Patent Publication Number: US-2023161127-A1

Title: Device and method for sealing cables in telecommunications enclosures

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63/010,332, filed on Apr. 15, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     In a typical fiber optic distribution network, sealed and re-enterable enclosures are used to provide access to optical fibers from one or more fiber optic cables. For example, the optical fibers from multi-fiber distribution cables can be accessed within the enclosures. 
     Splice trays, patch panels, and various optical components can be provided within the enclosures. In certain examples, the enclosures include ruggedized adapter ports for allowing pre-connectorized drop cables to be connected to the optical fibers from the distribution cable. In some further examples, the optical fibers from the distribution cable are spliced inside the enclosures to optical fibers corresponding to drop cables that are routed out of the enclosure through sealed ports. Effective sealing is an important consideration relating to outdoor enclosures used in fiber optic distribution networks. 
     In certain examples, a distribution cable is looped through an enclosure such that the distribution cable can pass through multiple enclosures in the distribution network. It can be challenging to seal the locations where the looped distribution cable enters and exits the enclosure. For this and other reasons, improvements are desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a device and method for providing effective sealing with regard to telecommunication enclosures. In certain aspects, the device assembles around a cable to effectively seal the cable and/or the ports of an enclosure where the cable enters and/or exits the enclosure. 
     In one aspect, a device for sealing a telecommunications cable includes a first part; a second part having one or more attachment members that assemble onto the first part to assemble the first and second parts together; and a cavity defined between the first and second parts that extends along a central axis and between first and second ends of the device; wherein the cavity is structured to seal the cable between the first and second parts without threading the cable through the first and second ends, and the first and second parts define at least one mounting location for a cable port in a telecommunications enclosure. 
     In another aspect, a method of sealing a telecommunications cable includes providing first and second parts of a device; striping a portion of the outer protective jacket; assembling the first and second parts around a portion of the cable; applying a resin to seal the portion of the cable inside a cavity defined between the first and second parts of the device; and inserting the device into a cable port of a telecommunications enclosure. In some cases, the method includes positioning or wrapping an outer device around the outer protective jacket of the cable. 
     In another aspect, a device for sealing a telecommunications cable includes a first part; a second part having one or more attachment members that assemble onto the first part to assemble the first and second parts together; and a cavity defined between the first and second parts that extends along a central axis between first and second ends of the device; wherein the cavity is structured to receive a cable between the first and second parts without having to thread the cable through the first and second ends. 
     In a further aspect, the first and second parts define a first mounting location structured to mount to a port in a first type of enclosure and a second mounting location structured to mount to a port in a second type of enclosure. 
     A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the examples disclosed herein are based. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The following drawing figures, which form a part of this application, are illustrative of described technology and are not meant to limit the scope of the disclosure in any manner. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a device for sealing a telecommunications cable. 
         FIG.  2    is another perspective view of the device. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the device. 
         FIG.  4    is another perspective view of the device. 
         FIG.  5    is a top view of the device. 
         FIG.  6    is a bottom view of the device. 
         FIG.  7    is a right side view of the device. 
         FIG.  8    is a left side view of the device. 
         FIG.  9    is an exploded perspective view of the device. 
         FIG.  10    is a bottom perspective view of a first part of the device. 
         FIG.  11    is a top perspective view of a second part of the device. 
         FIG.  12    is a front perspective view of devices in accordance with the embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 11    mounted inside cable ports of a first type of enclosure. 
         FIG.  13    is a rear perspective view of the devices mounted in the first type of enclosure, with a cover of the first type of enclosure removed. 
         FIG.  14    is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly of the devices and the first type of enclosure. 
         FIG.  15    is a top perspective view of devices in accordance with the embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 11    mounted inside cable ports of a second type of enclosure. 
         FIG.  16    is a top perspective view of the devices mounted in the second type of enclosure, with a cover of the second type of enclosure removed. 
         FIG.  17    is a detailed view of  FIG.  16    showing an interface between the devices and the second type of enclosure. 
         FIG.  18    is a bottom perspective view of the devices mounted in the cable ports of the second type of enclosure. 
         FIG.  19    is a bottom perspective view of the device mounted relative to the cover of the second type of enclosure. 
