Abstract: The invention relates to joining insulated elongate conduit members, such as thermally insulated pipes. A pipe (1) is provided with thermal insulation (2), in which, at an end of the pipe, there is an annular recess (6) such that an end portion (4) of the pipe is exposed to allow access for connection thereto. To make a connection, a recoverable connecting collar is positioned at least partially within the recess, and allowed to recover into gripping engagement with the exposed portion of the pipe. The invention obviates the necessity of reinsulating the joint region of an insulated pipe.

Abstract: A printed container for food packaging, particularly a heat-resistant printed container for food packaging which can be subjected to heat sterilization and heat cooking, can be produced by a process which comprises winding, around the side of a container main body, a label consisting of a transparent heat-shrinkable resin film having a cylindrical shape whose circumference is slightly larger than the circumference of said side and further having a print at the inner side, and then carrying out:a step of subjecting said heat-shrinkable resin film to heat shrinkage, anda step of melt-bonding a part of the heat-shrinkable resin film to the container main body.

Abstract: A bag assembly for storing fluids including first and second placket members sized and shaped to provide a portion of enclosing walls of at least two bag members having at least one fluid inlet and outlet passage and a communicating passage therebetween with a common seam along the surrounding edges.

Abstract: A headed thermoplastic tube is formed solely from a thermoplastic extruded, stretched, cylinder by positioning the cylinder over a forming mandrel with an exposed portion. The inner surface of the exposed portion is heated above the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic material to render the inner surface molten while the outer surface provides support for the exposed portion of the cylinder. The heated exposed portion is then shaped into a conical shape, such as by heating the outer surface, and pressure applied to the conical shaped exposed portion to form a headed thermoplastic tube. The headed tubes produced have a body portion, shoulder portion and neck portion, without any seams, all of which are formed from the starting thermoplastic extruded, stretched cylinder.

Abstract: This invention relates to a grinding tool wherein a thermocontracting tube on which is formed a partial hone grain layer pattern in which parts having no hone grain layer are scattered is applied to cover the peripheral surface of a shaping base on which is formed a molding surface of a required shape and is then heated to closely adhere to the above mentioned molding surface and to a method of making such grinding tools.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the manufacture of a pleated filter insert made of a thermoplastic material. The pleat walls are maintained at a distance with the filter pleats open in the direction of outflow of the filter insert by elongated ribs made of the filter material itself. The tape-like filter material is gathered in a first process step. The elongated ribs are produced by means of tension-free, permanent shaping of the gathered filter material, heated to a temperature which is below the shrinking temperature and above the deformation temperature of the filter material, between the jaws of a shaping device. The intermediate areas of the filter material intended for the forming of pleat wall edges are heated by at least one heater jaw to a temperature which is between the deformation temperature and the melting temperature until the irregularities of the filter material in the intermediate area have been smoothed out.

Abstract: Novel processes for preparing a heat shrinkable film by first forming a polyolefinic film on a three-roll calender in which the second and third rolls rotate at about the same speed and the first roll rotates at a slower speed, the top roll is heated to a temperature above the melting point of the polyolefinic material, the middle roll is heated to an elevated temperature below its melting point, and the bottom roll is chilled relative thereto; thereafter subjecting one surface of the resulting film to irradiation from a low energy electron beam at a voltage such that the irradiation dose at the half-depth of the film is approximately one-half the dose at the irradiated surface and at a current to film surface speed ratio such that the surface dose would effect crosslinking sufficient to impart to said film a 100% modulus at 150.degree. C.

Abstract: A method of forming a heat-resistant product, produced from a polymer composition comprising 40-70 weight % of a thermoplastic elastomer containing a repeating unit derived from ethylene and a repeating unit derived from propylene and 60-30 weight % of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer containing 7.5 weight % or more of a vinyl acetate repeating unit, which comprises blending the polymer composition at a temperature of 160.degree. C. or less, molding it at a temperature of 180.degree. C. or less, and then cross-linking the resulting molded product by irradiating it with an electron beam or by heating to produce a foamed product which has good shape memory characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of a shrinkable product of a thermoplastic raw material by extrusion. The raw material (1) is extruded through a die (3) to form a pipe (18), whereafter the pipe is cut longitudinally in a cutter (7), spread out, and wound on to a reel (19, 17). The production rate is low and rapid cooling is carried out in a calibration gauge (4). When reheated, a bandlike product (9) thereby shrinks vigorously and is welded to the object in question.

