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 connector is described for removable electrical connection of an array package having a plurality of pins. A first board having a plurality of openings formed therethrough and a second parallel board having a plurality of complementary contact elements extending into the openings are interconnected by a heat-recoverable metal motion transmitting means preferably in the form of a grid positioned between the boards. One end of the grid is connected to the first board and the other end of the grid is connected to the second board to move the boards relative to each other causing engagement between the contact elements and the pins of an array package that may be inserted into the openings.

Abstract: A dimensionally recoverable polymeric article for enclosing at least part of an elongate object such as a cable or connector has a surface at least part of which has an electrically conductive layer, preferably a metal layer, adhering thereto to provide a screen against electromagnetic interference. The surface of the article carrying the layer is profiled in the form of a number of grooves that extend substantially perpendicularly to the direction of recovery of the article to allow the article to recover with substantially no change in dimension of the surface in the direction of recovery.

Abstract: A cable breakout article (78) which is formed of a polymeric material and which is preferably heat-recoverable comprises a body portion and at least two tubes or outlet portions (91 to 94) leading from apertures in the body portion. The length and flexibility of the tubes (91 to 94) is such that at least one of them can be bent away from the other(s) to allow operations such as heat recovery to be carried out on an end portion of one of the tubes in isolation from the others.Preferably one or more of the tubes (95) is corrugated at least near its end adjacent to the body portion (78) so as to assist bending.

Abstract: A heat-recoverable sleeve for enclosing splices or joints in pressurized cables or supply lines is given increased resistance to peeling away from the cable or line by insertion of auxiliary means, preferably a U- or V-shaped flexible strip, which may be heat-recoverable, between the sleeve and the cable or supply line. The ends of the strip are preferably closed and are preferably overlapped and bonded to each other when the strip is placed around the cable or supply line. A release foil may be positioned inside the U- or V-shape of the strip to resist bonding together of the opposed arms thereof, and the foil may carry adhesive to bond it to one of the arms and may protrude beyond the ends of the arms so that the foil adhesive can help to locate the strip on the cable or supply line.

Abstract: An assembly for marking an elongate object, for example a wire or cable, comprises a flexible heat-recoverable marker strip (1) having one surface which is capable of receiving printed characters, and being supported on a rigid carrier strip to prevent premature recovery of the marker strip when heated, for example when heated to render the printed characters indelible. The assembly is characterized in that the other surface of the marker strip (1) is at least partly coated with a heat-activatable adhesive (2), and is provided with one or more areas of pressure-sensitive or contact adhesive (3) capable at least temporarily of securing the marker strip in position about the object after separation from the carrier strip, and preferably also capable of supporting the marker strip on the carrier strip before separation of the marker strip therefrom.

Abstract: A shrink-fit article is made by extruding a silane-grafted polymer which foams, at least at its surface, and cross-links. Upon completion of foaming and cross-linking, the article is expanded while (still) warm and cooled in the expanded state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shield connection device for connecting EMI shielded cable shield to an EMI enclosure, the device includes an electrically conductive body defining a shield termination enclosure, the body having a plurality of openings extending through the body, the openings substantially parallel to longitudinal axis of the body and the body having means for accessing the opening. The connection device includes means adjacent the access means for applying fixable electrically conductive material to the opening through the access means for electrically connecting EMI cable shield thereto. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the means for applying fixable electrically conductive material in the form of solder defines a heat-recoverable sleeve with a preform of solder on its interior. Sufficient material is provided for filling the opening with electrically conductive material to block EMI paths through the opening.

Abstract: A reusable heat-recoverable connecting device having an annular driver member and a circumferentially split annular spring biasing means inside and generally concentric with the driver member. The spring biasing means normally exerts an outward radial force against the inside surface of the driver member. The driver member is made from a heat-recoverable metal having a martensitic state and an austenitic state. The driver member is expanded radially outward by the spring biasing means when the driver member is in its martensitic state to facilitate insertion of a substrate. The driver member recovers to its non-expanded dimension when it returns to its austenitic state to cause engagement between the spring biasing means and an inserted substrate.

Abstract: An electrical lighting circuit for doll houses or other miniature installations includes, for actual connection in operating relation to a power source, a miniaturized master breaker switch, and a miniaturized master panel, together with a distribution circuit. In addition, for aesthetic appeal, a miniature power line input, including a weather head and a miniature current meter box, is simulated. Each of the separate outputs in the distribution circuit from the master panel leads to an individual doll house room or circuit group. One unique circuit group comprises a series circuit of subminiature bulbs mounted in shrink tubes to simulate candles, which are constructed to serve as miniature christmas tree lights, miniature chandeliers, or in like installations.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating a heat-shrinkable tube has a base for supporting the heat-shrinkable tube and a plurality of heating units provided on the base. The heating units are independently operable and are disposed in the longitudinal direction of the heat-shrinkable tube.

