Abstract: A method for joining fiber optic cables includes sliding a sleeve over a first fiber optic cable, joining a first set of optical fibers of the first fiber optic cable to a second set of optical fibers of a second fiber optic cable, sliding the sleeve over the first and second fiber optic cables, and joining the sleeve to a first exterior casing of the first fiber optic cable and to a second exterior casing of the second fiber optic cable.

Abstract: An improved method for imparting excellent long-term dielectric performance to an in-service electrical cable section having a stranded conductor surrounded by a conductor shield encased in a polymeric insulation and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, the cable section having an average operating temperature T is disclosed. The method comprises injecting a dielectric enhancement fluid composition into the interstitial void volume.

Abstract: A method for extending the useful life of an in-service electrical cable section having a stranded conductor surrounded by a conductor shield encased in a polymeric insulation jacket and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, the cable section having an average conductor temperature T. The method comprising (i) continuously introducing a non-condensing exclusion fluid into the interstitial volume, the exclusion fluid comprising at least one non-condensing exclusion component having a solubility in the insulation polymer at least 100 times the corresponding solubility of water, each solubility being determined at temperature T; and (ii) injecting a condensing dielectric enhancement fluid into the interstitial void volume, wherein the dielectric enhancement fluid has a virtual flow rate within the interstitial void volume of less than about 0.1 liter per hour.

Abstract: A method for converting expended plastic water bottles and other plastic beverage bottles into artificial landscape rocks and edging blocks by cutting a flap in an empty plastic bottle, filling the bottle with empty, crushed food cans, or compacted, expended plastic bottles, sealing the flap with wire lath and screws, wrapping the bottle with mason lath or chicken wire, or coating the bottle with a bonding agent, applying a stucco coating to the bottle, brushing the wet stucco, and coloring the stucco with a pigmenting agent.

Abstract: A method for repairing concrete structural elements reinforced with steel rebar includes steps of: removal of debris and rust; attachment of expanded mesh zinc metal for sacrificial passive corrosion protection; and overwrapping with flexible panels of fiber-reinforced polymer composite material.

Abstract: A method for repairing fiber-reinforced composite structures while maintaining original EM and lightning protection using carbon nanotubes, fibers, and thermoset resins is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises preparing a damaged area for repair; preparing a repair patch for the damaged area, the repair patch comprising nanotubes; applying the repair patch to the damaged area; and curing the repair patch. A repair patch for a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the repair patch includes a binder and nanotubes. A repair resin for repairing a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the repair layer includes a resin and nanotubes. A putty for repairing a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed.

Abstract: Parallel spaced shallow grooves are cut within the surface of an existing reinforced concrete member in the direction of bending and at locations where existing tensile reinforcing is inadequate. A curable polymer adhesive resin, such as an epoxy resin, is inserted into each groove and an elongated fiber reinforcing element, such as a composite rod with continuous carbon fibers, is positioned within each groove, substantially filling the groove, so that the minimum volume adhesive resin surrounds the reinforcing element. The adhesive resin within each groove is formed flush with the surface and allowed to cure to bond each reinforcing element to the concrete defining the groove. The grooves and reinforcing elements extend within the top surface of a concrete slab across a beam or support for the slab, extend within the bottom surface of the slab at least fifty percent of the distance between adjacent supports for the slab, or within a vertical surface of a concrete or masonry wall or column.

Abstract: A disclosed method of repairing a shed portion of a composite insulator having a core portion, a sheath portion arranged on an outer surface of the core portion, and a plurality of shed portions projected from the sheath portion, includes the steps of, (1) cutting out the shed portion having defects from the sheath portion while leaving the sheath portion, and connecting a new shed portion having the same shape as that of the cut out shed portion to the sheath portion at the cut out portion, or (2) cutting out partly the shed portion having defects, and connecting a repairing member to the cut out portion. Therefore, it is possible to perform the shed portion repairing operation without wasting the normal shed portions.