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

Abstract: A method of producing a fluidic module from two or more pieces (B.sub.1 B.sub.2) of plastic material having an intermolecular bonded interface, comprises forming an interface surface (2) on each piece, forming at least one fluidic passageway (4) in at least one of the interface surfaces, assembling the pieces with the interface surfaces in contact with each other and confining them against expansion. Heat is applied to the assembled pieces to induce their expansion against total or limited confinement to cause transmigration of molecules from one interface surface to the other to bond the pieces together.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for preparing a heat shrinkable film by extruding a blend of elastomer, hydrocarbon oil and polyolefin to form a film, stretch orienting the film to form a stretched film, annealing the stretched film while still under stress, then cooling while further maintaining stress on the film. This invention further provides a process for preparing an elasticized composite material by attaching strips of the heat shrinkable film to a flexible substrate and then heating the composite.

Abstract: Paint-coated polymeric films which are bonded to substrates such as automobile panels, as a substitute for spray painted finishes, often develop surface blemishes or defects from the coating or web handling operations. These can be reduced or eliminated by vacuum thermoforming the film to the desired substrate in a plural stage procedure. The periphery of the film is clamped in a frame. Then the film is preheated to a temperature above its glass transition temperature until the film becomes taut in the frame. It is allowed to cool and is then reheated to at least the glass transition temperature and is then vacuum thermoformed to the substrate. This procedure eliminates many if not all of the visible surface defects in the thermoformed film.

Abstract: A glazing device, and a method for using such device to apply a surface glaze to a dental construct. The device includes glazing material associated with a shrinkable, hollow carrier. The method includes associating glazing material with a hollow carrier composed of a shrinkable and removable material, assembling the construct and carrier with the construct positioned within the carrier, shrinking the carrier onto the construct, removing the carrier, and maturing the material to a glaze. The device and method find particular application in applying coloration, either uniformly or in a pattern, to a dental construct.

Abstract: This invention relates to porous polytetrafluoroethylene (hereinafter PTFE) materials having the property of rapid recovery and a method for producing these materials. The microstructure of the porous PTFE material consists of nodes interconnected by fibrils, substantially all of the fibrils having a bent or wavy appearance. Articles made from these materials are particularly suitable for use in the medical field, but are also useful in other areas such as filtration and fabric applications.

Abstract: A closure device for shrinkwraps comprising a high temperature-resistant, flame-resistant and dimensionally stable backing layer, a cross linked, high temperature-resistant, shear-resistant, and flame-resistant pressure sensitive adhesive applied to one surface of the backing layer; a heat-shrinkable film dimensionally smaller than the pressure sensitive adhesive layer positioned on the adhesive layer so as to maintain a peripheral area of exposed pressure sensitive adhesive; and an optional release liner applied so as to protect the exposed pressure sensitive adhesive layer from premature and unwanted contact prior to use.

Abstract: An uncomplicated system of restoring a smoother, non-slip, splinter free gripping surface to a rough tool handle. Thin walled, heat shrinkable tubing is fitted over the rough handle and heated with a common "gun" style household hand-held hair dryer with an auxiliary air concentration nozzle to reduce the diameter of the tubing. The tubing recovers sufficiently to adhere to the outer diameter of the handle. The irregularities of the crevices and bumps on the rough handle present recessions into which the tubing conforms. Due to the thin walled nature of the tubing, the irregularities extend into the wall of the recovered tubing creating a more secure attachment of the tubing to the rough handle and furnishing a comfortable, somewhat textured, splinter free gripping surface for the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus forms a plastic part having a shape memory which has been formed to a second shape from an initial shape by the application of pressure to cause molecular orientations which are subsequently fixed by being cooled to a desired temperature and, when subjected to subsequent energy such as heating, will eliminate the molecular orientation and create a restoring force to return the part to the initial shape.

Abstract: Polymeric electrically conductive apparatus such as electric connectors are disclosed. These connectors employ a polymeric conductive material such as a conductive epoxy having conductive particles dispersed therein sufficient to establish electrical conductivity. These conductive materials are at least initially deformable such that electrical conductors may be inserted within an envelope containing the conductive material and electrical continuity for a prescribed circuit can be verified before structurally affixing the conductors to the envelope. Embodiments having radially collapsible envelopes for forming splice connectors and multicontact configurations employing rigid dielectric housings are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to joining insulated elongate conduit members, such as thermally insulated pipes. A pipe (1) is provided with thermal insulation (2), in which, at an end of the pipe, there is an annular recess (6) such that an end portion (4) of the pipe is exposed to allow access for connection thereto. To make a connection, a recoverable connecting collar is positioned at least partially within the recess, and allowed to recover into gripping engagement with the exposed portion of the pipe. The invention obviates the necessity of reinsulating the joint region of an insulated pipe.

