Patent Publication Number: US-8969741-B2

Title: Damming device for cable sealing

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/492,293, entitled “Damming Device For Cable Sealing” and filed on Jun. 8, 2012, which itself claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/495,755, titled “Damming Mechanism for Cable Sealing” and filed on Jun. 10, 2011, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to cable gland connectors and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for a stopper or integrated damming device for sealing a cable within a cable gland assembly. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Cable gland assemblies are used for terminating cable in hazardous and nonhazardous environments. Typical cable gland assemblies provide a seal around the conductors of the cable, mechanical retention of the cable therein, electrical continuity via the termination of the cable, and an environmental seal on the outer jacket of the cable. To seal the conductors within a sealing chamber of the cable gland assembly, a sealing compound is generally used to seal the individual conductors. Generally, the sealing compound is used in conjunction with a secondary damming material to prevent the flow of the sealing compound beyond the sealing chamber. Conventional damming materials include fiber materials that require the cable gland assembly to be disassembled to place the fiber materials therein. In addition, these fiber damming materials generally require a large volume to contain the material therein. Accordingly, the use of a fiber damming material is time-consuming and cumbersome for a user to assemble. Some cable gland assemblies are available in which a rubber gland is used instead of a fiber damming material. However, these rubber glands generally have limitations in their performance. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a damming device for a conductor in a cable gland connector. The damming device can include an outer portion having a first thickness of a flexible elastomeric material disposed between a first diameter and a second diameter. The damming device can also include an inner portion having a second thickness of the flexible elastomeric material disposed between a third diameter and the second diameter. The damming device can further include a hole having the third diameter. The first diameter can be greater than the second diameter, and the second diameter can be greater than the third diameter. The first thickness greater than the second thickness. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a damming device for a conductor in a cable gland connector. The damming device can include an outer portion having a first thickness of a flexible elastomeric material disposed between a first diameter and a second diameter. The damming device can also include an inner portion having a second thickness of the flexible elastomeric material disposed between a third diameter and a fourth diameter. The damming device can further include a hole having the fourth diameter. The first diameter can be greater than the second diameter, and the second diameter can be greater than the third diameter. In addition, the third diameter can be greater than the fourth diameter, and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness. 
     In yet another aspect, the disclosure can generally relate to a cable gland connector. The cable gland connector can include a union body and a hub body removably coupled to the union body. The cable gland connector can also include a compound chamber positioned within the hub body and mechanically coupled to the union body. The cable gland connector can further include a damming device disposed within a slot formed between a top portion of the compound chamber and a bottom portion of the union body. The damming device can include an outer portion having a first thickness of a flexible elastomeric material disposed between a first diameter and a second diameter. The damming device can also include an inner portion having a second thickness of the flexible elastomeric material disposed between a third diameter and the second diameter. The damming device can further include a hole having the third diameter. The first diameter can be greater than the second diameter, and the second diameter can be greater than the third diameter. Also, the first thickness can be greater than the second thickness. 
     These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope, as the exemplary embodiments may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positionings may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements. 
         FIGS. 1A-D  show various views of an exemplary damming device according to certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  shows a top perspective view of another exemplary damming device in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional side view of a cable gland assembly using the exemplary damming device of  FIGS. 1A-D  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4A-C  show various views of another exemplary damming device in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional side view of another cable gland assembly using the exemplary damming device of  FIGS. 4A-C  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  show various views of another exemplary damming device in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another cable gland assembly using the exemplary damming device of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  show various views of still another exemplary damming device in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional side view of still another cable gland assembly using the exemplary damming device of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  show various views of yet another exemplary damming device in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional side view of still another cable gland assembly using the exemplary damming device of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  shows a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the example cable gland assembly of  FIG. 3  in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
         FIG. 13  shows a cross-sectional side view of another alternative embodiment of the example cable gland assembly of  FIG. 3  in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another alternative embodiment of the example cable gland assembly of  FIG. 3  in accordance with certain example embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In general, exemplary embodiments provide systems, methods, and devices for an integrated damming device for sealing a cable within a cable gland assembly (also called a cable gland connector). The damming device allows one or more conductors to pass through one or more holes. Each hole provides a seal around the corresponding conductor. The seal formed by the damming device around the conductor prevents a sealing compound and/or any other liquid-based compound from passing through the hole along the conductor. The damming device does not require disassembly of the cable gland assembly to ensure proper function. 
