Abstract: A magnetic press (10) for performing a manufacturing operation includes tooling (60) operatively connected to reciprocating parts comprising rods (22), and a magnet (41) connected to the rods (22) through a stationary plate (31). A control circuit (200) electrically operates a reciprocating magnet (41) and a stationary magnet (51) for inducing flux fields of attraction in the magnets (41,51), and for reversing the polarity of the flux fields to eliminate residual magnetism and for cushioning the landing of magnet (41) on a return stroke.

Abstract: A smart card connector module comprises two rows of terminals stamped and formed from a single piece of sheet metal and interconnected by a carrier strip. An insulative housing may either be overmoulded or assembled to the carrier strip, the terminals subsequently being electrically disconnected by stamping away portions of the carrier strip through windows provided in the housing.

Abstract: A tube conductor, for example made in copper, is interconnected to a connector housing, for example made of aluminum alloy, by stuffing an insert, for example a steel ball, into the tube. The steel ball expands the tube and clamps it in the cavity of the housing. This construction enables elastic energy to be stored that increases the reliability and lifetime operation of the connector. It also enables a copper conductor to be reliably connected to aluminum connector, even though their thermal expansion coefficients differ, by suitable choice of material and dimensioning of the insert.

Abstract: An electrical terminal comprises an inner contact body and an outer spring body. The outer spring body is box-shaped and encloses the inner contact body. The outer spring body comprises spring beams edge-stamped out of top and bottom walls respectively. Protrusions are positioned centrally along the spring beams, and project beyond side walls of the outer spring body such that when the terminal is inserted into a corresponding housing cavity, the protrusions interfere with walls thereof. The spring beams are thus resiliently biased and the terminal is resiliently held within the housing cavity such that chattering of the terminal therein is prevented. Vibration movements parallel to the top and bottom walls causes the spring beams to act in the plane of the metal, and vibration movements perpendicular thereto cause the spring beams to act in torsion. Due to the edge-stamping of the spring beams out of top and bottom walls, they are very simple to manufacture, yet very effective, robust and reliable.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is comprised of a housing member having a slidable cover, together which is interconnectable to a header member. The header includes camming grooves positioned on inside surfaces of upstanding walls whereas the connector assembly includes locking lugs positioned on outside surfaces of the cover member. The cover member is transversely slidable relative to the housing such that moving the cover transversely can bring the connector assembly into full electrical engagement with the header assembly.

Abstract: An electrical shielded data connector includes an inner terminal support housing (4, 404, 520) carrying a plurality of electrical terminals such as (30, 560) where the terminal support housing includes shield members (130, 160; 330, 360; 460; 516, 518) surrounding the terminal support housing (4, 404,520). The shielded sub-assembly is insertable into an outer housing (70; 512, 514) and is latchably attached therein and a rear support plate (95) and cable support member (110) can be assembled around a cable after the termination of the multi-conductor cable. The cable support member (110) can be positioned in one of two orientations to provide for either a straight through or an angled cable exit. A cross talk shield (200, 524) is positioned in a stuffer cap (180, 522) and is situated between adjacent terminals (30, 560) when in the final position. Another cross talk shield (220, 320) is positioned in a slot (50, 450) intermediate the terminals (30) at the lower side thereof.

Abstract: An electrical shielded data connector includes an inner terminal support housing (4, 404, 520) carrying a plurality of electrical terminals such as (30, 560) where the terminal support housing includes shield members (130, 160; 330, 360; 460; 516, 518) surrounding the terminal support housing (4, 404, 520). The shielded sub-assembly is insertable into an outer housing (70; 512, 514) and is latchably attached therein and a rear support plate (95) and cable support member (110) can be assembled around a cable after the termination of the multi-conductor cable. The cable support member (110) can be positioned in one of two orientations to provide for either a straight through or an angled cable exit. A cross talk shield (200, 524) is positioned in a stuffer cap (180, 522) and is situated between adjacent terminals (30, 560) when in the final position. Another cross talk shield (220, 320) is positioned in a slot (50, 450) intermediate the terminals (30) at the lower side thereof.

Abstract: An automated method is disclosed for grinding and polishing the terminated ends of the optical fibers in a fiber optic cable. The abrasive material, in strip form, is moved in a carriage along a linear path while the carriage is oscillated in a circle within a plane during polishing. There are three separate work stations operating concurrently, the first having a relatively course grade of abrasive while the others have finer grades. Fixtures holding the cables for polishing are held in fixture supports that are automatically fed toward the abrasive material during polishing and retracted after polishing is complete. The fixture engagement mechanism for the first carriage engages at a slower rate than do the mechanisms of the other carriages.

Abstract: An overmolded alignment ferrule for an optical fiber connector having a high precision preformed precision portion and a lower precision overmolded body portion, the precision portion including an anti-displacement feature and a anti-flexural feature for preventing flexural, rotational or torsional movement of the precision portion relative the body portion. The overmolded alignment ferrule being formed by overmolding the body portion about the precision portion generally surrounding and embedding the anti-displacement features and the anti-flexure features and extending rearward therefrom.