Abstract: A method of producing a fluidic module from two or more pieces (B.sub.1 B.sub.2) of plastic material having an intermolecular bonded interface, comprises forming an interface surface (2) on each piece, forming at least one fluidic passageway (4) in at least one of the interface surfaces, assembling the pieces with the interface surfaces in contact with each other and confining them against expansion. Heat is applied to the assembled pieces to induce their expansion against total or limited confinement to cause transmigration of molecules from one interface surface to the other to bond the pieces together.

Abstract: A plurality of terminals already disposed in a housing of an electrical connector, include solder tails extending rearwardly from the housing each of which has a thin foil-like substrate having a layer of magnetic material bonded intimately onto an outer surface thereof, so that respective wire ends may be placed therealong with solder preforms within lengths of heat recoverable tubing may be placed therearound and a high frequency current induced in the magnetic layer of the substrate which then generates thermal energy sufficient to melt the solder and shrink the tubing forming terminations between the wires and the terminals and simultanously sealing the terminations. The magnetic material of the substrate may be nickel-iron alloy, which may comprise the foil or which may be clad to a brass layer of the foil, which is then soldered to a brass solder tail layer.

Abstract: An electrical connector utilizing a crimpable ferrule with an electrical insulation sleeve thereover, and a transparent outer sleeve surrounding the ferrule and insulation sleeve, with the transparent outer sleeve formed of coextruded, multi-layer material with at least one layer being oriented and heat-shrinkable, and with the inner layer being a heat-activable adhesive. A portion of the outer sleeve is preshrunk to aid in the use thereof. The electrical connector in accordance with this invention is produced by placing a crimpable ferrule having an insulation sleeve thereon upon a first support, with the outer sleeve upon a second support, with both vertically oriented and coaxially arranged, and with the support for the outer sleeve at a lower elevation than the other support. The arrangement is passed through a heating zone to partially shrink a portion of the outer sleeve about the insulating sleeve, and to activate an inner adhesive layer on said outer sleeve into adhesion with the insulating sleeve.

Abstract: A coextruded, heat shrinkable, thermoplastic multilayer film for packaging fresh red meat cuts and processed meats. The film is produced by coextruding a multilayer structure which includes a first layer comprising very low density polyethylene, a first core layer of vinylidene chloride-methyl acrylate copolymer, and a second layer comprising very low density polyethylene. In another embodiment the first layer is a second core layer confined between said first core layer and a first outer layer comprising a heat sealable thermoplastic polymer or copolymer. In a further embodiment the second layer is a second core layer confined between said first core layer and a second outer layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer or copolymer.

Abstract: Method is provided for lining a pipe wherein a thermoplastic liner is initially formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter slightly larger than the internal diameter of the pipe. The liner is temporarily deformed at an elevated temperature to a different cross-section, preferably U-shaped, to reduce its overall cross-sectional dimension to facilitate insertion into the pipe to be lined. Once inserted, the pipe liner is reheated to the crystallization temperature of the thermoplastic material to cause the liner to return to its original cylindrical shape. Pressure within the liner is also increased in two stages to cause the liner to conform to the interior surface of the pipe. An expansion pig may also be employed to ensure even more exact conformance. After expansion, ends of the liner which extend beyond the pipe are flared into engagement with the pipe flanges. Service fluid under pressure is introduced into the liner to maintain the liner in its cylindrical shape.

Abstract: Method is provided for lining a pipe wherein a thermoplastic liner is initially formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter slightly larger than the internal diameter of the pipe. The liner is temporarily deformed at an elevated temperature to a different cross-section, preferably U-shaped, to reduce it overall cross-sectional dimension to facilitate insertion into the pipe to be lined. Once inserted, the pipe liner is re-heated and pressurized so that the shape memory characteristics of the thermoplastic material causes the liner to return to its original cylindrical shape. Pressure within the liner is increased in two stages to cause the liner to conform to the interior surface of the pipe. An expansion pig may also be employed to ensure even more exact conformance. After expansion, ends of the liner which extend beyond the pipe are flared into engagement with the pipe flanges.