     A sealing compound is any liquid-based compound that is injected into the compound chamber of the cable gland assembly. In certain exemplary embodiments, the sealing compound is injected into the compound chamber of the cable gland assembly when one or more conductors is disposed within the compound chamber of the cable gland assembly. The sealing compound can be any suitable liquid that can dry to seal the conductors within the compound chamber. 
     Each damming device described herein can be made of a flexible elastomeric material. Examples of such flexible elastomeric material include, but are not limited to, synthetic rubbers produced by polymerization of chloroprene, such as neoprene, polychloroprene, urethane, and silicone. In addition, or in the alternative, the flexible elastomeric material can include a butyl compound. A damming device can be made as a single piece (e.g., made from a single mold) or as multiple pieces that are mechanically coupled together. In the latter case, the multiple pieces can be mechanically coupled using one or more of a number of methods, including but not limited to epoxy, melting, fusion, a fastening device, and a clamping device. A damming device can also be called by other names, including but not limited to a damming mechanism and an armor stop. 
     Each hole and/or recessed area described herein is shown and described as being cylindrical or conical (i.e., circular when viewed from a horizontal cross section). Alternatively, or in addition, the holes and/or recessed areas can have one or more other shapes, viewed in two or three dimensions. For example, one or more recessed areas of a damming device may have one shape (e.g., cube), while one or more holes of the damming device can have another shape (e.g., cylinder). Examples of such shapes, when viewed in a two dimensional space, include but are not limited to a circle, an ellipse, a square, a rectangle, a hexagon, an octagon, and five-point star. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the walls of the hole and/or recessed area are conical (tapered) to channel the conductor more easily toward a designated area. When the holes, recessed areas, inner portion, outer portion, and/or any other portion of the damming device are circular, each may be defined in terms of one or more radii. Similarly, the holes, recessed areas, inner portion, outer portion, and/or any other portion of the damming device can be defined by one or more other terms appropriate for the shape of the holes, recessed areas, inner portion, outer portion, and/or any other portion of the damming device. For example, while a circular hole is described below with respect to a radius, the circular hole may also be described with respect to one or more other terms, including but not limited to a diameter, a circumference, a volume, and an area. Similarly, holes having other shapes can be described using one or more terms appropriate to that shape. The junction between a hole, a recessed area, an inner portion, an outer portion, and/or any other portion of the damming device can be formed as a pointed edge or a rounded edge. 
       FIGS. 1A-D  show various views an exemplary damming device  100  according to certain exemplary embodiments. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components or elements shown in  FIGS. 1A-D  may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodiments of a damming device should not be considered limited to the specific configuration shown in  FIGS. 1A-D . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-D , the damming device  100  includes an outer portion  170  defined horizontally between an outer radius  120  and an inner radius  122 . The outer portion  170  also has a thickness  130  defined vertically by a height between the top surface  102  of the outer portion  170  and the bottom surface  112  of the outer portion  170 . The damming device  100  also includes an inner portion  172  defined horizontally between an outer radius  122  and an inner radius  124 . The inner portion  172  also has a thickness  132  defined vertically by a height between the top surface  104  of the inner portion  172  and the bottom surface  112  of the inner portion  172 . In certain exemplary embodiments, as in this example, the bottom surface  112  of the outer portion  170  is the same as the bottom surface  112  of the inner portion  172 . The thickness  130  of the outer portion  170  is greater than the thickness of the inner portion  172 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the outer portion  170  is made of one or more materials that are different than the materials of the inner portion  172 . For example, the outer portion  170  and the inner portion  172  may be made of rubber. In addition, a metallic material can be bonded and/or co-molded with the outer portion  170  of the damming device  100  to provide additional stiffness. By having the outer portion  170  be thicker and/or stiffer than the inner portion  172 , the conductor is prevented from being pushed too far into the cable gland assembly. 
