CA1289637C - Closure for protecting a substrate - Google Patents
Closure for protecting a substrateInfo
- Publication number
- CA1289637C CA1289637C CA000547781A CA547781A CA1289637C CA 1289637 C CA1289637 C CA 1289637C CA 000547781 A CA000547781 A CA 000547781A CA 547781 A CA547781 A CA 547781A CA 1289637 C CA1289637 C CA 1289637C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- reservoir
- pressure
- sealant
- tube
- closure
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 17
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 48
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920002292 Nylon 6 Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000008393 encapsulating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 2
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- JHWNWJKBPDFINM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Laurolactam Chemical compound O=C1CCCCCCCCCCCN1 JHWNWJKBPDFINM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920000571 Nylon 11 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000299 Nylon 12 Polymers 0.000 description 1
- -1 Polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000013521 mastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G1/00—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines
- H02G1/14—Methods or apparatus specially adapted for installing, maintaining, repairing or dismantling electric cables or lines for joining or terminating cables
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G15/00—Cable fittings
- H02G15/003—Filling materials, e.g. solid or fluid insulation
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02G—INSTALLATION OF ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES, OR OF COMBINED OPTICAL AND ELECTRIC CABLES OR LINES
- H02G15/00—Cable fittings
- H02G15/08—Cable junctions
- H02G15/10—Cable junctions protected by boxes, e.g. by distribution, connection or junction boxes
Landscapes
- Cable Accessories (AREA)
- Processing Of Terminals (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A closure and method for protecting a substrate such as a splice connecting at least two cables. The closure includes a flexible reservoir positioned around the splice, a curable liquid sealant introduced into the reservoir , means applied to the reservoir for increasing the pressure therein and a pressure measuring tube communicating between the inside and outside of the reservoir.
A closure and method for protecting a substrate such as a splice connecting at least two cables. The closure includes a flexible reservoir positioned around the splice, a curable liquid sealant introduced into the reservoir , means applied to the reservoir for increasing the pressure therein and a pressure measuring tube communicating between the inside and outside of the reservoir.
Description
3~
CLOSURE FOR PROTECTING A SUBSTRATE
This invention relates to a closure for protecting a substrate such as a splice in multi-wire electrical cables, in particular communications cables, from ingress of water into the splice.
As disclosed in, for example, Shimirak U.S. Patent No.
4,466,843, various methods have been proposed Eor protecting the splice from ingress of water into the splice.
Typically, these methods may comprise filling a reservoir surrounding the splice with a curable liquid sealant. In the Shimirak patent, there is provided the further step of compressing the reservoir while the liquid sealant is in the liquid state and maintaining it under compression for a time sufficient to permit cure of the liquid sealant to its hardened state.
As further disclosed in the Shimirak patent, it is desirable to compress the reservoir until a predetermined level of pressure is reached, generally of the order of about 3 to 12 pounds per square inch, preferably of the order of about 8 to 25 pounds per square inch. It would, of course, be desirable to know when this predetermined level o~ pressure had been reached. One method to ascertain this predetermined level of pressure is to insert a transducer within the reservoir. The pressure within the reservoir may be simply determined by monitoring the transducer. ~his method is satisfactory except that transducers are expensive and various electronics are needed to monitor the transducer electrically.
: ~ ' . . . ~ -, - . .
; . . . . .
', -~.2~6~7 The need has thus arisen for a low cost, relatively simple way to monitor the pressure within the reservoir.
In one aspect, the present inven-tion provides a closure which is protecting a substrate, comprising:
a reservoir positioned around the substrate;
a cured liquid sealant within the reservoir; and a pressure measuring tube which communicates between the inside and the outside of the reservoir, the end of the the tube external to the reservoir being sealed, and the tube containing cured sealant which has been forced into the tube by pressure applied to the closure while still curable.
The present closure has the advantage that the pressure ~measuring tube provides a low cost and relatively simple way to measure the pressure in the reservoir.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of protecting a substrate, comprising: -, positioning a reservoir around the substrate with a pressure indicating tube communicating between the inside and the outside or the reservoir, the tube being sealed at the end external to the reservoir;
introducing a curable sealant into the reservoir~
increasing the pressure within the reservoir, the increase in pressure being sufficient to force the sealant a predetermined distance along the tube; and , . :
' ~2~963'7 ~3- MP1147-FF
curing the sealant.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts for protecting a substrate, comprising a reservoir for positioning around tha substrate;
a curable sealant for introduction to the reservoir;
means for applying pressure to the sealant contained within the reservoir; and a tube for measuring the pressure applied to the sealant within the reservoir.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way o example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure l is a breakaway side view of a closure according to the invention.
