Abstract: A bayonet coupling connector having a coupling nut on a first coupling member arranged for cooperation with coupling pins of a second coupling member for enabling the two members to be joined together. The coupling nut carries a coupling ring provided with a spring loaded plunger which is capable of being displaced radially with respect to the nut, the coupling ring being effective for driving the coupling nut when the plunger is engaged therewith. The plunger further being capable of being displaced radially by a coupling pin of the second coupling member when the nut has been moved into a position where the two coupling members are locked together, the locking action thus causing the coupling ring to be suddenly disengaged from the nut thereby providing a tactile indication of the fully locked condition.The connector is suitable for different applications such as fluid supply lines and electrical connectors and it gives additional safety in reducing a risk of making a faulty connection between the members.

Abstract: A surface for providing an electrically conductive surface coating on an electrical contact body. The process resulting in such a coating comprises the steps of depositing upon the body surface in sequence, (a) a nickel layer, (b) a first gold layer, (c) a palladium/nickel alloy layer which may be an alloy containing nickel up to a proportion of 50% by weight, and (d) a second gold layer. All the layers may be deposited by an electrodeposition process.The resulting surface coating has excellent corrosion and wear resistance properties.

Abstract: In order to provide a modular housing system for electrical contacts whereby contact banks of required size may be made up from common or modular parts, a contact module comprises a body 22 adapted to be slidably received and located in a housing 21, and at least one contact 32, 33 received in an individual groove 24 in the body 22 so as to project from the body 22. The contact 32, 33 has a configuration 37 co-operable with a corresponding formation 27 in the groove 24 to prevent longitudinal movement of the contact 32, 33 in the groove 24. As illustrated, the configuration is a slot 37 formed in part of the contact to locate on a corresponding abutment 27 in the groove 24. The slot 37 is received by an undercut in the abutment 27 to inhibit lateral movement of the contact 32, 33.

Abstract: In order to provide a lamp failure warning in both illuminated and unilluminated states of the lamp, there is provided a resistance bridge circuit Rs, L, R2 and R3 which is substantially in balance if the lamp L is sound. An amplifier IC1 acts as a detection means if the bridge goes out of balance as a consequence of failure of the lamp L. In the unilluminated state a reduced current is fed to the bridge via a high value resistance R1, which is by-passed by a lamp switch SW1 if the lamp is to receive enough power to illuminate it.

Abstract: In order to provide a reliable position indicator for a gear control, particularly for automatic transmission motor vehicles, use is made of reed switches (2). These may be mounted in a sealed housing and operable by a magnet (1) from outside the housing. The magnet (1) is movable by and with the gear control. The reed switches (2) may be mounted on a printed circuit board (3) and flux concentrators (4) are preferably provided between adjacent reed switches (2) to shield them until the magnet (1) is closely adjacent.