Abstract: This invention relates to the mechanical and environmental protection of cable joints, especially in power or other current-carrying cables. Disclosed is a recoverable sleeve which conforms closely to the cable joint, and a liner which bridges the joint and comprises a plurality of elongate elements assembled into a sheet. Flexible means is provided for holding the elements in a side-by-side arrangement and allowing the separation between the elements to vary to allow the liner to conform to the profile of the cable joint. Such flexible means may extend across the element and provide a water vapor barrier. Disclosed also is a method of protecting a cable joint utilizing the sleeve and liner. Where the cables to be jointed have metal armor, screen and/or shielding, the elements may be fabricated from metal or metal alloy and may then provide both armoring and a fault current path across the joint.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable covering in the form of a sheet which is heat shrinkable in a longitudinal direction, and a stiffening member connected at each of two longitudinally spaced transversely extending superimposable zones of the sheet. One stiffening member has holes and the other studs in the form of arm portions which are insertable through the holes to secure the stiffening members together. The arm portions can be flattened down onto the outside of the covering to retain the stiffening members together while reducing risk of the studs interfering with items such as cables adjacent the covered article. Preferably the studs have a resiliently compressible head portion which snap fits into holes formed through the sheet adjacent the holes in the stiffening member to facilitate locating the overlapped zones of the sheet relative to one another. In use, the sheet is wrapped around an article, the stiffening members are engaged together, and the sheet is then heat shrunk.

Abstract: An assembly for enclosing a telecommunication cable splice comprising a wraparound sleeve having longitudinal edges which can be brought together and secured by for example a metal channel. A seal is made between these edges by an internal sealing member which bridges the abutting edges of the sleeve and is urged into contact with the sleeve by expansive urging means between the sealing member and underlying cable splice. The urging means is preferably a foam strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved liner constructions, and accordingly provides a cable sleeve liner capable in use of being wrapped around a cable splice and preferably having sufficient rigidity to provide an inner support for a heat-recoverable sleeve to be shrunk thereover, the liner comprising a laminate having at least one layer of fibrous sheet material and a metal layer which is substantially impermeable to moisture vapor and has one of its major surfaces facing away from all fibrous sheet layers which may be present. Preferably the fibrous layer(s) is or are arranged between the metal layer and a microperforated first layer of flexible polymeric film material which is permeable to gases or vapors generated within the laminate during recovery of the sleeve.

Abstract: A method of sealing an exposed area of electrical cable includes forming an enclosure around the exposed area and interposing inlet means into an opening in the enclosure. An encapsulant is poured into the enclosure through the inlet means to surround the exposed area. The enclosure and the inlet means are then sealably covered.

Abstract: A wraparound recoverable closure, wherein a portion of the closure is not recovered against a substrate, which has a flap to seal across the gap between the abutting edge portions of the closure. Where the closure does not recover against and contact a substrate, the flap does not seal adequately for some applications. This invention provides means for supporting the flap to improve the seal. The preferred embodiment is a bag inside the closure which contains a resilient liner which supplies pressure on the flap to seal the flap across said gap.

Abstract: A cable splice, branchout or termination has a heat recovered member (30) around one or more cable portions (33) extending out of an end of the member (30). The cable portion (33) is protected from physical damage and heat by placing around it individually a metal foil member (1), preferably aluminium of thickness 150-250 microns. The metal foil member is preferably coated with a hot melt adhesive (2) and a mastic (5) at distinct locations. A pressure sensitive adhesive (4) may also be provided to help secure the foil member (1) around the cable portion (33) before recovery of the outer member (30). Apertures (44) may be provided in the foil member (1) to allow passage therethrough of hot melt adhesive provided on the inner surface of the recoverable member (30).

Abstract: A sleeve for protecting cable splices against environmental moisture and aggressive fluids comprises two half-shells having flanges which are placed against each other in the assembled position. In this position, the adjacent flanges define a duct into which sealing material in the form of paste is introduced. The opposite ends of the sleeve are provided with jaws which are clamped against the cable at the time of assembly of the two half-shells. Two jaws define between them a chamber which communicates with the sealing duct by means of a channel formed around the entire periphery of a jaw which is adjacent to the chamber, the channel being located at the bottom of the recess in which the jaw is fitted.

