Abstract: A method of making a composite structure comprising an elongate substrate, especially an insulated electrical cable, and a covering member which has been heat-recovered and sealed around the substrate. A heat-recoverable article of a cross-linked crystalline polymer composition which transmits 5-50% of infra-red radiation incident thereon is placed around a substrate whose exterior is composed of a polymeric composition which is at most lightly cross-linked, which absorbs infra-red radiation and which has a crystalline melting point below that of the heat-recoverable article. The assembly is exposed to infra-red radiation such that the heat-recoverable article is heated to its recovery temperature and the exterior of the substrate is heated to its crystalline melting point, preferably before it is contacted by said article as it recovers. In this way an excellent seal can be created between the substrate and the recovered article without the need for any auxiliary fusible material such as a hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: A heat-recoverable article comprises a memory metal member to which has been imparted both thermally-recoverable and resiliently-recoverable strain. The resilient strain is retained by means of a disburdenable keeper, preferably one made from fusible or chemically degradable material, which can be removed, for example, by heating or chemical treatment, to allow resilient recovery. The article is preferably so constructed that it can be heated to obtain both thermal and resilient recovery simultaneously. One preferred form of article is a radially expanded longitudinally split tube, the keeper being positioned in the split. Such an article can be used as a connector to secure an earth lead to the sheath of a mineral-insulated cable.

Abstract: Two coaxial metal pipes, whose confronting extremities are each provided with a plurality of peripheral ribs of staggered height separated by two or more peripheral grooves, are interconnected by a coupling sleeve of fiber-reinforced thermosetting resin subdivided into several coaxially interleaved and independently deformable cylindrical shells each terminating in a pair of internal beads engaged in a respective peripheral pipe groove. The shells, increasing in axial tensile strength from the innermost to the outermost one, are preferably separated from one another by interposed antibonding layers of thermoplastic resin. A resinous filler can be inserted between the pipe extremities for electrically insulating them from each other. The shells of the coupling sleeve can be formed by coiling resin-coated filaments around the pipe axis, advantageously with application of an antifriction layer on each inner shell before the thermosetting material thereof has been fully hardened.

Abstract: A cable splice comprising a metallic sleeve member joining the conductor ends, a layer of adhesive over the sleeve member and adjacent insulation, a helically-wrapped insulation layer formed of a thermosetting polymer, an overlapped layer of fabric surrounding the insulation layer, a helically-wrapped heat-shrinkable tape layer surrounding the fabric layer and a heat-shrinkable sleeve surrounding the splice area which resists depressurization failure when employed in high pressure gassy oil wells, and a method for forming said cable splice.

Abstract: A dimensionally-recoverable article comprising a hollow resilient member which has been expanded to a dimensionally unstable configuration in which it is retained by a keeper positioned between and separating two parts of the hollow member away from the path of recovery thereof. The keeper is preferably made from a fusible or chemically degradable material so that it can be removed, for example, by heating or chemical treatment to allow the hollow member to recover towards its original configuration. One preferred form of article is a radially-expanded longitudinally split tube having the keeper positioned within the split. Such an article may be used as a connector to secure an earth lead to the sheath of a mineral-insulated cable.

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: Novel methods for sealing a closure member to a substrate make use of pressure generated in a chamber to create and/or maintain a seal between a closure member and a substrate. The chamber has a flexible wall which is urged towards the substrate by the pressure. Where the substrate has a hollow interior which is maintained at superatmospheric pressure, e.g. a pressurized telephone cable, a fluid passage is preferably provided between the interior and the closed chamber after the seal has been formed, thus taking the closure member out of peel with the substrate. A preferred closure member is an inflatable bag which has sealing material on selected portions of one surface thereof, so that it can be wrapped around the substrate to form a hollow enclosure around the substrate. After placing a restraining means around the wrapped closure member, the closure member is inflated, thus improving the seal around the enclosure.

Abstract: An electrical cable splicing technique in which each joined conductor is insulated with a self-fusing insulator pad of rubber which preferably is fabric reinforced, the insulated conductors then being wrapped with uncured vulcanizable rubber tape to build up the splice to dimensions of a jacket sleeve. The sleeve, which is of molded fabric reinforced rubber, is then installed and bonded to the splice area.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector in which ferrules terminated to optical fibers are laterally aligned in a delta-shaped, longitudinally split spring sleeve.

Abstract: A flexible, self-tightening mechanical splice between sections of cable or other elongated sections comprises an elongated braided wire sleeve receiving end portions of the elongated sections, and wire clamps securing the ends of the sleeve in circumferential grooves on two-piece grommets mounted on the elongated sections. The mechanical splice may be employed in conjunction with an electrical splice in electrical cable, such as armored electrical cable of the type used to support submergible pumping units in wells, for preventing application of tension to the electrical splice proper. An automobile jack of known construction is modified to provide a tool for forming the wire clamps.

