Abstract: A splice case for encapsulating a substrate includes first and second containers each of which contain a gel having a cone penetration between 100 and 350 (10.sup.-1 mm) and an ultimate elongation of at least 200%, the gel in each container having an exposed surface, one exposed surface having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of the other exposed surface, the first and second containers being adapted for telescopic engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protection of electrical contacts. The protection apparatus ensures that the electrical contacts are protected when they are otherwise located in an adverse environment. To this end, the protection apparatus includes an insulating gel that is characterized by a cone penetration value from approximately 150 to 350 (10.sup.-1 mm); an ultimate elongation of at least approximately 200%; a maximum tensile strength of approximately 20 psi; and a cohesive strength greater than its adhesive strength. The protection apparatus further includes a first means to contain the gel, a second means to retain the gel within the first means and a force means which acts on the first means so that the gel is maintained in compressive contact with the electrical contacts and substantially encapsulates a conductive portion of the electrical contacts.

Abstract: A gland which is installed in the hole of a wall between two different atmospheres to prevent the leakage of a fluid from the one side to the other side of the wall along the outer sheath of an electric cable has a tubular metallic housing which is sealingly installed in the hole and into which the cable extends. The interior of the housing is filled with a hardened filler material which completely surrounds bare portions of conductors. Beads are formed on such bare portions. Sleeves are shrunk onto the bare portions of the conductors between the respective beads and insulators for the conductors. A tension reducing clamp surrounds the outer sheath of the cable in the housing. The aperture at one end of the housing contains an O-ring which is biased against the external surface of the outer sheath of the cable and against the surface surrounding the aperture by a second ring.

Abstract: A protective enclosure for a splice connection between respective conductors of a hardline cable having a rigid sheath and a softline cable having a flexible sheath, each conductor including a conductive wire and a layer of insulation enclosing the wire, with one wire of the hardline cable being electrically connected to a corresponding wire of the softline cable by a connector located in a splice region, the enclosure including: cover elements extending between, and secured to, the cable sheaths and including a flexible metal tube enclosing the splice region; and a mass of flexible potting material filling the splice region for isolating the connector and the wires connected thereby from the external environment.

Abstract: The structure and process for providing a sealed insulated piping arrangement by introducing a molten sealing material between the inner fluid conducting pipe, and an outer casing, which space may include monitoring wires. The sealing material is introduced in a molten state to provide a liquid-impermeable filling, and then providing an enclosing seal at the end with a smooth transition for passage of the monitoring wires.

Abstract: A buried cable splice closure comprising a rigid plastic outer shell having an opening at least at one end through which cables may extend into the closure has a lower chamber adjacent each end opening for support of portions of cables extending into the closure with the cable jacket and any cable shield terminating in the lower chamber. An upper chamber is spaced longitudinally of the closure from each end opening so as to have a lower chamber between each end opening and the upper chamber and the upper chamber has a cable splice support area spaced a distance above each lower chamber when the splice closure is in an upright position. A cable passageway within the outer shell communicates between each lower chamber and the cable splice support area in the upper chamber and means are provided for permitting introduction of an encapsulant into at least each lower chamber.

Abstract: An electrical heating panel assembly includes a thin planar panel with a length of electrical resistance wire embedded therewithin and a pair of cold leads projecting from an edge surface. An insulated multiple conductor power line extends along the panel edge surface and has a portion of its outer insulation removed. The cold leads are connected respectively with power line conductors at the insulation free portion of the power line. A U-shaped closure member may be hinged or fixed and has thin flat leg portions which embrace the panel side surfaces adjacent the edge surface. A body portion of the closure member is spaced from the edge surface of the panel to define an open end tubular enclosure for the insulation free power line portion, the cold leads, and the connection therebetween.

Abstract: A device for maintaining physical separation between electrical conductors of a cable passing through a connector and for facilitating encapsulation of the conductors in a connector body. The device comprises an insulating platform having a configuration for engaging the connector body, the platform having (1) at least one passageway for passage of a conductor; (2) at least one aperture through which an encapsulant can be dispensed; and (3) at least one opening for allowing air to be voided during an encapsulation process; the platform forming with the connector body a hollow chamber through which at least one conductor passes and into which encapsulant can be dispensed through the aperture. The device further comprises a spline that extends from the platform for locating the device within the connector body; the spline comprising a step portion for resting on the cable and for defining a predetermined separation distance between the cable and the platform.

