Raychem Limited

Larry R Reeder

Ray F Stewart

James P Reed

Peter L Brooks

Robert S Wasley

Mauro Bonomi

Michael Masia

Louis M Frank

Thomas W Tolles

Laurence M Welsh

John Lahlough

John G Lahlouh

Paul D Hauptly

Denis I Wales

Lawrence Welsh

Detection of liquid leaks and other changes in variables is disclosed. The event causes two elongate conductors to become electrically connected at a location which is determined by the event, thus creating a system in which the connection point can be located by measuring the potential drop from one end of one of the conductors (called the locating member) to the connection point. The system comprises a balancing component so that its sensitivity is not dependent on the location of the event along an elongate path. A fixed current flows through the connection, so that the result is independent of the resistance of the connection. The locating member can be a continuous resistive wire, coated with a conductive polymer; such a locating member can form part of a sensor cable in which the elongate components of the circuit are in a wrapped configuration. Alternatively the locating member comprises a plurality of discrete resistors. The system is arranged so that only connections within a certain range of resistance will activate the system. The voltage drop is calculated by comparing it to the voltage drop over a resistor of known size. Particular event-sensitive connection means are employed for the detection of hydrocarbons.

Method for detecting and obtaining information about changes in variables

An elongate sensor for detecting and locating presence of a liquid, e.g. water or a hydrocarbon. The sensor includes first and second elongate members which are spaced apart from each other and each of which is a metal conductor covered by a conductive polymer; a third, insulated elongate conductor; and an elongate insulating core. At least one of the elongate members is helically wrapped around the core. Presence of the liquid at any point along the length of the sensor causes the first and second members to be electrically connected at that point, creating a system in which the potential drop down one of the members can be measured and the location of the connection determined.

Method for detecting and obtaining information about changers in

Detection of events, e.g. liquid leaks and other changes in varibles. The event causes two conductors to become electrically connected, and thus creating a system in which the connection point can be located by measuring the potential drop from one end of one of the conductors (called the locating member) to the connection point. Preferably a fixed current flows through the connection, so that the result is independent of the resistance of the connection. The locating member can be a continuous resistive wire, preferably coated with a conductive polymer; such a locating member can form part of a sensor cable in which the elongate components of the circuit are in a wrapped configuration, or part of a cable in which the conductors are separated by a member shaped to prevent capillary action of a liquid from connecting the conductors. Alternatively the locating member comprises a plurality of discrete resistors. Preferably the system is arranged so that the sensitivity of the system is not dependent on the location of the fault and/or is such that only connections within a certain range of resistance will activate the system. The voltage drop is preferably calculated by comparing it to the voltage drop over a resistor of known size. Particular event-sensitive connection means are preferably employed for the detection of hydrocarbons and for the detection of acids.

Elongate sensors comprising conductive polymers, and methods and

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.

Shield termination enclosure with access means and shield connection

To organize and electrically terminate both ends of a plurality of wires, an apparatus comprising an array of interconnected, substantially parallel passageways is placed over the wires proximate to the first ends of the wires. The first ends of the wires are electrically terminated, and then the array is slid along the wires toward the second ends thereof for organizing the wires. The second ends of the wires are then electrically terminated.

Method and apparatus to organize and to electrically connect wires

A device for connecting electrical conductors comprising a receptacle and plug, the receptacle and plug being adapted such that they may form a straight or right angle connection, the straight connection being either fully shielded or providing test probe access.

Electrical conductor connection device

A device for terminating a coaxial cable to a printed circuit board with a minimum of impedance mismatch is disclosed. The terminator includes a conductive body having a plurality of legs which are designed to pass through holes in the printed circuit board to mechanically attach a coxial cable to the board and electrically terminate the shield of the coaxial cable to an appropriate circuit on the board. The coaxial cable is mechanically connected to the conductive body by a heat shrinkable sleeve, the shielding of the cable being first exposed so that it can make an electrical connection with the conductive body. The center conductor of the cable is bent at right angles with the axis of the cable such that it too will pass through a hole in the printed circuit board and be electrically connected to an appropriate circuit on the board. This bend is made within the confines of a pair of tabs formed on the conductive body which hold the dielectric surrounding the center conductor and in effect form a continuation of the shield so that the impedance of the termination is kept relatively constant.

Matched impedance coaxial cable to printed circuit board terminator

A device for splicing multiconductor wires is provided to achieve splices of balanced length whereby each conductor of the wire carries a substantially equal tensile load. First and second crimp barrels are mounted in a frame having shoulders at opposite ends. Stripped wire conductors are respectively inserted at each end and the conductors are crimped in the barrels. The frame is dimensioned to provide substantially equal tensile loading on each conductor of the wire.

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San Jose, CA, United States of America

Larry R Reeder