     The inner portion  172  may have one or more holes that traverse the inner portion  172 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-D , the inner portion  172  may have only a single circular hole  106  positioned substantially at the horizontal center of the inner portion  172 . In such a case, the hole  106  has a radius  124  (which, as described above, can also be described in other terms, such as a diameter) that is equal to the inner radius  124  of the inner portion  172 . In other exemplary embodiments, as shown below with respect to  FIG. 2 , the inner portion  172  can have multiple holes. The wall  114  of the hole  106  can be vertical through (i.e., perpendicular to) the inner portion  172 . Alternatively, as shown for example in  FIGS. 4A-C  below, the wall  114  can traverse the inner portion  172  at a non-normal (non-perpendicular) angle. Aside from a circular shape, each hole  106  can have one or more of a number of other shapes, including but not limited to an oval, an ellipse, a square, a rectangle, a slit, a slot, a triangle, and a free-form shape. 
     The transition between the outer portion  170  and the inner portion  172  can be substantially seamless, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-D . Specifically, the inner wall  108  of the outer portion  170  can be substantially vertical (i.e., perpendicular to the top surface  104  of the inner portion  172 ). Alternatively, as shown for example in  FIGS. 4A-C , an intermediate section can mechanically couple the outer portion  170  to the inner portion  172 . In such a case, the intermediate section has walls that are non-normal to the top surface  102  of the outer portion  170  and/or the top surface  104  of the inner portion  172 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a top perspective view of another exemplary damming device  200  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The damming device  200  of  FIG. 2  is substantially the same as the damming device  100  of  FIGS. 1A-D , except that the damming device  200  has multiple holes that traverse the inner portion  272 . Specifically, the inner portion  272  includes a central hole  206  and a number of other holes  207  symmetrically positioned around the central hole  206 . The other holes  207  can be the same size as each other or one or more different sizes. Further, the central hole  206  can be the same size and/or a different size as one or more of the other holes  207 . The central hole  206  and/or the other holes  207  can also be arranged in one or more of a number of other ways, including but not limited to a grid (e.g., 2×2, 3×3), a square, a line, and randomly. When the central hole  206  and/or the other holes  207  are circular, each may be defined in terms of one or more radii. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the central hole  206  and/or the other holes  207  traverse one or more recessed portions  274  that are disposed within the inner portion  272 . In  FIG. 2 , there are seven recessed portions  274  disposed on the inner portion  272 , where each recessed portion  274  is traversed by a hole  207 . Such recessed portions  274  can have the same or a different shape compared to the holes  207  that traverse the recessed portions  274 . In either case, the shape of a hole  207  fits within the shape of the corresponding recessed portion  274 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the hole  207  is the same size and shape as the corresponding recessed portion  274 . In this example, the radius of the hole  207  is less than the radius of the opening of the recessed portion  274 . 
     In addition to having a radius, each recessed portion  274  in  FIG. 2  has a thickness. In certain exemplary embodiments, the thickness of each recessed portion  274  is less than the thickness of the inner portion  272 . The thickness of the recessed portion  274  is defined between the top surface  209  of the recessed portion  274  and the bottom surface (hidden from view) of the damming device  200 . In certain exemplary embodiments, one or more of the recessed portions  274  do not have a corresponding hole. In such a case, the thickness of the recessed portion  274  may be very thin to allow a conductor to easily puncture the thickness. When this occurs, the flexible nature of the material of the recessed portion  274  allows the remainder of the top surface  209  of the recessed portion  274  and the bottom surface of the damming device  200  to create a liquid-tight seal around the annulus of the conductor. In such a case, the material (e.g., the remainder of the top surface  209  of the recessed portion  274 , the top surface  204  of the inner portion  272 ) surrounding each hole through which the conductor traverses is under tension with respect to the conductor. 
       FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional side view of a cable gland assembly  300  using the exemplary damming device  100  of  FIGS. 1A-D  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The cable gland assembly  300  includes a hub body  350 , a compound chamber  362 , a union body  356 , and a union body nut  358 . In one or more embodiments, one or more of the components or elements shown in  FIG. 3  may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, embodiments of a cable gland assembly should not be considered limited to the specific configuration shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1A-D  and  FIG. 3 , the compound chamber  362  includes a cavity  352  that traverses the length of the compound chamber  362 . The cavity  352  of the compound chamber  362  receives one or more conductors that traverse the damming device  100 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the cavity  352  of the compound chamber  362  also receives a sealing compound. The cavity  352  can have a substantially uniform horizontal cross-sectional area along the length of the cavity  352 . Alternatively, the horizontal cross-sectional area along the length of the cavity  352  can vary. The cavity  352  is wide enough to allow one or more conductors to pass therethrough. In certain exemplary embodiments, the cavity  352  can be a hollow sleeve that is removably coupled to the inner wall of the body of the compound chamber  362 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a collar  353  can be positioned at the top end of the cavity  352 . The collar  353  can be an extension of the cavity  352  and have a larger horizontal cross-sectional area than the horizontal cross-sectional area of the cavity  352 . The transition between the collar  353  and the cavity  352  can be abrupt (e.g., perpendicular walls, as shown in  FIG. 3 ) or tapered. The collar  353  can be a hollow sleeve that is removably coupled to the inner wall of the body of the compound chamber  362 . In such a case, the collar  353  and the cavity  352  can be the same hollow sleeve. The body of the compound chamber  362  and/or the sleeve forming the collar  353  and/or the cavity  352  can be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, and nylon. 
     The body of the compound chamber  362  has a number of features having varying characteristics. For example, at the top end of the body of the compound chamber  362 , is a collar that extends along the perimeter of the top end. Such a collar can have a height suitable for mating against a corresponding downward protruding feature at the bottom end of the union body  356 . Further, the collar can have a width suitable for mating against a portion of the bottom surface  112  of the damming device  100 . As another example, the middle and bottom end of the body of the compound chamber  362  can have a conical shape with gradually decreasing thickness moving from the top to the bottom of the compound chamber  362 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the compound chamber  362  is seated within a cavity of the hub body  350 . The compound chamber  362  may be coupled to the hub body  350  in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to fixedly, slidably, removably, threadably, and mechanically. The hub body  350  includes a cavity that traverses the length of the hub body  350 . The hub body  350  can be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, and nylon. The hub body  350  can be made of the same or different materials used for the compound chamber  362 . 
     The cavity of the hub body  350  can have one or more features that are complementary of the features on the outer side of the body of the compound chamber  362 . For example, the cavity walls of the hub body  350  can have smooth surfaces that are disposed at angles that complement the smooth surfaces of the outer walls of the compound chamber  362 . As another example, the cavity walls of the hub body  350  can have one or more features (e.g., a notch, a mating thread) that mechanically couple with complementary features disposed on the outer walls of the compound chamber  362 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, when the compound chamber  362  is positioned inside of and/or coupled to the hub body  350 , there is a gap that is formed around at least a portion of the perimeter of the coupled components. A bottom portion of the union body  356  is positioned inside of this gap to mechanically couple the union body  356  to the hub body  350  and the compound chamber  362 . The union body  356  also includes a cavity  360  that traverses at least a portion of the union body  356  and through which one or more conductors are passed and/or positioned. 
     The union body  356  can be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, and nylon. The union body  356  can be made of the same or different materials used for the compound chamber  362  and/or the hub body  350 . Also, the shape (e.g., cylindrical) of the cavity  360  of the union body  356  can be the same or different than the shape of the cavity  352  and/or the collar  353  of the compound chamber  362 . 
     When the union body  356  is mechanically coupled to the compound chamber  362  and the hub body  350 , a gap is formed. The gap is sized such that the damming device  100  fits snugly within the gap. The damming device  100  can snap into place or merely fit within the gap formed by the union body  356 , the compound chamber  362 , and the hub body  350 . In exemplary embodiments, the damming device  100  is not compressed when positioned in the gap between the union body  356 , the compound chamber  362 , and the hub body  350 . In other words, no compressive force is applied to the damming device  100  by the union body  356 , the compound chamber  362 , and/or the hub body  350 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the damming device  100  is held in the gap under tension and without being compressed. 