Abstract: The device for enclosing at least part of an elongation object, preferably a connection between electrical conductors, comprising a hollow dimensionally recoverable article having an aperture that communicates between the interior and the exterior of the article, and a quantity of material which seals an aperture. The material is self sealing so that it will allow penetration of a test probe through the material and will continue to seal the article after removal of the probe. Advantageously the article contains an arrangement for connecting electrical conductors, for example a solder insert or crimping connector.

Abstract: In a cable stub assembly (20) which is used to interconnect two cables (22 and 24), at least one of which is pressurized with a gaseous medium, a portion of a plastic jacket is removed from an interior portion of a length (31) of cable to expose conductors (33--33) of a core (32). Heat shrinkable sleeves (61 and 66) each of which comprises an irradiation cross-linked polyolefin material are positioned over the jacket of the cable on each side of the interior portion from which the jacket has been removed. The heat shrinkable sleeves are caused to contract about the cable jacket. Inner surfaces of the sleeves are coated with an adhesive material which is helpful in providing a sealed engagement of the sleeves with the jacket. A length of tubing (81) is disposed about the cable jacket and the contracted sleeves. A polyurethane filling material (82) is introduced into the tubing and is adhered sufficiently to the sleeves to prevent substantially the escape of the gaseous medium from the at least one cable.

Abstract: Cable plug and method of manufacture in which hardened plugging compound surrounds individually insulated conductors and a radially resilient spring is placed around the compound which holds the spring permanently in a resiliently expanded condition to compress the compound onto the individual insulations of the conductors. In one arrangement a sleeve surrounds and intimately contacts the compound and at least one rib on the inner surface of the sleeve is urged against a complementary groove in the compound by the spring.

Abstract: An electrical connector for insulating a connection between at least two wires. The connector includes a cup shaped casing and an inner core, each having a closed end and an open end. The inner core is received within the casing defining a fully enclosed sealed cavity therein in which an insulating compound is received. The casing includes an end wall which has a plurality of recesses extending inwardly of a surface thereof terminating in thin covering membrane. A piercing member is provided for forming apertures in each of the membranes for receipt of a wire therethrough, said apertures each having a diameter slightly less than an associated wire extending therethrough providing a snug fit therearound, thereby sealing the connector cavity.

Abstract: A sealing device for a wire splice. An insulative tube with a reservoir positioned transverse to and communicating with the insulative tube is adapted to receive a wire splice. A septum within the reservoir at least partially divides the reservoir substantially transverse to the insulative tube. An insulative fluid may then be forced through the reservoir into the insulative tube surrounding the wire splice. A connector for electrical wires is formed from a conductive tube adapted to receive the ends of the electrical wires to be connected and capable of being crimped onto the electrical wires. A sealing device may then be positioned over the conductive tube and an insulative viscous fluid may be forced through the reservoir into the insulative tube surrounding the conductive tube in order that the electrical wires may be electrically connected and insulated.

Abstract: A sleeve, terminal body, plug body, or the like receives tubular or ring-shaped, normally solid but thermoplastic filler elements, being traversed by a cable or conductor, particularly a portion from which insulation has been stripped. A plunger-like element receives also the cable or conductor and is inserted in one end of the sleeve, or body, the other end being closed by another plunger or body structure. Upon heating, the filler element melts and the plunger or plungers are forced further in to cause melted filler material to fill all voids; the deformed material resolidifies and seals and bonds all parts together.

Abstract: A method and composition for effecting splices of high voltage cable sections for use with a mold placed around the cable sections. The composition comprises a liquid polyolefin, a finely divided solid polyolefin and a chain extension agent capable of reacting to form addition polymer linkages with the liquid polyolefin.

Abstract: A splice between at least two multi-wire electric cables is protected from ingress of water by forming a compressible reservoir about the splice, filling the reservoir with a curable liquid sealant, compressing the reservoir to force the liquid sealant to penetrate into the interstices between the individual wires of the splice bundle and into the adjacent cable core and maintaining the reservoir under compression at least for a time sufficient for the sealant to cure.

