Abstract: A pair of frusto-conical optical connectors which allow for the grouping of optical connections in a versatile housing where clusters of terminal-holding channels are arranged in a beehive configuration. Automatic alignment of the terminals is achieved by means of magnets of opposite polarity occupying some of these channels. The connectors are particularly adapted to underwater applications or to any other severe environment and hard-to-reach locations where manipulation is limited due to the use of diving suits or robotics. The frusto-conical configuration of sections of the channels and the terminals provides for the use of the connectors as part of bulkheads between two areas with very high differential pressure. The frusto-conical configuration prevents the movement of terminals within the channel toward the low pressure area. The terminal configurations provide for precise juxtaposition of lenses used in the optical connections.

Abstract: A pair of hybrid electro-optical connectors which allow for the grouping of a mixture of electrical and optical connections in a versatile housing where clusters of terminal-holding channels are arranged in a beehive configuration. Automatic alignment of the terminals is achieved by means of magnets of opposite polarity occupying some of these channels. The connectors are particularly adapted to underwater applications or to any other severe environment and hard-to-reach locations where manipulation is limited due to the use of diving suits or robotics. The frustro-conical configuration of sections of the channels and the terminals provides for the use of the connectors as part of bulkheads between two areas with very high differential pressure. The frustro-conical configuration prevents the movement of terminals within the channel toward the low pressure area.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector for underwater or other difficult applications includes a female member having a length of optical fiber centrally disposed therein and coupled to a lens at the bottom of a recess containing a generally circular arrangement comprised of a first pair of permanent magnet poles of opposite polarity. The female member has an opposite pair of outer ramp surfaces which terminate in an opposite pair of pin receiving slots. An opposite male member which is relatively easily coupled to and uncoupled from the female member has a length of optical fiber centrally disposed therein and terminating in a lens at an end of the male member within a generally circular arrangement comprised of a second pair of permanent magnet poles of opposite polarity.

Abstract: A sealed switch includes C-shaped control and follower magnets disposed along an axis with poles thereof in facing relationship, a set of electrical switch contacts coupled to be selectively opened or closed in dependence upon the position of the follower magnet, and a housing enclosing the set of electrical contacts and the follower magnet, the housing having a nonmagnetic wall extending between the facing poles of the control and follower magnets to provide hermetic isolation of the contacts. In accordance with particularly selected configurations, the control magnet may be mounted for alternatively pushbutton type axial motion or rotational motion within different selected limits and the follower magnet may be mounted for either axial or rotational motion within predetermined limits or both. The magnets may be resiliently biased toward predetermined position limits in some configurations.

Abstract: A sealed switch includes C-shaped control and follower magnets disposed along an axis with poles thereof in facing relationship, a set of electrical switch contacts coupled to be selectively opened or closed in dependence upon the position of the follower magnet, and a housing enclosing the set of electrical contacts and the follower magnet, the housing having a nonmagnetic wall extending between the facing poles of the control and follower magnets to provide hermetic isolation of the contacts. In accordance with particularly selected configurations, the control magnet may be mounted for alternatively pushbutton type axial motion or rotational motion within different selected limits and the follower magnet may be mounted for either axial or rotational motion within predetermined limits or both. The magnets may be resiliently biased toward predetermined position limits in some configurations.