Abstract: A generally rectangular basket, having a two-level bottom with lower level forward, is supported on a wheelchair, having horizontal foot and arm rests vertically spaced apart. Vertical legs are adjustably fixed to the forward and lower bottomed end of the basket to extend downward therefrom and engage the horizontal foot rest. Horizontal arms are adjustably fixed to opposite sides of the basket and extend rearward and over the wheelchair arm rests, the adjustable arms being recessed to fit over and around the wheelchair arms. The basket is thus displaceable only by a lifting force. The depending lower bottom increases carrying space without interfering with the line of sight of an occupant, and also without decreasing the stability of the wheelchair.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for feeding an elongate sheet material comprising a drive roller driven to rotate at a constant speed, a pressure roller rotatable in rolling contact with the drive roller, the drive roller being formed of a more resilient material than the pressure roller, the pressure roller when biased against the drive roller deforms the peripheral surface of the drive roller in contact with the elongate sheet material sandwiched between said rollers. Provision is made for changing the force of contact between said drive and pressure rollers, whereby the peripheral surface of the drive roller is varied in size thereby changing the peripheral speed of said drive roller and the speed of travel of the elongate sheet material.

Abstract: A gravity operation flag indicator device for a mailbox is provided which includes a simple latching mechanism operable responsive to opening and closing of the door of the mailbox. The device includes a flag indicator which is pivotably mounted in a side wall of the mailbox and has affixed thereto a latching arm which is disposed inside of the mailbox. The latching arm is mounted adjacent to the mailbox door and is of such dimensions that when the latching arm extends horizontally, the end thereof will be engaged by the door when the door is closed and thus the flag indicator will be held in a horizontal position. When the door is opened by the mailman, the latching arm is automatically released from engagement with the door and the flag indicator falls by its own weight to a vertical position to indicate that the mail has been delivered.

Abstract: A microwave oven is disclosed as a typical appliance controlled by a microprocessor device. The oven has an LED digital display, a number of indicator LED's, and a capacitive touch keyboard, along with circuits for controlling a magnetron, a broiler unit, and a blower. A "self-test" feature causes the system to sequence through test routines whereby all LED's are lighted in a set order, each digit of the display counts up from 0 through 9, keyboard inputs entered are displayed as a code, and the magnetron and broiler are turned on.

Abstract: A microwave oven is disclosed as a typical appliance controlled by a microprocessor device. The oven has an LED digital display, a number of indicator LED's, and a capacitive touch keyboard, along with circuits for controlling a magnetron, a broiler unit, and a blower. A "self-test" feature causes the system to sequence through test routines whereby all LED's are lighted in a set order, each digit of the display counts up from 0 through 9, keyboard inputs entered are displayed as a code, and the magnetron and broiler are turned on. The test is initiated by control switches separate from the keyboard so that the keyboard can be bypassed.

Abstract: Secured computerized credit cards of the ferromagnetic storage variety, and a computer system that makes use of such cards at more than one location. The card comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic elements, within a continuous ferromagnetic medium, capable of storing binary indicia, sandwiched between thin sheets of plastic or other non-magnetic material. The magnetic elements are tangentially polarized, and locked-in by virtue of two contiguous sheets having different coercivities. Security is provided by programming the information stored on the card in a variety of ways under the exclusive control of the card owner.

Abstract: An activatable, and deactivatable ferromagnetic memory label of broad application in tagging objects to permit selective detection of tagged objects depending upon the activation state of the label. The label comprises a thin, layered structure of any size and shape having a central layer of ferromagnetic substance sandwiched between two thin non-magnetic covers. The activated state is derived by producing a multiplicity of magnetically saturated lines, or grooves, in the ferromagnetic substance, each of which is magnetically biased to receive and momentarily store radiant energy from an interrogating read-out zone and return same to the zone in a form characteristic of the label.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading label bar codes in which a photoelectric signal representative of an optically scanned bar code label is differentiated. The positive and negative peaks of the differentiated signal are detected, and the time intervals between the peaks are measured by counter means to produce output signals representative of the bar code label. A multi-level threshold comparison technique is used to detect and predict the occurrence of positive and negative peaks.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for use in magnetic card readers to compensate for variations in card speed as a card moves under a read head. The subject circuit decodes two frequency coherent phase encoding. This self clocking binary code incorporates the presence or absence of pulses (or transitions of voltage levels) within periodic intervals or bit cells as a representation of a logic 1 or a logic 0 respectively.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a thermostatic expansion valve for refrigeration plants, particularly with an air-cooled condenser, comprising an operating element which is loaded in the opening direction against the force of a spring by a pressure dependent on the superbeating temperature of the evaporator and possibly relieved by the evaporator pressure, and comprising a closure member which is adjustable by the operating element and co-operates with a seat.