Abstract: A heat-recoverable sleeve having a meltable or softenable insert inside it, a thermal barrier being located between the sleeve and the insert. The barrier may be crosslinked thermoplastic netting, and the sleeve may be transparent.

Abstract: A laminated sealing article comprising a layer of adhesive sandwiched between a pair of cross-linked, dimensionally heat unstable wafers of polymeric material. The article is provided with a plurality of apertures adapted to receive a corresponding plurality of substrates. The gaps between the plurality of substrates are sealed by heating the article to the recovery temperature of the wafers. This heating causes the layer of adhesive to bond to the substrates and the wafers to recover around the substrates thereby forming a seal between all of the substrates and the article. The heat recoverable article of the invention is particularly well adapted for use in a method of environmentally sealing the rear of an electrical connector of the type having a plurality of individually insulated electrical conductors extending from a tubular rear portion.

Abstract: A method of making a composite structure comprising an elongate substrate, especially an insulated electrical cable, and a covering member which has been heat-recovered and sealed around the substrate. A heat-recoverable article of a cross-linked crystalline polymer composition which transmits 5-50% of infra-red radiation incident thereon is placed around a substrate whose exterior is composed of a polymeric composition which is at most lightly cross-linked, which absorbs infra-red radiation and which has a crystalline melting point below that of the heat-recoverable article. The assembly is exposed to infra-red radiation such that the heat-recoverable article is heated to its recovery temperature and the exterior of the substrate is heated to its crystalline melting point, preferably before it is contacted by said article as it recovers. In this way an excellent seal can be created between the substrate and the recovered article without the need for any auxiliary fusible material such as a hot melt adhesive.

Abstract: The connecting device achieves the electrical junction and mechanical assembly of at least two thread-like single-strand or multi-strand conductors through the agency of a connecting member insulated by at least one slidable terminal which is at least partly dielectric and locked in position on said member after the union of the member with the conductors. The connecting member has at least two inputs and at least two orifices in which the bared ends of the conductors are engaged in the form of a labyrinth shape. The terminal covers the bared ends of the two conductors. The connecting device is applicable to the electrical installations of living quarters and industrial premises and to any machine supplied with electricity.

Abstract: The invention is an improved method for electrical grounding of plastics coated chain link fabric that is usually used for fences or similar enclosures. The invention provides a method for grounding by employing an insulating coating containing conductive particles to form a continuous linkage or electrical path through and between all wires that compose the fabric. The said fabric, after said continuous linkage or electrical path is established, is then grounded at various intervals along the length of the fence or enclosure and thus effectively electrically grounds the fabric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector and method of connecting electrical conductors or other substrates. It is particularly suited to making connections between coaxial cables, even those having different diameters. The connector is a shell comprising a hollow heat-recoverable member having two open ends, an electrically conductive deformable member disposed within the heat-recoverable member and a quantity of solder also disposed within the heat-recoverable member. To make a connection, the conductors are inserted into different ends of the sleeve and the assembly heated to cause recovery of the heat-recoverable member. The recovery force of the recoverable member deforms the deformable member into close contact with the conductors to provide mechanical strength to the connection and electrical contact between the conductors. The heat used to bring about recovery also fuses the solder to improve both the mechanical and electrical integrity of the connection.

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: In the connection or terminal portions of cross-linked polyethylene cables produced by winding irradiated tapes around the connection or terminal portions of cross-linked polyethylene insulated cables and heat molding the same, the irradiated tapes comprise polyethylene and/or an ethylene copolymer as a base resin plus an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer containing more than about 15% vinylacetate (VA) in an amount which provides more than an about 2.5% VA content in the irradiated tapes.

Abstract: An electrical cable accessory includes a generally tubular member of elastomeric material which is to be installed by placement over a cylindrical surface to grip the cylindrical surface, when in appropriate assembled relation therewith, with a predetermined gripping force established by dilation of the tubular member, the installation being facilitated by introducing fluid under pressure, through means provided in the tubular member, between the tubular member and the cylindrical surface, and simultaneously impeding the escape of the fluid under pressure from between the tubular member and the cylindrical surface by means adjacent one of the ends of the tubular member to cause dilation of the tubular member and establish a fluid layer between the tubular member and the cylindrical surface, thereby reducing the gripping force during installation.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrical transmission line and, in particular, to a conduit for underground and underwater high voltage electrical power transmission lines.A resin bonded filament wound pipe is provided with a coaxial electrically conductive shield layer which is protected by a non-conductive coating. The pipe is generally of the bell and spigot type, and a conductive adhesive is employed in the joint to make the connection between adjacent pipes, and also to complete the electrical connection between the conductive elements in the adjacent sections or pipes. In completing said electrical connection, the electrostatic shielding for the insulation for the pipe is effectively established. A transmission line is supported within the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a splice case for covering the spliced junction or area of two multiwire cables with the advantage of being able to re-enter the splice area without destroying the integrity or the reuseability of the splice case. The splice case includes a tubular cover of resilient elastomeric material over a generally rigid sleeve member and a pair of ribbons positioned therein between to provide a means for rolling the cover back onto the sleeve member.