Abstract: A toolless splice sealant device is taught. Briefly stated, a splice enclosure suitable for enclosing a splice or connection is utilized. Disposed in the splice enclosure is a sealant material. The splice enclosure has one or more compression buttons such that upon application of the splice enclosure to the splice, compression of the compressable buttons causes the sealant, through hydraulic pressure, to completely fill all voids which may exist, forcing the sealant around and along connector and wire. This thereby environmentally seals the splice and prohibits the contamination of the splice which may affect the electrical integrity thereof.

Abstract: An improved method of joining insulated conductors and providing a water-tight seal. The area about the joined conductors is filled with a putty-like insulation filler material and an O-ring placed on the conductor insulation, some distance from the joint. The joint, including the O-ring, is overtaped with resin-rich insulation tape and the tape is surrounded by a shrinkable polyester film. Heat is applied to partially cure the insulation tape, and to cause the polyester film to contract tightly about the joint.

Abstract: A capping member and method are provided for hermetically sealing a cable end; in a particular embodiment the capping member includes a generally tubular, rigid main body, closed at one end and with a plurality of inwardly deflectable fingers extending from the other end; an injection port, which is suitably located in the closed end, permits injection of sealing material under pressure into the void between the capping member and a cable end over which it is telescoped; in this way the void is substantially filled so that entry of moisture into the cable is prevented.

Abstract: A housing for an electrical cable splice for handling two or more cables in end-to-end and/or side-by-side arrangement. First and second shells with central sections and opposed end sections, with one shell sliding over the other to form a main compartment for the splices and a sealant or encapsulating material. The end sections of one shell are provided with channels for receiving cables, with a groove in the wall of each channel. The other shell includes means sliding in the channels for defining entrance passages for the cable, and projecting tabs which slide in the grooves and close the entrance passages. The projecting tabs are selectively broken away as determined by the number and location of cables, to provide open entrance passages.

Abstract: An EMI shielded connector assembly for a cable connector is formed of aluminum and has an aperture 44 therein to receive potting compound 46 to secure the wires 28 to the connector body. The braided inner cover 26 of the cable 24 is formed into a pig tail 34 and is secured in the back-shell 40 by the potting compound 46. Between the braided inner cover 26 and the braided outer cover 30 which is the braided shield, a ferrule member 60 is positioned on the cable and the outer cover 30 is braided over the ferrule member 60. Next the ferrule clamping member 62 is positioned over the ferrule member 60 in such a position that the groove 68 overrides the ring 66. The two ferrule member 60 and 62 are pressed together and form a strain relief means 38. The strain relief means 38 is welded 42 to the back-shell 40 and a rivet 48 plugs the potting aperture 44 in the back-shell 40 after which a rubberized boot 50 is formed over the enclosure.

Abstract: An assembly including a pair of cable sections having cable ends joined in a splice and an elongated sheath enclosing the cable ends. The elongated sheath defines opposite end openings, each receiving one of the cable sections and having a perimeter substantially conforming to the outer surface thereof. Further defined by the interior of the sheath are both contact surfaces engaging and positioning certain portions of the cable sections' outer surfaces and volumes juxtaposed other portions of those surfaces. A filler material fills the volumes and bonds the sheath to the outer surfaces of the cable sections so as to establish a secure connection therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cable sections comprise electrical conductors jacketed by insulative sleeves that form the outer surfaces and the filler material is electrically insulative.

Abstract: A splice between ends of a pair of telecommunications cables is encapsulated in a thermoset foam. To encapsulate the splice it is positioned within a mold with the cables extending through apertures in the mold. At the apertures the cables are wrapped with an open cell foam material to block the cavity ends. A foam base material is then mixed with an activating agent which includes both a heat activated blowing agent and a material which reacts exothermically with the foam base material. The mixture is deposited within the mold and the mold closed. The mixture then foams to fill the mold and rapidly cures. The resulting joint is light, durable, waterproof and re-enterable.

Abstract: A method and composition for effecting splices of high voltage cable sections for use with a mold placed around the cable sections. The composition comprises a liquid polyolefin, a finely divided solid polyolefin and a chain extension agent capable of reacting to form addition polymer linkages with the liquid polyolefin.