Abstract: A longitudinally extending split sleeve of shrinkable material having a pair of reinforced, longitudinally extending edge zones and a closure system of closure elements for closing the edge zone characterized by one of the edge zones having a meandrous profile with cutouts and tabs and the other edge zone having cutouts for receiving the tabs. In one embodiment, the cutouts of the other edge zone are apertures. In another embodiment the other edge zone has a meandrous profile with both tabs and cutouts.

Abstract: An aerial communications cable splice closure comprising a hollow body, electrically conductive hanger brackets and end caps which are each adapted to receive at least one cable end. The body comprises separate longitudinal top and bottom sections which are adapted to mate with one another, the top section having the electrically conductive hanger means therein and the bottom section having vent means therein. The hanger means is adjustable to accept a variety of messenger wires. The end caps each have a pair of external, parallel, longitudinal walls which define a narrow channel therebetween, a cable receiving portion containing at least one conical cable-receiving port and a base portion having a plurality of deformable external, longitudinal ribs disposed therearound, a first end adapted to fit over the end of said body, and a second end attached to said cable-receiving portion.

Abstract: An assembly for sealing and protection of cable splices comprising a recoverable, preferably heat-recoverable outer sleeve 5 surrounding a cable or other body 1; a thermoplastic support layer 7 surrounding the body 1 and within the sleeve 5; and a heat barrier layer, preferably foamed, between the support 7 and the sleeve 5, to prevent thermal deformation of the support 7 during heat recovery of the sleeve or during other heat treatment 5.

Abstract: A wrap-around sleeve for enclosing a cable join has opposing edge portions which can be held together to maintain the sleeve in a wrapped configuration. An adhesive coated flap lies under the edge portions to form a seal between them. When the enclosure is to be re-entered, a central part of the sleeve is cut away, and a new sleeve installed to bridge the butts of the old sleeve which are allowed to remain on the cable. In order to avoid leak paths between the edge portions of the remaining butts, adhesive from the flap is allowed to flow between the edge portions on original installation. This is achieved by providing localized separation between the original edge portions.

Abstract: A dimensionally recoverable body, which is preferably heat-recoverable, has a body wall which is provided with a plurality of locking elements that are engageable with each other, or are engageable with corresponding elements located on a separate partition, to furcate the body into a plurality of channels.The body may be used for enclosing branch-offs in electrical cables in order to protect the enclosed branch-off from the environment.

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 apparatus and method for producing an insulated connection between a pair of insulated electrical cables by means of curing uncured insulation wrapped around joined conductors in the cables. The apparatus comprises a multiple part mold assembly having a cylindrical cavity, mechanisms for heating and cooling the mold parts and an assembly for creating a radially inwardly directed, substantially constant pressure on the curing insulation while allowing radial expansion and contraction of the insulation and mold parts during heating and cooling. The pressure-creating assembly comprises a pair of rectilinear power devices and a pair of cables wrapped around the mold parts and tensioned by the power devices, this assembly applying a radially inwardly directed, equal and substantially constant force to the mold parts. Preferably, the mold assembly comprises three equal parts, each defining one-third of a cylindrical body and each having rollers on the outer surface for receiving the cables therein.

Abstract: A longitudinally divided cable sleeve having a strip-like sleeve member composed of thermo-plastic synthetic material having a memory shape characterized by the slot between the edges being covered by either the longitudinal edges being overlapped with respect to one another or one of the edges having an overlapping extension and with at least one of said edges having a mechanical reinforcement so that the edges are more thermally stable than the remainder of the strip when subjected to heat for shrinking the sleeve onto an object. The reinforcements may be completely embedded into the material of the strip, partially embedded or placed on outer surfaces thereof. Preferably, the reinforcements also support or provide interlocking connecting elements such as hook and catch elements for securing the edges together and the connection elements aid in taking up the shrinking force created during the shrinking operation.