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: Disclosed is a conduit sealing connector that may be made from metal or a heat stable polymeric material that is adapted to secure at least two conduits together that also may be made from a metallic or heat stable polymeric material. The connector is provided with a sleeve having a chamber therewithin containing an expandable material which upon heating the connector after is is secured to the conduits is able to expand and engulf any electrical conductors and/or cables extending through the connector between the conduits and fill the chamber sufficiently to provide a barrier against the flow of vapor through the conduits.

Abstract: An adhesive composition comprises an adhesive component and a hydrazine derivative. The adhesive composition has improved resistance to cathodic disbonding when used to adhere a protective coating, such as a polymeric layer, to the surface of a metal substrate. Cathodic disbonding is observed when an electric current is impressed through the substrate to reduce corrosion by inhibiting loss of metal ions from the substrate.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable tube is described. The tube is characterized by a resin composition which contains from 5 to 80% by weight of a graft copolymer, and chlorinated polyethylene having a crystal proportion of from 1 to 25%. The graft copolymer is prepared by graft-copolymerizing polyvinyl chloride to an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of at least 50% by weight.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable tube is described, which is provided with a compound layer on the inner surface. The compound layer contains a polymerous compound containing an unsaturated bond, and a peroxide. This heat-shrinkable tube is suitable particularly for insulative covering of electronic parts or areas where they are fitted in electronic devices.

Abstract: A thermochromic composition suitable for coating heat-recoverable materials for cable enclosures. The composition contains an organic material which melts and decomposes at a certain temperature by trapping the decomposition products in the composition.

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: Polyamides comprising substantial amounts of Nylon-11 and/or Nylon-12 units are cross-linked by irradiation in the presence of an unsaturated cross-linking agent, preferably triallyl isocyanurate. The cross-linked products are particularly useful in the form of heat-recoverable shaped articles, e.g. heat-shrinkable tubing.

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 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 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: Heat shrinkable material comprising a heat shrinkable substrate and a layer of different kinds of adhesives provided on the substrate, which exhibits excellent impact resistance and adhesion properties over a wide temperature range.

Abstract: A strip heater for wrapping around and applying heat to elongate generally cylindrical objects has a thin, flexible, elongate fiber reinforced base with a uniform width along the majority of its length, resistance wire insulated within the base across a uniform portion of the width of the base and a flexible insulating layer having a width equal to that of the portion of the base containing the resistance wire and overlying only a portion of one surface of the base. The heater is designed to be wrapped around a cylindrical object, such as a communications cable, with the thicker insulating portions overlying the portions not having the insulating layer and abutting itself in adjacent turns around the object to position the portions of the base containing the resistance wire adjacent each other in the spiral adjacent the object.

Abstract: An improved sealing element for a cable entrance socket of a cable sleeve characterized by the element being a liner element of a thermoplastic, cross-linked material having a shape memory and being shrinkable to a previous shape when subjected to a shrinking process. The liner element may be either a solid member or a cup-shaped hollow member and may have two or more axially extending, outwardly opening recesses for receiving cables.

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 heat-recoverable article is formed from a tube of cross-linked polymeric material. Subsequent to cross-linking, spaced-apart portions of the article are welded together to form two separate compartments in the article. The cross-linking and welding are arranged so that the weld is broken by the forces generated on recovery of the article, whereby the two compartments merge into one. An insert of solder may be provided in one of the compartments, and the other compartment may receive two electrical conductors to be spliced together.

Abstract: Disclosed is contractible conduit sealing connector that features an expanded sleeve made from a heat recoverable metallic material which when exposed to a sufficient amount of heat is able to contract and secure at least two conduits together while at the same time enabling an expandable material contained within a chamber of the sleeve to expand and engulf any electrical conductors and/or cables extending through the connector between the conduits and fill the chamber sufficiently to provide a barrier against the flow of vapor through the conduits.

Abstract: Terminations and splices in high voltage electrical cable can be shielded by shrinking over the termination or splice a heat recoverable hollow article which comprises a heat-shrinkable outer sleeve whose outer surface is anti-tracking at voltages of 2.5 KV and at least part of whose inner surface has a layer thereon which is solid at room temperature and which has electrical stress-grading character.

Abstract: An electrical connection insulator comprising an outer tube formed from a mono-layered film of a non-adhesive, heat stable, dielectric, synthetic, polymeric resin enclosing an inner tube formed from a mono-layered film of a non-adhesive, heat shrinkable, dielectric, synthetic, polymeric resin. The outer surface of the inner tube is attached to a selected minor portion of the inner surface of the outer tube by an adhesive strip spirally wound about the body of the inner tube. An electrical connection is covered with the insulator by disposing it within the inner tube, heat-shrinking the inner tube about the connection, and then sealing the outer tube about the heat-shrunk inner tube under heat and pressure.