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: The interior passageway formed at the central axis of a bundle of at least three cylindrical elements which are drawn together within a contractable outer member serves to maintain the ends of optical fibers or the like in accurate axial alignment to provide a splice joint or connection thereat.

Abstract: A heat recoverable article for shielding junctions in cables or conduits comprising a corrugated sheath in part capable of radial deformation disposed within a member of heat-recoverable material part of the sheath having transverse corrugations that resist deformation. A sheath made of conductive material may function to protect the junction from radio frequency interference. The ends of the member may be provided with adhesive to render the junction impermeable to water, gases, etc.

Abstract: In this method, a pre-formed insulating sleeve is placed about the adjacent ends of the two sections of high voltage cable that are to be joined. At opposite ends of the sleeve in locations between the sleeve and the original cable insulation, two rings of porous material are provided. Into the space between the sleeve and the surrounded cable portion, there is pumped a slurry containing suspended particles of insulating material. The liquid component of the slurry is allowed to discharge from said space via the pores in said rings, but the particles of insulating material are filtered out so as to build up a deposit of said particles from the internal surfaces of said rings. This pumping and filtering action is continued until the deposit fills the space between the sleeve and the surrounded cable portion.

Abstract: A system for joining aluminum pipe designed as a housing for electrical cable surrounded with oil under pressure is provided. The aluminum pipe sections which are to be joined are filament wound. The pipe sections are joined by welding or soldering. Sealing rings are filament wound into bonding engagement with the exterior of each pipe section near the mating ends thereof. The ends of the pipe are bare aluminum. A sleeve encompassing the joined pipes extends over at least the bare aluminum ends of the joined pipe sections. A cavity formed between the sleeve and the joined pipe sections is filled with a thermosetting polymeric compound which is cured. The joint system is designed to prevent both corrosion of the pipe and oil leakage past the sealing rings in the event of failure of a weld or solder joint.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a novel sheath and the method of its use for protecting electrical conductors and connections. The sheath comprises a tubular body which defines an interior space. The space contains an expandable, synthetic, polymeric resin foam forming composition. The method of the invention comprises inserting an electrical conductor or connection into the sheath of the invention and activating the foam forming composition to foam and encapsulate the conductor or connection. The installed sheaths protect the conductors and/or connections from degradation by environmental conditions, are resilient and improve the insulative quality of the electrical connection.

Abstract: An electrical wire connector, particularly suited for household use, is of generally cylindrical configuration, is made of insulative material, and has a cylindrical cavity extending from the top thereof and through a major portion of the length of the connector. A wire-receiving slot is cut in the sidewall of the connector and extends into communication with the cylindrical cavity. The surfaces which define the slot are inclined downwardly from the outer periphery of the slot to the inner periphery (i.e., where the slot joins the cavity), to force the wires inserted in the slot into the cylindrical cavity. A conductive plug or insert is snugly received and stored in the upper end of the cylindrical cavity. The plug is adapted to be forced downwardly by a suitable tool to electrically connect two wires inserted in the slot and sever the terminal end portions of these wires.

Abstract: A cable splice for joining together two or more sections of high voltage cable employs for its primary insulation a rigid, closed-cell foam having a thick integral skin bordering all the external surfaces of the foam and located in regions of the splice where electrical stresses are the highest. The skin has an average density greater than 40 pounds per cubic foot in its outer one-sixteenth inch.

Abstract: In the disclosed method of applying electrical insulation, a housing with a porous wall is placed around a conductor in spaced relationship thereto, and a slurry is pumped into the space between the housing and the conductor. This slurry comprises a liquid and particles suspended in the liquid having good electrical insulating properties. The liquid component is allowed to discharge from the housing via its pores, but the solid particles are filtered out within the housing so as to build up from the internal surface of the housing a deposit of the particles. This pumping and filtering action is continued until the space between the housing and the conductor is substantially filled with the deposit.

Abstract: A heat recoverable article for shielding junctions in cables or conduits comprised of a corrugated sheath capable of radial deformation disposed within a member of heat-recoverable material. A sheath made of conductive material may function to protect the junction from radio frequency interference. The end of the member may be provided with adhesive to render the junction impermeable to water, gases, etc.

Abstract: A system for electrically terminating two or more insulated or uninsulated wires comprising forming a terminal about the wires with a ram and die cavity such that the terminal and wire configuration cross sectional profile is elongated in one direction, withdrawing the ram and die and engaging the terminal with a pair of electrodes to fuse the same under pressure and heat such that the terminal and wire configuration cross sectional profile becomes elongated in a direction generally perpendicular to said first direction.