Abstract: A package heat exchange system using an expanded surface gas-fired burner to supply heat via a heat exchange coil in a dome above the extended surface heat exchanger which heats domestic hot water and supplies heat via the dome to a radiator for heating a living area of a home. A control system provides for utilizing steam from the extended surface heat exchanger to heat the coil in the dome and maintains a first pressure for supplying the domestic hot water and a higher pressure when radiator heat is called for. The heat for domestic hot water may be further heat transferred in a fourth heat exchanger which adjusts the temperature of the domestic hot water. The heat supplied to the radiator may be self-pumping by utilizing steam and the heat to the radiator may be cut off by supplying a control to the return pipe of the radiator which allows the radiator to fill with condensate from the steam.

Abstract: A chimney, waste-heat, collector includes a plurality of elongated sections, coupled end-to-end and lowerable successively down a chimney. The collector comprises at least one vertical, up-flow, conduit and at least one down-flow conduit within the chimney forming a closed loop system with a pair of horizontal conduits extending out the ash pit opening to a heat storage and dissemination means. The couplings are threaded unions for ready assembly and the sections are preferably of right angular, or rectangular cross section and of thin wall stainless steel. A pump circulates liquid around the loop when the furnace is operated.

Abstract: A device for releasing a volatile substance into the environment in a controlled manner comprises a reservoir of substance-absorbent material, for storing the substance, that is encapsulated in an envelope, at least a portion of which comprises a permeable material having porosity at least equal to ultramicroporosity. The permeable envelope portion has a greater affinity for the substance than does the reservoir material. The remainder of the envelope comprises a material impermeable to the substance. Accordingly, the substance permeates through the permeable envelope portion to be released therefrom in vapor form into the environment.

Abstract: In one embodiment the main water valve to an irrigation system is connected by a fulcrum arm to a float chamber with a float therein operatively connected to the arm. When the water is "on" a controlled feed gradually fills the float chamber which shuts off the water when the float chamber is full. At this point a controlled bleed valve in the bottom of the float chamber gradually empties the float chamber and turns on the water when the float chamber is emptied thus timing the "on" cycle and the "off" cycle. By closing the controlled feed and fully opening the bleed valve, the water level in the ground can raise and lower the float so that irrigation is by soil moisture content rather than by time. In another embodiment the water in the float chamber raises and lowers air pressure in a sensing tube which acts upon a diaphragm which in turn is operatively connected to the fulcrum arm. Once again the actuation can be on a time basis or by the moisture content of the soil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injection device comprising an injection pump and an injection nozzle, the nozzle having a spring-loaded control pin and being assembled together with the pump to form a unit insertable into the wall of a cylinder of an injection type internal combustion engine. The device includes a pump piston, a piston sleeve and a pump housing, the housing enclosing the piston sleeve, the return spring action on the piston, and the regulating jacket acting on the piston. The housing is attachable to the engine housing by tightening screws having axes parallel to the piston sleeve, and the said injection nozzle is tightened by a sleeve nut to an element of the piston sleeve.

Abstract: A machine for directing fluid jets upwards to wash a vehicle or the like moves on a track under the vehicle and has a parallel link mechanism with nozzles mounted thereon for ejection of fluid, the parallel link mechanism oscillating to and fro so as to move the nozzles about the underside of the vehicle; and, optionally, the nozzles may also be swung in the fore-and-aft direction.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, connecting a yarn and for forming a yarn reserve at an empty bobbin tube during a bobbin change following the removal of a full bobbin or package at a spinning location of a spinning machine, especially an open end (OE) - spinning machine, wherein prior to travel of the yarn into a guide channel, there is formed at a yarn infeed element a free yarn path where the yarn is guided only at the start and end of the yarn path and is freely accessible at all sides therebetween. The free yarn path is advanced manually by means of the yarn infeed element towards the new bobbin tube and at that location for the connection of the yarn with the bobbin tube is brought into the engagement region of entrainment means revolving with the bobbin tube and arranged at an edge of such tube.