Abstract: A transversely pleated, longitudinally heat-shrinkable tape is made from a heat-shrinkable polymeric film. One side of the tape may be adhesive-coated, and the other side may be coated with a thermochromic paint. The tape is wrapped around a substrate, and is particularly adapted, by reason of the pleats, to be wrapped around a substrate of non-uniform cross-section, e.g. a splice in a telephone cable. On heating the tape to its recovery temperature, the pleats disappear and the tape shrinks longitudinally to tightly cover the substrate. The tape may additionally comprise integral heating means.

Abstract: A heat-recoverable closure assembly for enclosing e.g. cable splices comprising a heat-recoverable outer sleeve surrounding a body to be enclosed thereby, a support member surrounding the body and within the sleeve which support member has slotted end portions arranged to be capable of forming a tapering transition from the support member to the body, and a flexible barrier layer bridging the slots of the slotted portions. The barrier may act to seal the slots against ingress of moisture ior heat, and the barrier layer preferably covers substantially all of one surface of the support. Foamed polymer layers are particularly suitable as heat barriers, and metallic layers carried on a flexible carrier are particularly suitable as moisture barriers. The barrier may be inside or outside the support member, to suit end use requirements. A heat barrier will normally be placed outside the support member when the latter is made of thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A process for the production of a marker sleeve assembly which comprises deforming a substantially non-cross-linked web of polymeric material at a temperature below the crystalline melting point or softening point of the material to render the web heat-recoverable, fusing together parts of the web or parts of the web and at least one other polymeric web to define a plurality of radially inwardly heat-recoverable marker sleeves, disposed in side-by-side relationship and preferably separable and subsequently cross-linking the resulting assembly.

Abstract: A process for the production of a heat shrinkable article which comprises forming bonds between regions of at least two superimposed lengths of polymeric material to produce a bonded article so disposed that the desired direction of heat shrinkability lies along the length of the bonded article, cross-linking the bonded article and the bonds between the said lengths of polymeric material, heating the bonded article, stretching the bonded article longitudinally and cooling it (which may comprise allowing it to cool naturally in the stretched condition) to render the articles heat shrinkable. Pneumatic or other methods of expansion may be used in addition to the stretching to render hollow articles heat-shrinkable, the combination of stretching and another such method being advantageous in achieving high expansion ratios while maintaining a reasonable degree of symmetry in the finished hollow recoverable articles.

Abstract: A device for forming a mechanical and/or electrical connection between a plurality of elongate objects 1, 2, for example bus bars in electrical switchgear, comprises one or more inserts or shell members 9, 10 that can be positioned about the ends of the objects to form a tubular assembly extending between the objects.One or more memory metal drivers in the form of bands or rings 7, 8 may be provided for retaining the tubular assembly in position and forcing the shell portions against the objects 1, 2 so that a good electrical contact is formed. Preferably an annular protuberance or contact surface 12 is provided on the internal surface of the shell members 9, 10 at each end thereof, and are preferably arranged so as to be partly flattened as the bonds or rings 7, 8 contract, thereby increasing the contact area between the shell members and the objects 1, 2.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a dimensionally recoverable article comprises forming a plurality of separate component parts thereof, joining the component parts together to form the article, cross-linking the polymeric material from which the parts are formed after they have been joined together, and then expanding the article.The process enables dimensionally recoverable articles of complex shape to be manufactured by high speed moulding processes or extrusion processes without the need for curing of the article during formation thereof.

Abstract: A wrap-around device for enclosing an elongate object comprises a cover having two opposed edge portions and that can be interlocked to retain them together. At least one of the edge portions, and preferably both the edge portions, are provided with a protuberance, which extend along the edge portions and engage the opposed edge portion that may be caused if the edge portions are subjected to a tensile force tending to separate them, for example as may be caused if the device and enclosed object is bent.Preferably at least one of the edge portions is provided with a layer of adhesive to prevent moisture ingress between the edge portions.

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: Articles which are heat-recoverable, or which can be rendered heat-recoverable or which have been heat-recovered, comprise a member composed of a conductive polymer and, attached to said member, at least two electrodes, at least one of which is an electrode comprising a plurality of pliable conductive elements, e.g., a braided tube. By connecting the electrodes to a source of electrical power, current is caused to pass through and heat the conductive polymer member. The heat generated can be used to provide all or part of the heat necessary to cause recovery of the heat-recoverable article. The conductive polymer preferably exhibits PTC behavior, thereby regulating the maximum temperature to which the article can be heated.