         FIG.  20    is a detailed view of  FIG.  19    showing an interface between the device and the cover of the second type of enclosure. 
         FIG.  21    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a telecommunications cable sealed inside a device in accordance with the embodiment of  FIGS.  1 - 11   . 
         FIG.  22    schematically illustrates a method of sealing a telecommunications cable. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. 
     There are one or more reasons to seal an end of a cable used in connection with an enclosure. One reason is prevent the escape of pressuring test gas placed into the cable interior to check for cuts or breakages of the cable. Another reason may be to prevent the entry of moisture or gas into an interior of an enclosure. 
     In certain embodiments, an inert gas is injected into a telecommunications cable such as a multi-fiber distribution cable. The inert gas is used to pressurize the cable to detect a leakage or breakage in the cable, and to also prevent moisture from entering inside the cable. 
     Additionally, in certain embodiments, an inert gas is injected into a telecommunications enclosure where various telecommunications cables are routed therein. The inert gas may be used to pressurize the enclosure to ensure that there are no leaks or damage to the enclosure. As will be described in more detail, a device  100  is structured to seal a pressurized telecommunications cable, and/or to seal a cable port of one or more types of telecommunications enclosures. 
       FIGS.  1 - 4    are perspective views of the device  100 . Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the device  100  defines a cavity  110  that is structured to surround a cable such as a pressurized multi-fiber distribution cable, and that is structured to receive a resin to seal the cable inside the cavity  110 . In certain embodiments, the device  100  is structured to seal a telecommunications cable such as the telecommunications cable  400  shown in FIG.  21 . The resin is a flowable adhesive that cures to seal an interior of the cable, and around any extending fiber tubes that extend out of the cable and continue on into the enclosure. 
     The interface between the device  100  and resin also creates a fixation from axial pulls or pushes on the cable, in some embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, the interior and/or the exterior of the enclosure may include fixation structures which fix onto the outer jacket and/or strength members of the cable. 
     The device  100  further includes a first mounting location  102  for sealing a cable port in a first type of enclosure such as the enclosure  200  shown in  FIGS.  12 - 14   , and a second mounting location  104  for sealing a cable port in a second type of enclosure such as the enclosure  300  shown in  FIGS.  15 - 20   . Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the device  100  is structured to seal the cable ports of one or more types of telecommunications enclosures. Enclosures  200 ,  300  can include cable splices, splitters, and/or cable connectors and mating adapters, as desired. 
     The device  100  includes first and second parts  106 ,  108  that are structured for assembly in the field. As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the first and second parts  106 ,  108  are assembled together at one or more attachment locations  120 . In certain embodiments, the first and second parts  106 ,  108  snap-fit together such that the device  100  can be readily assembled in the field. 
     When assembled together, the first and second parts  106 ,  108  define the cavity  110  that extends along a central axis  116  of the device  100  between a first end  112  and a second end  114  of the device  100 . The cavity  110  is structured to surround a cable that enters or exits an enclosure such as a multi-fiber distribution cable or a drop cable. Additionally, the cavity  110  is also structured to receive a resin to seal the cable inside the cavity  110 . 
     Advantageously, by providing the first and second parts  106 ,  108  that assemble together, the device  100  can be wrapped around the cable without having to thread the cable through the cavity  110 . Thus, the device  100  can be attached to a middle portion of the cable that is distant from the distal ends of the cable. In one example, device  100  is configured to wrap around a loop cable that is looped through the enclosure. 
     In some examples, an outer device can be positioned around the cable at a location where it is desired to assemble the device  100  around the cable before the first and second parts  106 ,  108  are assembled together. In some examples, the outer device is foam tape that can be wrapped around the cable. The outer device can be of a predetermined thickness. The outer device can help ensure that the cable is held snuggly inside the cavity  110  and prevent the cable from sliding relative to the device  100  after the first and second parts  106 ,  108  are assembled around the cable. The outer device, such as foam tape, can increase the sealing effect from resin. Also, the outer device can increase the cable thickness, and is appreciated to be an optional feature in some embodiments. The outer device can allow device  100  to be used with a variety of cable sizes. 
