Patent ID: 7666503

Claim:
A self-healing cable comprising a conductor and an insulating water-swellable composition surrounding said conductor, said insulating water-swellable composition comprising: a) a substantially non-water-swellable polymer selected from the group consisting of polyisobutene, polybutene, isobutene and polyisoprene or mixtures thereof; and b) a water-swellable filler admixed to the polymer, wherein said water-swellable filler is selected from the group consisting of sodium bentonite, lignite, alumnia trihydrate, barytes, chlorite, ethylene vinyl chloride, alkyd resins, polyethylene oxide, collagens, gelatins, and ethylene acrylic acid; wherein said insulating water-swellable composition has a viscosity between about 3,000,000 cps to about 13,000,000 cps at 300° F. and expands to seal damage in the cable and restores the integrity of the cable.