GB1426607A - Re-enterable splice enclosure - Google Patents

Abstract

1426607 Splice enclosure for cable joints MINNESOTA MINING & MFG CO 23 July 1973 [24 July 1972] 35038/73 Heading H2E A re-enterable splice enclosure assembly comprises anchor members 20 which engage at least two lengths of communication cable 12, 13, 14 and engage and are attached by attaching means to a separable two part housing 22 to define a cavity 24 containing a protective water-insoluble material and which encloses the exposed conductors of a splice 11 between said cables. Said material may be a powder with maximum diameter <10 Ám or a grease having a viscosity uniform from -40‹ to + 60‹ C. and giving a penetrometer reading between 200 and 280 or a closed cell foam of density between 2 and 20 lb. ft.<SP>-3</SP> preferably below 4 lb. ft.<SP>-3</SP> or a jelly-like layer formed from two liquids which self cure when mixed together. Housing 22 has arcuate walls 50, 54 having adjacent each end rings 58 mating with exterior rings 43 an anchor member 20 and may be severed so that one set of a plurality of rings 68 may instead engage with rings 43 so that a shortened splice cavity is formed. Said attaching means includes clamps 60 and a plurality of flexible resilient U-shaped members 66, attached at their ends to wall 50, hooking over projections 64 on wall 50 to hold the shaped wall edges 56, 57 in mating engagement. Edges 56, 57 have slots 74 for insertion of a flat tool. The anchor members 20 comprise shell 26, comprised of halves mating with tongue and groove engagement, and are made rigid by pouring through fill spout 36 a resinous liquid hardenable at between -18‹ and 50‹ C. Spaced grooves 46 permit severing to make an opening of diameter suitable for the cables. The description contains details of the component parts, possible materials which may be employed for the components and fillings, the method of assembly and filling, and suitable dimensions.