Abstract: In a plug and socket as for a computer wherein the plug has tabular projections on opposed ends and the socket has wire latches pivotally mounted between raised members into bores therethrough for releasably engaging slots in the projections to hold the plug in the socket, a replacement latch for replacing one or both of the wire latches. A pivot rod is disposed through and between the bores in the raised members. A body portion is disposed between the bores in the raised member and pivotally mounted on the pivot rod with an engaging lip extending inward to snap over the projection, when the plug is seated in the socket, in a first locking position to hold the plug in the socket. The body portion is pivotable from the first position to a second retracted position wherein the engaging lip is removed from engagement with the projection so that the plug can be removed. An optional operating arm is carried by the body portion.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a user-adjustable viewing angle for a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. The CRT may be rotated in either of two directions by depressing a control bar located along the front bezel of the display. Once set to the desired position, the control bar is released and the CRT is inhibited from rotating in both directions. Thus, the CRT may be locked in a variety of positions to suit the particular user or environmental conditions.

Abstract: An expansion unit (24) that adds functions to a main computer unit (12) connects to it without cabling. The main unit (12) rests on the expansion unit, and electrical connections between the two units are thereby made automatically by complementary connectors (36, 134) on the upper surface (22) of the expansion unit and the lower surface (20) of the main unit. To insure engagement of the connectors, which the user cannot see when the main unit (12) is placed on the expansion unit (24), locating pins (26, 28) are provided on the upper surface (22) of the expansion unit (24), and guide surfaces (52, 60) guide the pins (26, 28) into the proper position as the main unit is being lowered. The two units (12, 24) are thereby properly positioned with respect to each other.

Abstract: A low clearance door assembly is provided which is suitable for a variety of applications. The assembly includes an easily operated door which has two guide pins extending from each end. Guide members provide slots in which the pins ride. A spring, connected between one of the pins and the adjacent guide member, assists the user in opening and closing the door. In addition, a detent disposed in one of the slots prevents the door from opening as a result of bumping.

Abstract: A flash accessory is disclosed being releasably attachable to a photographic camera. The accessory includes a housing having a unitary latching member with a finger-engageable portion at one end and a spring portion at the other end and at least one depending finger carrying at its distal end a latching formation. The spring portion engages a section of the housing so as to bias the finger in one direction. During mounting of the accessory to the camera, the latching finger engages the camera in a manner that overcomes the biasing force of the spring portion and moves the finger and member in the opposite direction. When the finger reaches a latchable condition, the spring portion causes the finger to tightly engage with a latching section formed on the camera. Release of the latching finger is initiated by manually displacing the finger-engageable portion in the opposite direction to overcome the biasing force provided by the spring portion.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a camera not provided with a tripod socket to a tripod. The adapter comprises a housing, a threaded insert for receiving a tripod screw in the housing, and a dovetail shoe adapted to fit a cooperating dovetail slot in the camera bottom. The dovetail shoe is formed with an opening in which there is a brake assembly movable by a manually operable lever between locked and unlocked positions.