Figures 2 to 5 are side views of a closure according to the invention.
Figure 6 is a side view of a closure having aplurality of pressure measuring tubes.
Figure 7 i5 a side view of another embodiment of a pressure measuring tube according to the invention.
Referring to the figures in more detail, Figure 1 ~hows a alosure 10 which prot~Fcs a splice between two cables.
.
:
.
~ ' .
'' ', ~96~
Each of the cables 14, 16 has a plurality of individual insulated wire conductor 18, 20, respectively. The wire conductors 18, 20 are joined by modular connectors 22. In forming the closure, sealant tape 24 is first wrapped around each of the cables. It is preferred that this sealant tape 24 be S1061 (or equivalent) available from Raychem Corporation. This sealant tape is preferred since it provides a good seal by virtue of its desirable mastic properties. At one end 26 of the closure 10 hollow pressure measuring tube 28 is placed upon the sealant tape 24.
Preferably~ another layer of sealant tape 31 is then wrapped around the pressure measuring tube 28 and cable 16. Due to the desirable properties of the sealant tape 24~31, the pressure measuring tube 2g is embedded within the sealant tape 24,31 so that a complete seal around the pressure measuring tube 28 is obtained. Thereafter, a flexible resarvoir 30 is positioned around the splice 12. At the end 26 of the closure 12 where tha pressure measuring tube 28 is located, the flexible reservoir 30 is positioned over sealant tape 31 and pressure measuring tube 28. ~t the other end 27 of the closure 12, the flexible reservoir 30 is simply positioned over sealant tape 24. Then a wrapping 32 of vinyl tape is provided over the flexibla reservoir 30 and cables 14,16. At this point in the procedure a complete seal is formed with the flexible reservoir 30 and pressure measuring tube 28 so that when the curable liquid sealant 34 is introduced into the reservoir 30 none of the liquid sealant 34 will seep out along the cables 14, L6. ~fter introduction of the liquid sealant 34, the central open portion of the reservoir may be Eolded over and closed.
Since a considerable amount of compressive stress is to be applied to the pressure measuring tube 28, it is \
.
~28963~7 necessary that the pressure measuring tube be made from a relatively rigid material which '~ill not collapse under the compressive stress and will not expand when its internal pressure increases. While many materials are suitable for , this purpose, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art, a particularly preferred material for the pressure monitoring tube is Nylon 6. Other preferred materials are Nylon 11 and Nylon 12 although they are not as desirable as Nylon 6 since they are more expensive. Polyethylene could also be used but it is not preferred since its not as chemically compatible with the liquid sealant as are the Nylons~
' .
The curable liquid sealant 34 which has been intro-duced into the reservoir, as shown in Figure 1, is not yet under pressure. This being the case, the pressure measuring tube which communicates between the inside and outside of the reservoir 3n is substantially devoid of the curable liquid sealant 34.
Referring now to Figure 2, a compression wrapping of tape 36 has been applied to the closure 10. This ~, compression wrapping of tape 36 comprises a plurality of layers of tape which serve to increase the pressure within the,reservoir 30. The preferred tape is a plasticized vinyl tape such as PERMAWRAP tavailable from Teltronics, Austin , -Texas). While the tape wrapping is the preferred means for increasing the pressure within the re~ervoir 30, other means ~or increasin~ the pressure within reservoir 30, such as bladders, may'be used instead~ The compre~sion wrapping of the tape 36 causes the curable liquid seala`nt 34 to move along the pressure measuring tube. While applying a ew ~usually about four) layers of tape will increase the '.
- - , .
', .' .
;
~39~;37 pressure within the reservoir 30, it is necessary to further apply at least one more layer of tape tc!'ncrease the pressure within the reservoir to the desired predetermined level as measured by indicating means on the pressure measuring tube 28. All together the number oE compression layers of tapes will be usually about five but may be more and could be less, depending upon the desired predetermined level Oe pressure. As shown in Figure 2, the pressure within the reservoir 30 has reached the desired predetermined level as noted by indicating means 38 on the pressure measuring tube 28.