Abstract: A skein winder for winding skeins of pre-weighed yarns is disclosed that includes a balance means which has a first platform to receive the yarn bobbin and a variable restoring force acting on the balance means which variable restoring force may be lightened in predetermined increments. A switch means is responsive to unbalance in one direction to initiate rotation of the skein winding spindle and to unbalance in the other direction to stop winding and also to remove a predetermined quantity of restoring force weight automatically.

Abstract: A core chuck designed to lock the core of a roll of material winding and unwinding operations to a mandrel, which core chuck comprises a core and a tubiform cylindrical chuck body dimensioned to accommodate the core. Means are provided for fastening the chuck body onto the mandrel shaft. The chuck body defines on the surface opposite the core at least one recess disposed parallel to the rotating axis thereof which recess has a releasably terraced bottom step plate including at least one step ascending from a common center groove to each side of the recess. The top faces of the step and of the common center groove are substantially parallel to and spaced apart at different distances from the opposite smooth face of the core. At least one toothed roller is disposed in the recess with its axis parallel to the axis of the chuck body.

Abstract: A device for providing fold out fins for stabilizing projectiles or missi which may be tube-launched. The missile is provided with a tubular element or cup which has a plurality of slots defining fin-like stabilizing flaps. The slots extend circumferentially around two sides of the flaps; a third slot interconnects the circumferential slots, while a fourth side is unslotted. Since the tubular element is in fluid communication with the pressure within the launcher, the stabilizing flaps or fins expand outwardly into position about the fourth unslotted side as the missile or the projectile leaves the launcher.

Abstract: An airplane includes a wing having the configuration of an equilateral triangle and covered with a flexible membrane which is provided with free trailing edges. The wing is secured by pivot brackets to the top of supports placed at the center of gravity of the airplane body as to pivot right and left alternatively to obtain a self-balancing of flight like the action of a flying kite, such that it is safe and easy to control the airplane during takeoff, landing and sustained flight while increasing the lifting force.

Abstract: An inlet air cleaner assembly is provided for the air intake of gas turbine engines comprising, in combination, an array of vortex air cleaners removing coarse and heavy contaminant particles, but not light and well dispersed contaminant particles, and an array of sheets of filamentary woven or nonwoven material, arranged to receive partially cleaned air from the vortex air cleaner array, and remove light and well dispersed contaminant particles suspended therein.

Abstract: In mounting a part or parts, for example, of a tape recorder or other appearance, on a chassis or metal base plate, the metal base plate is provided with a circular hole, and a synthetic resin mounting member is molded through such hole so as to include a support portion molded against one surface of the base plate, a root portion molded against the other surface of the base plate and a connecting portion molded in the circular hole simultaneously with the support and root portions so as to be integral therewith and to permit turning of the mounting member about the axis of its connecting portion between an initial molded position in which all portions of the mounting member are fully located within the perimeter of the base plate and an active position angularly spaced from the initial molded position and in which the support portion of the mounting member is operative to mount a respective part on the base plate.

Abstract: The invention is a frame for releasably attaching an external rear-vision mirror to a vehicle and which comprises a substantially A-shaped upper frame and having at the open end thereof attachment means for releasably attaching the upper frame to a vehicle, a lower frame extending downwardly from the outer end of said upper frame and being securable to said vehicle, a link joining the upper frame to the lower frame at a point intermediate its length and being of variable length, said upper frame being adapted to securably and movably receive a mirror mounting.

Abstract: A clamping lock is provided for use with a looped tie in a form for settable casting compositions, such as concrete, which lock is provided with protrusions on each of a pair of clamping members to fit into aligned connector slots of a pair of rails of adjacent panels of the form to properly position and firmly secure the lock to the form. The securing of the clamping members on the rails also holds adjacent panels of the form together. The rails are provided with tie notches which when panels are placed side by side and properly aligned the tie notches form tie slots through which a tie having loops at each end can be extended between panels of opposing sides or walls of the form structure. A tie opening is formed in the clamping lock through which the loop of a tie is adapted to extend. An anchor lock having a tapered arm is mounted on the clamping lock so that its arm can enter into a tie loop extending through the tie opening to secure the tie to the clamping lock and to tension the tie.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the bottom operable tank car valve assembly described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,981,481 is simplified and improved and a supplemental sealing arrangement is provided. In the improved design, the valve body includes a flange portion which is attached to a standard tank car universal flange and an inwardly extending circumferential portion upon which a valve closure seats in closed position. The valve closure includes a keeper which maintains a circumferential elastomeric seal in place engaging the closure. Clearance is provided between the closure operator, and the valve closure so that if the circumferential seal softens, melts or burns, the closure can move vertically downwardly relative to the closure operator, and the valve closure will engage the valve seat on the valve body in place of the circumferential seal, to substantially prevent escape of lading from the tank.

