Abstract: A multi-contact electrical connector having a plug section and a receptacle section is provided with a breech lock for releasably securing the separate sections of the connector together. Toggle action biasing means such as a conical disc spring and high lead threads with a predetermined amount of lost motion therein insure a "snap-action" mating and unmating of the two sections and the parts thereof as the breech lock is set and unset. This prevents a "false mating" and insures that the connector will always be either fully and completely mated or unmated. A short pin or remote mate monitor contact is included whereby the condition of the connector can be automatically and/or remotely monitored.

Abstract: An aircraft altimeter-encoder is provided with an altitude sensitive barometric or aneroid bellows which simultaneously drives a visual altitude indicator and an altitude digital encoder. The indicator includes one or more pointers that register with a dial. The encoder includes a wheel or disc having a series of transparent and opaque regions scanned by photo-optical means. This generates digital signals corresponding to the altitude indicated on the face of the altimeter. The digital signals are adapted to be fed to a transponder for telemetering to a ground station. The altimeter-encoder includes means for simultaneously adjusting both the indicator and the encoder disc to compensate for variations in the local or ambient barometric pressure. Means are also provided for adjusting the relationship between the indicator and the encoder disc whereby the digital altitude signals coupled to the transponder correspond exactly to the altitude indicated on the face of the altimeter, referenced to 29.

Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed herein which employs a breech lock whereby the two sections of the connector may be readily mated or unmated by a simple rotation of the breech lock through a fraction of a turn. In addition, means are also provided for retracting the electrical contacts into a protected position until the two sections are fully mated.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a breech lock is provided with a snap action or over-center spring such as a Belleville Washer. This is effective to positively bias all of the working parts of the connector into the fully mated or unmated positions. It is also effective to maintain the connector and the electrical contacts therein mated even though it may be subjected to large forces resulting from acceleration, vibration, etc., and to maintain all of the interfaces sealed even though the sealing materials may shrink, etc., from aging, etc.

Abstract: A parachute riser buckle is provided on the parachute harness for a quick release of the parachute risers from the harness. Blocking means on the buckle body has a latch position in which it blocks removal of the riser connecting portion and an unlatched position for permitting removal of the riser connecting portion. A latch preventing member is provided which has a position in which it prevents the blocking means from returning to its latched position from its unlatched position except when the riser connecting portion is inserted in the buckle body to prevent incorrect and non-positive latching of the blocking means with the riser connecting portion. A handle is provided to rotate with the blocking means and has a surface which prevents the latch preventing member from moving to its latch preventing position except when the handle moves the blocking member to its unlatched position.