     The damming mechanism  100  can be positioned within the gap between the union body  356 , the compound chamber  362 , and the hub body  350  in one or more of a number of ways. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the damming device  100  can be positioned in the gap with the bottom surface  112  facing down toward the compound chamber  362 . As another example, the damming device  100  can be positioned in the gap with the bottom surface  112  facing up away from the compound chamber  362 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the union body nut  358  is used to mechanically couple the union body  356 , the compound chamber  362 , and/or the hub body  350 . The union body nut  358  can be coupled to the union body  356  and/or the hub body  350  in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to threadably, removably, clampably, and slidably. In other words, the union body nut  358  can be a nut, a clamp, a brace, or any other suitable fastening device that mechanically couples the union body  356 , the compound chamber  362 , and/or the hub body  350 . The union body nut  358  can be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, metal, plastic, rubber, ceramic, and nylon. The union body nut  358  can be made of the same or different materials used for the union body  356 , the compound chamber  362 , and/or the hub body  350 . 
       FIGS. 4A-C  show various views of another exemplary damming device  400  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The damming device  400  is similar to the damming device  100  of  FIGS. 1A-D  and the damming device  200  of  FIG. 2 , with a few modified and added features. For example, rather than the side wall  408  joining the outer portion  470  and the inner portion  472  being vertical (i.e., substantially perpendicular to the top surface  402  of the outer portion  470  and the top surface  404  of the inner portion  472 ), the side wall  408  is tapered inward. In other words, the side wall  408  forms a conical shape, as the outer radius  426  of the inner portion  472  is less than the inner radius  424  of the outer portion  470 . 
     With respect to the damming device  200  of  FIG. 2 , the recessed portions  474  of the damming device  400  also have tapered side walls  414 , creating a conical shape where the inner radius  427  of the bottom end of the recessed portion  474  is less than the outer radius  429  of the top end of the recessed portion  474 . The bottom end of the recessed portion  474  has a thickness  434  between the surface  409  at the bottom end of the recessed portion  474  and the bottom surface  412  of the damming device  400 . 
     The surface  409  at the bottom end of each recessed portion  474  is shown in  FIGS. 4A-C  to have a hole  406 . One or more of the holes  406  can be fabricated during the manufacturing process of the damming device  400 . Alternatively, one or more of the holes  406  can be made by puncturing the thickness  434  between the surface  409  at the bottom end of the recessed portion  474  and the bottom surface  412  of the damming device  400  with an object. Examples of such an object can include, but are not limited to, a conductor, a nail, and a pin. 
     An added feature of the damming device  400  relative to damming device  100  and damming device  200  is a vertically extending portion  476  that extends downward from the outer end of the outer portion  470 . The vertically extending portion  476  has a width  421  (thickness) defined between the outer radius  420  of the damming device  400  (which coincides with the outer wall  410  of the vertically extending portion  476 ) and the inner radius  422  of the vertically extending portion  476  (which coincides with the inner wall  411  of the vertically extending portion  476 ). The width  421  of the vertically extending portion  476  can be substantially similar to the thickness  432  of the outer portion  470 . 
