US4236949A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for preparing a hermetically sealed assembly
Assignee: Raychem Corp
•
Filing: 1978-09-25
•
Granted: 1980-12-02
•
Expires: 1998-09-25
Abstract
Abstract The formation of a hermetic seal in an assembly resulting from the connection or encapsulation of one or more substrates such as cables by one or more dimensionally-recoverable covering members such as heat-recoverable sleeves is checked by detecting the increase in air pressure which occurs during heating of the assembly once a hermetic seal has been made. To this end, a covering member is provided with an aperture which communicates with a detection device such as a balloon or a manometer and with a space within the assembly in which there is a build up of air pressure.
Inventors
- 👤 David A. Horsma
- 👤 Stephen H. Diaz
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 19:00
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02G; H02G15/00; H02G15/08; H02G15/18; F; F16; F16L; F16L13/00; F16L13/004; F16L47/00; F16L47/20; F16L47/22; F16L59/00; F16L59/14; F16L59/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 54
Claim 1
Independent Claim
113 words
A process for preparing an assembly comprising a substrate and a covering which is hermetically sealed around the substrate which process comprises the steps of: placing a dimensionally recoverable covering member having at least one open end about the substrate which is sought to be hermetically sealed; causing said dimensionally recoverable covering member to recover and to seal hermetically about the substrate; detecting increased air pressure in the interior of the assembly between the covering member and substrate at a point which is remote from said open end by the employment of a detection device which communicates with said point whereby the formation of the hermetic seal is signalled by said detection device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
113 words
A process for preparing an assembly comprising a substrate and a covering which is hermetically sealed around the substrate which process comprises the steps of: placing a dimensionally recoverable covering member having at least one open end about the substrate which is sought to be hermetically sealed; causing said dimensionally recoverable covering member to recover and to seal hermetically about the substrate; detecting increased air pressure in the interior of the assembly between the covering member and substrate at a point which is remote from said open end by the employment of a detection device which communicates with said point whereby the formation of the hermetic seal is signalled by said detection device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detection device communicates with the interior of the assembly via a probe.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said covering member is provided with a lining selected from the group consisting of adhesives and mastics at least in those regions where it forms the hermetic seal to the substrate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said covering member is heat-recoverable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said covering member is generally tubular.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
85 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the covering member is a closure article comprising first and second members adapted to be brought together to form a generally tubular structure having a central cavity portion, the first member being heat-recoverable and the second member being non-heat-recoverable, and provided with means for maintaining said members together during heat-recovery of said first member, the structure so formed being adapted at at least one end thereof to heat-recover around and seal a plurality of cables inserted therein.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A process as claimed in claim 6, wherein the central cavity portion has positioned therein a rigid, dimensionally stable container member for surrounding a splice.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said covering member is provided with a valve.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said covering member is provided with means for the attachment and detachment of the detection device.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection is a balloon.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection device is a whistle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection device is a manometer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein said dimensionally recoverable covering member is preformed.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
A process according to claim 1, wherein said hermetic seal is signalled at the time of formation by said detection device.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
89 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the covering member is an assembly comprised of two or more preformed covering members, at least one of which is at least in part heat-recoverable, and at least one of which has an adhesive or mastic lining at the seal-forming portions thereof, for sealing around the substrate to form a hermetically sealed enclosure, and wherein said detection device detects increased air pressure within said enclosure and provides for relief of excess air pressure therefrom once the hermetic seal has been formed.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
71 words
A process as claimed in claim 1, wherein the covering member is preformed and is at least in part heat-recoverable and has an adhesive or mastic lining at the seal-forming portions thereof for sealing around the substrate to form a hermetically sealed enclosure and wherein said detection device detects increased air pressure within said enclosure and provides for relief of excess air pressure therefrom once the hermetic seal has been formed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
The process as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detection device is provided with a sharp probe used to create an aperture in the cover for communication with the interior of the assembly.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
124 words
A process for preparing an assembly comprising a substrate and a covering which is hermetically sealed around the substrate which process comprises the steps of: placing a dimensionally recoverable covering member having at least one open end about the substrate which is sought to be hermetically sealed; causing said covering member to recover initially at the open end thereof and thereafter uniformly throughout so as to effectuate a hermetic seal about said substrate; detecting increased air pressure in the interior of the assembly between the covering member and substrate at a point which is remote from said open end by the employment of a detection device, which communicates with said point whereby the formation of the hermetic seal is signalled by said detection device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
124 words
A process for preparing an assembly comprising a substrate and a covering which is hermetically sealed around the substrate which process comprises the steps of: placing a dimensionally recoverable covering member having at least one open end about the substrate which is sought to be hermetically sealed; causing said covering member to recover initially at the open end thereof and thereafter uniformly throughout so as to effectuate a hermetic seal about said substrate; detecting increased air pressure in the interior of the assembly between the covering member and substrate at a point which is remote from said open end by the employment of a detection device, which communicates with said point whereby the formation of the hermetic seal is signalled by said detection device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process as claimed in claim 18, wherein said detection device communicates with the interior of the assembly via a probe.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
39 words
A process as claimed in claim 18, wherein said covering member is provided with a lining selected from the group consisting of adhesives and mastics at least in those regions where it forms the hermetic seal to the substrate.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process as claimed in claim 18, wherein said covering member is heat-recoverable.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as claimed in claim 18, wherein said covering member is generally tubular.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
85 words