Abstract: A sheet made from a foamed polystyrene resin which is heat-shrinkable in one axial direction and has a heat-insulatingness is prepared. A printing process is applied to this sheet to produce a label. A container made from a thermo-plastic resin is covered with said cylindrical label and is put in a furnace in order to heat-shrink the label to be fitted on the container.The container with the label manufactured in accordance with the present invention has a superior heat-insulatingness, and thus can maintain the temperature of water contained therein for a longer time. Also, when it is used in a electronic-range, a temperature of an outer wall surface of the container can be prevented from increasing, and thus the container can be held by a bare hand even immediately after cooking.

Abstract: An improved filter assembly of the type having a housing with an inlet, an outlet,and a passage in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet, a filter media disposed within the passage, and at least a first filter element mounted on the housing which includes a porous member extending transversely across the passage adjacent a first end portion of the filter media. The porous member is pleated in order to provide increased surface area for a given cross sectional area of the passage. The filter element includes an annular support member having an opening and a pleated porous member mounted on the support member so that a plurality of pleats extend transversely across the support member. A method of fabricating the filter element includes providing the annular support member, forming the pleated porous member, and mounting the porous member in a position extending across the opening.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a heat shrinkable biaxially oriented thermoplastic film by extruding a primary tube including very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), heating the primary tube and biaxially stretching the heated primary tube using a double bubble method to form a tube which is heat shrinkable from about 30% to about 50% in at least one of the transverse and machine directions.

Abstract: The method of this invention includes the step of providing a mandrel sleeve shaped on the inside to fit over the small diameter end of a contoured container and being of an outer diameter substantially equal to the large diameter portion of the container. After applying a solvent of the plastic sheet material to the trailing edge of a length thereof, the sheet is wrapped around the container and the mantrel sleeve so that the trailing edge overlaps the leading edge and the solvent forms a firm bond between the overlapped edges. The mandrel sleeve is then withdrawn from the wrapped length, leaving it around the container, and the sheet material is heat shrunk to fit tightly over its full height around the contoured container. Before the sheet is wrapped around the mandrel and container, an adhesive, such as a hot melt glue, may be applied too that portion of the sheet that is wrapped in direct contact with the container.

Abstract: A substantially wrinkle-free, high modulus, thermoplastic film having at least one compound curve is disclosed. The substantially wrinkle-free film may form a part of a laminate which itself has utility in automotive glazing applications.An improved lamination process is also disclosed for the production of non-planar laminates from planar sheets of heat-shrinkable films through the use of a negative image mold of the non-planar article to be laminated. Heat-shrinkable films which may be used in the practice of the invention include polyester films, polyolefin films, polyamide films, polyurethane films, polycarbonate films, polyvinylchloride films, and polystyrenic films.The method is applicable to a wide range of non-planar articles and is particularly suitable to articles having at least one compound curve forming at least part of its surface. The improved lamination process of the present invention has specific utility in the manufacture of automotive glazing products such as windshields and rear windows.

Abstract: A process for making filters with a non-bypassing peripheral seal which comprises heating a cylindrical filter housing to expand its internal diameter; inserting a filter disc that has a diameter larger than that of the internal diameter of the housing when cold; and allowing the assembly to cool.

Abstract: A magnetic disk recording/reproducing head device includes a slider member, a magnetic circuit, and a seal member. The slider member is made of a magnetic material and has a sliding surface opposing a recording/reproducing disk, both end portions in a direction parallel to the sliding surface. The slider member has a groove portion which is formed in one of the end portions to be parallel to the sliding surface. The magnetic circuit has a core member made of a magnetic material and fixed to the other of the end portions of the sliding member, a predetermined magnetic gap which is formed between the core member and the slider member, and has a coil which is wound around the core member. The seal member made of a material having an adhesive property upon melting and a shrinking property upon stiffening and sealed in the groove portion of the slider member so as to form an inwardly recessed tapered portion on part of the sliding surface corresponding to the groove portion.

Abstract: Novel processes for preparing a heat shrinkable film by first orienting the film and thereafter irradiating a major surface of the oriented film with low energy radiation to effect differential crosslinking throughout the thickness of the film, the opposed surface of the film being characterized as being substantially non-crosslinked; and films and tapes prepared thereby.

Abstract: PTFE vascular tubing is guided on to a tapered ultrasonic horn as the horn is oscillating at a high frequency. This action causes the end of the tubing moved onto the horn to expand. The expanded tubing is then positioned on a mandrel having a desired shape, such as tapered, and resintered. The finished tubing with an expanded diameter on one end and a non-expanded diameter on the other end is then removed from the mandrel, and is ready for use. Untapered tubing can also be radially expanded by this method to provide a thinner wall.

