesive flexible curable adhesive coatings formed from a dispersion of first and second powdered curing components, preferably reactive at ambient temperatures, in a solution of a binder, the binder content being not more than 15%, preferably not more than 2.5% by weight of the dried composition. Also claimed are curable compositions having a specific advantageous reactive particle size distribution; specific epoxy-amine adduct curing agents; and specific polyalkylene oxide binders.

Abstract: A filter element comprises a relatively rigid fluid-permeable cylinder (5), around which is provided a body (7) of non-woven fibrous filter material. A jacket (6) of permeable material is positioned around the outer surface of the filter material, and is heat-shrunk onto the filter material in order to hold this under substantially uniform radial compression over the whole of its area.

Abstract: A heat deformable tube having a melt liner of noncross-linked, thermoplastic material, such that upon heating to a temperature high enough to cause the tube to return to its original shape; the melt liner melts and encapsulates the substrate.

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: A wrap-around recoverable article suitable for enclosing a splice in a telecommunications cable splice comprises a fabric cover portion and closure elements at its edge regions which can be held together to maintain the sleeve in a wrapped-around configuration around the cable splice. The closure elements comprise a bundle of heat-stable filaments, preferably glass, enclosed by a loop or folded-over portion of the fabric.

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: A cross linked film fibre is made by slitting or splitting polymeric film. In a preferred embodiment the fibre is made into a fabric which is impregnated with a polymeric matrix material. The matrix is preferably also cross-linked, this being done at the same time, or separately from, cross-linking of the fibre. The preferred embodiment is particularly useful for enclosing a substrate.

Abstract: A method for making a belt for use in papermaking includes a series of steps. A sheet of uncured urethane is wrapped on a polished mandrel. A woven fabric sleeve to serve as a supporting carcass is placed over the first sheet and shrunk onto it. A second sheet of uncured urethane is placed over the woven fabric sleeve. A nylon web is wrapped tightly around the second layer and the entire wrapped mandrel is heated, curing the urethane sheets and entirely bonding the sheets to encapsulate the fabric sleeve. The nylon wrap is removed and the surface of the cured urethane is ground.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for automatically and successively applying thermoshrinkable tubular labels, cap seals or the like to the outer circumferential surfaces of bottles and other containers.A thermoshrinkable web 1in a flat condition is fed by feed rollers 11, 11 intermittently a predetermined length, and after the pleats 3, 3 at the opposite lateral edges of the web have been smoothed out and spaces 4, 4 have been formed in the web along the lateral edges, the web is fed onto the wedge-shaped upper portion 15 of an insertion guide 14 and cut by cutting means into a required length. The cut tubular label 1 is intermittently fed by feed belts 21, 21 from the wedge-shaped portion 15 of the insertion guide 14 onto the lower portion thereof having substantially the same shape in transverse section as a container 20, and after having been reformed into substantially the same shape in transverse section as the container 20, the tubular label is applied to the container 20.

Abstract: Provided herein is a wraparound closure sleeve for environmentally sealing conduits employing a heat-recoverable sheet oriented to shrink in the direction of its width, a first strip of self-amalgamating material disposed along or near one edge of the sheet and perpendicular to the direction of orientation, a mastic or hot-melt adhesive coated on the remaining surface area of the sheet, a second self amalgamating strip disposed parallel to the first strip on the opposite surface of the sheet where wrapping the sheet around the conduit, juxtaposing the strips and pressing them together forms a lap bond having sufficient lap shear strength to resist the hoop stress force generated by shrinking of the oriented sheet around the conduit and the mastic/adhesive is pressed and flows between the conduit and sheet.

Abstract: A heat-recoverable wrap-around sleeve for pipe protection, with a patch-type closure.The patch is heat-stable and comprises two polymeric layers bonded together through, for example, an open mesh glass-fibre fabric. No separate adhesive is required.The hot modulus of one of the layers is low enough to enable it to bond to the overlapping edges of the wrap-around sleeve, and the hot modulus of the other layer is high enough to withstand installation temperature.This new patch is easier to install and requires less materials than prior art patches, and does not need to be bonded to the sleeve in such a distinct heating step.

Abstract: A curable sheet comprising first and second curing reactants arranged in discrete areas of the sheet, preferably by coextrusion, in patterns such as stripes and checks. The sheet cures upon fusion of the respective areas of the curing reactants.