     In addition, the vertically extending portion  476  has a height  433  that is less than the height  435  of the entire damming device  400 , but greater than the thickness  434  of the recessed portion  474 , the thickness  430  of the inner portion  472 , and the thickness  432  of the outer portion  470 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the vertically extending portion  476  is part of the outer portion  470 , forming a single piece. Alternatively, the vertically extending portion  476  is a separate piece that is mechanically coupled to the outer portion  470 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the existence of the vertically extending portion  476  (including the width  421  and height  433  of the vertically extending portion  476 ), the degree to which the side wall  408  connecting the outer portion  470  to the inner portion  472  is tapered, and/or the thickness between the side wall  408  and the side wall  416  are based on the shape and size of the gap formed by the components of the cable gland connector  500  when such components are assembled.  FIG. 5  shows a cross-sectional side view of a cable gland assembly  500  using the exemplary damming device  400  of  FIGS. 4A-C  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIGS. 4A-5 , the upper portion of the compound chamber  562  is shaped in a way that is complementary to the shape of the underside of the damming device  400 . Likewise, the bottom portion of the union body  556  is shaped in a way that is complementary to the shape of the side and top of the damming device  400 . Otherwise, the cable gland assembly  500  of  FIG. 5  is substantially similar to the cable gland assembly  300  of  FIG. 3  described above. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  show various views of another exemplary damming device  600  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The damming device  600  is similar to the damming device  100  of  FIGS. 1A-D  and the damming device  200  of  FIG. 2 , with a few modified and added features. For example, rather than the outer portion  670  extending above the inner portion  672 , the outer portion  670  extends below the inner portion  672 . As with the damming device  400  of  FIGS. 4A-C , the recessed portions  674  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  have tapered side walls  614 , creating a conical shape where the inner radius  627  of the bottom end of the recessed portion  674  is less than the outer radius  629  of the top end of the recessed portion  674 . The bottom end of the recessed portion  674  has a thickness  634  between the surface  609  at the bottom end of the recessed portion  674  and the bottom surface  612  of the inner portion  672 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the downward extension of the outer portion  470 , the degree to which the inner side wall  611  of the outer portion  670  is angled (in this case, perpendicular) relative to the inner portion  672 , and/or the thickness  621  of the outer portion  670  are based on the shape and size of the gap formed by the components of the cable gland connector  700  when such components are assembled.  FIG. 7  shows a cross-sectional side view of a cable gland assembly  700  using the exemplary damming device  600  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIGS. 6A-7 , the upper portion of the compound chamber  762  is shaped in a way that is complementary to the shape of the underside of the damming device  600 . Likewise, the bottom portion of the union body  756  is shaped in a way that is complementary to the shape of the side and top of the damming device  600 . Otherwise, the cable gland assembly  700  of  FIG. 7  is substantially similar to the cable gland assembly  300  of  FIG. 3  described above. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  show various views of another exemplary damming device  800  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The damming device  800  is similar to the damming device  100  of  FIGS. 1A-D  and the damming device  200  of  FIG. 2 , with a few modified and added features. For example, as with the damming device  400  of  FIGS. 4A-C , the recessed portions  874  of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  have tapered side walls  814 , creating a conical shape where the inner radius  827  of the bottom end of the recessed portion  874  is less than the outer radius  829  of the top end of the recessed portion  874 . The bottom end of the recessed portion  874  has a thickness  834  between the surface  809  at the bottom end of the recessed portion  874  and the bottom surface  812  of the damming device  800 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the width  821  of the outer portion  870 , the degree to which the outer side wall  810  of the outer portion  870  is angled (in this case, perpendicular) relative to the inner portion  872 , and/or the thickness  830  of the outer portion  870  are based on the shape and size of the gap formed by the components of the cable gland connector  900  when such components are assembled.  FIG. 9  shows a cross-sectional side view of a cable gland assembly  900  using the exemplary damming device  800  of  FIGS. 8A and 8B  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIGS. 8A-9 , the upper portion of the compound chamber  962  is shaped in a way that is complementary to the shape of the underside of the damming device  800 . Likewise, the bottom portion of the union body  956  is shaped in a way that is complementary to the shape of the side and top of the damming device  800 . Otherwise, the cable gland assembly  900  of  FIG. 9  is substantially similar to the cable gland assembly  300  of  FIG. 3  described above. 
       FIGS. 10A and 10B  show various views of another exemplary damming device  1000  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The damming device  1000  is similar to the damming device  100  of  FIGS. 1A-D  and the damming device  200  of  FIG. 2 , with a few modified and added features. For example, rather than the outer portion  1070  extending above the inner portion  1072 , the outer portion  1070  extends away from the inner portion  1072 . The outwardly extending portion  1076  has a width  1023  defined between the outer radius  1020  of the damming device  1000  (which coincides with the outer wall  1010  of the outwardly extending portion  1076 ) and the inner radius  1022  of the outwardly extending portion  1076  (which coincides with the outer wall  1016  of the outer portion  470 ). 
