Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for controlling losses in volatile working fluid systems. In accordance with the process, the object upon which a work operation is to be effected is sequentially moved from a first sealable chamber to a second such chamber and back to the first chamber. While in the second chamber the object is exposed to a working fluid vapor which elevates the temperature of the object to a level near the boiling point of the working fluid. Thereafter, while still in the second chamber, a substantial portion of the working fluid is drained from the object such that the sensible heat acquired by the object upon its elevation of temperature is sufficient to evaporate working fluid remaining on the object upon its removal to the first chamber. Upon removal of the object to the first chamber the object is thoroughly dried through control of the partial pressure of the working fluid vapor contained within the first chamber atmosphere.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical cable (10) which includes a plurality of insulated conductors (11) bound together in close proximity to one another to form a cable core. A sheet of insulative material (13) surrounds this cable core and this assembly in turn is further surrounded with a conductive shield (14). An insulative sheath (16) surrounds the entire assembly. Integral with the conductive shield are means (15) for providing shield continuity when the insulative sheath and conductive shield are entered.

Abstract: A process and machine are disclosed for reflowing solder plated continuous flexible circuit webs. During reflow in a vapor environment, the flexible web is maintained in a planar orientation to produce a relatively uniform distribution of solder. Virtually all of the heat transfer fluid used in producing the vapor is recovered and retained.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for converting a ready access cable closure (10) to a limited access configuration. The conversion apparatus includes a hoodlike member (20) for enclosing a first preselected number of cable conductors (17) such that access to these conductors by unauthorized craftspersons is inhibited while permitting access to a second preselected number of cable conductors (40). Also included with the conversion apparatus are means (50, 51, 52, 53) for effecting a flexible ground bond connection between the cable ground sheaths and the pedestal cable closure.

Abstract: A cable adapter (10) is disclosed for converting a cable closure nozzle (16) to a selectable diameter two cable entrance. The adapter is comprised of a unitary molded member (11) of electrically insulative material. In the interior of the unitary member are first and second adjacent pluralities of concentric openings (12,13) of various diameters. These openings extend along the length of the unitary member in increasing order of diameter. The unitary member is adapted for engagement with the cable closure nozzle (16) at the larger diameter end (15). This configuration facilitates a sealed entrance of first and second axially aligned cables (17,18) into the cable closure (19).

Abstract: A method and a system are disclosed for determining the wear of a drill bit in real time. At a predetermined point prior to engagement of the drill bit with the workpiece, a first rotational speed of the drill bit is ascertained. Upon exit of the drill bit from the workpiece a second rotational speed is determined. Measurement of these two rotational speeds enables a determination to be made of the loss of energy resulting from the drilling operation. This loss in energy is used to produce a measure of drill bit wear.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for making bondable finger contacts (101) for application to printed circuit boards. The finger contacts are formed from a thin strip (102) of electrically conductive material. Following the application of a thin layer of contact metal (201) to the contact area, a strip of adhesive tape (109) is applied to the plated side of the contacts to protect the contacts, to interconnect and support them during subsequent handling, and to provide a compliant surface which aids in the application of the contacts to a circuit board. On an opposite side of the contacts there is applied a thermally curable adhesive (301) which, when brought into pressure contact with the circuit board and a moderate amount of heat is applied, will fasten the contacts to the board.

Abstract: An electrical protector assembly (100) for grounding excessive voltages and excessive currents encountered on a telecommunication line circuit includes a heat coil subassembly (103) for sensing the excessive currents and apparatus (102 and 104) axially aligned with the heat coil assembly for conducting the excessive voltages to ground. When excessive currents are encountered on the line circuit, the protector provides a direct metallic contact (151 and 102) between the line circuit and ground. The internal arrangement of the protector allows both carbon blocks (180 and 181) and gas tube protectors (196) to be used as excessive voltage protection devices. In addition, miniature electronic circuits, such as minibridge lifters (195), may be advantageously incorporated into the protector module.

Abstract: An electrical connector (100) for terminating heavy power leads on circuit boards includes a generally flat unitary member (101) of electrically conductive material. Near a midregion (105) of the flat member (101) there is a threaded aperture (106) for terminating one or more power leads. Interconnection between the flat member (101) and the circuit board is accomplished by a plurality of pin contacts (110) each of which has a compliant portion (112) for effecting frictional engagement with the board. The connector further includes at least one projecting studlike member (121) for counteracting shear stresses between the flat member (101) and the circuit board.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for affixing bondable finger contacts (102) to a printed circuit board (330). The bondable finger contacts, as supplied, are wound on a reel (301) in a virtually continuous fashion. Each of the contacts is carried between a pair of attached support carriers (105 and 106). At a first station the support carriers are severed (305, 306, 307, 313, 314 and 315) from a selected group of contacts but these contacts remain interconnected and supported by a strip of protective adhesive tape (108). Thereafter the contacts are transferred (310, 311 and 312) to a second station where they are brought into engagement with an aligned printed circuit board (331, 332, 333, 334 and 337). Application of heat and pressure to thermally curable adhesive (109) on the contacts bonds (335, 336 and 339) the contacts to the circuit board. During these operations the protective tape covers the contact area thereby reducing the possibility of contact area contamination and damage.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for making bondable finger contacts (101) for application to printed circuit boards. The finger contacts are formed from a thin strip (102) of electrically conductive material. Following the application of a thin layer of contact metal (201) to the contact area, a strip of adhesive tape (109) is applied to the plated side of the contacts to protect the contacts, to interconnect and support them during subsequent handling, and to provide a compliant surface which aids in the application of the contacts to a circuit board. On an opposite side of the contacts there is applied a thermally curable adhesive (301) which, when brought into pressure contact with the circuit board and a moderate amount of heat is applied, will fasten the contacts to the board.

