Abstract: The invention is directed to a connector for two flat electrical cables having the same plurality of conduits. The electricity passes from one conduit to the corresponding conduit by way of a dielectric insert having holes therethrough, with electrically conductive means having at least a portion of a hemispherical surface protruding on each side of the dielectric insert. Preferably pressure is applied to the cable/insert/cable sandwich quasi-hydrostatically through a low durometer elastomeric materic material. For EMI/EMP shielding, the low durometer elastomeric material is electrically conductive and encloses completely the connection.

Abstract: Produce packages are stacked onto a pallet having an underlying gasproof plastic sheeting. The loaded pallet is placed on a rotatable table and a plastic bag is lowered over the produce which has its lower edges located partway down over the upturned portions of the plastic sheeting and onto the rim of the pallet. Two rolls of tape mounted at different heights on vertical spindles closely adjacent the table provide two tape strips with an edge portion overlapping. An idler roller joins the two strips of tape together in a single composite tape strip. The composite tape strip is applied by a pressure roller along the lower edge of the plastic bag and the pallet. After a full revolution of the table is completed, the tape is cut and the bag is completely sealed to the pallet. A lever arm on the pressure roller is spring-loaded to maintain the tape compressingly contacting the plastic bag and pallet throughout the full range of table rotation. Artificial gaseous environment is then provided to sealed container.

Abstract: Redistribution devices in a packed column are provided for mixing and redistribution of both downflowing liquid and upflowing vapor to reduce liquid to vapor concentration gradients. In one form, the vapor is redistributed by first risers directing vapor streams outwardly toward the column and second risers located adjacent the column solely directing vapor streams toward the column center.

Abstract: A grounding plate having a flanged edge wall continuously around its periphery is press fit into the open end of a connector part shell. The plate provides a continuous intimate contacting relationship between the plate flange and the inner wall of the connector shell. A plurality of openings are formed in the plate aligned with the connector contacts contained within the connector part. A length of shielding braid, which can be identical to that carried by a cable wire has one open end soldered onto a cable wire shield. A metal ferrule grounding plug has an open end which is soldered or otherwise electrically and mechanially secured to the other end of length of shield braid. The outer end of the grounding plug has a radially outwardly directed flange and a slotted side wall, such that the plug on being inserted into a grounding plate opening is compressed, and then when the flange has passed through the plate it snaps outwardly to lock the plug in place.

Abstract: A non-intrusive, annular, broad range current sensor is located about the transmission line at the shorting location of the shielding device. Effectiveness of the shielding of the device can be readily determined for any particular predetermined frequency or range of frequencies by noting the current sensor readings and output voltage. That is, the lower the output voltage/sensor voltage readings in the test frequency range, the higher the shielding effectiveness of the device.

Abstract: A current detection device has an annular dielectric substrate with a thin (e.g., less than one skin depth at maximum frequency) resistive foil laid down on the substrate outer surface and extending completely thereabout. Annular metal rims are affixed to the substrate edges respectively contacting the metal foil or film. A conductive strip of appropriate dimensions is received onto the outer edges of the metal rims and extends about the complete circumference of the rims. A resistive material is used to secure the conductive strip to the edges of the rims so that the entire resistance of the strip and resistance material exceeds that of the sensing metal foil to prevent shorting out of the foil.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting an object on a base for isolating the object from movement of the base, typically an art object, instrument, case, or housing for projection during seismic activity. The apparatus includes a base plate for attachment to the base, with a frame positioned on the base plate and adapted for omni-directional movement over the base plate. A lever is pivotally mounted on the frame and is connected to a spring, typically by a cable. The lever is also connected to the base plate, typically by another cable, with movement of the base plate moving the lever and extending the spring, after which the spring retracts, restoring the apparatus to the rest position.

Abstract: A contact for an optical fiber has a ferrule onto one end of which a tip is releasably fitted. The end wall of the tip includes an opening of predetermined diameter within which a bare fiber of only very slightly less diameter is to located. The optical fiber with bare fiber end portion is received through the opposite end of the ferrule and the bare fiber end is located within the tip opening spaced inwardly from the tip end wall. The contact is received within a hollow tubular terminus body and extends out one end thereof, the remainder being retained within the terminus body by a flange on the ferrule. Additional parts terminate the fiber strength member externally of the contact and a spring provides axial resiliency to the contact. The tip outer end surface may have a concavity for receiving a spherical lens and a lens holder secures the lens against the tip end.

