Abstract: An RF backplane for interconnecting a plurality of electronic components. The backplane is housed in a rack which is installed in a vehicle such as an airplane. The backplane includes a fixed frame fixedly mounted in the rack and at least one removable frame aligned with and removably attached to the fixed frame. Upon removal of the removable frame and electronic components attached thereto, complete access is afforded to the backplane and various components interconnected thereto without removal of the rack from the vehicle.

Abstract: A microstrip type transmission line connects RF signals between separate spaced microwave components and defines a RF connecting strip having a flexible insulator base and a ski slope shaped geometry.

Abstract: A metal block (14) is secured to a first member. The metal block (14) includes a first bore (30) separated from a second bore (46) by a radial wall (26) having a central opening (34). A sleeve of elastomeric material (16) is formed between bore 30 and a longitudinally split bushing (18) centered within bore (70). An elongated pin portion (54) of a pin element (12) is plugged into a socket (10) interior of the bushing (18). The pin portion (54) radially expands the bushing (18) against the elastomeric material (16). This provides a tight frictional engagement between the bushing (18) and the pin portion (54). It also results in the bushing (18) and the pin element (12) moving together in response to vibrations, and results in the elastomeric material (16) absorbing the vibrations. Pin element (12) is either connected to a second member or includes a tapered projecting end portion (74 ) sized to engage an opening (82) in a second member (80).

Abstract: A vibration dampening stiffener beam (10, 10') is secured to a panel member, such as an electrical circuit board (12) that is supported at opposed ends. The beam (10, 10') extends across a mid portion of the board (12) whereat displacement of the board caused by vibration is at a maximum. The beam is an "I" beam or an inverted "T" beam. It has a mounting flange (22, 22') which is bonded or otherwise secured to the member (12) which it is to stiffen. An energy absorbing material (30) is placed on the sides of the web (24, 24') of the beam (10, 10"). This material (30) consists of thin metal constraining layers (32) bonded to each other and to the side surfaces of the web by means of a viscoelastic material (34).