Abstract: A longitudinally divided cable sleeve characterized by a strip-like sleeve member which is composed of a heat-shrinkable material and has two longitudinal edges with reinforcing inserts to form first and second edges with reinforced portions, and coacting closure elements for joining the edges together with the elements on the first edge being bent from strips of material and having a head portion that is received in a slot or opening in the second edge. Preferably, each of the elements bent from a strip of material has a link portion, which is received in a slot of the first edge up to an abutment surface and a projecting closure part which is inserted through the opening of the second edge is provided with a latch element to prevent accidental and unintentional disassembly of the closure elements after the projecting closure part is inserted through the opening of the second edge.

Abstract: A split sleeve of a shrinkable material having closure elements comprising projections and apertures for receiving the projections adjacent each edge characterized by the projections being integral tabs which are cut out from a portion of the sleeve and folded along the line inclined to the edge of the sleeve. To improve the stiffness of the longitudinal edges, reinforcing members may be partially embedded adjacent each edge with the closure elements formed therein or entirely embedded in the material of the sleeve member with the enclosure elements formed therein.

Abstract: A closure for a telecommunications splice case is provided, which comprises a wraparound sleeve secured for example by a rail and channel closure. Re-entry is achieved by cutting of the old rails and channel and removing a central portion of the sleeve, and shrinking a new sleeve across the butts of the old sleeve. If the new sleeve is to seal properly, there must be no leak path along any gap between the remnants of the old rails. Deformations are provided on the flap of the original sleeve, or at the base of the short rail, to allow adhesive on the inside of the sleeve to fill the area between the rail.

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: A tamper indicator includes a collar which can be positioned to be circumambient a connection nut on a gas meter. The collar includes two portions which are interlocked by snap-catches which are located inside a locked collar. The collar portions are formed of frangible material and can include lines of weakening. Once in place, the collar cannot be removed without breaking it, and once broken cannot be repaired so that an indication is provided that the encircled connection nut may have been tampered with.

Abstract: A splice case or vault end closure assembly which includes an inner plate having an inner face, an outer face, and a plurality of apertures arranged in a generally hexagonal array communicating between the faces. An annular recess surrounds each aperture in the outer face and a resilient gasket is partially received in each of these recesses. An outer plate is also provided having an inner face, an outer face, and a plurality of through apertures adapted to register with the inner plate apertures. The inner and outer plates are positioned such that the inner plate outer face is in an opposed relationship to the outer plate inner face with the outer plate inner face contacting the gaskets disposed in the inner plate recesses. Means are provided for drawing the plates toward each other in a controlled fashion to longitudinally compress and radially expand the gaskets into the apertures.

Abstract: A re-enterable assembly for protecting and sealing a junction between conduits, comprising a split tube and support means for positioning at each end of the tube, one on each side of the junction. The support means has apertures to provide channels for the conduits, and in one embodiment, is extended about the conduits to within the cavity about the junction to provide a seal that improves with an increase in pressure within the cavity.

Abstract: A sealing assembly particularly for cables including an essentially tubular slotted casing formed of thermally shrinkable material having a pair of longitudinal edges with protuberant fastening elements extending in a direction generally longitudinally of said slotted casing being provided adjacent each of said longitudinal edges. A clamping element preferably of a C-shaped configuration is provided for holding together the longitudinal edges of the slotted casing. The clamping element is loosely engaged on the fastening elements in the assembly position thereof and rigidly clamped thereon in the operative condition of the assembly.

Abstract: A multiple joint box having a socket pipe and sealing bodies, the sealing bodies comprising spirally wound tape having semicircular recesses formed along its length which coincide to form circular cable apertures. The multiple joint box may be applied without the necessity of cutting or desplicing the cable.

Abstract: A molded plastic housing mounts a coil adjacent to a conductor to act as a current responsive pickup means. The mounting arrangement for the pickup coil uses no magnetic circuit and is adapted to self-center the structure on conductors of varying sizes without the need to sever and reconnect the current carrying conductor. The pickup means provide a substantially linear output voltage from the pickup coil versus the current being carried in the monitored conductor.

