Abstract: A contact retention assembly for an electrical connector in which the contact comprises a longitudinally split tubular body having outwardly projecting barbs on the wall of the body. The barbs have an interference fit with the wall of the contact cavity in the connector insulator to retain the contact therein. Overlapping tabs extend inwardly from the wall of the tubular body and cooperate to form an aperture therein. A tapered tool is inserted from either end of the contact into the aperture to cause the tubular body to contract and, thereby, release the barbs from the wall of the contact cavity. Thus, the contact may be removed from the cavity in the insulator without damaging the wall of the cavity.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a hydrant coupling device including a pressure control valve which, due to its portability, may be connected to any one of a plurality of hydrants to regulate the flow of liquid therefrom, and additionally including a pit valve which is interlocked with the pressure control valve body to prevent the spilling of liquid if the control valve is accidentally forced loose from the pit valve.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector for providing a removable light signal transfer connection between the ends of at least one pair of fiber optic cables. The fiber optic cable consists of a jacket and at least one, and usually a plurality of glass fiber conducting elements within said jacket. The fiber optic cable ends to be connected are each encased within an elongated hollow terminating pin. The optical fibers are constrained within the terminating pin into a compact shape having the cross-sectional outline of a hexagon or other polygon. The guide sleeve is provided which includes axial grooves which engage the corners of the polygon face at the terminal end of the terminating pin to effect twist mode or rotational alignment. The guide sleeve is of small cross-section in the vicinity of the point of abutment of the opposing fiber bundles but flares toward the insertion ends.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operated fluid control valve having an armature mounted within the valve housing and a coil assembly mounted outside of the housing. Actuation of the coil assembly causes the armature to shift away from a valve port, thereby allowing fluid flow through the port. The armature is mounted on the housing by means of a torsion bar which permits fluid flow to be proportional to the input signal to the coil assembly and minimizes hysteresis. The coil assembly includes a permanent magnet and also a pair of pole pieces. Pole extensions are sealed in the housing wall in alignment with the pole pieces and adjacent to the armature. Thus, the coil assembly is not subject to corrosion or contamination from fluid passing through the valve.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayer board in which relatively thick ground and voltage planes are punched to form clearance holes. The planes are stacked with insulative layers, laminated and then drilled to produce through holes aligned with the clearance holes. The through holes are then plated-through. The method eliminates under-etch problems in thick ground and voltage planes which are capable of carrying high magnitudes of current.