     As with the damming device  400  of  FIGS. 4A-C , the recessed portions  1074  of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  have tapered side walls  1014 , creating a conical shape where the inner radius  1027  of the bottom end of the recessed portion  1074  is less than the outer radius  1029  of the top end of the recessed portion  1074 . The bottom end of the recessed portion  1074  has a thickness  1034  between the surface  1009  at the bottom end of the recessed portion  1074  and the bottom surface  1012  of the inner portion  1072 . 
     In addition, the outwardly extending portion  1076  has a thickness  1031  (height) that is less than the thickness  1030  of the outer portion  1070 , but greater than the thickness  1036  of the recessed portion  1074  and the thickness  1034  of the inner portion  1072 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the outwardly extending portion  1076  is part of the outer portion  1070 , forming a single piece. Alternatively, the outwardly extending portion  1076  is a separate piece that is mechanically coupled to the outer portion  1070 . 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the existence of the outwardly extending portion  1076  (including the width  1023  and thickness  1031  of the outwardly extending portion  1076 ), the degree to which the outer side wall  1016  of the outer portion  1070  is angled (in this case, perpendicular) relative to the outwardly extending portion  1076 , and/or the thickness between the side wall  1008  and the side wall  1016  are based on the shape and size of the gap formed by the components of the cable gland connector  1100  when such components are assembled.  FIG. 11  shows a cross-sectional side view of a cable gland assembly  1100  using the exemplary damming device  1000  of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIGS. 10A-11 , the upper portion of the compound chamber  1162  is shaped in a way that is complementary to the shape of the underside of the damming device  1000 . Likewise, the bottom portion of the union body  1156  is shaped in a way that is complementary to the shape of the side and top of the damming device  1000 . Otherwise, the cable gland assembly  1100  of  FIG. 11  is substantially similar to the cable gland assembly  300  of  FIG. 3  described above. 
       FIGS. 12-14  show various alternative embodiments of the cable gland assembly shown in  FIG. 3  in accordance with certain example embodiments. Specifically,  FIGS. 12-14  show various other locations within the cable gland assembly that an example damming device can be disposed. In one or more example embodiments, one or more of the components shown in  FIGS. 12-14  may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, example embodiments of cable gland assemblies (or portions thereof) should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in  FIGS. 12-14 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-14 , the cable gland assembly  1200  of  FIG. 12 , the cable gland assembly  1300  of  FIG. 13 , and the cable gland assembly of  FIG. 14  (including its various components) are substantially the same as the cable gland assembly  300  (and its various components) of  FIG. 3 , except as described below. The description for any component (e.g., union body nut  1258 , hub body  1450 ) of  FIGS. 12-14  not provided below can be considered substantially the same as the corresponding component (e.g., union body nut  358 , hub body  350 ) described above with respect to  FIG. 3 . The numbering scheme for the components of  FIGS. 12-14  parallel the numbering scheme for the components of  FIG. 3  in that each component is a three digit number, where similar components between the cable gland assemblies of  FIGS. 12-14  and the cable gland assembly  300  of  FIG. 3  have the identical last two digits. 
     Further, while the damming device  100  of  FIG. 1  is shown in each cable gland assembly of  FIGS. 12-14 , any damming device shown and/or described herein can be used in one or more of the example cable gland assemblies of  FIGS. 12-14 . Similarly, while the cable gland assemblies of  FIGS. 12-14  are based substantially on the cable gland assembly  300  of  FIG. 3 , one or more of the cable gland assemblies of  FIGS. 12-14  can have any of a number of other configurations and/or components. 
     The principal difference between the cable gland assemblies shown in  FIGS. 12-14  and the cable gland assembly  300  of  FIG. 3  is the location at which the damming device  100  is disposed within the cable gland assembly. The damming device  100  can be disposed at one or more of a number of locations within a cable gland assembly. In any case, the damming device  100  can be disposed within a receiving area, which can also be called, for example, a gap or a slot. In the examples shown in the previous figures herein, the damming device is disposed in a receiving area formed between the top portion of the compound chamber and the bottom portion of the union body.  FIGS. 12-14  show other locations within the cable gland assembly that a receiving area (and, thus, a damming device) can be disposed. 