Abstract: A tube or hollow body of a plastic material having memory characteristics is formed in a mold body having interior undulations or grooves. Pressure is applied to the interior of the plastic tube, while the tube is at a temperature above its softening point, to expand the tube into the configuration of the interior of the mold body. The pressure is maintained while the tube is cooled. After cooling, the tube is extracted axially from the mold body, and is reheated to cause the tube, by virtue of its memory characteristics, to return to the shape it had while in the mold, thereby eliminating the distortion and stretching occurring during removal from the mold. The mold body can be a tubular corrugated casing or stainless steel with a relatively thin wall, which cannot be taken apart. End assemblies are provided to hold and seal the tube ends while the tube is expanded in the mold body, by pressure applied through one of the end assemblies. The preferred plastic material is PTFE (TEFLON).

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the reduction of mold cycle time. A heat recoverable member in a compressed state is placed within a channel defined relative to the surface of a mold. A hardenable liquid used to form the article then flows in an accelerated manner through the channel. Thermal energy supplied to the heat recoverable material thereafter causes the heat recoverable material to expand within the channel, thereby displacing the hardenable liquid from the channel. The temperature of gelation of the hardenable liquid and the recovery temperature of the heat recoverable material may be selected such that the channels are substantially filled by the heat recoverable material prior to the hardening of the hardenable liquid. In this manner, the heat recoverable material becomes flush with the surface of the mold prior to hardening of the liquid so as to yield an article of manufacture having a relatively planar surface.

Abstract: Plastic molded articles having characteristic properties of both shape-memory and biodegradability and a process for preparing the same are disclosed. The molded products consist of homopolymers of lactide or glycolide or copolymers of lactide and glycolide. The molded articles of this invention are particularly useful for a variety of medical devices.

Abstract: A method for insertion of active components in chip cards. A card is made with a cavity, whose edges are formed from a material having shape memorization properties. The initial shape of the cavity at ordinary temperature is that of a basin having dimensions for housing an integrated circuit micromodule, with overhanging edges which do not allow the micromodule to go out of the cavity or to be inserted into the cavity. The card is then plastically deformed with the overhanging edges pushed back a sufficient distance and the integrated circuit micromodule is inserted. Finally, the card is heated to a temperature at which its shape memorization effect is displayed, and the plastically deformed edges of the cavity again become elastic and resume their initial overhanging shape.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for making a diaper having one or more elastic margins. The diaper uses for the entire moisture permeable backing sheet an elastomeric material of the type that is heat unstable and relatively inelastic in its unshrunk form and stable and relatively elastic in its heat shrunk form. Diapers made using one of these materials as a backing sheet can be conventionally assembled. After assembly, the marginal areas, which may be either or both of the transverse and longitudinal margins, may be heated to a sufficient temperature for shrinkage to occur in the backing sheet. This shrinkage will only occur when the backing sheet is unrestrained. The method provides for the maintenance of longitudinal tension in the central portion of an end-to-end assembly of diaper units while relaxing the edge tension on the units.

Abstract: A light reflection material comprises transparent body of organic glass having therein a thin through hole or holes whose inner wall is smooth. This material is useful for an ornamental material, a lighting material, eye-obstructing material, shading material, etc.This material is manufactured by pouring a raw material into a mold within which a thread or threads of synthetic fiber are straightly or curvedly set according to aimed pattern and pulling the thread or threads out of the formed body to form a thin hole or holes or pulling the thread or threads to separate them from the inner wall of the hole or holes. As a result of it, a hole or holes of a shape and number corresponding to those of the thread or threads are formed in the formed body.

Abstract: A coupler for joining polymeric pipes comprises a generally cylindrical radially heat-shrinkable member which is composed of a conductive polymer. To recover the coupler, current is passed axially through the coupler via electrodes. The coupler has a center portion of increased wall thickness and in this way, when there is a gap between the pipes, overheating of the center portion of the coupler is avoided.