Abstract: An enclosure for encapsulating and sealing a cable includes a rigid, hollow cylindrical sleeve having an inner wall surface defining a chamber for receiving a portion of the cable therein. One end of the sleeve is sealably enclosed by an end seal and at the other sleeve end an end cap encloses the chamber. An inner disc is spaced longitudinally interiorly of the end cap to define with the end cap and with the inner wall surface, a cavity. An aperture is provided through the sleeve portion in registry with the cavity. Both the inner disc and end cap have apertures therethrough for passage of the cable. A sealing ring of mastic is sealably affixed around the inner wall surface of the sleeve and a sealing band of mastic is sealably affixed around the cable, the sealing ring and sealing band both contacting the inner disc at its longitudinally interior surface.

Abstract: A container for protecting cable splices from the environment. The container includes a vial having corrugated walls forming internal threads. The vial is filled with a sealant into which the splice is to be immersed. The container further includes a plug having passageways for accepting incoming cable. The plug is designed to be fixed with a sleeve having external threads of corrugated construction which thread into the vial. A resilient cap is provided to cover the entire opened end of the vial; inserts are provided for accepting cable of various sizes and a bracket can be fixed to the inside of the plug to operate as a ground shield connector and for structural support.

Abstract: Cable splices of outside telephone plant are rehabilitated by a method in which a length of tubing of a kit of parts is moved over end portions of cables which are to be respliced, if necessary. The tubing is collapsed adjacent jacketed portions of the cables and a collar comprising a plurality of turns of sealing tape is formed about the jacket of each of the cables in adjacent locations. A spacer block is positioned between the collars to maintain the cables spaced apart after which a liner made of a perforated, transversely corrugated strip of plastic material is wrapped about the splice. The tubing is extended over the liner and its lower end is taped about the collars to form a closed end to prevent the escape of a waterproofing material which is flowed into the opposite open end of the tubing. A length of transversely and longitudinally scored plastic is wrapped about the tubing and cut along one of the score lines to form a cover which is secured by a plurality of clamps.

Abstract: A conduit end is sealed around one or more than one insulated conductor by using a chamber (4) having a peripheral wall, a base with an opening through it communicating with the conduit (2) and an opening opposite the base. The conductor(s) (3) extend through both openings; a pre-formed annular body of a setting resin composition (8) is inserted while in a pasty or viscous condition into the chamber to encircle the conductor or conductors. Axial pressure is then applied to the still pasty or viscous annular body to cause it to flow and form a sealing body in peripherally continuous contact with the chamber and with the, or each, insulated conductor, after which the resin composition sets. A kit for use in the method is also claimed.

Abstract: This electrical conduit end seal includes a cylindrical walled member having an opening at one end dimensioned to receive the conduit. The end opening terminates in a first partition having at least one aperture through which a cable in the conduit may pass in a friction fit. A second partition is parallel to and spaced apart from the first partition and has at least one corresponding aperture through which the cable may pass in a friction fit. The first and second partitions form, together with the cylinder wall, a sealing chamber. The sealing chamber has first and second openings communicating from the chamber to the exterior of the end seal. In use, the end seal is fastened to the conduit with the cable extending through the partition apertures. A caulking gun or other suitable dispenser is used to inject a curable resinous material or other sealing material through one of the chamber openings. The other chamber opening allows escape of air while the material is filling the chamber.

Abstract: A high pressure gland for optical fibres and/or electrical conductors has a tubular member through which the fibres/conductors are loosely passed. The bore of the tube is then filled with an encapsulating plastics material which adheres to both the fibres/conductors and the wall of the tube bore. The outside of the tubular member is shaped so as to be mechanically secured and sealed in an aperture in a bulkhead or the like. The construction of the gland is such that it can withstand a high axial pressure differential such as might be experienced on the sea bed.

Abstract: An electrical connector which can be used for pipe line heaters includes a base, an insert having a slot therethrough for a conductor, and a crimp barrel for the insert. A cap fits over the barrel and cooperates with the barrel and base so that when the cap is filled with a viscous potting compound, and the cap is slid over the barrel, the potting compound is pressured so that it substantially completely fills the cap and the base, thereby environmentally sealing the resulting assembly.

Abstract: A method and composition for effecting splices of high voltage cable sections for use with a mold placed around the cable sections. The composition comprises a liquid polyolefin, a finely divided solid polyolefin and a chain extension agent capable of reacting to form addition polymer linkages with the liquid polyolefin.

Abstract: A method and composition for effecting splices of high voltage cable sections for use with a mold placed around the cable sections. The composition comprises a liquid polyolefin, a finely divided solid polyolefin and a chain extension agent capable of reacting with condensation reaction moieties of the liquid polyolefin.