Abstract: A branch-off seal between a heat-recoverable sleeve, such as a tubular or wrap-around sleeve made from cross-linked polymeric material, and two or more substrates such as electrical cables is effected by using one or more clips the outer legs of which are positioned over the outer surface of the sleeve so as to form as appropriate number of conduits and applying heat to cause the sleeve to shrink about the substrates positioned within the conduits. The preferred clips are formed as a trident, the central leg of which extends into the heat-recoverable sleeve and is provided with a layer of a hot-melt adhesive or another sealant so as to enhance the seal formed at the branch-off.

Abstract: A cable splice, tube joint, or the like, is covered by a fitting constructed as a split hose provided along one edge with a rail made of metal or a strong synthetic; a similar rail element or an integral fastening element is provided on the other edge and secured to the first rail by welding, adhesive bonding, or soldering in order to obtain a joint which resists tension and compression. The hose has been laterally slipped onto and over the cable splice or tube joint and, after the split joint has been sealed (or concurrently therewith), the hose is heat-shrunk. Various rail configurations are shown; a method of making the hose is explained.

Abstract: An enclosed electrical device (42) includes an electrical circuit (50) having elements (48-68) which lie substantially in and along a plane (115). A member (70) is applied to a one side and a member (85) is applied to another side of the circuit (50) for at least partially enclosing the same. Conductors (48) and (49) of circuit (50) are fixedly penetrated, preferably by pins (74) which are fixedly engaged to enclosure members (70) and (85). Such engagement is advantageously provided by making the pins (74) an integral part of member (70), for example by including pins (74) in a premolded member (70). Such engagement is also advantageously provided by making pin-engaging sockets (94) an integral part of member (85), also for example by including the sockets (94) in a premolded member (85). By a preferred friction fit of pins (74) and sockets (94), the enclosure members (70) and (85 ) and circuit elements (48-68) are sufficiently fixed relative to one another to resist forces applied thereto in service.

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 sealing system for a cable fitting element of heat shrinkable material having a longitudinally extending opening with at least one longitudinally extending bead portion being disposed along a side of the opening and being receivable in a clamp portion forming a seal of the opening characterized by one of the clamp portions and bead portions being substantially rigid and unaffected by heat and the other of said bead and clamp portions having a permanent shape which is tightly engaged with the one portion to form a seal. To facilitate assembly, the other portion has a temporary shape and has been deformed to a temporary shape to enable easy assembly and will return to the permanent shape when the fitting element is heated to an elevated temperature for the shrinking process. In one embodiment, the clamp portion is a separate rigid member and the bead portion projects along the opening having one surface forming a sealing surface and the other surfaces engaged by the clamp.

Abstract: The sleeve for protecting the splice (4) in telephone cables (2) and (3) is made up of two half-shells (1a, 1b) joined together by their adjacent edges, around splice (4). These adjacent edges are provided with a groove which, in the position where the shells are joined together, defines a duct, devices being provided for injecting into this duct a pasty material creating watertightness between these adjacent edges. The opposite ends (9, 20) of the sleeve are provided with jaws (11, 12, 13) for securing axially the ends of the cables (2, 3) to the sleeve and with devices for creating watertightness between these cables and these ends (9,10) of the sleeve.Each of the ends (9,10) of the sleeve bears at least two detachable jaws (11, 12) defining between them a chamber (18) connected with the above-mentioned duct.

Abstract: A method for holding together the opposing ends of a flat sheet wrapped around an elongate substrate employs one or more closure devices, each closure device comprising a pair of frictional elements and a means for interengaging same. The frictional elements each have a channel member having a slit and a rod member positionable within said channel member, which when so positioned cooperates therewith to provide a conduit thereinbetween and to apply frictional forces to one end of the flat sheet when the end has been inserted through the slit and is in position between the rod member and the channel member. The closure is especially suited for joining elastomeric flat sheet, the sheet and closure device or devices collectively providing a protective closure.