Abstract: A method for packaging a playing ball so as to provide a partially exposed surface of the ball which comprises the steps of imprinting selected indicia on a heat shrinkable plastic film loop, placing the loop about the ball in frictional contact with a portion of the surface of the ball, applying heat to the loop and the ball to shrink said loop so as to wrap a circumferential section of the ball, and removing the heat and permitting the loop to cool about the ball in its shrunken state. If the ball is partially deflated, the loop is placed about the ball and the ball is inflated until frictional contact between the ball and loop occurs with subsequent heat application.

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: Method for heating a heat-shrinkable pipewrap wherein the heat for shrinking is applied simultaneously throughout the periphery of the pipewrap surface; and novel apparatus useful therefor.

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: To increase the strength of a helical spring with a spring wire made of thermosetting plastic in which reinforcing fibers are embedded that run at an angle of approximately .+-.45.degree. to the longitudinal axis of the spring wire, the fibers are present as a fabric that is wound helically around the longitudinal axis of the spring wire, with the warp and woof threads being at an angle of approximately 45.degree. to the longitudinal axis. A process is also proposed for producing such helical springs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating an identification sleeve on a thin, elongate object (35, 67, 113), such as a wire, pipe or ring, is disclosed. A printer (15, 65, 91) prints identification indicia on a strip of ultrasonically weldable heat shrinkable material (13, 63, 93). The strip is cut into flat pieces (13A, 63A, 93A), each of which contain identification indicia in a predetermined location, preferably at the center of the piece. The pieces are wrapped around the elongate object to be identified such that the indicia overlies the object and the longitudinal axis of the indicia lies generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the object. The pieces (13A, 63A, 93A) are wrapped around the object such that the pieces take on a U-shaped configuration. The outwardly extending legs of the U-shaped pieces are ultrasonically welded together adjacent to the object and the excess portion of the legs are cut away. Then the thusly formed sleeve is positioned by sliding it along the object.

Abstract: A nonsintered ceramic body is prepared. A hole is formed in the nonsintered ceramic body. A rod is inserted into the hole. The rod has large- and small-diameter portions within the area facing to the hole. The ceramic body is sintered while the rod is inserted into the ceramic body. By this sintering, the ceramic body is brought into tight contact with the rod by utilizing shrinkage of the ceramic body. The resultant structure is cooled. As a result, the large diameter portion of the rod presses a projection of the ceramic body extending inside the hole by a shrinkage difference due to the difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of the ceramic body and the rod. At least part of the ceramic body is brought into tight contact with at least part of the rod. The rod closes the hole of the ceramic body and the rod is fixed in the ceramic body.

Abstract: A membrane filter which comprises a porous, self-supporting, end axially-compressible filter tube, and a microporous membrane sheet bonded to the external surface of the filter tube, the membrane sheet overlapping the one and other ends of the filter tube and extending across the full edge width at the ends to provide a membrane filter to seal into a housing by axial compression without the need for gaskets, end caps or adhesives. A method of preparing a membrane filter tube, which method comprises securing a microporous membrane to the external surface of a self-supporting, axially compressible filter tube and overlapping and securing the ends of the membrane across the ends of the full edge width of the filter tube.

Abstract: A method of environmentally sealing a pipe, cable or harness substrate by means of a recoverable fabric and a sheet of polymeric material.

Abstract: A recoverable article comprises a recoverable fabric, means for rendering the fabric impervious, and a shaped liner. The assembly can be used to form a pressure resistant splice case for telecommunications cables.

Abstract: A unique air vent is provided for use with heat-recoverable closures when installed on pressurized cables. Typically, when a heat-recoverable closure is used to repair a hole or opening in the jacket of a pressurized cable the cable must be depressurized during installation of the closure to ensure formation of a pressure and watertight seal. The air vent assembly permits installation of a heat-recoverable closure without the need for depressurizing the cable. After installation, the air vent can be used as an access point to the pressurized air within the cable.

Abstract: A non-contaminating fluid heater includes a heater body having an inlet and an adjacent outlet at one end, a tube which channels entering fluids centrally through the heater body to a point distally spaced from the outlet, and a resistance heating element helically wound about the tube. A connector assembly permits lead wires to pass through the heater body, without inducing fluid leakage, for connecting the heating element to a power source. In order to form an environmental seal about the electrical connections, the heating element and the lead wires are each jacketed with a thermoplastic material, the wire and heating element portions adjacent the connection are surrounded by a sleeve of additional thermoplastic material, and this sleeve is, in turn, surrounded by thermally activated shrink tubing. By melting the thermoplastic materials surrounding the connections and heating the shrink tubing, the various layers of thermoplastic material are fused together to form a hermetic seal.

