David R Randall

US Patent:

44583885, Jul 10, 1984

Filed:

May 18, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/495651

Inventors:

Alan D. Farago - Providence RI
Stephen T. O'Meara - Sutton MA
David M. Randall - West Warwick RI

Assignee:

Neptco Incorporated - Pawtucket RI

International Classification:

F16G 1106

US Classification:

24115R

Abstract:

A high-strength fibrous tape and clamping device therefor to effect the termination and/or splicing thereof. The device comprises a cylindrical body portion and a pair of semicircular plug halves which are retained proximal to the body portion and which cooperate to securely grip the tape in a gradual arcuate path without the use of excessive clamping pressures that would normally cause substantial reductions in the tape's tensile strength. The plug halves have opposed generally flat mating surfaces and oppositely disposed convex arcuate surfaces. The halves are retained proximal to the body portion with the mating surfaces thereof in generally aligned relation by means of spaced bolts which extend generally perpendicularly through the mating surfaces into the body portion. The terminal portion of a tape or the like, which preferably has a plastic antifriction coating thereon, is interposed between the mating surfaces, and the tape is then wrapped around the exterior of the outer convex arcuate surfaces, and then extends away from the body portion. Tensile stresses along the tape draw the two halves into clamping engagement with the end portion of the tape located between the two halves, and this, in combination with the pressurized engagement of the tape with the arcuate surfaces, results in secure gripping of the tape without crushing of the fibers.