Abstract: A cable assembly and construction method to enable a cable to be pulled lengthwise in a conduit or otherwise, wherein a perforate plate is placed among insulated wires in a bundle emanating from one end of the cable jacket or sheath. The wires are bonded to each other and to the plate by potting. An epoxy or resin may be used, if desired. Alternatively a paraffin potting step may be employed to provide a base for a resin, a paraffin block being potted between the jacket and the resin.

Abstract: A wire splice insulator for underground wire splices and the like is provided in the form of a pair of substantially rigid flat base members in side by side relationship, a sheet of soft conformable self-sealing cohesive elastomer beneath and adhered to said base members, a dome extending outwardly from each said base member and elastomer sheet generally centrally of the base member and forming a cavity in the base member and elastomer sheet, a plurality of semi-tubular shields in each base member and elastomer sheet extending from the dome to adjacent the edge of the base members and forming semi-cylindrical cavities in said base members and sheets, said domes and tubular sheathes in the pair of base members being mirror images of each other, a soft non-hardening mastic adhesive insulating material filling the cavities in the elastomer and a parting sheet on the elastomer sheet and mastic opposite the base members.

Abstract: A seal is used to prevent the escape of gas from a gas pressurized plastic-jacketed, multi-conductor cable where the conductors of an unjacketed portion of the cable enter a cabinet of a terminal which is exposed to temperature cycling. The seal includes a sleeve made of an elastomeric material having one end which engages an end section of the cable jacket with the conductors of the unjacketed portion of the cable extending through the other end of the sleeve into the cabinet. The seal also includes a metallic tube which is disposed about the elastomeric sleeve with one of the end portions of the tube which is aligned with the cable jacket being in compressive engagement with the sleeve and jacket. A plugging compound in the other end portion of the tube and which is compliant with the sleeve material encapsulates the conductors and the other end of the sleeve which extends into the plugging compound.

Abstract: A method of making fast setting permanently reinforced splice joints between a cable sheath and a sleeve which includes preparing a mixture of resin and filler additives which shrink upon curing and adding at the time of use a catalyst with a pigment color therein to indicate proper mixing. Resilient bands of rubber-like adhesive material are applied to the ends of the cable sheath to be joined and the self-curing resin is applied over the cable ends, the resilient band and the sleeve to be joined. The resin, when cured, shrinks to form a novel reinforced sealed splice joint.

Abstract: A prewired electrical switch having an attached electrical cable includes a housing which provides a cable seal which prevents fluid from traveling by capillary action from outside the housing through the electrical cable into the interior of the switch housing where the fluid can interfere with the normal operation of the switch. The cable seal is provided by a separate cable receiving section of the housing which has pockets which receive and isolate uninsulated portions of the individual electrical conductors of the cable. A non-conductive potting compound such as an epoxy resin fills the pockets and forms fluid-tight seals with the uninsulated portions of the individual conductors and adjacent insulated portions within the pocket. The potting compound also forms a fluid-tight seal with the end of the cable.

Abstract: An enclosure for encapsulating and sealing a splice between two or more underground cables is disclosed. A tubular chamber is provided to receive the splice, and the chamber has a radial access hole for pouring plastic compound into the chamber. The cables to be spliced pass through caps which enclose the ends of the chamber. A rotatable sleeve fits over the center of the chamber. The sleeve has an aperture corresponding to the access hole in the tubular chamber, and an outwardly projecting funnel extending from the aperture. The aperture in the sleeve can be aligned with the access hole and liquid plastic compound poured through the funnel into the tubular chamber to surround the splice. When the chamber has been filled with plastic compound, the sleeve can simply be rotated with respect to the chamber and locked to disalign the aperture and the access hole and thereby seal the chamber.