Abstract: A connector and contact for electrically interconnecting terminals of an upgraded circuit module directly to the leads of a pre-existing electronic component affixed to contact pads on a substrate through a separable connection, the connector having a frame upon which contacts are retainably positioned to form the interconnection between respective terminals and leads and a clamping mechanism for holding the upgraded circuit module, the connector, and the pre-existing electronic component together to maintain the electrical interconnection.

Abstract: An optical switch having a fixed-position concave reflector, a fixed array of optical waveguides facing the concave reflector, said array including n number of input waveguides for transmitting the optical signal into the switch, and m number of output waveguides adapted to receive the optical signal, and a refractive element located between the reflector and the array of optical waveguides having multiple angular positions for selectively coupling one of the n number of input waveguides with one of the m number of output waveguides, the switch further including an actuator connected to the refractive element for moving the refractive element between angular positions.

Abstract: An elastic insert for receiving and securing an optical fiber within a passage of a housing, such as a ferrule of an fiber optic connector, when compacted therein by a plunger, the insert having deformable relief regions that are constructed to deform upon compaction so that the optical fiber is securely held by the insert, while controlling the forces exerted outwardly by the insert against the housing along the passage and a fiber optic connector for use with the insert.

Abstract: An electronic card (10) has a housing (12) containing integrated circuitry. On a surface (14) of the card are contact pads (26, 28) connected to the internal circuitry. The contact pads are covered by a movable shield (32). An electrical connector assembly (50) mounted on a printed circuit board (52) includes a base member (56) having contact members (62, 64) in contact with contact pads (54) on the printed circuit board. The connector assembly further includes a hollow casing (66) pivotably mounted on the base member (56). The electronic card (10) is inserted within the casing (66), which is arranged to move the shield (32) so as to expose the contact pads (26, 28) of the card (10). The casing (66) holding the card (10) is then pivoted so that the contact pads (26, 28) of the card (10) engage the contact members (62, 68). A latch member (112) is provided for maintaining the contact pads in engagement with the contact members.

Abstract: A universal adapter including a generic fixed housing (10) capable of receiving diverse back panel assemblies (20-1, 20-2 . . . 20-n) each having a set of coupling elements (22-1, 22-2 . . . 22-n) which may differ according to industry standards. The adapter facilitates optical coupling of, for example, a Fiber Distributed-Data Interface (FDDI) style connector or an ESCON.TM. style connector with either an SC.TM. style connector, an ST.TM. style connector, an FC style connector, or any other type of optical connector.

Abstract: A system for conveying chips from a container to a predetermined position on top of a chip socket. A vacuum-held hand tool having a handle is supplied with a vacuum or with a positive air pressure at its working face, as controlled by placement of a digit of the operator with respect to an air exhaust port on the handle. The bottom or working face of the tool is provided with a recess fitting the outline of a chip to be picked up by the tool working face, to hold the chip fixed on the tool as it is carried by the tool to a position atop the socket, where it is discharged by flow of air from the working face when a digit of the operator is applied to the exhaust port of the tool.

Abstract: A continuously variable fiber optic attenuator 10, particularly for attenuating single mode fibers, has means 20 for supporting a section 25 of an optical fiber 24 substantially along the length of the section 25 and means 22 for bending at least a portion of the supported optical fiber section 25 in a controlled manner for attenuating light passing through the optical fiber 24. Preferably, the support means 20 comprises a deformable support means such as a spring 15 or an elastomeric body 71 for supporting the optical fiber 24 as it is bent. Most preferably, the deformable support means supports a section 25 of optical fiber 24 formed in one or more loops around the deformable support means, and the bending means is a plunger 22 movable to an extended position pressing against the support means 20 to bend portions of the loops of optical fiber 24 in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A one-piece fiber optic receptacle (10) with integrally-molded containment cells (18,19) for frictionally retaining one or more active optical devices (20) within the receptacle (10) during alignment.

Abstract: A scribe-and-break tool for fracturing the free end of an optical fiber that is especially suitable for hand-holdable configurations and field use which has an elongate body with a plunger that is interrelated to a blade for scribing the free end of an optical fiber retained in tension within a depressible head that extends outward from the body and is depressible inward to bring the free end of the optical fiber into contact with the blade, thereby scribing the free end of the fiber causing the free end to break off.

Abstract: An improved contact for use in a high density chip carrier socket mounted on a circuit member which utilizes a cover which to wedge the leads of the chip carrier into electrical engagement with a respective contact. A tool receiving recess is incorporated into the contact so that the forces exerted on the socket while pressing the cover into place can be opposed, minimizing the forces exerted on the connection between the socket and the circuit member, typically a solder joint. Providing a tool, that operates from one side of the circuit member, in order to press the cover into place while engaging the contact recess to oppose the insertion related forces, which can also pull the cover from the contacts, without exerting significant forces on the connection, by engaging a lip in the cover while pressing on the carrier.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a signal reference grid conductor to a support post. The connector includes a body member having a first end profiled to receive the post within a seat and a plurality of recesses disposed along the seat for receiving the conductors. A clamping mechanism exerts a force against the post so that the post is positively seated against the conductors contained in the recesses.