Abstract: A multichannel separable fiber optic connector includes two-part splice fixtures which are retained in the center body of the connector. A keying arrangement between the splice fixture halves and the center body insure that the fixture halves are always mated together in the same angular relationship, and a common sleeve in the center body aligns the fixture halves along a common surface. The optic fibers and fiber splices are protected by removable backshells which are environmentally sealed to the center body and to the cable jacket.

Abstract: A plural frequency antenna includes a plurality of antenna segment pairs, one for each frequency which is to be transmitted. The segment pairs are serially connected to one another and form a conductive path for DC current which charges a capacitor used to fire a strobe lamp mounted on the top of the antenna.

Abstract: An emergency position indicating radio beacon is controlled by an annular switch ring which rotates to ON, OFF, SET, and TEST positions. In the SET position, the buoy transmitter automatically turns on in response to removal of the buoy from a mounting bracket. A light and an audible alarm on the buoy are activated during buoy transmission to alert an operator to the transmission in order to avoid false alarms. The mounting bracket automatically releases and ejects the buoy in an emergency situation in response to ambient water pressure, or the buoy may be manually removed from the bracket for deployment.

Abstract: A diplexer couples a plurality of RF signals and a strobe signal to the antenna of an emergency transmitter buoy. A plurality of filters in the diplexer each pass a preselected signal to the antenna and block other signals from being reflected into the signal sources.

Abstract: A grounding disc which provides a common ground for an array of electrical contacts in a cylindrical connector includes a pattern of press fit holes which match the array of electrical contacts. Each press fit hole grippingly engages an electrical contact to establish a secure electrical and mechanical connection therewith without the use of solder or other mechanical fasteners.

Abstract: A coupling guard insures that a plurality of plugs are coupled to plural receptacles in a desired sequence. An array of cam rings which rotate in unison with the rotation of mating plugs are designed to be locked against rotation unless the rings are rotated in the desired sequence. In one embodiment, cover plates coupled to the cam rings cover the entrance to the adjacent receptacles and are removed from the entrance of the receptacles by rotation of the cam rings.

Abstract: A fastening system for securing an article to a base uses a conventional drive fastener. A reaction surface on the article contacts the bearing surface on the underside of the fastener head causing the fastener head to tilt relative to the body of the fastener. The reaction surface also causes the body of the drive fastener to deform when it is fully driven into the article, and a portion of the material from the reaction surface is displaced into the aperture to increase the retention force of the fastener.

Abstract: A closed loop breathing system includes a face mask, a pressurized bottle of oxygen-rich breathing gas, and an exhalation hose and an inhalation hose both coupled to the face mask. Flexible breathing bags smoothen the flow of expired gas through the system, and a container of sorbent material removes CO.sub.2 from the expired gas. A mixing valve mixes expired breathing gas from the face mask with oxygen-rich breathing gas from the pressurized container. A balanced exhalation valve assembly coupled to the exhalation hose includes a main valve which passes the flow of expired gas from the exhalation hose into a chamber and prevents the reverse flow of gas from the chamber into the exhalation hose. A flexible diaphragm forms one wall of the chamber and is coupled to the main valve by a rigid spacer to prevent a pressure increase in the chamber from increasing the force necessary to open the main valve.

Abstract: A backup breathing gas supply is used with an oxygen concentrator system in which breathing gas is derived as an oxygen enriched product gas from the oxygen concentrator system and delivered to a breathing regulator. The backup breathing gas supply includes a plenum chamber for storing a quantity of breathing gas, a plenum line coupling the output of the oxygen concentrator to the plenum chamber, and a bypass line coupled to the output of the oxygen concentrator. During normal operation, breathing gas is delivered by means of the bypass line. In the event of loss of air supply to the concentrator, loss of electrical power, or concentrator breakdown, breathing gas is delivered from the plenum chamber. A three-way control valve is used to selectively couple either the plenum chamber or the bypass line to the system outlet.

Abstract: The method and the arrangement for the connection of a multipole connector to a circuit board (1), specifies that the circuit board (1) is provided with a plurality of blind holes (3), equivalent in number to and matching the location of terminals (4) extending out of the connector housing (2). The blind holes (3) are filled with solder paste (5) and the mechanical and electrical connection of the connector (2) with the circuit board (1) is carried out by reflowing the solder paste. Compared with the conventional technique utilizing through-drilled connection holes, the invention provides the advantage that conductor paths can be routed underneath the blind holes, soldering paste cannot get on the underside of the circuit board, and a tolerance compensation of the lengths of the terminals is insured without subjecting the circuit board to preload forces exerted by the terminals.