Abstract: An improved, solvent-resistant sealing compound is described. It is an acrylic rubber composition adapted particularly for sealing splice case closures around telecommunications cable.

Abstract: A bracing surround which comprises a heat-recoverable especially a heat-shrinkable, sleeve provided with a reinforcing member which does not prevent recovery of the sleeve but which is capable, when in the configuration held when the sleeve is recovered, of resisting forces tending to return it to the configuration held when the sleeve is in its recoverable configuration. The surround is used to enclose substrates, e.g., pressurized conduit junctions, that are subject to expansion in use.

Abstract: A sealing grommet (40), used in cable splice cases (10) for connecting multiconductor telecommunication cables (100, 120), comprises a unitary elastomeric body with cable receiving passageways (50, 70). Each passageway is defined by an interior sidewall (52, 72) from which a plurality of longitudinally spaced circumferential ridges (54, 74) extend. For a substantial portion of its circumference, each ridge has an axis of projection (60, 82) which forms an oblique angle (.alpha., .beta.) with respect to the axis (58, 80) of the passageway and is sufficiently elongated in longitudinal cross section so as to be capable of flexing with respect to the axis of projection during cable insertion and enlarging its opening diameter (D.sub.R, D.sub.SR) to accommodate and form a radial seal about a cable being inserted.

Abstract: A protective cover for use particularly in a sealed splice of electrical cables comprises a generally cylindrical, elongate tubular member having a wall the ends of which are in overlapping relation over a circomferential portion of the tubular member. A groove extends radially into the inner circumferential surface of the tubular member and axially therealong at least for a portion of the length of the member. It is preferred that the tubular member be formed from a pre-contoured sheet of rubber-like material, the inner contoured sheet surfaces being coated with a sealing material.

Abstract: A cable sleeve outlet for splice cases comprising a substantially cylindrical member having at least one re-entrant portion and in its longitudinal wall shaped to provide a longitudinal channel, which channel has a longitudinal opening to the exterior of the outlet permitting the re-entrant portion to be wrapped around a cable or similar object aligned with the channel in use, and comprising a fastening means or support means insertable into the open end of the cylindrical member to bridge and thus hold closed the or each said longitudinal opening, the bridging part of the fastening means in use lying across the end cross-sections of the opposing longitudinal wall portions, and the fastening means being so formed that in use it bears on an inner surface of, and thus provides a substantially rigid internal support for, at least part of the longitudinal outside wall of the cylindrical member in addition to the part thereof involved in the said bridging closure.

Abstract: A strain-relief device for use in a cable splice case for communications cables comprises a horizontal portion having a plurality of tangs projecting therefrom, a vertical portion projecting upwardly from said horizontal portion, and reinforcing means between said horizontal and vertical portions. The tangs on the horizontal portion grip the outer sheath of a communications cable, while the vertical edge abuts the interior end of a cable collar extending through an end plate. The device relieves strain in the cable by allowing it to pass through to the outer shell of the cable splice case.

Abstract: A telecommunication cable splice closure is disclosed comprising a pair of elongated covers (10) having semi-cylindrical interior walls (12) extending radially about a closure axis (15). Two flat end walls (16) extend from opposed ends of each interior wall normal to the closure axis. A pair of cable clamp supports (22) is provided having annular rims (24) sized to be positioned with the cover interior walls (12) about a cable (46) in flush or in point contact with the end walls (16). Means (52) are also provided for securing the pair of covers (10) together about the clamp supports (22).

Abstract: A wraparound cable splice case comprises a hollow, relatively rigid, cylindrical shell having at least one longitudinal split along its length and a plastic sheet bonded to its outer surface. A closure member comprises an extension of the plastic sheet extending beyond one of the longitudinal edges along the split. The splice case can be opened along the longitudinal split, wrapped around a cable splice, then closed to encircle the splice. The closure member is coated on its inner surface with a heat activatable adhesive so that when the case is closed around the splice and heat is applied, the adhesive bonds the closure member to the plastic sheet covering the shell. The splice case is particularly suitable for protecting a splice in armored power cable.