     In the examples depicted in the figures, the cavity  110  has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape to accommodate cables having a circular cross-section. However, it is possible for the cavity  110  have a plurality of different shapes and sizes to accommodate a variety of different cables, or multiple cables grouped together, having different shapes and sizes. 
       FIGS.  5 - 8    are top, bottom, right side, and left side views, respectively, of the device  100 . Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 8   , the first mounting location  102  is a rounded exterior surface defined between first and second projections  122 ,  124  that extend radially from the central axis  116 . The first mounting location  102  extends around the central axis  116 . 
     In the embodiment depicted in the figures, the first and second projections  122 ,  124  are circular rims that extend around the central axis  116 , and the first mounting location  102  is a cylindrical exterior surface that is defined between the first and second projections  122 ,  124 . As shown in  FIGS.  5 - 8   , a distance between the first and second projections  122 ,  124  defines a length L of the cylindrical exterior surface of the first mounting location  102 , and the diameter of the cavity  110  combined with the thickness of the first and second parts  106 ,  108  defines an outside diameter D of the cylindrical exterior surface of the first mounting location  102 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS.  1 - 4   , the second mounting location  104  includes a groove  130  that extends at least partially around the central axis  116 . The groove  130  has first and second portions  132 ,  134 . In the embodiment depicted in the figures, the first portion  132  is substantially semi-circular, and the second portion  134  of the groove  130  is substantially linear. 
     Additionally, the second mounting location  104  includes a surface  136  that is orthogonal to the central axis  116 . The surface  136  is structured to interface with a cover  304  of the enclosure  300  to secure the device  100  inside a cable port of the enclosure  300 . 
       FIG.  9    is an exploded perspective view of the device  100 .  FIG.  10    is a bottom perspective view of the first part  106  of the device  100 , and  FIG.  11    is a top perspective view of the second part  108  of the device  100 . Referring now to  FIGS.  9 - 11   , the rounded exterior surface of the first mounting location  102  is partially defined by the first part  106  and is also partially defined by the second part  108 . Additionally, the first and second projections  122 ,  124  are partially defined by the first part  106  and are also partially defined by the second part  108 . As also shown in these figures, the first portion  132  of the groove  130  is defined by the second part  108 , and the second portion  134  and surface  136  are defined by the first part  106 . 
     The attachment locations  120  each include an attachment member  140  of a first type, and an attachment member  142  of a second type. In certain embodiments, the attachment members  142  are latch members that snap-fit onto mating surfaces of the attachment members  140 . For example, the attachment members  140  each include a flat mating surface and a sloped surface. The attachment members  142  each include a sloped surface that causes the attachment members  142  to flex when engaging the sloped surface of the attachment member  140  such that a flat mating surface of each attachment member  142  is able to latch onto the flat mating surface of each corresponding attachment member  140 . 
     While the embodiment depicted in the figures shows the first part  106  as having the attachment members  140  of the first type, and the second part  108  as having the attachment members  142  of the second type, in alternative embodiments the first part  106  can have the attachment members  142  of the second type, and the second part  108  can have the attachment members  140  of the first type. Also, in alternative embodiments, the first part  106  can have attachment members  140 ,  142  of both the first and second types, and the second part  108  can have attachment members  140 ,  142  of both the first and second types. 
     Still referring now to  FIGS.  9 - 11   , the first part  106  includes an interior surface  150  that partially defines the cavity  110 . For example, the interior surface  150  is a concave surface. Similarly, the second part  108  also includes an interior surface  152  that partially defines the cavity  110 . The interior surface  152  is also a concave surface. Accordingly, when the first and second parts  106 ,  108  are assembled by snap fitting the attachment members  140 ,  142  together, the cavity  110  is formed by the interior surfaces  150 ,  152  of the first and second parts. 
     As shown in  FIG.  10   , the first part  106  includes at least one alignment rib  154 . In some examples, the at least one alignment rib  154  extends parallel to the central axis  116 . In some examples, the first part  106  includes a pair of alignment ribs  154  on opposite sides of the interior surface  150 , such as in the example depicted in  FIG.  10   . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  9  and  11   , the second part  108  includes at least one alignment groove  156 . In some examples, the at least one alignment groove  156  extends parallel to the central axis  116 . In some examples, the second part  108  includes a pair of alignment grooves  156  on opposite sides of the interior surface  152 , such as in the example depicted in  FIGS.  9  and  11   . The alignment grooves  156  are structured to receive the alignment ribs  154  on the first part  106  to align the first and second parts  106 ,  108  together during their assembly. 