Abstract: A jig for holding planar sheet material during installation. The device includes a channel section provided with captively held nail members for temporarily attaching the jig to a substructure, e.g. wall studs. The channel section further has a groove along an interior wall surface for receiving an interchangeable frictional holding strip. The intersection of a second interior wall and bottom surface forms an inclined wedging surface. An edge of the sheet material is placed within the channel and is grippingly engaged by the coaction of the frictional holding strip and the wedging surface. The sheet material is angularly supported resting against the substructure and can then be nailed in place.

Abstract: An apparatus for singly conveying sheets of paper, especially currency, from a supply stack to an outlet, including a counter-rotating roller and a braking roller for separating two or more sheets which adhere to one another. Control elements delay new sheet take-up whenever adhering sheets are separated from one another, thus creating necessary space in the conveyance path.

Abstract: The invention discloses male and female handles for jump ropes or skip ropes which allow connection of two or more jump ropes to form ropes of varying lengths. Thus with only one type of rope all forms of rope exercise can be performed including joint turning, Chinese jump rope etc. The invention also discloses stationary mounts which are used to attach one handle or the other handle so that two participants can participate in multiple jump rope exercises.

Abstract: A base is permanently anchored in a foundation in flush relationship therewith. The base includes threaded openings for receiving one or more threaded fasteners. A ball is attached to one end of a tether having an elastic portion and a nonelastic portion. An L-shaped support for the other end of the tether rotates with respect to a frame mounted on the base. The fasteners connect the frame to the base. The frame holds a vertical sleeve. The support has a vertical arm fitting within the sleeve and extending beyond one end thereof and a horizontal arm with a free end extending beyond the perimeter of the frame. A first projection extends radially outward from the vertical arm adjacent to the one end of the sleeve. A second projection extends axially from the one end of the sleeve to abut the first projection when predetermined limits of relative rotation between the sleeve and arm are reached.

Abstract: Pick-up arms for record players including an elongated tubular arm and a weight device which can be fitted from above to one end of the arm for balancing the arm. The weight device includes two halves each of which includes a weight element, the weight elements being movable laterally to allow for displacement of the center of gravity of the weight device. The weight device is capable of being mounted on the elongated arm such that substantially the entire weight device is positioned below the uppermost surface of the arm to provide a low profile pick-up arm. The second end of the elongated arm includes a pick-up mounting fixture affixed thereto, substantially the entire fixture being positioned below the upper surface of the tubular arm to provide a low profile pick-up arm.

Abstract: A rollbar safety frame for an agricultural or industrial tractor comprises two uprights joined at their upper ends by a cross-member, and is adjustable so that it may fit different types of tractor. The frame is adjustable at its upper end, its lower end, or both. For adjustment at the upper end, the cross member is securable between the uprights such that the distance therebetween is adjustable. For adjustment at the lower end, each upright carries a securing plate provided with means for adjusting the relative positions of securing bolts transversely of an axle about which the uprights are secured. The safety frame may, if desired, be hinged at a central portion such that, when secured to a tractor, it may be folded.

Abstract: This invention provides a pipe tapping band of the type formed in two halves adapted to be clamped about a pipe to be tapped, one band half having an internally threaded integral ferrule to receive conventional pipe tapping means, a recess in the inner surface of the tapping band around the ferrule aperture, said recess arranged to receive and locate an apertured resilient seal between the tapping band and the outer surface of the pipe about an aperture formed therein and with said seal having peripheral lips arranged to provide sealing engagement with the tapping band and the outer surface of the pipe about the aperture therein.

