Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

William J Seim

Ronald C Houts

Kenneth D Rebers

Manuel Filreis

Mark D Sorlien

Mark M Rutenbeck

Dean C Krenz

James H Ball

Francis M Farrell, Iii

Robert B Otto

Richard D Kahabka

Telecommunication service wire connector

A cable closure end cap arrangement is provided, to achieve a sealing between a cable splice closure, and a cable end in communication therewith. The arrangements according to the invention may be adapted to accommodate more than one cable extending into an end of a cable closure. Preferred arrangements comprise a composite of inner and outer members, each having a bore therein. Each bore is preferably defined by an arrangement of concentric rings, or a circular ridge/trough arrangement. The circular rings include transverse walls extending therebetween, in a preferred manner permitting an accordion-like flexibility. The accordion-like rings accommodate; cables of different sizes; cables at various angles relative to the end cap arrangement and the cable closure; and, movement of the cable closure, for example upon an aerial messenger wire. End cap arrangements according to the present invention are mounted by means of a slit in communication with each bore. The slits are preferably prepared by cutting slots formed in the end cap arrangement during manufacture. Preferred end cap arrangements are made from a rubber, or thermoplastic rubber material, for flexibility and long life.

Cable closure end cap

A cable closure end cap arrangement is provided, to achieve a sealing between a cable splice closure, and a cable end in communication therewith. The arrangements according to the invention may be adapted to accommodate more than one cable extending into an end of a cable closure. Preferred arrangements comprise a composite of inner and outer members, each having a bore therein. Each bore is preferably defined by an arrangement of concentric rings, or a circular ridge/trough arrangement. The circular rings include transverse walls extending therebetween, in a preferred manner permitting an accordion-like flexibility. The accordion-like rings accommodate: cables of different sizes; cables at various angles relative to the end cap arrangement and the cable closure; and, movement of the cable closure, for example upon an aerial messenger wire. End cap arrangements according to the present invention are mounted by means of a slit in communication with each bore. Preferred end cap arrangements are made from a rubber, or thermoplastic rubber material, for flexibility and long life.

A splice closure for environmental protection of aerial cable splices is provided. The splice closure includes a double-wall construction facilitating closure strength, construction and operation. A preferred construction is provided which facilitates extension of an intact closure, by means of a one-half section cut from a second, identical, closure. A trough and drain arrangement facilitates drainage of water from an interior of the closure, to the environment. Preferred orientation of an opening hinge in the closure, facilitates access to an enclosed cable splice area. A preferred arrangement is provided, for association of end cap arrangements with the closure.

Cable closure

A cable closing method and the resultant cable closing constructed by enclosing the cable area to be closed with a flexible waterproof enclosure, wrapping the cable with a water-activatable urethane resin impregnated cloth to span the area enclosed by the flexible waterproof enclosure, wetting the water-activatable urethane resin impregnated cloth to activate the resin and permitting the urethane resin to cure.

Cable closing

A telecommunication service wire shield connector stamped and formed from a sheet of metal and having a generally planar elongate base, a ground stud connection tongue extending from one end of the base, a strain relief adjacent the opposite end of the base and having teeth inclined toward the base for engaging the service wire sheath, and a shield connector between the connection tongue and the strain relief and having small teeth inclined toward the base for scraping the service wire shield upon insertion and making electrical connection to the shield.

Re-enterable service wire splice closure having a shallow cup containing a sealant into which is placed an inverted cylindrical shallow tray containing the spliced ends of the service wire, the cup and the tray have aligned slots through which the cable may extend and a screw cap drives the tray into the cup forcing the sealant around the wire splice connectors to encapsulate the same for moisture resistance. A connector element in the tray serves as the strain relief element for the service wire and as the connector element for the grounding shield.

Re-enterable service wire splice closure

Conical double end cap for use with a cable splice case

Conical single end cap for use with a cable splice case

Conical triple end cap for use with a cable splice case

Shipping enclosure for connectorized cable

A fluid dispensing piston for a cylindrical dispensing tube has a recessed transverse end wall formed with at least one aperture. The aperture is normally covered by a fluid seal removably retained on the exterior surface of the end wall. The piston is placed in a cylindrical dispensing tube with the exterior of the end wall pressing against the fluid in the tube and the piston is moved axially down the tube to dispense the fluid. Further fluid may then be added to the tube and a second piston moved axially down the tube to dispense that fluid, the conformable material covering the aperture in the end wall of the first piston being forced away from the end wall to uncover the apertures as the second piston is moved down the tube to create a pathway for the fluid through the first piston.

Fluid dispensing piston

One-piece flat contact element with opposing bifurcate ends and opposing centrally open extended sides makes possible a compact wire-splicing assembly capable of accepting a wide range of wire sizes and offering high dielectric strength.

Growing community of inventors

Austin, TX, United States of America

William J Seim