     While the embodiment depicted in the figures shows the first part  106  as having the alignment ribs  154 , and the second part  108  as having the alignment grooves  156 , in alternative embodiments the first part  106  can have the alignment grooves  156 , and the second part  108  can have the alignment ribs  154 . Also, in alternative embodiments, the first part  106  can have an alignment rib  154  and an alignment groove  156 , and the second part  108  can have a corresponding alignment groove  156  and a corresponding alignment rib  154 . 
       FIG.  12    is a front perspective view of devices  100   a,    100   b  mounted in the first type of enclosure  200 .  FIG.  13    is a rear perspective view of the devices  100   a,    100   b  mounted in the enclosure  200 , with the cover of the enclosure removed.  FIG.  14    is an exploded perspective view showing an assembly of the devices  100   a,    100   b.  Referring now to  FIGS.  12 - 14   , the enclosure  200  includes a base  202  and a cover  204 . The base  202  defines a cable seal opening  206  where one or more cable seals  208  are mounted. The cable seals  208  define cable ports  210   a,    210   b  for cables such as multi-fiber distribution cables to enter and exit the enclosure  200 . In certain embodiments, the enclosure  200  is pressurized with an inert gas and the devices  100   a,    100   b  seal the cable ports  210   a,    210   b  to prevent the gas from escaping out of the pressurized enclosure. 
     The first mounting location  102  of the devices  100   a,    100   b  is configured to mount inside the cable ports  210   a,    210   b.  For example, the first projection  122  is structured to engage an exterior surface of the cable seals  208 , and the second projection  124  is structured to engage an interior surface of the cable seals  208  to secure the rounded exterior surface of the first mounting location  102  between the exterior and interior surfaces of the cable seals  208 . 
     The cable seals  208  are stacked inside the cable seal opening  206  of the base  202 . In the configuration illustrated in the figures, three cable seals  208   a - 208   c  are stacked inside each cable seal opening  206 . For example, a first cable seal  208   a  is stacked inside each cable seal opening  206  followed by a second cable seal  208   b.  The cable seals  208   a,    208   b  define a first cable port  210   a.  A third cable seal  208   c  is thereafter stacked in each cable seal opening  20     6 ,  and the cable seals  208   b,    208   c  define a second cable port  210   b  in each cable seal opening  206 . 
     The devices  100   a,    100   b  are inserted into the first and second cable ports  210   a,    210   b  by mounting the first cable seal  208   a  in the cable seal opening  206 , mounting the first mounting location  102  of the device  100   a  onto the first cable seal  208   a,  and thereafter mounting the second cable seal  208   b  over the first cable seal  208   a  and the device  100   a,  and thereby capturing the device  100   a  inside the first cable port  210   a.  Next, the device  100   b  is mounted over the second cable seal  208   b,  and the third cable seal  208   c  is mounted over the second cable seal  208   b  and the device  100   b,  and thereby capturing the device  100   b  inside the second cable port  210   b.    
     In some embodiments, a rubber gasket, a resin, or other type of sealant can be positioned around the first mounting location  102  of the device  100   a  to provide an improved seal between the device  100   a  and the first and second cable seals  208 ,  208   b  in the first cable port  210   a.  Likewise, a sealant such as a rubber gasket, a resin, or other type of sealant can be positioned around the first mounting location  102  of the device  100   b  to provide an improved seal between the device  100   b  and the second and third cable seals  208   b,    208   c  in the second cable port  210   b.    