Abstract: An alignable single channel fiber optic rotary joint for effecting and maintaining accurate axial alignment of the input and output optic fibers maximizing optical throughput comprising, inner and outer housings rotatively joined at a bearing, ferrules loosely enclosed by the inner and outer housings, the ferrules comprising means for supporting an optic fiber and a lens, and for making an optical joint therebetween, alignment collar means for affecting radial displacement of the ferrules including, adjustment screw means for engaging and selectively positioning the alignment collar means thereby maximizing optical throughput between the input and output optic fibers, cement means for rigidly maintaining the alignment collar in the selected location, and end cap means for securing the cement means and providing fiber cable strain relief.

Abstract: A high density edgecard connector system includes a first row of cantilever contacts and a second row of cantilever contacts which are longer than those of the first row. The edgecard includes first and second rows of contact pads which are located differing distances from the bottom of the edgecard. Ribs are mounted on the edgecard between each of the contact pads in the first row and lift the cantilever contacts of the second row away from the surface of the edgecard in order to prevent cross connections between the cantilever contacts of the second row and the contact pads of the first row during insertion or withdrawal of the edgecard into or out of the connector. The ribs include ramps on either end and may be integrally molded with a spine which attaches to the bottom edge of the edgecard.

Abstract: A multiple spindle machine includes a plurality of spindles mounted in a spindle assembly which sequentially indexes workpieces through a plurality of spindle stations by rotating the spindle assembly around its axis. The control and drive system for the multiple spindle machine includes a first variable speed motor for driving the spindles and a second variable speed motor for driving a camshaft. The camshaft drives the indexing mechanism and a main cam which reciprocates a tool slide and a first set of tools mounted on the tool slide relative to the spindle assembly. A second set of tools is mounted around the spindle assembly and independent NC motors drive the second set of tools. A microprocessor independently controls the speed of the first and second variable speed motors and the NC motors to provide flexible control of the multiple spindle machine.

Abstract: A closed loop breathing system includes a face mask, a pressurized bottle of oxygen-rich breathing gas, and an exhalation hose and an inhalation hose both coupled to the face mask. Flexible breathing bags smoothen the flow of expired gas through the system, and a container of sorbent material removes CO.sub.2 from the expired gas. A mixing valve mixes expired breathing gas from the face mask with oxygen-rich breathing gas from the pressurized container. A balanced exhalation valve assembly coupled to the exhalation hose includes a main valve which passes the flow of expired gas from the exhalation hose into a chamber and prevents the reverse flow of gas from the chamber into the exhalation hose. A flexible diaphragm forms one wall of the chamber and is coupled to the main valve by a rigid spacer to prevent a pressure increase in the chamber from increasing the force necessary to open the main valve.

Abstract: A daughterboard connector (6) has a polarity key formed by two walls (14, 15) on either side of a recess (12). A lateral contact (8) mounted in the recess engages a bus bar (3, 4) which is mounted in a pair of slots (20) in the end of a motherboard connector (11). A flange (7) adjacent one of the slots forms a polarity key for the motherboard connector. The height and positioning of the lateral contact and the bus bar are chosen to provide a first-make-last-break function for these elements relative to the signal contacts 19 and 16 of the daughterboard and motherboard connectors, respectively. The bus bar (3, 4) may be common to a number of motherboard connectors which are mounted on a common printed circuit board.

Abstract: A fast acting solid state AC circuit breaker includes a power transistor module in series with a load. Load current is continuously monitored and compared with threshold current values which define maximum current for equipment turn-on and steady state conditions. The steady state conditions may be briefly exceeded to allow normal transient overloads to exist on the line for periods up to 25 milliseconds. A maximum current level greater than the normal transient overload can exist on the line for 10 milliseconds after the circuit breaker turns on. The circuit breaker can be turned off in less than 10 microseconds.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector backshell surrounds and protects one or more fiber optic pairs which are joined together by fiber optic couplers. The backshell includes a cylindrical body and a sleeve. A clamp seals and secures the body to the outer jacket of a fiber optic cable and an integral frame includes struts which surround access windows and provide a strain relief. The fiber optic pairs and couplers are exposed when said sleeve is removed from the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A fluidic bridge for determining the partial pressure of a gas has a positive pressure inlet for a reference gas and a sample gas and an ambient pressure outlet. The reference gas and the sample gas pass through a capillary passage and an orifice passage, and the pressure differential between the outlet of the reference capillary passage and the outlet of the sample capillary passage is a function of the density of the gas. A pressure ratio regulator is used to equalize the pressure of the reference gas and the sample gas applied to the inlets of the capillary passages. The length of the capillary passages and the flow characteristics of the orifice passages are adjustable to allow the bridge to be properly calibrated after being assembled.