Abstract: A ground stake includes an elongate body, a face plate at a top end of the elongate body, first and second depth and installation tabs projecting sidewardly and forwardly from first and second edges of the elongate body, the first and second depth and installation tabs each including an upwardly opening slot for receiving a tool to apply force to drive the ground stake. The first and second depth and installation tabs provide a visual indication that the ground stake is adequately driven. A tag system includes the ground stake, a first web server, and a user device for scanning the QR code and linking to the first web server via a local network. The first web server determines a specific web page from the QR code and directs the user device to the specific web page, including web pages from a web browser hosted on a second web server.

Abstract: A ground stake includes an elongate body, a face plate at a top end of the elongate body, first and second depth and installation tabs projecting sidewardly and forwardly from first and second edges of the elongate body, the first and second depth and installation tabs each including an upwardly opening slot for receiving a tool to apply force to drive the ground stake. The first and second depth and installation tabs provide a visual indication that the ground stake is adequately driven. A tag system includes the ground stake, a first web server, and a user device for scanning the QR code and linking to the first web server via a local network. The first web server determines a specific web page from the QR code and directs the user device to the specific web page, including web pages from a web browser hosted on a second web server.

Abstract: A technique for synchronizing redundant network elements is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method that comprises: transmitting a checkpoint indication signal to a primary element and at least one backup element, wherein each of the primary element and the at least one backup element has one or more connections to a network; generating a first checkpoint that is indicative of a first status of the primary element associated with a first arrival time of the checkpoint indication signal at the primary element; generating a second checkpoint that is indicative of a second status of the at least one backup element associated with a second arrival time of the checkpoint indication signal at the at least one backup element; and comparing the first checkpoint and the second checkpoint to determine a synchronization between the primary element and the backup element.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a longitudinal axis with interface and cable ends for coaxial cable having an annular corrugated solid outer conductor. The connector having a body and an interface joined in an interference fit along the longitudinal axis of the connector. A spring finger ring within a bore of the body is rigidly connected to the body. The spring finger ring having a plurality of spring fingers extending towards an connector end; the spring fingers having an inward projecting bead at the connector end. The spring fingers positioned opposite an outer conductor groove open to the cable end, the outer conductor groove proximate the cable end of the interface.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a longitudinal axis with interface and cable ends for coaxial cable having an annular corrugated solid outer conductor. The connector having a body and an interface joined in an interference fit along the longitudinal axis of the connector. A spring finger ring within a bore of the body is rigidly connected to the body. The spring finger ring having a plurality of spring fingers extending towards an connector end; the spring fingers having an inward projecting bead at the connector end. The spring fingers positioned opposite an outer conductor groove open to the cable end, the outer conductor groove proximate the cable end of the interface.

Abstract: A coaxial connector may be configured with multiple interleaved concentric threads that reduce connector assembly threading requirements. A cable sheath stripping feature may be incorporated into the connector, eliminating the need for a separate sheath stripping tool. Also, a pair of internal rings may be added which co-operate to couple the connector body with a rotatable inner coupling sleeve until a predetermined level of torque is applied whereupon complementary protrusions formed on the rings deform and slip past each other, protecting the connector from damage due to application of excessive torque and eliminating the need for torque wrenches during connector installation.

Abstract: A coaxial connector may be configured with multiple interleaved concentric threads that reduce connector assembly threading requirements. A cable sheath stripping feature may be incorporated into the connector, eliminating the need for a separate sheath stripping tool. Also, a pair of internal rings may be added which co-operate to couple the connector body with a rotatable inner coupling sleeve until a predetermined level of torque is applied whereupon complementary protrusions formed on the rings deform and slip past each other, protecting the connector from damage due to application of excessive torque and eliminating the need for torque wrenches during connector installation.

Abstract: A coaxial connector may be configured with multiple interleaved concentric threads that reduce connector assembly threading requirements. A cable sheath stripping feature may be incorporated into the connector, eliminating the need for a separate sheath stripping tool. Also, over-tightening protection assemblies may be incorporated in the coupling and or rear clamp nuts. The over-tightening protection assemblies utilize first and second interlock surfaces which co-operate to couple the connector body with a rotatable inner coupling sleeve until a predetermined level of torque is applied whereupon complementary protrusions formed on the rings deflect and slip past each other, protecting the connector and or cable from damage due to application of excessive torque and eliminating the need for torque wrenches during connector installation. The first and second interlock surfaces may be formed directly in the coupling nut and inner coupling sleeve or may be separate finger and ramp rings coupled to each.

Abstract: A coaxial connector may be configured with multiple interleaved concentric threads that reduce connector assembly threading requirements. A cable sheath stripping feature may be incorporated into the connector, eliminating the need for a separate sheath stripping tool. Also, a pair of internal rings may be added which co-operate to couple the connector body with a rotatable inner coupling sleeve until a predetermined level of torque is applied whereupon complementary protrusions formed on the rings deform and slip past each other, protecting the connector from damage due to application of excessive torque and eliminating the need for torque wrenches during connector installation.

Abstract: A coaxial connector may be configured with multiple interleaved concentric threads that reduce connector assembly threading requirements. A cable sheath stripping feature may be incorporated into the connector, eliminating the need for a separate sheath stripping tool. Also, over-tightening protection assemblies may be incorporated in the coupling and or rear clamp nuts. The over-tightening protection assemblies utilize first and second interlock surfaces which co-operate to couple the connector body with a rotatable inner coupling sleeve until a predetermined level of torque is applied whereupon complementary protrusions formed on the rings deflect and slip past each other, protecting the connector and or cable from damage due to application of excessive torque and eliminating the need for torque wrenches during connector installation. The first and second interlock surfaces may be formed directly in the coupling nut and inner coupling sleeve or may be separate finger and ramp rings coupled to each.

Abstract: A novel rubber band powered balloon is presented. No spine, frame, or other support member is used to resist the tension of the rubber band. Instead, the balloon, formed from a substantially non-elastomeric material, is sufficiently rigid when inflated such that supports for the rubber band can be directly connected to the balloon's outer skin. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention includes a novel flapping-vane propulsion system in which the rotational motion of the rubber band is converted into reciprocating motion of the vane.