Abstract: A normally hydrophilic microporous material having a polymeric matrix and a filler dispersed throughout the matrix wherein the filler contains active polar groups, is rendered hydrophobic by exposing the material to a reactive compound. In one preferred embodiment of the invention the reactive compound is a silane or a silazane whereas in another preferred embodiment the reactive compound is a Werner-type complex of fatty acids coordinated with a metal. The treated microporous material is rendered impervious to water-based liquids but remains pervious with respect to vapors or gases.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes complementary contact elements, one contact element being supported for axial movement in its housing as part of a contact assembly also including a piston and a member evolving arc-quenching gas upon being subjected to an arc. Such contact assembly is disposed in a passage having an encircling electrically conductive wall and a piston thereof is responsive to evolved gas to displace the contact assembly. A resilient contactor is situated radially outwardly of the contact assembly and radially inwardly of the conductive wall for resiliently engaging the contact assembly and wall for providing electrical continuity therebetween.

Abstract: A circuit panel connector for enabling the connection of a plurality of circuit terminals at the edge of a circuit panel, such as a printed circuit board, with external conductors includes an elongate socket and self-aligning bifurcated electrical contacts juxtaposed with the socket along the length thereof, each having a pair of opposed cantilever tines integral with a common base and carrying contact lobes at the free ends thereof such that both tines are free to flex resiliently relative to one another for the reception of the circuit panel edge between the tines, while the contacts are free to move laterally, relative to the socket, for alignment of the contacts with the circuit panel edge in response to insertion of the circuit panel edge within the socket, and a strap integral with the base of each contact and extending laterally into a tubular connector element having means for releasably clamping an external conductor against the strap within the tubular connector element.