초록

A barrier of foamed phenolic resin is provided for a barrier connector. In use, the barrier temporarily holds cables in place while a potting agent is used to permanently secure said cables within the barrier connector.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A barrier for use in a barrier connector, the barrier comprising: foamed phenolic resin having a transverse size and shape to close a passageway through the barrier connector. 2. A barrier according to claim 1, wherein the barrier has a cross sectional area of up to 10% more than that of the pass

1. A barrier for use in a barrier connector, the barrier comprising: foamed phenolic resin having a transverse size and shape to close a passageway through the barrier connector. 2. A barrier according to claim 1, wherein the barrier has a cross sectional area of up to 10% more than that of the passageway through the barrier connector. 3. A barrier according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the barrier ranges from 5 mm to 10 mm. 4. A barrier according to claim 1 and a barrier connector. 5. A barrier and barrier connector according to claim 4, wherein the barrier connector defines a bore narrowing from the mouth of the barrier connector, and wherein the barrier is configured to be pushed from the mouth of the barrier connector to a narrowest part of the bore, wherein the foamed phenolic resin is compressed and fills the narrowest part of the bore. 6. A barrier and barrier connector according to claim 4, wherein the barrier connector comprises an internal projection of the bore configured to prevent the barrier from moving past the projection through the barrier connector. 7. A barrier according to claim 6 wherein the internal projection comprises a circumferential shoulder. 8. A barrier according to claim 5 wherein the bore is defined by a metal sleeve. 9. The barrier of claim 1, wherein the barrier has a cross-sectional size greater than a cross-sectional size of the passageway through the barrier connector. 10. A method of sealing cables within a barrier connector comprising the steps of: a) providing a barrier connector;b) providing a barrier of unapertured foamed phenolic resin of a size and shape at least as big as an internal passageway of the barrier connector;c) inserting the barrier into the internal passageway of the barrier connector such that it entirely fills the internal passageway;d) inserting a cable through the barrier, and in consequence pushing a piece of foamed phenolic resin of substantially the same cross-sectional size as the cable out of the barrier;e) repeating step d) until all required cables are held within the barrier;f) positioning the barrier connector upright with the barrier at the lower end of the barrier connector;g) pouring liquid potting material into the barrier connector; andh) keeping the barrier connector upright until the potting material has set. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the potting material comprises a two-part epoxy sealant. 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the internal passageway is tapered and the inserting the barrier into the internal passageway comprises: pushing the barrier into the internal passageway, wherein the foamed phenolic resin is compressed and fills a narrowest part of the internal passageway. 13. A method of sealing a plurality of cables within a barrier connector comprising the steps of: a) providing a barrier connector;b) forming a barrier for the barrier connector by pressing the end of the barrier connector into foamed phenolic resin such that a piece of foamed phenolic resin substantially the same size as the mouth of an internal passageway of the barrier connector is cut out;c) inserting the barrier into the internal passageway of the barrier connector such that it fills the internal passageway;d) inserting a cable through the barrier, and in consequence pushing a piece of foamed phenolic resin of substantially the same cross-sectional size as the cable out of the barrier;e) repeating step d) until the plurality of cables are held within the barrier;f) positioning the barrier connector upright with the barrier at the lower end of the barrier connector;g) pouring liquid potting material into the barrier connector; andh) keeping the barrier connector upright until the potting material has set. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the liquid potting material comprises a two-part epoxy sealant. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the internal passageway is tapered and the inserting the barrier into the internal passageway comprises: pushing the barrier into the internal passageway, wherein the foamed phenolic resin is compressed and fills a narrowest part of the internal passageway.