Abstract: Apparatus (120, 121, 410, 640) is disclosed for facilitating the alignment of an electrical circuit card (109) having an edge-mounted connector (501) thereon with a plurality of backplane-mounted electrical pin contacts (114) in a circuit card mounting assembly (101). Insulative aligners (120, 121) engage a number of the backplane pin contacts (114) in one or more linear arrays of such contacts along top and bottom edges of the assembly (101). Projecting from these aligners (120, 121) are a plurality of alignment dowels (330) which mate with corresponding apertures (414) in a guide ramp (410). The guide ramp (410) accurately positions the edge-mounted connector (501) on an inserted circuit card (109) for engagement with one or more of the linear arrays of contacts (114) in the backplane (113).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the transmission properties of balanced and unbalanced connectorized flat cable interconnection assemblies. In accordance with the method, a first set of generally parallel flat cable conductors are terminated on a first mapped set of connector contacts such that all conductors are connectable to a source of ground potential. A second set of generally parallel flat cable conductors are terminated on a second mapped set of connector contacts such that the odd-numbered conductors are connectable to a source of ground potential and the even-numbered conductors are connectable to a plurality of signal sources. The termination of flat cable conductors in accordance with this method also results in an improvement in the packaging density of pluggably interconnectable circuits.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for interconnecting multiple conductive layers in a printed circuit board. The connector includes a pair of elongated electrical terminals and a compliant section in between. A plurality of generally parallel raised pressure ridges are included on an outer surface of the compliant section. The connector may be advantageously divided into a plurality of semiseparate segments thereby enabling interconnection of an axially aligned track of printed circuit boards.

Abstract: A customer service closure includes a base having a plurality of indentations on one side for facilitating the mounting of a variety of communications apparatus such as protective devices. On an opposite side of the base there is provision for mounting the closure on a number of structures such as walls, horizontal and vertical conduits, pedestals, and mounting posts. Protection against environmental contaminants is provided by a cover which is slidably engageable with the base. The cover and base further include provisions for securing them to one another to prevent unauthorized entry.

Abstract: A wire connecting block includes a pair of mating connectors for effecting electrical cross-connections between a first set of conductors and a second set of conductors. The first connector indexes the first conductors and holds them in alignment for engagement with a plurality of insulation-penetrating slotted beam contacts carried by the second connector. An integral skirt, along the bottom edge of the second connector, covers exposed ends of the first conductors to maintain electrical isolation therebetween. Opposite ends of the slotted beam contacts, exposed along a top edge of the second connector engage the second set of conductors for cross-connection to the first set of conductors.

Abstract: A process and machine are disclosed for reflowing solder plated continuous flexible circuit webs. During reflow in a vapor environment, the flexible web is maintained in a planar orientation to produce a relatively uniform distribution of solder. Virtually all of the heat transfer fluid used in producing the vapor is recovered and retained.

Abstract: A family of connectors is described for splicing, half-tapping, bridging and terminating multiple insulated wires. The connectors are particularly suitable to telephone central office applications requiring limited numbers of conductor reconnections. The basic connector consists of a mandrel around which the wires of a wire group are looped, a mandrel holder which retains the wires in loop-around configuration; and a contact module containing double-ended split beam contacts. Physical connection between wires mounted on two mandrels is made by inserting the mandrels into respective holders; and then mounting the two resulting assemblies on respective sides of a contact module. Advantageously, each mandrel holder may be double-sided to receive two mandrels. Correspondingly, the contact module may be designed to mount double-sided mandrel holders. A stack consisting of mandrels in their holders alternating between contact modules can provide for multiple appearances of wires in a given wire set.

Abstract: A quick connect wiring system for breadboard circuit applications includes a circuit board having a plurality of apertures therethrough. A number of electrically conductive connectors, each comprised of a hollow cylindrical shaft having a pair of insulation penetrating quick connect contacts emanating from one end thereof, are inserted into the apertures in the board. Opposite ends of each of the connectors have integral therewith oppositely directed spring members for engaging integrated circuit package terminals. Insulative members partially surround the connectors to provide conductor support, to improve the electrical isolation among the termination points, and to reduce exposure of the termination points to environmental contamination.

Abstract: A connector is disclosed for interconnecting multiple conductive layers in a printed circuit board. The connector includes a pair of elongated electrical terminals and a compliant section in between. A plurality of generally parallel raised pressure ridges are included on an outer surface of the compliant section. The connector may be advantageously divided into a plurality of semiseparate segments thereby enabling interconnection of an axially aligned stack of printed circuit boards.