Abstract: There is provided a cylindrical connector shell for receiving electrical contacts. The shell includes an annular recessed ring having at least one ratchet tooth projecting upwardly from the surface of the ring. One side of the tooth has a greater angle of inclination with respect to the surface of the ring than the other side. A coupling nut is received over the shell for engaging the shell with another body such as a mating connector shell. The coupling nut has at least one member projecting away from the inner surface of the nut for periodically engaging the ratchet tooth. The coupling nut turns easier in one direction than the other because of the angle differences of the sides of the ratchet teeth. At least one slot is further provided in front of the annular recessed ring for fitting the projecting member of the coupling nut into the recessed annular ring. The slot is deeper at one end than the other for snapping the coupling nut into the recess and securing the nut to the shell.

Abstract: A freeze and thaw indicator is provided utilizing the expansion characteristics of water when it undergoes a change from the liquid state to the solid state. An ampul having one side made weaker than its opposite side is substantially filled with water. Indicator paper having ink printed on one side is situated adjacent to the ampul. The indicator paper and ampul are housed in a blister pack plastic container for protecting the ampul from breakage. When the temperature around the indicator reaches the freezing point of water, the ampul breaks. During a subsequent thawing, the water flows on to the indicator paper causing the ink which is printed on one side to wick up, thereby indicating that the freeze or thaw has taken place.

Abstract: There is provided a modification circuit for prepay telephone central office coin repeaters. The modification circuit includes an improved coin detector circuit that may be used with a circuit for providing coin-free dialing for certain predetermined numbers including selected service codes and operator access. The repeater modification circuit is adapted to be connected directly to and mounted with an electromechanical central office coin repeater.

Abstract: An indicator device for use as a time indicator or a time-temperature indicator. A container is provided for housing a frangible capsule and a porous carrier. A vapor generating chemical is enclosed in the capsule. A mixture, including a second chemical, a pH change responsive indicator, and a gel forming agent are impregnated in the porous carrier. The pH of the vapor is different from the second chemical. A gel is formed from the mixture and provides uniform dispersion of the second chemical and the indicator throughout the porous carrier, as well as provides an impedance to the vapor as it moves through the porous carrier. The device is thus useful as an elapsed time indicator for certain temperature ranges as well as a time-temperature indicator for wider temperature ranges.

Abstract: A conductive strip for providing electrical contact between a pin and a socket in an electrical connector. An elongated metallic band having a plurality of substantially parallel fingers is formed from the strip. One end of each finger is attached to and integral with the strip. The unattached ends of the fingers alternately project away from each large surface of the strip. The unattached ends of the fingers are oblique with respect to the longest side dimension of said strip. The oblique fingers provide a large surface area for contact, as well as a snow plow effect for providing the removal of oxides from the pin contact during insertion or retraction of the pin. A groove is provided between adjacent fingers for giving strength thereto.

Abstract: There is provided an adapter for use with and attachment to a disposable thermometer. The adapter is an elongated substantially rigid member having an open window in one end thereof. A means is provided for retaining the disposable thermometer to the member. The thermally-responsive portion of the thermometer is in alignment with the window for providing improved thermal response for the thermally-responsive portion of the thermometer when used with the adapter. The adapter is made especially for use with the thermometer in rectal temperature applications.

Abstract: An improved telephone toll restrictor utilizing both current and voltage sensors having substantially infinite input impedance during the on-hook condition. A timing circuit is provided to restrict calls a predetermined time after a digit is dialed but prior to central office timeout. Furthermore, a pulse generator provides a strobe pulse to a coincidence gate which also responds to a digit pulse counter, for avoiding restriction of a digit which should not be restricted.

Abstract: There is provided a contact socket for use in an electrical connector. The socket is tubular in shape and includes an integral L-shaped spring member attached to a tubular member. The spring member is bent to the inside of the tubular member and may be curved to conform to the curvature of the tubular member. The spring member provides electrical and mechanical contact for an associated contact pin.

Abstract: There is provided a line circuit for connection to a key telephone system for indicating an incoming call, a call placed on hold, and an answered call. There is further provided a means for automatically indicating that the incoming call has been placed on hold for a predetermined time period. There is further provided a solid state device which switches telephone instrument lamp current for visual indication of the various line circuit operations.

Abstract: A circuit for providing coin-free dialing of a predetermined number of digits is provided for use with a telephone pay station. A signal generator to provide a pulse in response to each telephone number dialed is included. The signal generator is connected to a counter for providing an output signal after counting a predetermined number of pulses. A phantom coin circuit is connected to the counter and to the telephone central office for simulating the existence of a coin to the central office to cause the central office to accept the dialing signals. Another circuit is provided for prevention of fraudulent push-button chain-dialing. This fraud prevention circuit includes a timing circuit and a latch which effectively shunts the push-button dial if chain-dialing is attempted.