Abstract: A unitary removable and reuseable jacket for the thermal insulation of pipe accounterments. The fully-formed generally-rectangular jacket is composed of three layers: a heat and water resistant outer fabric layer, a hardened rigid-cell polyurethane middle layer, and a thin flexible heat-shrinkable plastic inner layer. The inner and outer layers are joined together by perimeter seams and a transverse center seam which form two pockets adapted to contain the polyurethane foam middle layer. The inner and outer layers are formed at time of manufacture while the middle layer is formed during the application process. During the application process, an exothermic chemical reaction is generated by the combination of the chemicals polyol and isocyanate which are inserted between the inner and outer layers through holes contained in the outer layer, to form a rapidly expanding and hardening rigid cell polyurethane foam middle layer.

Abstract: A method of assembling an electrical connector that includes an outer conductor body, an inner conductor and a resilient and deformable insulating sleeve. The method includes providing a bore in the rigid outer conductor body having an inwardly directed substantially annular ridge extending therefrom defining a minimum bore diameter of the outer conductor body. A bore is provided in the insulating sleeve along with a substantially annular recess in the outer surface of the sleeve. The maximum diameter of the insulating sleeve is provided greater than the minimum bore diameter of the outer conductor body when the insulating sleeve is at a rest position. The next step is radially compressing the insulating sleeve to a smaller diameter than at the rest position thereof. Next is inserting the insulating sleeve, while at least partially compressed, into the bore of the rigid outer conductor body to a position in which the rigid outer conductor body ridge is in alignment with the insulating sleeve recess.

Abstract: High-efficiency optical couplers for polymer optical waveguides are obtained when optical waveguides are bundled and fused by means of a piece of plastic shrink sleeve, the plastic shrink sleeve being heated above the shrinkage temperature. The process is simple and cost-advantageous.

Abstract: A cable splice is environmentally sealed by positioning around it a stretched sheet of a curable elastomeric composition, allowing the sheet to relax into engagement, and then curing the composition. The composition may comprise a polychloroprene elastomer and a polyepoxide and optionally a curing agent, the polyepoxide present in sufficient quantity that it can act as a plasticizer.

Abstract: The method includes the step of providing a cylindrical mandrel with vacuum openings around the circumference thereof and of a diameter substantially equal to the maximum diameter of the container. A thermoplastic strip is then wrapped around both the container and the mandrel, and just that portion of the strip enclosing the container is heat shrunk to follow closely the contour of the container. Then, the mandrel is withdrawn from the thermoplastic sleeve and that portion of the sleeve extending above the container is heat shrunk to engage snugly over the top of the container lid.

Abstract: A mandrel assembly supports an umbilical cord during the shaping and curing of the cord for use as a vascular graft. The mandrel assembly has a pair of mandrel members adapted to be releasably connected in end-to-end relation. Adjacent end sections of the mandrel members have reduced cross sectional shapes to provide the graft with a throat to restrict the flow of blood through the vascular graft. Each mandrel member has a low friction outer surface to facilitate the insertion and withdrawal of the mandrel member from the lumen of the umbilical cord. In one embodiment, the adjacent ends and neck portions of the mandrel members have small holes. A vacuum pump draws air from within the mandrel members to withdraw moisture from the tissue of the umbilical cord and hold the umbilical cord in conforming relationship with the joined mandrel members during the forming and curing of the umbilical cord.

Abstract: An apparatus for the marking of wires and the like comprises a preparation board consisting of a base portion and a neck portion, the neck portion having an extension piece thereon with a plurality of spaced, essentially flat tabs extending therefrom. Flexible, tubular heat recoverable sleeves are positioned on the tabs in a temporarily deformed manner to present a flattened writing surface on each of the sleeves. After writing or otherwise placing identifying indicia thereon, the sleeves are removed from the tabs and recover their original tubular shape. The sleeves are then positioned coaxially about the wires to be identified, and are permanently heat shrunk thereon. The entire installation is accomplished at the job site.

Abstract: An electrical connector utilizing a crimpable ferrule with an electrical insulation sleeve thereover, and a transparent outer sleeve surrounding the ferrule and insulation sleeve, with the transparent outer sleeve formed of coextruded, multi-layer material with at least one layer being oriented and heat-shrinkable, and with the inner layer being a heat-activatable adhesive. A portion of the outer sleeve is preshrunk to aid in the use thereof. The electrical connector in accordance with this invention is produced by placing a crimpable ferrule having an insulation sleeve thereon upon a first support, with the outer sleeve upon a second support, with both vertically oriented and coaxially arranged, and with the support for the outer sleeve at a lower elevation than the outer support. The arrangement is passed through a heating zone to partially shrink a portion of the outer sleeve about the insulating sleeve, and to activate an inner adhesive layer on said outer sleeve into adhesion with the insulating sleeve.