Abstract: An improved electrical connector for use in a communications card for interfacing between a media connector and a downsized computer is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the communications card comprises a retractable access portion and a fixed portion. The retractable access portion has an aperture formed therein configured to receive the media connector. A conductive terminal having a first and a second end mates with both the retractable access portion and the fixed portion. The first end makes electrical contact with the media connector while, simultaneously, the second end slidingly makes electrical contact with the fixed portion as the retractable access portion is extended beyond the computer housing during use. The sliding contact is accomplished by means of a conductive track disposed on the fixed portion. Since the fixed portion is in electrical communication with the computer, the media connector is also in electrical communication with the computer.

Abstract: A plug-in lamp socket assembly is provided that maintains connections sealed to the environment between the electrical lamp leads, electrical socket contacts and circuits of the circuit carrier. The assembly has a lamp socket member for receiving a lamp in an aligned manner. A cap plate connects to the lamp socket member and is non-removable therefrom. The lamp socket has tabs that require proper alignment of the tabs for insertion into a circuit carrier having circuits molded therein. An O-ring seals the removable connection between the lamp socket, cap plate, assembly and the circuit carrier. The circuit carrier is sealed to the lens housing.

Abstract: A plug-in lamp socket assembly is provided that maintains connections sealed to the environment between the electrical lamp leads, electrical socket contacts and circuits of the circuit carrier. The assembly has a lamp socket member for receiving a lamp in an aligned manner. A cap plate connects to the lamp socket member and is non-removable therefrom. The lamp socket has tabs that require proper alignment of the tabs for insertion into a circuit carrier having circuits molded therein. An O-ring seals the removable connection between the lamp socket, cap plate, assembly and the circuit carrier. The circuit carrier is sealed to the lens housing.

Abstract: An improved process for the ring-opening polymerization of ring-opening polymerizable cyclic compounds using a fluidized bed.

Abstract: Process for preparing high purity solvent-free cyclic esters from alpha hydroxycarboxylic acids via an intermediate oligomer wherein a fluorocarbon or a mixture of fluorocarbons is employed to strip the ester from the oligomer as well as a refrigerant to quench lactide from a gaseous reaction stream comprising, besides cyclic ester, unconverted alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid and water.

Abstract: A lamp socket assembly for a wedge-type lamp bulb having latch means for the lamp bulb that is a separate part of the assembly and is insertable from the base of the lamp socket.

Abstract: A switch mechanism for controlling circuits such as in a microwave oven including a housing with a removable cover and a latch member and plunger member movable between a first position wherein the microwave oven door is closed and a second position, with the primary microwave circuits closed in said first position. Contact arms which all extend in one direction toward the latch member and plunger, a catch for holding the door closed, a slide for operating the primary switch means, and a cam operated by the plunger for operating switch means, all are slidably removable from the housing in a lateral direction. The switch sequence is arranged so that one set of primary contacts open after the other, and the structure is arranged so that if the slide for operating the switch means sticks, the movement of the plunger to the second position will insure that the circuit containing the primary switch means is opened.

Abstract: Color-forming materials or their precursors present in crude 1,4-butanediol are reduced more efficiently by subjecting the crude 1,4-butanediol to distillation under conditions wherein substantially all the water present in the crude 1,4-butanediol is first removed and then the 1,4-butanediol with reduced water content is further distilled to remove the color-forming materials.