Abstract: A composite washer is comprised of two identical flexible mating half-washers each offset along a diameter and slit along an offset radius. Two half-washers are mated after being slipped over a cable section to provide a fluid-resistant barrier in a cable splice enclosure.

Abstract: A cable splice case for communications cables comprises a two part outer shell, divided perforate end plates, and a cable collar for each cable end. The cable collar is grooved to receive an end plate gasket. A preferred form of cable collar is in two parts and fits together over a mastic winding between two washers on the cable to form a hermetically sealed cable end structure which is retained during reentry of the splice area. Details of gasket, tie bar, and strain relief structure are given.

Abstract: An improved cable fitting which consists of a material which is shrinkable under the influence of heat and which has at least one sealing area provided with a sealing device including adhesive agents which are also influenced by heat characterized by the sealing device being a permanent plastic sealing member which is disposed between two adhesive layers. The sealing area of the fitting may be a closure area which has a separation plane defined by a pair of flanges and/or may be a socket-like area or opening in which a cable is inserted through. In either instance, the improved sealing device ensures the required mechanical stability through the use of the adhesive layer and the permanent plastic sealing member or insert ensures sealing against humidity.

Abstract: A multiple joint box or distribution sleeve having a tubular sleeve, which has a longitudinal slit with wedge-shaped sealing elements along the slit, and sealing members at both ends of the tubular sleeve characterized by each of the sealing members comprising a pair of rigid disks and at least one elastic circular plate interposed and clamped therebetween, the disks and plate each having a plurality of apertures aligned with each other to form cable inlets with the apertures of the elastic circular plate having a smaller diameter than the aperture of the rigid disks, and each of the disks being provided with a peripheral bevel coacting with each other to form a circular groove for receiving means for forming a peripheral seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a covering for three way terminals known commonly as "T-Taps". More particularly, the covering comprises two halves joined by an integral hinge and having cooperating locking means.

Abstract: A cable adapter (10) is disclosed for converting a cable closure nozzle (16) to a selectable diameter two cable entrance. The adapter is comprised of a unitary molded member (11) of electrically insulative material. In the interior of the unitary member are first and second adjacent pluralities of concentric openings (12,13) of various diameters. These openings extend along the length of the unitary member in increasing order of diameter. The unitary member is adapted for engagement with the cable closure nozzle (16) at the larger diameter end (15). This configuration facilitates a sealed entrance of first and second axially aligned cables (17,18) into the cable closure (19).

Abstract: A cable connector cover has a U-shaped housing surrounding a cable passage with the arc at the base of the U-shape adjacent an arcuate portion of the passage. The cover has a double wall and an intermediate space surrounding the passage, and a sliding door is moveable in the space to partially cover the passage. Friction means allow the door to be retained in any of various positions covering portions of the passage. A normally extending member attached to the door closes the open side of the U-shaped housing and is slidable with the door toward the arcuate side of the housing to clamp the cable against the housing. Lips on the lateral sides of the normally extending member are severable from the remainder of the member to allow close clamping of extremely small cable.

Abstract: A pair of identical, semicylindrical shells, each having a latch and a socket, are snapped together around a coaxial cable and connector assembly. The shells are made of comparatively brittle plastic material so that, once snapped together, they cannot be separated without fracture thereof, whereupon the fact of tampering with them is readily apparent.

Abstract: There is provided a plastic collar integral with the outer jacket of a cable. The plastic material includes a mixture of a plastic and an electrically conductive material such as carbon black. The plastic is melt bonded to the cable jacket by applying electric current through the material, thus melting the material onto the jacket of the cable. Upon melting, the semi-conductive plastic may be molded into the desired form, and upon cooling, it becomes bonded to the cable jacket. The collar may be used as a seal for the ends of a cable splice closure as well as a shoulder for securing a sealing gasket to a cable for use in such closures. The collar also may be used as strain-relief for the conductors which are inside the cable as well as other uses.