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 clamping member for forming a branch-off seal between a recoverable sleeve and more than one substrate extending from an end of the sleeve, comprises at least two interengageable parts that define channels. The parts are assembled on the end of the sleeve such that the clamping member defines ducts for the substrates. Use of a clamping member having interengageable parts, rather than an integral member, makes fixing at the end of the sleeve easier.

Abstract: A wrap-around device for enclosing at least part of an elongate substrate such as a pipe comprises a dimensionally-recoverable cover, preferably a dimensionally heat-recoverable cover, having an adhesive closure arrangement comprising two closure portions which can be brought into abutment to form an adhesive bond but which, when pulled in a direction away from each other after the adhesive bond has been formed, will change in configuration to form a lap joint.The device according to the invention enables an adhesive wrap-around device to be installed about a substrate in a simple manner without the possibility of misalignment of the closure portions.

Abstract: A connector device comprises first and second layers of substantially cross-linkable material, the first layer having inserts in contact therewith, the second layer having been expanded and thereafter formed into working and bonding zones, and the sheets being bonded together at the bonding zones for acceptance of substrates to be connected. The device is so constructed that the working zone center-to-center spacing remains constant on recovery.

Abstract: An electrical heating element material of a sheet form is provided, which is comprised of a web of a synthetic resin having a plurality of metal conductor wires arranged therein in parallel to one another along the longitudinal direction of the web. The web is folded in succession at predetermined intervals along folding lines inclined at a small acute angle to the transverse direction of the web to form a substantially two-layer parallelogrammatic sheet. Considering the small angle, the sheet is, for practical purposes, rectangular.

Abstract: A recoverable sleeve assembly is disclosed having an inner elastomeric tube and an outer rigid tube surrounding and secured to the inner tube holding the inner tube in outwardly stretched condition and wherein the outer tube extends axially beyond and covering at least one end of the inner tube and secured to that end of the inner tube. The end of the outer tube extending beyond the end of the inner tube has a thickness equal to the total thickness of the inner tube plus the thickness of that portion of the outer tube that surrounds the inner tube. The outer tube is a rigid thermosetting adhesive polyurethane comprising a polyester polyol reacted with an isocyanate whereby the outer tube is sufficiently adhesive to hold the inner tube in outwardly stretched condition but will peel from the inner tube upon impact of force or application of heat without need for a solvent.

Abstract: A tubular casing for foodstuffs, in particular sausages, comprising a web (4) which is curved along its longitudinal axis and having its longitudinal edge regions (1, 2) bonded by a glued seam. The edge regions (1,2) meet or overlap and are bonded with a strip of film (6). The strip of film (6) comprises a material which is capable of shrinking in the direction of its longitudinal axis at a temperature between about 60.degree. to 100.degree. C. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is used for the bonding. The tubular casing carries an adhesion-promoting layer (5) on the surface adjacent to the adhesive layer (3). Heating the filled casing gives it a curved form.

Abstract: A branch-off of at least two substrates leaving an end of a recovered sleeve is effected using a heat activatable sealant, and a thermally conductive member which has a fin-shaped protruberance by means of which heat can be conducted into the crutch region between the substrates to activate the sealant. The thermally conductive member can also function to urge together circumferentially spaced portions of the sleeve to define conduits for the substrates. This urging function can be supplemented or carried out totally by a separate clip.

Abstract: A heat-recoverable sleeve for enclosing splices or joints in pressurized cables or supply lines is given increased resistance to peeling away from the cable or line by insertion of auxiliary means, preferably a U- or V-shaped flexible strip, which may be heat-recoverable, between the sleeve and the cable or supply line. The ends of the strip are preferably closed and are preferably overlapped and bonded to each other when the strip is placed around the cable or supply line. A release foil may be positioned inside the U- or V-shape of the strip to resist bonding together of the opposed arms thereof, and the foil may carry adhesive to bond it to one of the arms and may protrude beyond the ends of the arms so that the foil adhesive can help to locate the strip on the cable or supply line.

Abstract: There are provided improved process and apparatus for preparing a laminated heat-shrinkable strip comprising upper and lower heat-shrinkable sheets fused together with an electric conductor wire sandwiched therebetween as means for covering and protecting joints of steel pipes of oil pipelines or cables.

Abstract: A safety shield for containing and deflecting a fluid leaking from a flanged pipe coupling in the form of an arcuate strip of transparent fluoropolymer. The strip has a flange along each circumferential edge which is integral with the strip and extends radially inwardly thereof. The strip is of sufficient length to encase the circumference of the pipe coupling flange to which it is applied with the opposing ends overlapping and fastened together. The flanges closely engage the radial surfaces of the coupling flanges. The safety shield is obtained by heat-shrinking a heat-shrinkable tube of fluoropolymer while restricting radial shrinkage thereof except the marginal edge portions which become the flanges.