Abstract: A nut is provided particularly for use with a sheet metal screw, which nut has a screw-receiving sleeve, with two or more roll-tapped threads having a flattened crest at the apex of the thread angles. An alternate embodiment contemplates providing a double thread on the sleeve inner surface of at least two full revolutions.

Abstract: An interconnection between a plastic pipe and a larger diameter metal pipe having a first retainer ring received onto an end of the plastic pipe, a compressible bushing on the plastic pipe in contact with the first retainer ring, a second retainer ring, a pliant cylindrical seal in contact with the second retainer ring, a washer, an insert tube within the plastic pipe having an enlarged end contacting the washer, the metal pipe being deformed to clampingly engage and distend the pliant cylindrical seal.

Abstract: A blanket assembly has an outer layer constructed of a relatively close weave fabric preventing air flow therethrough. Underneath the top layer is a second layer of material edge connected to the top layer and which is constructed of a material permeable to air, such as relatively thin taffeta, for example. A cavity exists between the two layers which receives pressurized cooled or heated air that passes through the air permeable layer to cool or heat the individual using the blanket assembly. A modified blanket assembly construction includes rigid edge wall members holding the outer and inner layers separated at a predetermined spacing reducing "pinch-off" between the layers restricting air flow within parts of the cavity or chamber. Peltier effect elements are selectively energizable to heat or cool air provided to the blanket assembly cavity.

Abstract: A lockable closure for a gasoline filler tube is provided including a threaded extension which can be tightly threaded into the upper open end of a vehicle filler tube. The closure housing has an opening extending through the housing to communicate with the filler tube cavity as well as a flat upper surface of the housing which provides a sealing surface for a vapor boot during refueling. A locking plate assembly has a pair of spaced apart plates slidably received in the closure housing for movement into covering relation to the cavity or radially outwardly to an extended position leaving the housing cavity exposed for fuel entry. The closure may be locked in place.

Abstract: A plug and receptacle electrical connector releasably engageable to interconnect corresponding pairs of cable wires through included electrical contacts has one of the connector parts with a coded set of keys on an outer surface and the other connector part with an opening, the flange edge of which is formed with a corresponding coded set of keyways so as to accept the keyed connector part therewithin. Relative rotation of the connector parts locks the flanged edge behind the keys mating the connector parts. One of the connector parts has a pair of pressure-applying members which extend radially outwardly from the connector part at a substantial angular separation from one another, and the other connector part has first and second pressure-applying members extending radially outwardly from the other connector part at a mutual angle less than that of the pressure applying members on the first connector part. The pressure applying members can be manipulated by the use of one hand alone.

Abstract: An electrical connector part has its connector end covered by a metal shield or grid plate having openings individually aligned with electrical contacts. The electrical contacts are of the "butt" variety having spring-loaded parts which shieldingly cover the grid plate openings when the connector parts are released.

Abstract: An optical signal coupler has a pair of graded index lenses joined at a common face by a semi-reflective film (e.g., dichroic coating). Opposite sides of the lens system are provided with a pair of fibers having their ends at predetermined points such that a light signal applied to either of the fibers has a first part which reflects from the lens coating onto the other fiber on the same side of the lens and a second part which passes through the lens system to exit via one of the remaining fibers at the opposite lens side. The entire lens and four fiber waveguides are formed into a unitary relationship by encapsulation.

Abstract: A support structure for the beam splitter consists of three parts unitarily arranged. A central part has a relatively large V-groove extending along a surface between opposite edges and two identical end parts each have a pair of parallel smaller V-grooves arranged on a flat surface. Two lenses joined at a common face by a semi-reflective film of known transmission characteristics are located in the housing central part groove. Bare optical fibers are located in each of the end part grooves with the faced-off end of each fiber in non-pressurizing contact with the lens system circular end face after which the entire assembly is encapsulated.

Abstract: An infant bathing device having the undersurface thereof contoured for being removably received in resting position on a double sink, the device having a first trough portion configured and contoured for receiving the body of the infant, the first trough portion adjacent one end of the device having an upwardly extending back and head supporting portion extending above the highest point of the first trough portion. The device includes a second shallower trough portion adjacent the other end thereof for receiving bathing articles such as soap and the like. Intermediate the two trough portions is an overflow divider spaced below the upper periphery of the main body of the device, the divider having the undersurface thereof configured for resting on the divider of a double kitchen sink with the back and head supporting portion abutting one end of the sink. The back supporting portion may optionally be provided with handle means with the entire device being formed in an integral unit.