A process as claimed in claim 18, wherein the covering member is a closure article comprising first and second members adapted to be brought together to form a generally tubular structure having a central cavity portion, the first member being heat-recoverable and the second member being non-heat-recoverable, and provided with means for maintaining said members together during heat-recovery of said first member, the structure so formed being adapted at at least one end thereof to heat-recover around and seal a plurality of cables inserted therein.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
33 words
The process as claimed in claim 18, wherein said detection device is provided with a sharp probe used to create an aperture in the cover for communication with the interior of the assembly.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
97 words
A process for preparing an assembly comprising a substrate and a covering which is hermetically sealed around the substrate which process comprises: heating at least one dimensionally recoverable member having at least one open end thereby causing said covering to recover and seal hermetically about the substrate; detecting increased air pressure caused by the recovery of said covering by employing a detection device which communicates via an aperture in the cover with a point remote from said open end in the interior of the assembly, whereby formation of the hermetic seal is signalled by said detection device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
97 words
A process for preparing an assembly comprising a substrate and a covering which is hermetically sealed around the substrate which process comprises: heating at least one dimensionally recoverable member having at least one open end thereby causing said covering to recover and seal hermetically about the substrate; detecting increased air pressure caused by the recovery of said covering by employing a detection device which communicates via an aperture in the cover with a point remote from said open end in the interior of the assembly, whereby formation of the hermetic seal is signalled by said detection device.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
39 words
A process as claimed in claim 25, wherein said covering member is provided with a lining selected from the group consisting of adhesives and mastics at least in those regions where it forms the hermetic seal to the substrate.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
13 words
A process as claimed in claim 25, wherein said covering member is heat-recoverable.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as claimed in claim 25, wherein said covering member is generally tubular.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
87 words
A process as claimed in claim 25, wherein the covering member is a closure article comprising first and second members adapted to be brought together to form a generally tubular structure having a central cavity portion, the first member being a heat-recoverable and the second member being non-heat-recoverable, and provided with means for maintaining said members together during heat-recovery of said first member, the structure so formed being adapted at at least one end of thereof to heat-recover around and seal a purality of cables inserted therein.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
25 words
A process as claimed in claim 29, wherein the central cavity portion has positioned therein a rigid, dimensionally stable container memeber for surrounding a splice.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process as claimed in claim 29, wherein said aperture is provided with a valve.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process as claimed in claim 29, wherein said covering member is provided with means for the attachment and detachment of the detection device.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process as claimed in claim 25, wherein the detection device is provided with a probe which makes the aperture in the covering member.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as claimed in claim 25, wherein the detection device is a balloon.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as claimed in claim 25, wherein the detection device is a whistle.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as claimed in claim 25, wherein the detection device is a manometer.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus for effectuating a hermetic seal around a substrate comprising of a dimensionally recoverable covering member for placement around said substrate, said covering member having at least one open end, and having an aperture removed from said open end, and having a detection device for attachment to said covering member in communication with said aperture for detecting the formation of a hermetic seal around said substrate upon recovery of said covering member
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
72 words
Apparatus for effectuating a hermetic seal around a substrate comprising of a dimensionally recoverable covering member for placement around said substrate, said covering member having at least one open end, and having an aperture removed from said open end, and having a detection device for attachment to said covering member in communication with said aperture for detecting the formation of a hermetic seal around said substrate upon recovery of said covering member
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 32, wherein said covering member is provided with a lining selected from the group consisting of adhesives and mastics at least in those regions where it forms the hermetic seal to the substrate.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein said covering member is heat-recoverable.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein said covering member is generally tubular.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
131 words
Apparatus comprising a closure article having first and second members adapted to be brought together to form a generally tubular structure having a central cavity portion, the first member being heat recoveable and the second member being non-heat recoverable, and provided with means for maintaining said members together during heat recovery of said first member, the structure so formed being adapted at at least one end thereof to heat-recover around and seal a plurality of cables inserted therein, said tubular structure having , on at least one end, an aperture remote from said end and a detection device for attachment to said aperture for detecting increased air pressure, said tubular structure having a lining of an adhesive at least in those regions where it forms the hermetic seal to the substrate.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
131 words
Apparatus comprising a closure article having first and second members adapted to be brought together to form a generally tubular structure having a central cavity portion, the first member being heat recoveable and the second member being non-heat recoverable, and provided with means for maintaining said members together during heat recovery of said first member, the structure so formed being adapted at at least one end thereof to heat-recover around and seal a plurality of cables inserted therein, said tubular structure having , on at least one end, an aperture remote from said end and a detection device for attachment to said aperture for detecting increased air pressure, said tubular structure having a lining of an adhesive at least in those regions where it forms the hermetic seal to the substrate.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 41, wherein the central cavity portion has positioned therein a rigid, dimensionally stable container member for surrounding a splice.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein said aperture is provided with a valve.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein said covering member is provided with means for the attachment and detachment of the detection device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the detection device is provided with a probe which makes the aperture in the covering member.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the detection device is a balloon.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the detection device is a whistle.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein the detection device is a manometer.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 37, wherein said detection device also provides a mechanism for relief of excess air pressure.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-12-02 | 1984-06-02 | 1984-12-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-02 | 1988-06-02 | 1988-12-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-02 | 1992-06-02 | 1992-12-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |