Abstract: A filter with an equivalent circuit that functions as well as physically larger filters without substantial drop off in performance.

Abstract: A reduced size ceramic block filter has trap holes whose center is askew from the line running through the center of the transmission poles such that the height-wise distance between its center and the center line of the transmission poles is approximately between {fraction (1/8 )}and {fraction (3/8 )}of the height of the filter. The trap hole is also width-wise spaced from the next nearest transmission hole by an amount which approximates the distance between transmission holes. Due to this layout the diameter of the trap holes are reduced in order to maintain performance which is equivalent to a conventional filter whose trap holes are timely aligned with its transmission poles. The combination of reduced trap hole diameter and reduced width-wise spacing between traps and transmission holes, results in a reduced size ceramic filter.

Abstract: A novel clasp comprises a casing at least partially hollow, an insert and a pin. The casing includes an opening at one end leading to a recess within the casing for securing a loop to be restrained by the clasp. The insert is contained within the hollow of the casing and includes two holes which act in conjunction with the pin to allow the insert to move between first and second stop positions within the casing. In one position the leading edge occludes the opening in the casing, thus closing the clasp. In a second position the leading edge of the insert is retracted within the casing, exposing the opening in the casing, thus opening the clasp. The pin is fixed within the casing and rests within one of the two stop positions of the insert.