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: The resistivity/temperature characteristics of PTC conductive polymers which have little or no cross-linking can be modified by stretching. The rate at which resistivity rises with temperature is increased, and the peak resistivity is decreased; however, the decrease in peak resistivity is substantially smaller than that observed with PTC conductive polymers having a high degree of cross-linking. Therefore, heat-recoverable electrical devices, particularly for covering telephone and other cable splices, comprise (a) a layer of a PTC conductive polymer which has little or no cross-linking, (2) an adjacent heat-recoverable layer of a PTC or ZTC conductive polymer which has a relatively high level of cross-linking, and (3) electrodes which can be connected to a power supply so that current passes through the layers and causes recovery of the device; preferably an uncrosslinked PTC layer is sandwiched between two cross-linked ZTC layers. Non-recoverable devices, e.g.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable closure is disclosed having a central section which has been hot stretched and cooled while in stretched condition sandwiched between a pair of unstretched end sections and in which one end section has a tapered grooved extension.

Abstract: A length of braided wire, having an outside diameter, is selected as is a length of heat-shrinkable tubing which has an initial inside diameter greater than the outer diameter of the braided wire. The braided wire is inserted into the tubing such that, at one end of the tubing, the tubing extends beyond the braided wire. The one end of the tubing is grasped without grasping the braided wire, and the one end is supported against movement in a vertical direction. A weight is attached to the other end of the tubing so that the tubing with the braided wire inserted will extend downwardly from the first end to the other end thereof. Heat is applied to the tubing starting at the one end and moving slowly downwardly to the other end. The heat causes the tubing to shrink and, simultaneously, the weight pulls the tubing downwardly to cause the tubing to stretch so that a tight-fitting insulating cover, having decreased wall thickness, is produced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for applying a protective coating to a substrate, such as metallic pipe, which comprises applying onto the substrate a liquid curable polymeric composition capable of curing to a substantial extent within about 24 hours at less than about 80.degree. C., then applying one or more polymeric layers, the innermost of which is capable of interacting with said curable composition, and permitting the composition to cure. In certain embodiments the polymeric layer is applied as a polymeric article, in other embodiments a multiple layer polymeric covering is applied over the curable composition.

Abstract: A recoverable polymeric material is coated with discrete regions of a sealant, such as a mastic, and of a heat-activatable adhesive, such as a hot-melt adhesive. The coated material forms a sleeve which may be of tubular or wrap-around configuration. The sleeve may be used to cover weld joints in polyethylene coated steel pipes. The sealant ensures a flexible water-proof seal around the weld and the adhesive provides a second seal and prevents any long range movement between the sleeve and the pipe.

Abstract: Curable fabric comprising first and second curing reactants, at least one of which is in the form of a fabric member, and comprising heat-recoverable fabric members.

Abstract: An optical fiber contact for terminating an optical fiber includes a memory tube material having a first section which has been recovered around a pigtail optical fiber. A second section of the memory material is nonrecovered, and an optical fiber is terminated by inserting a cleaved or polished end of the optical fiber into the nonrecovered tube section and recovering this tube section around the cleaved or polished optical fiber end. A plurality of contacts are disposed in first and second linear arrays which are then optically interconnected with an optical fiber contact assembly.

Abstract: A high voltage composite member, such as a support insulator or a bushing, comprises a core and a sheath of elastomeric material vulcanized to the core and at least one module of elastomeric material having an external shed and an inner cylindrical surface of predetermined normal diameter. The sheath has circumferentially continuous external bulges overlapping and engaging the ends of the inner surface to hold the module permanently in a desired location on the sheath, the module being substantially free of deforming stress. A sealing material provides a sealed interface between the module and sheath.

Abstract: Curable compositions which are useful for encapsulating electrical connections and for joining metals to metals, and which comprise a mixture of high and low molecular weight fluorocarbon elastomers. Preferred compositions comprise a mixture of three fluorocarbon elastomers, the first having a Mooney viscosity at 121.degree. C. of at least 120, the second a Mooney viscosity at 121.degree. C. of 80 to 110, and the third a Brookfield viscosity at 100.degree. C. of 1,000 to 4,000 centipoises, in amounts 5 to 50%, 25 to 70% and 5 to 50% respectively, based on the weight of the polymeric component. The compositions can be easily molded under heat and pressure, and after they have been cured, they have remarkable resistance to degradation by hot liquids, even under pressure. Consequently, the compositions are very useful in the manufacture of self-regulating heaters for use in heating the production tubes of oil wells.