Abstract: A device which is to constitute a tubular duct includes a plurality of flexible tubular sections and a plurality of rigid tubular sections. Articulation units are provided between one section and the next. Each articulation unit includes a pair of brackets provided with fastening collars. The respective collars are secured to ends of the rigid sections, ends of a respective flexible section being mounted on skirts of the adjacent rigid sections. The brackets of each pair of brackets are pivotally connected to move about a first respective axis. At least one bracket of at least one pair is additionally mounted to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: An adjustable keeper for rotary latches utilized to secure panels or doors in flush relation to the surrounding surface of an aircraft, the latch being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the surface of the panel or door, and including an externally accessible flush handle; the keeper including a keeper member movable radially with respect to the latch; an adjustable screw, the head of which is disposed in registry with a small opening through which may be inserted a turning tool such as an Allen wrench, and a connecting mechanism for converting rotation of the screw to radial adjustment of the keeper member.

Abstract: A handle for a small appliance, utensil or other body such as a coffee maker, for example, and particularly designed to be used in a microwave environment, the handle being made entirely of material which will remain cool when subjected to microwave radiation and being constructed of a ring encircling the appliance body and a gripping member fixed to the ring by a rigid inseparable joint, and a compressible member between the ring and the body which allows the handle to be applied to bodies having variations in dimensional tolerances.

Abstract: A box-shaped body for busses in which the sidewalls have windows and some of the sidewalls have doors. A roof is connected to the sidewalls, and at least the lengthwise sidewalls of the box-shaped body are connected to the roof by a two-part roof rim profile. A section of this roof rim profile is associated with the sidewalls and forms a continuous upper arch section directly connected to an upper edge of the windows. The roof rim profile has also a section associated with the roof, which is box-shaped and supplements the upper arch section. A self-centering detent connection with undercuts is provided at a point connecting the upper arch section with the box-shaped section of the roof rim profile. The inside of the upper arch section and the box-shaped section each have a lug for hanging a covering creating a space of triangular cross-section for holding lamps, cables, ventilation channels and similar elements.

Abstract: An insect deflector consisting of a transparent centrally hinged deflector attached to plastic attaching strips at each end of the deflector and mounted to an edge of the vehicle by a bracket attached to the distal ends of each of the mounting strips, adjustable straps tighten the deflector on the adjustable mounting strips and attachments to the front of the bottom edge of the window of the vehicle engage attachments to the deflector to position the deflector at the proper distance from the window to deflect insects from the window surface.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering shale oil from in-situ shale comprising the steps of: (1) mining a first portion of said shale; (2) fragmenting a second portion of said shale; (3) introducing into said second portion a mixture of gases comprising a molecular oxygen supplying gas, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide while maintaining a temperature sufficient to convert kerogen in said second portion to shale oil and to produce carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, gaseous hydrocarbons and other combustion and inert gases; (4) separating said shale oil from an offgas containing said carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, gaseous hydrocarbons and other combustion and inert gases; (5) separating hydrogen sulfide and a first portion of carbon dioxide from a gas of low sulfur content and increased heating value comprising said gaseous hydrocarbons and other combustion and inert gases and a second portion of said carbon dioxide; and (6) recycling said hydrogen sulfide and said first portion of said carbon dioxide to step

Abstract: A safety wheel for trucks or other motor vehicles, including a safety flange which is detachably connectable to the tire mounting rim of a wheel body, with the flange having a mounting portion preferably received radially between the rim and a bead of the tire, and with the flange extending generally radially outwardly at the outside of the tire to a peripheral edge which is of a diameter slightly less than the external diameter of the tire to normally be out of engagement with the road surface, but to contact that road surface and effectively support the vehicle in the event of deflation of the tire. The safety flange is desirably retained on the rim by a resilient split retaining ring removably received within an annular groove formed in the wheel body, and with further retention of the safety flange by a series of circularly spaced screws extending outwardly through the wheel body and connecting to the safety flange.

Abstract: The feed material handling apparatus has a frame supporting a feed-receiving hopper disposed horizontally on said frame and an impeller rotatable about a vertical axis therein impels said material through a discharge tunnel to a substantially vertical blower having an impeller operable about a horizontal axis which urges the material up a vertical transition member into a silo or the like. The hopper adjacent said tunnel is partially covered and provided with air inlet openings, while the sidewalls of said blower are imperforate except for a material inlet opening from said tunnel and openings for a shaft for said impeller of said blower. A metering blade also is mounted adjacent the inlet to said tunnel to control the flow of material to said tunnel.