Once the predetermined level of pressure in the reservoir 30 has been reached, it is desirable to seal and then move the pressure measuring tube 28 out of the way so that the closure 10 may be finished off. In this regard the pressure measuring tube 28 may be folded over onto the closure 10 as shown in Figure 3, in the direction of arrow 40. When the pressure measuring tube 28 is thus folded over the tube will be crimped (and accordingly sealed) so that none of the liquid sealant 34 will leak out from the pressure measuring tube 28. It i thus apparent that the pressure measuring tube 28 will preferably be flexible enough to create a pressure tight fold seal. Due to the sealing of the pressure measuring tube 28, the sealant 34 will remain at its predetermined level in the pressure measuring tube 28 irrespective of the internal pressure of the reservoir 30. Curing of the liquid sealant 34 allows the sealant 34 to remain permanently at its predetermined level, even if the pressure measuring tube 28 should be punctured or unsealed at some later time. This has a distinct advantage in that if the closure 10 should ever fail, the operator need only view the folded over pressure ~2l5 ~6;~
measuring tube 28 to determine whether the correct pressure in the reservoir 30 had in fact been reached dur'.~g installation.
It is particularly desirable that the reservoir 30 be maintained under pressure for a sufficient period of time so as to permit the liquid sealant 34 to cure. While this will not affect the sealant 34 in the pressure measuring tube 28, since it already has been crimped off ~rom the main supply of sealant, it is nevertheless necessary to maintain the pressure so as to ensure that the splice is sufficiently encapsulated.
.
Referring now to Figure 4 at least one more layer 42 of tape is applied over the pressure measuring tube 28 so as to secure the pressure measuring tube to the reservoir 30 and closure 10.
:
Finally, a closure body 44 is placed around the reservoir 30 and the pressure measuring tube 28 as shown in Figure S. The closure body may be any commercially available or well known closure body. As shown in Figure:5 ..
the preferred closure body is a heat recoverable body 46 of the wraparound type which is sealed by a rail and channel closure 48.
- ~, The pressure measuring tube 28 may take any of several ~ .
forms, In one particular embodiment as shown in Figures 1 to 3, an end 50 of the pressure measuring tube 28 external to the reservoir 30 is sealed. Referring to, ~or example, Figure 1 end 50 of the pressure measuring tube 28 is sealed while the other end 52 is opened to the pressure of the reservoir 30. Thus the pressure of the reservoir 30 is able .
' .
;~ ' ,'' ' ' ' ' :
~:8~37 to be transmitted to the pressure measuring tube 28 in a way that is directly indicative of the pressure within the reservoir 30. While the pressure in the pressure measuring tube may not be linearly related to the pressure within the reservoir, for example due to the presence of air within the tube~ the pressure can nevertheless be calculated using known scientific principles.
It i9 most preferred that the pressure measuring tube 28 has means for indicating the pressure within the reservoir 30. This indicating means may be of many forms as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. ~s shown in Figures 1 to 3, the indicating means may be indicia 38 on the pressure measuring tube 28 itself.
Referring now to Figure 6 which shows four different ,, pressure measuring tubes 28A, 28B, 28C, 28D. One end 50 of each of the pressure measuring tubes 28A to 28D, that is the end that will be external to the reservoir 30, is sealed.
As can be seen, the indicia 38 on the pressure measuring tubes 28A to 28D progressively move toward the se~led end 50 of each of the pressure measuring tubes. The indicia 38 represent a certain,predetermined level of pressure. ~s the indicia 38 move towards the sealed end 50 of the tubes, the predetermined level of pressure is corre~pondingly increased. For example, the lowest leveI of predeterminecl pressure for the pressure measuring tubes shown in Figure 6 occurs with respect to tube 28A. This pressure measuring tube 28A would ordinarily be used for the larger closures.
It is expected that the indicia 38 on pressure measuring tube 28 would correspond to a pressure of about 8 pounds per square inch. On the other hand, the highest level of predetermined pressure would occur with respect to tube 28D
;37 which would ordinarly be used for the smaller closures. It is expected that the indicia 38 on pressure measuring tube 28D would correspond to a pressure of about 25 pounds per square inch. The other pressure monitoring tubes, 28B and 28C, in Figure 6 correspond to predetermined pressure levels between about 8 and 25 pounds per square inch. Of course, the predetermined level of pressure will be predetermined according to the closure size and the desired level of pressure. Thus, the fact that the pressure measuring tubes shown in Figure 6 are particularly suited for pressures between 8 and 25 pounds per square inch is only for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.
The indicia 38 in Figures l to 6 may be represented by a set of two parallel lines or a band of color so as to give a small range of predetermined levels of pressure for each pressure measuring tube. Alternatively, the indicia 38 may be represented by graduations on the pressure measuring tube. Other variations of indicia will occur to those skilled in the art.
~ nother embodiment of the pressure measuring tube is shown in Figure 7. This pressure measuring tube 54 consists of a hollow tubular piece of material 56 with a pressure gauge 58 at one end 60. The pressure gauge 58 would be at the end of the pressure measuring tube 54 which is external to the reservoir 30. Again, the open end 62 of the tube 54 would be in contact with the in~ide of the reservoir 30.
