Abstract: An electrical connector assembly comprising a plurality of electrical connectors arranged side-by-side and including at least partially superimposed mounting flanges.

Abstract: An attachment assembly and method for attaching closed loops of lanyards to dust covers. The attachment assembly and method eliminate the need for tools and enable plastic and other materials to be used in the construction of the lanyard. In one embodiment, the attachment assembly includes a groove and a flange with a slot in it. A closed loop can be attached to the dust cover using this attachment assembly by placing a section of the closed loop in the slot and then rotating the dust cover relative to the closed loop.

Abstract: An attachment assembly and method for attaching closed loops of lanyards to dust covers. The attachment assembly and method eliminate the need for tools and enable plastic and other materials to be used in the construction of the lanyard. In one embodiment, the attachment assembly includes a groove and a flange with a slot in it. A closed loop can be attached to the dust cover using this attachment assembly by placing a section of the closed loop in the slot and then rotating the dust cover relative to the closed loop.

Abstract: Cycling apparatus including pivoting handlebars that permit a rider to move the handlebars into either a drop or aerodynamic riding position, or any comfortable riding position therebetween. The apparatus comprises a cycle having a body, a housing is coupled to the body, and first and second handlebars are provided that are used to steer the cycle. Rotating apparatus is coupled to the housing and to the first and second handlebars for rotating the handlebars in unison. The handlebars are rotated between a first position wherein the handlebars are generally orthogonal to the body of the cycle and a second position wherein the handlebars are generally aligned with the the body of the cycle. The rotating apparatus may comprise first and second interlocking gears, a flexible drive coupling, a set of universal joints, or any similar rotating device that permits the handlebars to rotate between the desired positions.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector assembly having a metal alignment sleeve for slidably receiving pin bushings of optical fiber termini to axially align the same in abutting engagement with each other to provide for good light transmission. The alignment sleeve is triangular in shape and slidably receives the pin bushings with a slight interference fit so that the sides of the sleeve are bowed slightly outwardly so that they exert a radially inwardly directed force against the bushings at three equidistant circumferential locations.

Abstract: A multiple channel fiber optic connector (44) carries a plurality of fiber optic socket termini (58, 60, 62, 64), each of which includes an alignment sleeve (42) mounted on a forward end. In order to facilitate installation of the alignment sleeves and removal of the sleeves for cleaning of the sleeves (42) and the end (35) of the optical fiber (34) of each socket terminus, the alignment sleeves (42) for each terminus of the connector (44) are all securely mounted in an alignment sleeve carrier (46). The carrier itself is detachably connected to the connector 44 and, when so connected, positions each alignment sleeve on its respective fiber optic terminus.

Abstract: A multiple channel fiber optic connector (44) carries a plurality of fiber optic socket termini (58,60,62,64), each of which includes an alignment sleeve (42) mounted on a forward end. In order to facilitate installation of the alignment sleeves and removal of the sleeves for cleaning of the sleeves (42) and the end (35) of the optical fiber (34) of each socket terminus, the alignment sleeves (42) for each terminus of the connector (44) are all securely mounted in an alignment sleeve carrier (46). The carrier itself is detachably connected to the connector 44 and, when so connected, positions each alignment sleeve on its respective fiber optic terminus. A simply and easily operated latch mechanism (100,82) latches the carrier to the connector body to hold all of the alignment sleeves in place and is readily operated by a plunger 150, without any type of tool, to enable the carrier together with all of its alignment sleeves to be removed from the connector body and expose the ends (35) of fibers for cleaning.

Abstract: The excess length of optical fiber (31) in an optical fiber harness assembly (10) is accommodated by a doughnut-shaped accumulation chamber (17) in which the fiber (31) is coiled with one or more turns, the chamber being proportioned so that all of the excess length of fiber (31) may be accommodated when there is no tension on the conduit (13) of the harness (10), and when the conduit (13) is stretched under tension the fiber (31) will be bent to a radius no less than that at which the fiber will be damaged or the signal transmitted attenuated unduly.

Abstract: A dust cover and locking assembly (10) is mounted ajdacent to a fixed electrical or fiber optic receptacle connector (18) without modification thereto. A spring loaded cover member (46) has a sealing surface (54) which is moved into engagement with an exposed end (28) of the fixed connector (18) when a mating plug connector (34) is disconnected therefrom. The sealing surface (54) sealingly engages with a side wall (38) of the mating connector (34) when it is connected to the fixed connector (18), thereby preventing contamination of the sealing surface (54) by air or dust. Frictional engagement, latching, or cam action between the cover member (46) and mating connector (34) prevents the latter from being unintentionally loosened from the fixed connector (18).

Abstract: A package housing (52) for hermetically enclosing an optoelectronic component (56) is formed with a tubular extension (54) which extends outwardly from a wall (52a) of the housing (52) and communicates with the interior of the housing (52) through an opening (52h) formed through the wall (52a). The axis of the extension (54) is self-aligned with a light propagating (transmitting or receiving) portion (56a) of the component (56) as mounted in the housing (52). A piece of optical fiber (60) has an end portion (60c, 60d) which is fittingly retained in the extension (54), and extends substantially from an outer end (54a) of the extension (54) to the light propagating portion (56a) of the component (56). A metal jacket (60b) is stripped from a portion (60c) of the optical fiber (60) which fits in a small diameter outer portion (54b) of the extension (54), whereas a portion (60d) of the optical fiber (60) covered with the jacket (60b) fits in a larger diameter inner portion (54c) of the extension (54).

Abstract: A hand held tool 211 for inserting or removing a fiber optic contact alignment tube segment 47 into a fiber optic connector 13. The tool includes a hollow shaft 215 anchored in a knob 213 and extending coaxially through a cylindrical chamber in the knob. A core 225 having an axial bore extending therethrough resides rotatably in the chamber, with the post acting as its shaft. A shroud 235 extends from the core 225 and has an arcuate slot 237 near its tip. When an alignment tube segment 47 is inserted in the hollow post 221 and the shaft 215 is turned 180.degree. relative to the core 225, an enlarged portion 48-2 of the base of the tube segment 47 enters into and is captured by the slot 237. The tool may then be inserted into a connector whose front end mirrors the front end of the tool 211. When the knob 213 is again turned 180.degree.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed for helically winding the strength member of a fiber optic cable around a clamp sleeve and thereafter pushing a crimp sleeve over the helically wound strength member while holding the strength member in place on the clamp sleeve.