Abstract: A kit of parts for forming an enclosure for a cable splice that rigidly fixes two or more spliced cables and moisture proofs the splice and exposed cable ends. The kit includes a vial partially filled with a body of sealant and a plug which receives the cable ends and then may be positioned in the vial and partially immersed in the body of sealant. By immersing the plug in the body of sealant, the sealant is forced upwardly and around the cable ends to fully enclose the cable splice and the cable ends in the sealant. Arms associated with the plug act to retain the plug on the vial.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a novel waterproof cable splice enclosure for protecting cable splices and the exposed cable ends associated with the cable splice. The enclosure is comprised of a cap having apertures therethrough for receiving the cables, a clamp for holding the cables, a vial containing a moisture-proof sealant, a sleeve coaxially disposed within the vial when the enclosure is assembled and means for securing the cap to the vial. The enclosure is most useful in protecting the cable splices which are comprised of a plurality of simple wire conductors and associated splicing means.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of insulating stripped conductor wire portions of a cable insulated with solid polymer material so that the insulation of the stripped wire portions is substantially equivalent to the insulation of the cable. According to this method a vulcanizable insulation tape is wound about the stripped wire portion so that a layer of insulation tape is formed which is substantially flush with the insulation of the cable and then elastic tape is tightly wound about this layer of insulation tape and adjacent portions of the insulation so that the elastic tape applies an inwardly directed form of compression upon the layer of insulation tape. Heat is thereupon applied to the layer of elastic tape and through this layer to the insulation tape at a temperature and for a period of time such that the insulation tape is vulcanized. Upon completion of the vulcanization, application of heat is terminated and the layer of elastic tape is removed.

Abstract: A splice for a shielded high voltage cable wherein a section of electrical shielding sleeve of the original cable is replaced by an open-mesh sleeve, and the latter is concentrically supported on the connector sleeve by a polyurethane helix. A polyvinyl chloride or other plastic jacket is taped to the cable at its opposite ends, and is filled in with mixed polyurethane plastic material, an epoxy, or the like, which invades the entire interior of the splice, inside the jacket, and inside the open-mesh replacement shielding sleeve as well. The unshielded case is the same, but with the shield and shield replacement step omitted.

Abstract: An electric line (i.e. a cable or a conduit containing at least one insulated conductor) is terminated by a terminator including first and second members that telescope together. These members have recesses in their adjacent faces and a hardenable insulating compound is inserted between them. They are drawn together before the compound hardens to generate pressure therein and so assist in forming an adequate (e.g. flameproof) barrier.

Abstract: A versatile protective closure for a cable splice comprising complementary mating body portions having a generally cylindrical shape terminating in serrated tapered ends, each portion including a pair of longitudinally extending flange portions each having an inner and an outer raised rim portion. The rim portions have alternate tongues and grooves arranged to define separate central and outer enclosed chambers when the two body portions are mated to form a casing about a cable. The top body portion has inner and outer filling apertures at each end in communication with the central and outer enclosed chambers, and a pair of optional annular partitioning members can be received internally in a region between adjacent inner and outer filling apertures to provide fluid isolation between the central and outer chambers. A plurality of axially spaced, circumferentially extending stiffener ribs are grooved to receive optional closure bands.

Abstract: A generally bowl-shaped coffee maker base structure is disclosed having a plurality of receptacles extending upwardly from the structure bottom. Exposed electrical terminals common with electrical parts on an electric coffee maker are positioned within the appropriate receptacles. The electrical terminals are encapsulated by filling the receptacles with a liquid hardenable sealing compound. The compound is cured and hardens to provide watertight corrosion-proof terminals to produce an immersible unitary base structure for a coffee maker.

Abstract: A device intended to receive two or more electrical conductors of the same or dissimilar size and to provide mechanical protection and electrical insulation for the electrical connection of said conductors, including a container for receiving the joined ends of the electrical conductors, the device including having side walls, a closed end wall and an open end and a plug member adapted to seal the open end of the casing. Passages are provided in the plug end or closed end for the extension therethrough of the electrical conductors. Cooperating locking means are provided on the plug and the casing member for mechanically interlocking the plug end casing and radial flaps are disposed in the passages which are deformed by the extension therethrough of the electrical conductor to define a cone shaped collar between the passage wall and the condutor to impede the flow of potting compound out of the device.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an enclosure for a cable splice that rigidly fixes two or more spliced cables and moisture proofs the splice and exposed cable ends. A pair of mating plug members grasp the cable ends and are then partially immersed in a body of sealant contained in a vial. The plug members include a cap portion which engages the vial and keeps the plug firmly in place. The cap portion may include extended arms which engage threads provided on the vial before the plug members fully close the vial. These arms give mechanical leverage for drawing the plug members into a fully closed position in the vial.