Accordingly, once a compression wrapping of tape is applied to the closure 10, the pressure within the reservoir 30 would be directly indicated on the pressure gauge 58. The further operation of the pressure measuring tube 54 would be 1dentical to pressure measuring tubes 28 discussed pre~
.
, .
-10- MPllA7-FF
viously in that once the desired level of pressure is reached, the tube 54 may be folded over, as shown in Figure 3, so as to maintain a permanent record of the pressure level which was actually reached during installation. Once the pressure measuring tube 54 is folded over, the pressure gauge 58 may be removed and the end 60 of the tube 54 sealed. Curing of the liquid sealant may occur before or after the removal of the pressure gauge.
An additional requirement of the pressure measuring tube material is that it should be transparent or translucent so that the curable liquid sealant can be observed and then compared with the indicia (if present). The dimensions of the tube are particularly important. The inside diameter of the tube is limited by the viscosity and surface tension of the encapsulant. For example, if the inside diameter is too large, the encapsulant merely flows in without regard to the pressure within the reservoir. Thus, the inside diameter of the tube is preferably between about 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch.
The length of the pressure measuring tube is dictated more by practical reasons. If the tube is too short, the indicia are hidden within the closure while if the tube is too long, the tube gets in the way during assembly of the closure. Accordingly, the preferred length o~ the pressured measuring tube is generally between about 10 and 20 inches.
CLOSURE FOR PROTECTING A SUBSTRATE
This invention relates to a closure for protecting a substrate such as a splice in multi-wire electrical cables, in particular communications cables, from ingress of water into the splice.
As disclosed in, for example, Shimirak U.S. Patent No.
4,466,843, various methods have been proposed Eor protecting the splice from ingress of water into the splice.
Typically, these methods may comprise filling a reservoir surrounding the splice with a curable liquid sealant. In the Shimirak patent, there is provided the further step of compressing the reservoir while the liquid sealant is in the liquid state and maintaining it under compression for a time sufficient to permit cure of the liquid sealant to its hardened state.
As further disclosed in the Shimirak patent, it is desirable to compress the reservoir until a predetermined level of pressure is reached, generally of the order of about 3 to 12 pounds per square inch, preferably of the order of about 8 to 25 pounds per square inch. It would, of course, be desirable to know when this predetermined level o~ pressure had been reached. One method to ascertain this predetermined level of pressure is to insert a transducer within the reservoir. The pressure within the reservoir may be simply determined by monitoring the transducer. ~his method is satisfactory except that transducers are expensive and various electronics are needed to monitor the transducer electrically.
: ~ ' . . . ~ -, - . .
; . . . . .
', -~.2~6~7 The need has thus arisen for a low cost, relatively simple way to monitor the pressure within the reservoir.
In one aspect, the present inven-tion provides a closure which is protecting a substrate, comprising:
a reservoir positioned around the substrate;
a cured liquid sealant within the reservoir; and a pressure measuring tube which communicates between the inside and the outside of the reservoir, the end of the the tube external to the reservoir being sealed, and the tube containing cured sealant which has been forced into the tube by pressure applied to the closure while still curable.
The present closure has the advantage that the pressure ~measuring tube provides a low cost and relatively simple way to measure the pressure in the reservoir.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of protecting a substrate, comprising: -, positioning a reservoir around the substrate with a pressure indicating tube communicating between the inside and the outside or the reservoir, the tube being sealed at the end external to the reservoir;
introducing a curable sealant into the reservoir~
increasing the pressure within the reservoir, the increase in pressure being sufficient to force the sealant a predetermined distance along the tube; and , . :
' ~2~963'7 ~3- MP1147-FF
curing the sealant.
In a further aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts for protecting a substrate, comprising a reservoir for positioning around tha substrate;
a curable sealant for introduction to the reservoir;
means for applying pressure to the sealant contained within the reservoir; and a tube for measuring the pressure applied to the sealant within the reservoir.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way o example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure l is a breakaway side view of a closure according to the invention.
Figures 2 to 5 are side views of a closure according to the invention.
Figure 6 is a side view of a closure having aplurality of pressure measuring tubes.
Figure 7 i5 a side view of another embodiment of a pressure measuring tube according to the invention.
Referring to the figures in more detail, Figure 1 ~hows a alosure 10 which prot~Fcs a splice between two cables.
.
:
.
~ ' .