       FIGS.  15  and  16    are top perspective views of devices  100   a,    100   b  mounted in the second type of enclosure  300 .  FIG.  17    is a detailed view of  FIG.  16    showing an interface between the devices  100   a,    100   b  and the enclosure  300 . Referring now to  FIGS.  15 - 17   , the enclosure  300  includes a base  302  and a cover  304 . The base  302  defines cable ports  310   a - 310   d  for cables such as multi-fiber distribution cables to enter and exit the enclosure  300 . The second mounting location  104  of the devices  100   a,    100   b  is mounted inside the cable ports  310   c,    310   d.  In certain embodiments, the enclosure  300  is pressurized with an inert gas and the devices  100   a,    100   b  seal the cable ports  310   c,    310   d  to prevent the gas from escaping out of the pressurized enclosure. 
     In some examples, the cable ports  310   a - 310   d  can be initially blocked by temporary covers  306  that can be removed to open the cable ports  310   a - 310   d.  As an illustrative example, the temporary covers  306  can be punched out or cut out to open the cable ports  310   a - 310   d.    
     Referring now to  FIGS.  1 - 4  and  15 - 17   , the groove  130  in the second mounting location  104  of the devices  100   a,    100   b  can be slotted onto the base  302  where the cable ports  310   a - 310   d  are located such that the groove  130  is engaged between interior and exterior surfaces of the base  302  of the enclosure  300 . As shown in  FIGS.  16  and  17   , the surface  136  of the second mounting location  104  is substantially flush with the exterior surface of the base  302 . 
       FIG.  18    is a bottom perspective view of the devices  100   a,    100   b  mounted in the cable ports  310   c,    310   d  of the enclosure  300 .  FIG.  19    is a bottom perspective view of the devices  100   a,    100   b  mounted relative to the cover  304  of the enclosure  300 .  FIG.  20    is a detailed view of  FIG.  19    showing an interface between the devices  100   a,    100   b  and the cover  304  of the enclosure  300 . Referring now to  FIGS.  16 - 20   , the cover  304  has a ridge surface  308  that extends across the width of the cover  304 . When the cover  304  is attached to the base  302  of the enclosure  300 , the ridge surface  308  interfaces with the surface  136  of the second mounting location  104  of the devices  100   a,    100   b  such that the second mounting location  104  is captured between the base  302  and the cover  304  to secure the devices  100   a,    100   b  in the cable ports  310   c,    310   d.    
     A rubber padding, resin, or other type of sealant can be inserted into the grooves  130  of the devices  100   a,    100   b  to provide a gas-tight seal between the grooves  130  and the cable ports  310   c,    310   d.  Similarly, a sealant such as a rubber pad or resin can also be mounted to the surface  136  to provide a gas-tight seal between the surface  136  and the ridge surface  308  of the cover. 
       FIG.  21    illustrates a cross-sectional view of a telecommunications cable  400  sealed inside the device  100 . The telecommunications cable  400  can be a multi-fiber distribution cable that includes an outer protective jacket  402  that surrounds a bundle of tubes  404 . Each tube  404  can contain one or more optical fibers. In some examples, an outer device  406  is positioned or wrapped around a portion of the outer protective jacket  402 . In some examples, the outer device  406  is a foam tape that is wrapped around the outer protective jacket  402 . 
     A portion of the outer protective jacket  402  is stripped to expose the tubes  404 . The first and second parts  106 ,  108  are assembled around the portion of the telecommunications cable  400  where the outer protective jacket  402  is stripped. In some further examples, the first and second parts  106 ,  108  are assembled around where the outer device  406  is positioned. 
     The outer device  406  (e.g., foam tape) can help to ensure that the telecommunications cable  400  is held snuggly inside the cavity  110  such that the cable does not slide relative to the device  100  after the first and second parts  106 ,  108  are assembled around the cable. The outer device  406  can also help to retain the poured resin in place until cured. 
     A resin  408  is applied into the cavity  110  to seal the telecommunications cable  400  inside the device  100 . The resin  408  can seal around an exterior of the outer protective jacket  402 . The resin  408  can also seal around an area where the outer protective jacket  402  is stripped, and around the tubes  404  that contain the optical fibers. 
     In certain examples, the telecommunications cable  400  is pressurized with an inert gas, and the resin  408  inside the cavity  110  seals the inert gas inside the cable. In some embodiments, the resin  408  has a certain viscosity such that it does not overflow or run out before curing. 