Abstract: In the fabrication of a plastic sleeve by heat sealing overlapped ends of a plastic film blank wrapped around a mandrel, a part of the underlying overlapped end is often melted inadvertently and adheres to the mandrel, obstructing easy stripping of the sleeve off the mandrel. Accordingly, a tensioning groove is formed in the mandrel surface, and a pressing-in bar is pressed thereinto over the sleeve while a part of the sleeve is held stationary against the mandrel by a holding plate to pull the sleeve part thus adhering sidewise in the peripheral direction of the mandrel and thereby to peel away and free the same.

Abstract: A terminal assembly or part for closing a conduit opening in a fitting, conduit socket or conduit includes a shrink tube having one end shrunk onto the conduit opening and the opposite end closed by an end part which may include a supporting element. In one embodiment, additional supporting elements are provided besides the supporting element of the end part. If an elongated object is to be inserted into the opening, at least a portion of the end part is removed to enable insertion of the elongated object such as a cable with the removal being accomplished without damaging any of the shrink tube so that a subsequent heat-shrinking of the tube onto the inserted elongated object will form a sealing closure with the object as the remains of the end part are expelled from the assembly.

Abstract: Pipe couplings are formed by consolidation of a polymer into braided fibre reinforcement by recovery of a heat-recoverable driver thereover. A liner, e.g. of non-cross-linked polyvinylidene fluoride, may be used, preferably with three layers of polymer/braid, to achieve a Freon-tight seal for coupling loosely swaged or butt-jointed refrigerator pipes. Braids carrying a consolidatable polymer which allows the braid crossover points to slip freely during recovery of the driver are preferred for optimum performance.

Abstract: To convey corrosive liquids, rubber hoses are customarily provided with an inner lining that is made of a synthetic material which is resistant to solvent. In order to achieve the previously unobtainable smooth, fold-free application of the thin plastic foil against the inner rubber layer of a hose, the present invention utilizes an extremely thin-walled contractible foil sleeve that is smoothly contracted upon a rigid fabrication mandrel. This foil sleeve then forms the base for the further build-up of the hose.

Abstract: A dimensionally recoverable article, preferably a heat-recoverable article, has on at least part of a surface thereof an adhesive composition that will cure by reaction of a plurality of mutually reactive components. The components are in the form of particles which are mixed together and which will fuse when heated. Preferred adhesives are based on combinations of an epoxy with a polyamide, carboxylic acid, phenolic resin or blocked isocyanate curing agent.The particulate adhesives show a synergistic increase in rate and/or level of cure when used in conjunction with a recoverable article.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying heat shrinkable film to containers and other articles having a vertical body position, e.g., the cylindrical body of a container, and one or two re-entrant portions, e.g., a shoulder on a bottle. A segment of film is applied to the vertical surface without heat shrinking and with one or two end portions overlapping the re-entrant part of the article. Heat is applied to the overlap or overlaps to shrink them onto the article.

Abstract: An oil-filled electric cable in which the solid insulation is formed, at least in part, by separately applied, alternate layers of cellulose paper tape and of film tapes made of a plastic. Prior to application of the tapes around the cable conductor, the moisture content of the paper tape is selected and the swelling of the plastic tape by the oil after application is adjusted, if necessary, such as by immersing the plastic tape in the oil prior to application, so that the swelling of the plastic tape by the oil in the formed cable is offset by the shrinkage of the paper tape during drying of the cable. Also, apparatus for pre-swelling the plastic tape.

Abstract: An article comprising a magnetic shielding thermoplastic polymeric material containing a powdery ferrite and a heat shrinkable thermoplastic polymeric material layer. Due to its specific structure, this article is excellent in applicability over any electrical component, and may provide over the component a cover having excellent magnetic shielding and mechanical strength properties. It may also bring about a substantial increase in inductance of the component.

Abstract: A heat-recoverable sheet is provided having two opposing exterior transverse edges and interior edges transverse to the direction of recovery of the sheet extending from one of said exterior edges. When the heat-recoverable sheet is coated on one face thereof with a hot-melt adhesive and used as a wrap-around protective closure with the interior edges and the hot-melt adhesive enveloped within the closure, the movement of the enclosed exterior edge during recovery is retarded to minimize the formation of any void spaces in the hot-melt adhesive.