'' ', ~96~
Each of the cables 14, 16 has a plurality of individual insulated wire conductor 18, 20, respectively. The wire conductors 18, 20 are joined by modular connectors 22. In forming the closure, sealant tape 24 is first wrapped around each of the cables. It is preferred that this sealant tape 24 be S1061 (or equivalent) available from Raychem Corporation. This sealant tape is preferred since it provides a good seal by virtue of its desirable mastic properties. At one end 26 of the closure 10 hollow pressure measuring tube 28 is placed upon the sealant tape 24.
Preferably~ another layer of sealant tape 31 is then wrapped around the pressure measuring tube 28 and cable 16. Due to the desirable properties of the sealant tape 24~31, the pressure measuring tube 2g is embedded within the sealant tape 24,31 so that a complete seal around the pressure measuring tube 28 is obtained. Thereafter, a flexible resarvoir 30 is positioned around the splice 12. At the end 26 of the closure 12 where tha pressure measuring tube 28 is located, the flexible reservoir 30 is positioned over sealant tape 31 and pressure measuring tube 28. ~t the other end 27 of the closure 12, the flexible reservoir 30 is simply positioned over sealant tape 24. Then a wrapping 32 of vinyl tape is provided over the flexibla reservoir 30 and cables 14,16. At this point in the procedure a complete seal is formed with the flexible reservoir 30 and pressure measuring tube 28 so that when the curable liquid sealant 34 is introduced into the reservoir 30 none of the liquid sealant 34 will seep out along the cables 14, L6. ~fter introduction of the liquid sealant 34, the central open portion of the reservoir may be Eolded over and closed.
Since a considerable amount of compressive stress is to be applied to the pressure measuring tube 28, it is \
.
~28963~7 necessary that the pressure measuring tube be made from a relatively rigid material which '~ill not collapse under the compressive stress and will not expand when its internal pressure increases. While many materials are suitable for , this purpose, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art, a particularly preferred material for the pressure monitoring tube is Nylon 6. Other preferred materials are Nylon 11 and Nylon 12 although they are not as desirable as Nylon 6 since they are more expensive. Polyethylene could also be used but it is not preferred since its not as chemically compatible with the liquid sealant as are the Nylons~
' .
The curable liquid sealant 34 which has been intro-duced into the reservoir, as shown in Figure 1, is not yet under pressure. This being the case, the pressure measuring tube which communicates between the inside and outside of the reservoir 3n is substantially devoid of the curable liquid sealant 34.
Referring now to Figure 2, a compression wrapping of tape 36 has been applied to the closure 10. This ~, compression wrapping of tape 36 comprises a plurality of layers of tape which serve to increase the pressure within the,reservoir 30. The preferred tape is a plasticized vinyl tape such as PERMAWRAP tavailable from Teltronics, Austin , -Texas). While the tape wrapping is the preferred means for increasing the pressure within the re~ervoir 30, other means ~or increasin~ the pressure within reservoir 30, such as bladders, may'be used instead~ The compre~sion wrapping of the tape 36 causes the curable liquid seala`nt 34 to move along the pressure measuring tube. While applying a ew ~usually about four) layers of tape will increase the '.
- - , .
', .' .
;
~39~;37 pressure within the reservoir 30, it is necessary to further apply at least one more layer of tape tc!'ncrease the pressure within the reservoir to the desired predetermined level as measured by indicating means on the pressure measuring tube 28. All together the number oE compression layers of tapes will be usually about five but may be more and could be less, depending upon the desired predetermined level Oe pressure. As shown in Figure 2, the pressure within the reservoir 30 has reached the desired predetermined level as noted by indicating means 38 on the pressure measuring tube 28.
Once the predetermined level of pressure in the reservoir 30 has been reached, it is desirable to seal and then move the pressure measuring tube 28 out of the way so that the closure 10 may be finished off. In this regard the pressure measuring tube 28 may be folded over onto the closure 10 as shown in Figure 3, in the direction of arrow 40. When the pressure measuring tube 28 is thus folded over the tube will be crimped (and accordingly sealed) so that none of the liquid sealant 34 will leak out from the pressure measuring tube 28. It i thus apparent that the pressure measuring tube 28 will preferably be flexible enough to create a pressure tight fold seal. Due to the sealing of the pressure measuring tube 28, the sealant 34 will remain at its predetermined level in the pressure measuring tube 28 irrespective of the internal pressure of the reservoir 30. Curing of the liquid sealant 34 allows the sealant 34 to remain permanently at its predetermined level, even if the pressure measuring tube 28 should be punctured or unsealed at some later time. This has a distinct advantage in that if the closure 10 should ever fail, the operator need only view the folded over pressure ~2l5 ~6;~
measuring tube 28 to determine whether the correct pressure in the reservoir 30 had in fact been reached dur'.~g installation.