     For the cable gland assembly  1200  in  FIG. 12 , the receiving area  1299  is formed within the cavity  1260  of the union body  1256 . Specifically, the one or more inner walls  1257  of the union body  1256  that form the cavity  1260  can have one or more features that form the receiving area  1299  for receiving the damming device  100 . Such features can include, but are not limited to, a slot, a detent, mating threads, a stiffening device, a spring, a clip, a tab, and a recess. The receiving area  1299  can be located at any point along the length of the cavity  1260 . Thus, when the damming device  100  is positioned within the receiving area  1299 , the damming device  100  can be located inside the cavity  1260  of the union body  1256 . In certain example embodiments, when the damming device  100  is positioned within the receiving area  1299 , the damming device  100  can be under tension. 
     For the cable gland assembly  1300  in  FIG. 13 , the receiving area  1399  is formed within the cavity  1352  of the compound chamber  1362 . Specifically, the one or more inner walls  1367  of the compound chamber  1362  that form the cavity  1352  can have one or more features that form the receiving area  1399  for receiving the damming device  100 . Such features can be substantially the same as the features described above with respect to the features of the receiving area  1299  of  FIG. 12 . The receiving area  1399  can be located at any point along the length of the cavity  1352 . Thus, when the damming device  100  is positioned within the receiving area  1399 , the damming device  100  can be located inside the cavity  1352  of the compound chamber  1362 . In certain example embodiments, when the damming device  100  is positioned within the receiving area  1399 , the damming device  100  can be under tension. 
     For the cable gland assembly  1400  in  FIG. 14 , the receiving area  1499  is formed within the collar  1453  of the compound chamber  1462 . The collar  1453  can be part of, or separate from, the cavity  1452  of the compound chamber  1462 . Specifically, the one or more inner walls  1455  of the compound chamber  1362  that form the collar  1453  can have one or more features that form the receiving area  1499  for receiving the damming device  100 . Such features can be substantially the same as the features described above with respect to the features of the receiving area  1299  of  FIG. 12 . The receiving area  1499  can be located at any point along the length of the collar  1453 . Thus, when the damming device  100  is positioned within the receiving area  1499 , the damming device  100  can be located inside the collar  1453  of the compound chamber  1462 . In certain example embodiments, when the damming device  100  is positioned within the receiving area  1499 , the damming device  100  can be under tension. 
     In certain example embodiments, a cable gland assembly can include multiple receiving areas to receive multiple damming devices. In such a case, the multiple receiving areas can be disposed in one component (e.g., union body, compound chamber) or a number of components of the cable gland assembly. In addition, or in the alternative, when multiple example damming devices are used, one damming device can be the same as or different than the other damming devices used in the cable gland assembly. When the damming device is disposed in a receiving area, the one or more features of the receiving area can put the damming device under tension. In addition, or in the alternative, when the damming device is disposed in a receiving area, the assembly of one or more components of the cable gland assembly can put the damming device under tension. 
     Exemplary embodiments described herein provide for a damming device for cable sealing. Specifically, exemplary embodiments are directed to a damming device that is inserted into a gap formed within a cable gland connector. In such an assembly, the exemplary damming device fits within the gap under tension, as opposed to under compression. The exemplary damming device has a thicker perimeter (outer portion). In addition, certain exemplary damming devices have a curved collar (e.g., a tapered section joining the inner portion and the outer portion). Also, exemplary damming devices described herein have a thinner section (less thickness in the inner portion and/or the recessed portion) to make the damming device easily flexible and conforming around the cable. 
     One or more of these characteristics of the exemplary damming device creates a liquid-tight seal around the annulus of the one or more conductors that pass through the damming device while the damming device is positioned within the gap formed by one or more components of the cable gland connector. In such a case, portions of the damming device surrounding the hole through which the conductor traverses can be under tension with respect to the conductor. As a result, little to no sealing compound, injected into the compound chamber of the cable gland connector to seal the conductor, leaks into the union body of the cable gland connector. 
     Although the embodiments herein are described with reference to preferred and/or exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are well within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that embodiments herein overcome the limitations of the prior art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary embodiments are not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the exemplary embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the exemplary embodiments is not limited herein.