Abstract: A pneumatic planar probe for electrical transmission lines containing single or multiple contacts is provided for planar termination to a receiving structure. The pneumatic planar probe includes a header, a first probe body and a second probe body that are arranged as an extension of a transmission line having a center conductor and an outer conductor, the first probe body and second probe body extending the outer conductor and center conductor, respectively. The first probe body and second probe body are received in the header. The second probe body is supported in a dielectric body, the second probe body and dielectric body being concentrically slidably mounted in the first probe body. A first probe body interface at a free end of the first probe body is configured to contact a ground planar surface of the receiving structure. A second probe body interface at a free end of the second probe body is configured to contact a signal planar surface of the receiving structure.

Abstract: An interface apparatus having a plurality of self-aligning coaxial connectors for substantially simultaneous interconnection with a plurality of connectors on a unit under test includes a base member, a first interface and a second interface. The first and second interfaces are spaced apart to receive the unit under test. At least one of the first and second interfaces is slidably movable on the base member for movement into engagement with the unit under test that is positioned between the interfaces. At least one of the first and second interfaces has a plurality of self-aligning coaxial connectors that are positioned to interconnect with the plurality of connectors on the unit under test. An urging means is provided for moving the interfaces so that the self-aligning coaxial connectors are moved into mating engagement with the plurality of connectors on the unit under test that is positioned between the interfaces.

Abstract: A centrifugal direct injection engine having an open-ended compartment with a combustion chamber at a closed end thereof and an exhaust nozzle at its open end. The compartment is provided with a narrow portion defining a throat that connects the combustion chamber and the exhaust nozzle. A propellant injection manifold is rotatably mounted within the combustion chamber, the propellant injection manifold being configured for rapid rotation within the combustion chamber. The propellant injection manifold includes an upper disk member, an intermediate disk member and a lower disk member, the disks being joined together to form an integral member with the outer perimeter of the disks being in registration with one another. A fuel is introduced into the combustion chamber through the propellant injection manifold and the nozzles.

Abstract: A quick connect and quick disconnect connector assembly for connecting with a mating connector comprises a body and an engagement means. A retaining means is provided for securing the engagement means to the body. The engagement means includes an inner gripping member that is telescopically received in an outer actuation member. The inner gripping member has an outer wall surface that is formed with a first ramp portion and the outer actuation member has an inner wall surface that is formed with a second ramp portion, the first ramp portion being complementary to the second ramp portion. The first ramp portion of the outer wall surface of the inner gripping member is configured to interferingly engage and cooperate with the second ramp portion of the inner wall surface of the outer actuator member. The first ramp portion of the inner gripping member is formed with resilient fingers that are movable between a relaxed state and an inwardly urged state.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating mating cylindrical members, for example mating sections of a sailboard mast. The apparatus includes either a pair of support elements or a block element and a lever arm. Each of the pair of support elements and the block element is configured to receive one of the mating sections of the sailboard mast and the lever arm is configured to receive the other of the mating sections of the sailboard mast. Connecting elements are provided for frictionally holding one of the mating sections of the sailboard mast to either the support elements or the block element and for frictionally holding the other of the mating sections of the sailboard mast to the lever arm. In operation, the lever arm is moved so as to apply a torsional force to the other of the mating section of the sailboard mast while the one of the mating sections of the sailboard mast is held in position either in the pair of support elements or in the block clement.

Abstract: A right angle connector includes a fixture for supporting a coaxial cable through a ninety degree angle made in close proximity to the connector. The connector is typically of standard configuration including a contact means, a ferrule, and crimp sleeve positioned within a casing. An engagement means functions to support that portion of the coaxial cable as it bends through the ninety degree angle and may be soldered to the cable.

Abstract: A cable connecting system for interconnection with a mating connector includes a connecting element, a first securing element, and a second securing element. The first securing element is rotatably mounted to the connector and the second securing member is rotatably mounted to the first securing element. In operation, the first and second securing elements are first threaded onto a receiving section of the mating connector. Once fully positioned on the receiving section of the mating connector, torque is applied in a conventional direction to the first securing element to secure the connecting element to the mating connector. Then, torque is applied in a counter direction to the second securing element to lock the first and second securing elements. The cable connecting system and the method of interconnection utilizing the cable connecting system is reversible so as to allow repeated connection and disconnection of various assemblies of cable assemblies.

Abstract: A multi-purpose folding carrier for carrying bulky cargo includes a frame, an upper member rotatably disposed on the frame and a cage rotatably and slidably disposed on the frame, the cage being configured to restrain forward, lateral and rearward movement of cargo placed therein. The upper member and cage are constrained for limited pivotal and/or slidable movement relative to the frame between extended carrying positions and collapsed storage positions. A locking element or brace is provided for securing the upper member in its extended carrying position. A series of straps are provided for securing articles, such as, for example, a cooler, on the cage as well as for securing the carrier to an automobile. The upper member may be provided with a pair of hook members which facilitate fastening the carrier to an externally mounted spare tire.

Abstract: A foldable carrier that is mountable upon a motor vehicle having an externally-mounted spare tire and brake light support assembly includes rotatably connected frame, a carrying member, and a supporting member. The carrying and supporting members are constrained for limited rotational movement relative to the frame between an operational position and a stored position. The carrying member has a pair of carrying arms, a connecting member and a pair of inwardly extending feet. The feet, the connecting member and a portion of the carrying arms disposed between the feet and connecting member form a substantially C-shaped opening that permits the carrier to be mounted on the vehicle about the spare tire without interferring with the brake light support.

Abstract: A multi-purpose folding carrier for carrying bulky cargo includes a frame, an upper member rotatably disposed on the frame and a cage rotatably and slidably disposed on the frame, the cage being configured to restrain forward, lateral and rearward movement of cargo placed therein. The upper member and cage are constrained for limited pivotal and/or slidable movement relative to the frame between extended carrying positions and collapsed storage positions. A locking element or brace is provided for securing the upper member in its extended carrying position. A series of straps are provided for securing articles, such as, for example, a cooler, on the cage as well as for securing the carrier to an automobile. The upper member may be provided with a pair of hook members which facilitate fastening the carrier to an externally mounted spare tire.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a base, a substantially U-shaped member, and a substantially U-shaped handle element. The base can be configured as pair of individual foot members. The U-shaped member and handle element are pivotally connected to the base at different positions. A head rest is connected to the U-shaped member at a position intermediate the ends thereof. The pivotal connections can include a resistance producing element. A linking member is pivotally connected to each side of the U-shaped member and the U-shaped handle element. Adjacent sides of said U-shaped member and U-shaped handle are connected by the linking member. The position of the linking member can be adjusted as necessary in order to alter the angular disposition of the U-shaped member relative to the U-shaped handle element.

Abstract: A connector is provided for electrically and coaxially coupling a cable to a male plug assembly. The connector includes a coupling collar adapted to receive the cable therein and to selectively receive the male plug assembly in mating engagement with the cable. The connector also includes a housing adapted to movably support the coupling collar such that the coupling collar is freely movable in a substantially orthogonal direction relative to the coaxial direction to facilitate the mating engagement. A spring is provided to urge the connector towards mating engagement. The coupling collar is generally cylindrical and includes a flange which extends outwardly from the periphery of the collar in the substantially orthogonal direction. The flange is slidably supported within a substantially planar centering washer such that the flange is adapted to move in the substantially orthogonal direction within the centering washer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying one or more bicycles on a motor vehicle and a strap for securing the carrier to the motor vehicle. The strap includes a stretchable and contractible resilient web that is connected intermediate the ends of the strap. A loop is formed in the strap when the strap is not tightened. The web is stretched by tightening and serves to maintain tension in the strap. When tightened, adjacent surfaces of that portion of the strap forming the loop and the web are in close juxtaposition. Separation between adjacent surfaces of the resilient web and the portion of the strap that forms the loop, provides a visual indication of the degree of strap tension.

Abstract: A pocket tide calculator is described which predicts tide times and moon phases in a visual display which gives the semi-diurnal tide times in any given day of the month and can be readily set for the following month. This device automatically leaves out the high or low tide which is alternately missing every 7.5 days. This invention incorporates a compressed time scale when compared with a normal 24-hour clock face which enables a concise display of the semi-diurnal tide cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air mattress apparatus. The apparatus includes a pump contained within an inflatable chamber. The pump is in fluid communication with the inflatable chamber via intake and exhaust ports. One-way valves positioned on the intake and exhaust ports of the pump control the flow of air from the pump to the inflatable chamber of the air mattress. The pump contains a resilient, closed-cell foam pump material. The mattress is inflated by repeatedly compressing the pump material and then permitting it to expand and fill with air.