It is particularly desirable that the reservoir 30 be maintained under pressure for a sufficient period of time so as to permit the liquid sealant 34 to cure. While this will not affect the sealant 34 in the pressure measuring tube 28, since it already has been crimped off ~rom the main supply of sealant, it is nevertheless necessary to maintain the pressure so as to ensure that the splice is sufficiently encapsulated.
.
Referring now to Figure 4 at least one more layer 42 of tape is applied over the pressure measuring tube 28 so as to secure the pressure measuring tube to the reservoir 30 and closure 10.
:
Finally, a closure body 44 is placed around the reservoir 30 and the pressure measuring tube 28 as shown in Figure S. The closure body may be any commercially available or well known closure body. As shown in Figure:5 ..
the preferred closure body is a heat recoverable body 46 of the wraparound type which is sealed by a rail and channel closure 48.
- ~, The pressure measuring tube 28 may take any of several ~ .
forms, In one particular embodiment as shown in Figures 1 to 3, an end 50 of the pressure measuring tube 28 external to the reservoir 30 is sealed. Referring to, ~or example, Figure 1 end 50 of the pressure measuring tube 28 is sealed while the other end 52 is opened to the pressure of the reservoir 30. Thus the pressure of the reservoir 30 is able .
' .
;~ ' ,'' ' ' ' ' :
~:8~37 to be transmitted to the pressure measuring tube 28 in a way that is directly indicative of the pressure within the reservoir 30. While the pressure in the pressure measuring tube may not be linearly related to the pressure within the reservoir, for example due to the presence of air within the tube~ the pressure can nevertheless be calculated using known scientific principles.
It i9 most preferred that the pressure measuring tube 28 has means for indicating the pressure within the reservoir 30. This indicating means may be of many forms as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. ~s shown in Figures 1 to 3, the indicating means may be indicia 38 on the pressure measuring tube 28 itself.
Referring now to Figure 6 which shows four different ,, pressure measuring tubes 28A, 28B, 28C, 28D. One end 50 of each of the pressure measuring tubes 28A to 28D, that is the end that will be external to the reservoir 30, is sealed.
As can be seen, the indicia 38 on the pressure measuring tubes 28A to 28D progressively move toward the se~led end 50 of each of the pressure measuring tubes. The indicia 38 represent a certain,predetermined level of pressure. ~s the indicia 38 move towards the sealed end 50 of the tubes, the predetermined level of pressure is corre~pondingly increased. For example, the lowest leveI of predeterminecl pressure for the pressure measuring tubes shown in Figure 6 occurs with respect to tube 28A. This pressure measuring tube 28A would ordinarily be used for the larger closures.
It is expected that the indicia 38 on pressure measuring tube 28 would correspond to a pressure of about 8 pounds per square inch. On the other hand, the highest level of predetermined pressure would occur with respect to tube 28D
;37 which would ordinarly be used for the smaller closures. It is expected that the indicia 38 on pressure measuring tube 28D would correspond to a pressure of about 25 pounds per square inch. The other pressure monitoring tubes, 28B and 28C, in Figure 6 correspond to predetermined pressure levels between about 8 and 25 pounds per square inch. Of course, the predetermined level of pressure will be predetermined according to the closure size and the desired level of pressure. Thus, the fact that the pressure measuring tubes shown in Figure 6 are particularly suited for pressures between 8 and 25 pounds per square inch is only for purposes of illustration and not of limitation.
The indicia 38 in Figures l to 6 may be represented by a set of two parallel lines or a band of color so as to give a small range of predetermined levels of pressure for each pressure measuring tube. Alternatively, the indicia 38 may be represented by graduations on the pressure measuring tube. Other variations of indicia will occur to those skilled in the art.
~ nother embodiment of the pressure measuring tube is shown in Figure 7. This pressure measuring tube 54 consists of a hollow tubular piece of material 56 with a pressure gauge 58 at one end 60. The pressure gauge 58 would be at the end of the pressure measuring tube 54 which is external to the reservoir 30. Again, the open end 62 of the tube 54 would be in contact with the in~ide of the reservoir 30.
Accordingly, once a compression wrapping of tape is applied to the closure 10, the pressure within the reservoir 30 would be directly indicated on the pressure gauge 58. The further operation of the pressure measuring tube 54 would be 1dentical to pressure measuring tubes 28 discussed pre~
.
, .
