Anthony Forte

US Patent:

20020004128, Jan 10, 2002

Filed:

May 27, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/320781

Inventors:

ANTHONY FORTE - MIDDLETOWN NJ, US
DANIEL L. SWAN - RALEIGH NC, US

International Classification:

B32B003/06
B32B005/14
B32B007/12
B32B005/22
B32B003/26

US Classification:

428/308400, 428/321100, 428/306600, 428/317100, 428/317900

Abstract:

A foam/sealant system in which a sealant material, such as a conventional gel, is introduced into an open cell foam to provide an environmental seal for electrical connections, preferably for electrical connections that are embedded within the foam/sealant system. Sealant materials, such as gels, that require curing can be held in place by the foam while in a liquid state to eliminate difficult and costly filling methods. The gel can be cured either while the foam is located at its final location in connection with the electrical connection point to be protected, or the gel can be pre-cured in the foam and then the composite foam/sealant system can be placed in the appropriate location. Preferably, the foam is placed in the appropriate location such that the electrical connection point is embedded in the foam before the gel is introduced, thereby allowing the gel to cure in connection with the electrical connection or substrate to be protected.