Abstract: An apparatus and method for rigidly stabilizing or restraining circuit boards is provided. The apparatus has a rigid cross member (20) and a circuit board clamp (10). These provides stabilization of commercial off the shelf (COTS) circuit boards for use in harsh environments. A one piece clamp has hooks with notched ends that attach to opposite sides of each circuit board. The clamp has a surface parallel to the hook. The parallel surface has threaded holes. Threaded shafts are used with the threaded holes to contact the clamp hook and provide pressure on the printed circuit board. A threaded hole is used with a threaded shaft to engage a rigid cross member. The cross member has unthreaded holes to allow for attaching to the clamps with threaded fasteners. The rigid cross member is then attached to the chassis with a fastener. This eliminates flexing of the circuit board under vibration.

Abstract: A method for improving the performance of an existing busoriented computer system with minimum or no design change to the existing hardware, bus protocol, or bus operation is disclosed. Specifically, the present invention improves the effective bandwidth of an existing bus architecture by creating multiple physical instantiations of the existing bus and directing traffic onto these different buses based on the type of bus operation being performed. This results in multiple components having the capability to simultaneously perform bus operations, therefore improving the effective bandwidth of the system. This invention also allows the components which are current being utilized in the existing bus architecture to be re-utilized with minimum additional external logic.

Abstract: A LAN switching system includes an Address Match Control line which can be set (activated) and is monitored by each port adapter card. If a port adapter card recognizes an address on the switch fabric, the adapter card copies the frame with the address and activates the Address match Control line. The set Address Match Control line causes the remaining port adapter cards to stop searching for a match. If the Address Match Control line is not set, the frame can be copied by all port adapters which are configured to do so.

Abstract: A low smoke firefighter training hydrocarbon composition and process. The compositions preferably contain alkanes and avoid aromatics. Ferrocene or certain other volatile iron compounds are incorporated in the compositions which am readily ignitable but not dangerously so. The process enhances the firefighter training while reducing smoke and soot to the surrounding environment.

Abstract: An assembly for incorporation in a seat back to provide adjustable lumbar support comprises a platform element suspended by tension springs in a seat frame to support the cushioning of a back rest. The platform element has elongate lateral rails between which extend transverse wires that provide the platform support. A Bowden cable is linked between respective portions of each of the rails to apply a force of longitudinal compression, whereby the rails are caused to be hinged outwardly at an articulation point to vary the lumbar support provided by the transverse wires.

Abstract: A connector for optical fibre or electrical cables includes a grommet having a body of resilient silicone rubber having at least one bore extending therethrough. Two annular sealing webs extend from the wall of the bore. Each web extends both radially-inwardly and axially of the bore so as to be of generally conical configuration. The web is shaped so that its axial thickness is greater at its free edge than where it joins the wall of the bore and so that it defines a cylindrical sealing surface coaxial with the bore. The configuration and resilience of each web are such that the free edge of the web can sealingly engage a member of relatively small cross-section, for example, an electrical or optical fibre cable, but the web is deformable to permit the passage of a member of relatively large cross-section, for example, a contact or terminating member at the end of the cable, through the bore.

Abstract: A push-on pull-off connector member 30 for coupling to a standard bayonet receptacle 10 has three equi-spaced circumferential slots 36 for receiving the bayonet pins 20 of the receptacle 10. Spring rings 40 in circular recesses 38 opening into the slots 36 from each side retain the pins 20. The recesses 38 are easily formed, for example, by milling. The coupled connector resists a weak uncoupling force but separates under a strong force, and can provide a snatch-disconnect facility.In alternative embodiments, each slot 36 has a single circular ring (FIG. 6), two spring rings are formed at each end of a single member (FIG. 4), the rings have inwardly-directed tangs for ease of fitting and removal (FIG. 5), or the spring rings are parts of question-mark shaped members (FIG. 7).