-10- MPllA7-FF
viously in that once the desired level of pressure is reached, the tube 54 may be folded over, as shown in Figure 3, so as to maintain a permanent record of the pressure level which was actually reached during installation. Once the pressure measuring tube 54 is folded over, the pressure gauge 58 may be removed and the end 60 of the tube 54 sealed. Curing of the liquid sealant may occur before or after the removal of the pressure gauge.
An additional requirement of the pressure measuring tube material is that it should be transparent or translucent so that the curable liquid sealant can be observed and then compared with the indicia (if present). The dimensions of the tube are particularly important. The inside diameter of the tube is limited by the viscosity and surface tension of the encapsulant. For example, if the inside diameter is too large, the encapsulant merely flows in without regard to the pressure within the reservoir. Thus, the inside diameter of the tube is preferably between about 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch.
The length of the pressure measuring tube is dictated more by practical reasons. If the tube is too short, the indicia are hidden within the closure while if the tube is too long, the tube gets in the way during assembly of the closure. Accordingly, the preferred length o~ the pressured measuring tube is generally between about 10 and 20 inches.
Claims (12)
1. A closure which is protecting a substrate, comprising:
a reservoir positioned around the substrate;
a cured liquid sealant within the reservoir; and a pressure measuring tube which communicates between the inside and the outside of the reservoir, the end of the the tube external to the reservoir being sealed, and the tube containing cured sealant which has been forced into the tube by pressure applied to the closure while still curable.
a reservoir positioned around the substrate;
a cured liquid sealant within the reservoir; and a pressure measuring tube which communicates between the inside and the outside of the reservoir, the end of the the tube external to the reservoir being sealed, and the tube containing cured sealant which has been forced into the tube by pressure applied to the closure while still curable.
2. A closure as claimed in claim 1, in which the tube has indicia for indicating whether a predetermined pressure had been reached within the reservoir before the sealant cured.
3. A closure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the pressure measuring tube is formed integrally with the reservoir.
4. A closure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the pressure measuring tube had been separate from the reservoir, and has been inserted into it prior to the application of pressure to the curable sealant.
5. A closure as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the substrate comprises a cable or a joint between at least two cables, the cable or cables each comprising a plurality of conductors.
6. A method of protecting a substrate, comprising:
positioning a reservoir around the substrate with a pressure indicating tube communicating between the inside and the outside or the reservoir, the tube being sealed at the end external to the reservoir;
introducing a curable sealant into the reservoir;
increasing the pressure within the reservoir, the increase in pressure being sufficient to force the sealant a predetermined distance along the tube; and curing the sealant.
positioning a reservoir around the substrate with a pressure indicating tube communicating between the inside and the outside or the reservoir, the tube being sealed at the end external to the reservoir;
introducing a curable sealant into the reservoir;
increasing the pressure within the reservoir, the increase in pressure being sufficient to force the sealant a predetermined distance along the tube; and curing the sealant.
7. A method as claimed in claim 6, in which pressure is applied to the reservoir by means of a wrapped tape.
8. A method as claimed in claim 6, which includes the step of folding the pressure measuring tube onto the reservoir after the sealant has cured.
9. A method as claimed in claim 8, in which the folded pressure measuring tube is held against the reservoir by means of a wrapped tape.
10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, in which the external end of the pressure measuring tube is sealed to a pressure gauge, at least until the sealant has cured.
11. A kit of parts for protecting a substrate, comprising:
a reservoir for positioning around the substrate;
a curable sealant for introduction to the reservoir;
means for applying pressure to the sealant contained within the reservoir; and a tube for measuring the pressure applied to the sealant within the reservoir.
a reservoir for positioning around the substrate;
a curable sealant for introduction to the reservoir;
means for applying pressure to the sealant contained within the reservoir; and a tube for measuring the pressure applied to the sealant within the reservoir.
12. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 11, in which the means for applying pressure comprises a flexible tape for wrapping around the reservoir.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/912,441 US4764232A (en) | 1986-09-26 | 1986-09-26 | Method of protecting a cable splice with a splice closure having pressure measuring means |
| US912,441 | 1986-09-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1289637C true CA1289637C (en) | 1991-09-24 |
Family
ID=25431926
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000547781A Expired - Fee Related CA1289637C (en) | 1986-09-26 | 1987-09-24 | Closure for protecting a substrate |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4764232A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1289637C (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2005348A6 (en) |
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| US4943685A (en) * | 1989-03-17 | 1990-07-24 | Commu-Tec, Inc. | Cable splicing and termination system |
| US5038003A (en) * | 1990-05-14 | 1991-08-06 | T & B Industries, Inc. | Waterproof electrical splice enclosure with specialized housing to prevent the wires from being removed from the waterproof material within the housing |
| US5245133A (en) * | 1991-10-15 | 1993-09-14 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Moisture-resistant cable splice and sealing structure thereof |
| US5251373A (en) * | 1991-10-15 | 1993-10-12 | Thomas & Betts Corporation | Method for protection of cable splices |
| DE4241483A1 (en) * | 1992-12-09 | 1994-06-16 | Rxs Schrumpftech Garnituren | Method for producing a locking plug for the longitudinal sealing of cables, in particular fiber optic cables |
| US5426715A (en) * | 1993-07-23 | 1995-06-20 | Raychem Corporation | Oval port seal and method used for an optical fiber cable closure |
| US20020046865A1 (en) * | 1997-02-13 | 2002-04-25 | Glen J. Bertini | Cable fluid injection sleeve |
| US5854444A (en) * | 1997-08-05 | 1998-12-29 | Phoenix Logistics, Inc. | Environmentally sealed splice kit for shielded cable and method therefor |
| US6294737B1 (en) | 1999-06-23 | 2001-09-25 | P. L. Chestney | Reusable closure for wire splices |
| US6600423B1 (en) * | 2001-10-08 | 2003-07-29 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corporation | Systems and methods for remotely controlling a cable pressure monitoring unit |
| US7120347B2 (en) | 2004-01-27 | 2006-10-10 | Corning Cable Systems Llc | Multi-port optical connection terminal |
| DK1723700T3 (en) * | 2004-03-01 | 2013-04-15 | Novinium Inc | High pressure power cable connector |
| US7680388B2 (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2010-03-16 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Methods for configuring and testing fiber drop terminals |
| US7489849B2 (en) | 2004-11-03 | 2009-02-10 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Fiber drop terminal |
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| US7422378B2 (en) | 2006-03-09 | 2008-09-09 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Fiber optic cable breakout configuration with excess fiber length |
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| US7609925B2 (en) | 2007-04-12 | 2009-10-27 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Fiber optic cable breakout configuration with tensile reinforcement |
| US7769261B2 (en) * | 2007-09-05 | 2010-08-03 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Fiber optic distribution cable |
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| DE102008055124A1 (en) * | 2008-12-23 | 2010-07-01 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Seal for at least one electrical line |
| US8324502B2 (en) * | 2009-01-19 | 2012-12-04 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Covered cable assemblies and methods and systems for forming the same |
| US8915659B2 (en) | 2010-05-14 | 2014-12-23 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Splice enclosure arrangement for fiber optic cables |
| EP2633354A1 (en) | 2010-10-28 | 2013-09-04 | Corning Cable Systems LLC | Impact resistant fiber optic enclosures and related methods |
| US8885998B2 (en) | 2010-12-09 | 2014-11-11 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Splice enclosure arrangement for fiber optic cables |
| US9069151B2 (en) | 2011-10-26 | 2015-06-30 | Corning Cable Systems Llc | Composite cable breakout assembly |
| US8873926B2 (en) | 2012-04-26 | 2014-10-28 | Corning Cable Systems Llc | Fiber optic enclosures employing clamping assemblies for strain relief of cables, and related assemblies and methods |
| US9425605B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-08-23 | Tyco Electronics Corporation | Method for protecting a cable splice connection with a cover assembly |
| US10389103B2 (en) | 2016-10-18 | 2019-08-20 | Te Connectivity Corporation | Breakout boot assemblies and methods for covering electrical cables and connections |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1387279A (en) * | 1972-05-05 | 1975-03-12 | Post Office | Fluid filled cable |
| US3895180A (en) * | 1973-04-03 | 1975-07-15 | Walter A Plummer | Grease filled cable splice assembly |
| US4025717A (en) * | 1975-05-07 | 1977-05-24 | Whittingham William F | High voltage shielded cable splice |
| US4466843A (en) * | 1981-06-08 | 1984-08-21 | Raychem Corporation | Protection of cable splice |
| WO1986000178A1 (en) * | 1984-06-11 | 1986-01-03 | American Telephone & Telegraph Company | Forced encapsulation means |
| US4648919A (en) * | 1984-09-18 | 1987-03-10 | Raychem Corp. | Protection of cable splice |
| US4670069A (en) * | 1984-09-18 | 1987-06-02 | Raychem Corp. | Protection of cable splice |
-
1986
- 1986-09-26 US US06/912,441 patent/US4764232A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1987
- 1987-09-24 CA CA000547781A patent/CA1289637C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-09-24 ES ES8702739A patent/ES2005348A6/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4764232A (en) | 1988-08-16 |
| ES2005348A6 (en) | 1989-03-01 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |