Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator module (100) (400) provides tuning capability for the VCO in a shielded environment. The module includes a trimmable capacitor (110) (410) having metal plates (112, 114), (412, 414, 416) capacitively coupled through the substrate. One of the metal plates (114) (416) is a trimmable plate which can be trimmed to tune the VCO frequency. The trimmable metal plate (114) (416) remains exposed on the bottom surface (108) (408) of the substrate (104) (404) so that the frequency of the VCO can be tuned while the reminder of the oscillator circuitry (102) (402) on the top surface (106) (406) is encapsulated by a ground shield (116) (418).

Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator module assembly (300) minimizes microphonics in a low profile package. Included within the module (300) are a substrate (302), VCO circuitry (308), and a ground shield (314) encapsulating the VCO circuitry. Included within the VCO circuitry (308) is at least one resonator (310) which is solderable on at least two of its surfaces. One surface of the resonator (310) is soldered to the substrate (302) while another surface of the resonator is soldered to the shield (314). An improved ground is thus provided to the resonator (310) which reduces the occurrences of microphonics while providing a low profile package for the module (300).

Abstract: A low-profile, high density, electrical connector (10), includes multiple layers (19, 22) of substantially parallel electrical conductors (31), the electrical conductors (25) each having a planar portion (29), and spaced ends (31) angling away from the planar portions (29). The planar portions (29) of the electrical conductors (25) are insulated with an insulating material (34). The spaced ends (31) of the electrical conductors (25) on each layer form a row of connector pins (13, 16). The connector (10) is formed by attaching the multiple layers (19, 22) along the insulated planar portions (29) of the conductors (25) to form a substantially rigid, low profile, multilayered structure.

Abstract: This fastener for closing two opposed closure flaps of a sports footwear, notably a ski boot, comprises on a first flap of the footwear a coupling member adapted to interconnect these flaps, means for anchoring one end of the coupling member to a catch member secured to the one flap, a binding lever pivoted to a support fixed to the other flap of the footwear and having pivoted thereto the other end of the coupling member and comprising beyond its pivot point a rigid extension lying substantially within the plane and thickness of the binding lever extension for interlocking substantially in a common plane the end of the lever extension and the binding lever in their closed and fold-down position which is also the closed position of the fastener itself.

Abstract: This buckle fastener for ski boots or other sports footwear comprises a closing wireform adapted to be tensioned by a latch. The latch is pivoted to the end of an arm having its other end pivoted to one boot portion. In the closed position the latch is locked by a hook cooperating with the pivot pin connecting the arm to the boot. Means are provided on the latch for releasing this hook to open the fastener.

Abstract: A forward lean adjuster for ski boots includes a stand adapted to be secured to a ski boot lower and a slide plate adapted to be secured to the boot upper. Operating mechanism coupling the stand to the slide plate includes an adjuster body pivotally mounted on the stand and having an operating knob, an adjuster screw in the body to which the knob is secured, and a trunnion on the screw. A cover acting as a lever is pivoted at one end on the trunnion and at its other end on the stand, and the three pivots are positioned to provide over-center operation. With the adjustment body in its open or off position, the stand and slide plate are relatively movable and the ski boot is free hinging. Rotation of the knob and screw moves the trunnion. The forward lean angle of the boot is then altered when the adjustment body is moved through its over-center position to its closed or on position, securing the boot upper and lower against movement.