       FIG.  22    schematically illustrates a method  500  of sealing a telecommunications cable such as the telecommunications cable  400 . Referring now to  FIGS.  21  and  22   , the method  500  includes an operation  502  of providing the first and second parts  106 ,  108  of the device  100 . 
     Next, the method  500  includes an operation  504  of stripping a portion of the outer protective jacket  402 . In some examples, operation  504  is optional. 
     Next, the method  500  has an operation  506  of wrapping an outer device  406  such as foam tape around a remaining portion of the outer protective jacket  402  of the telecommunications cable  400 . In some examples, operation  506  is optional. 
     In  FIG.  22   , operations  504 ,  506  are shown as being performed after completion of operation  502 . Alternatively, the operations  504 ,  506  can be performed before operation  502 . Also, in  FIG.  22   , operation  506  is shown as being performed after completion of operation  504 . In some alternative examples, operation  506  can be performed before operation  504 . 
     Next, the method  500  includes an operation  508  of assembling the first and second parts  106 ,  108  around the telecommunications cable  400  where the outer protective jacket  402  is stripped. In some examples, operation  508  can also include assembling the first and second parts  106 ,  108  around the portion where the outer device  406  is positioned. The attachment members  140 ,  142  can be used to snap-fit the first and second parts  106 ,  108  together to provide a simple and easy assembly around the telecommunications cable  400 . 
     Next, the method  500  includes an operation  510  of applying the resin  408  to seal the telecommunications cable  400  inside the cavity  110 . In some examples, operation  510  includes applying the resin  408  first to the interior surface  150  of the first part  106  and to the interior surface  152  of the second part  108  before the first and second parts  106 ,  108  are assembled around the telecommunications cable. In some examples, operation  510  includes filling the cavity  110  with the resin  408  after the first and second parts  106 ,  108  are assembled around the telecommunications cable  400 . Additional examples are contemplated. 
     In certain embodiments, the telecommunications cable  400  is pressurized with an inert gas and the resin  408  seals the cable to prevent the inert gas from escaping out of the cable at the location where the outer protective jacket  402  is stripped. 
     Next, the method  500  includes an operation  512  of inserting the device  100  into a cable port of a telecommunications enclosure. 
     In one embodiment, operation  512  includes inserting the device  100  into a cable port of the enclosure  200  by mounting a first cable seal  208   a  in a cable seal opening  206 , mounting the first mounting location  102  of the device  100  onto a cable port  210   a  partially defined by the first cable seal  208   a,  and mounting a second cable seal  208   b  over the first cable seal  208   a  and the first mounting location  102  of the device  100   a  to capture the device  100   a  inside the cable port  210   a  between the first and second cable seals  208   a,    208   b.    
     In some further embodiments, the first mounting location  102  of a second device, such as the device  100   b  of  FIGS.  12 - 14   , is mounted onto a cable port  210   b  partially defined by the second cable seal  208   b,  and a third cable seal  208   c  is then mounted over the second cable seal  208   b  and the first mounting location  102  of the device  100   b  to capture the device  100   b  inside the cable port  210   b  defined between the second and third cable seals  208   b,    208   c.    
     In some further embodiments, the enclosure  200  is pressurized with an inert gas after the device  100   b  is mounted onto the cable port  210   b,  and the cover  204  is attached to the base  202  of the enclosure  200 . In such examples, the devices  100   a,    100   b  seal the cables ports  210   a,    210   b,  and prevent the inert gas from escaping out of the enclosure  200 . 
     In another embodiment, operation  512  includes inserting the device  100  into a cable port of the enclosure  300  by removing a temporary cover  306  to open a cable port  310 , slotting the groove  130  in the second mounting location  104  of the device  100  onto the cable port  310  such that the groove  130  is engaged between interior and exterior surfaces of the base  302  of the enclosure  300 , and then attaching the cover  304  to the base  302  such that the surface  136  of the second mounting location  104  interfaces with the cover  304  to capture the second mounting location  104  between the base  302  and the cover  304  of the enclosure  300 . 
     In certain embodiments, the enclosure  300  is pressurized with an inert gas. The device  100  seals the cable port  310  to prevent the inert gas from escaping out of the enclosure  300 . 
     The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claims attached hereto. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and application illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the following claims.