Abstract: A parking brake control valve for a vehicle fluid pressure braking system is actuable by the vehicle operator to control communication from a fluid pressure source to supply hold-off pressure to the vehicle parking brakes. The parking brakes are of the spring applied, fluid pressure released type, in which the spring actuator automatically effects a mechanical brake operation when hold-off pressure drops below a predetermined level. The parking brake control valve is responsive to a supply pressure below a predetermined level to automatically vent the hold-off pressure from the parking brakes, but this predetermined low pressure is less than the value of the spring brake hold-off pressure below which the brakes are gradually applied or "drag".

Abstract: A washing machine outlet box of the type having a water impervious plastic cabinet and a bottom sloping to a drain outlet can be improved by providing the washing machine outlet box with a detachable drain pipe, adjustable mounting brackets and variable size knockout plugs. The detachable drain pipe is secured to the cabinet by matching screw threads on both the drain pipe and the cabinet. The adjustable brackets allow the washing machine outlet box to be mounted in a wall in a variety of positions, while the variable size knockout plugs can accommodate hot and cold water inlets of either copper tubing or galvanized pipe in such a manner as to form a water-tight seal with either type pipe.

Abstract: A patch module assembly consists of a two piece frame structure, which provides three parallel jack receptacles entering the frame through one end for receiving patch cord wand. The sides of the frame are closed by printed circuit boards which are electrically connected through plug connectors through the other end wall. The circuit boards support T-Bar.RTM. type switch wafers whose normally closed switches are in series in the various printed circuits between connectors. The printed circuitry also connects spring contacts at one of the wand support receptacles to one side of one of the switches. Another wand support receptacle has spring contacts connected to the opposite side of the switches. A third wand support receptacle has spring contacts connected to either one side or the other of the switches. The contacts of the respective receptacles mate with contacts on an insertable wand, which enable patch connection to other circuits.

Abstract: There is provided a plastic cylindrical electrical connector including a plug and a receptacle, each having a plurality of cavities extending longitudinally therethrough. The cavities are adapted to receive a corresponding plurality of plastic modules. The modules have a plurality of holes for receiving electrical contacts. The plug and receptacle also have a plurality of holes for receiving individual electrical contacts. Each module includes at least one tab extending rearward from the module. The cavities in the plug and receptacle have at least one recess therein for securing the tab of the module and preventing the module from moving in one direction. The cavities of the plug and receptacle also include at least one shoulder to prevent the modules from moving in the other direction.

Abstract: A light bulb is provided that may be hung from a ceiling and which does need any type of light fixture thereabout. The light bulb itself acts as a fixture and is connected to a light socket having a top cover plate and a mounting piece mounting the top cover plate thereabove. In one embodiment of the invention, the mounting piece has a pair of diametrically opposed circumferential slots for receiving therein the prongs of the light bulb, the slots lying adjacent to a pair of metal terminals cast into the plastic of the mounting piece. A spring holding element holds the prongs in the slots. In the second embodiment, the mounting piece is threaded to receive a threaded portion of the light bulb and has a lower annular groove and central aperture for receiving therein a ring-shaped metal contact and a split prong contact of the light bulb. A plurality of metal strips partially positioned in the annular groove serve to hold the ring-shaped metal contact in place.

Abstract: A pair of identical bi-convex triplets, a mirror, and a pentaprism are used to extend the parallel light zone between the objective and the telescope lens of a conventional infinity corrected microscope system. Specific values for the components and spacings between the same are given.

Abstract: A connector for coupling a pair of single optical fibers is disclosed. Each contact of the connector utilizes three spheres of equal diameter defining a tricuspid interstitial space therebetween into which the end of a fiber is mounted. The spheres are embraced by a circular race and may engage each other but always engage the race. When a pair of contacts is mated in axial abutting relationship, the spheres in the mating abutting contacts nest with respect to each other, thereby precisely laterally aligning the optical fibers which are mounted in the interstitial spaces of the sets of spheres in the two contacts. Spring means are included to urge the spheres inwardly and are releasable to facilitate insertion of a single optical fiber extending axially and to compensate for alignment tolerances.

Abstract: An optical fiber splice is formed by means of a pair of watch jewels concentrically aligned within a cylindrical ferrule. The plastic is stripped back from a pair of fibers to expose their cores and each core is inserted into one of the jewels for precise alignment.

Abstract: This invention provides a coaxial cable of the type comprising a central electric conductor and a peripheral electrically conducting screen separated from one another by a solid dielectric, this cable further comprising optical fibres embedded in the dielectric and symmetrically distributed between the central conductor and the peripheral screen.