Abstract: The present invention includes installing a computer network (51) in a building (24) by coupling together a hub (50, 350) and a number of network adapters (100, 400) together with previously installed cabling. Data signals are transmitted from the adapters (100, 400) to the hub (50, 350) within a first frequency range and converted to frequency-converted data signals within a second frequency range for transmission back to the adapters (100, 400). The network (51) interfaces to an ethernet bus (37) through each of the adapters (100, 400).

Abstract: One embodiment includes a dwelling (24), coaxial cabling (25), and a number of networking devices (98) coupled together with cabling (25) to provide a computer network (51). Devices (98) include a master module (100a) and adapters (100) that communicate over network (51) in accordance with a first communication protocol. Module (100a) generates: a first signal to invite adapter communication over network (51); a second signal to prompt communication by one of adapters (100) if it is the only one that responded to the first signal; and a third signal if two or more of adapters (100) responded to the first signal. The one of adapters (100) responds to the second signal by broadcasting information over network (51) and the two or more adapters (100) respond to the third signal by randomly delaying further transmission.

Abstract: An automobile hinge for pivotally mounting a panel component to a vehicle body includes a panel attachment plate adapted to be secured to the panel of a vehicle, a body attachment plate securable to the vehicle body, and an intermediate member pivotably attached between the body attachment plate and the panel attachment plate. The automobile hinge includes a fastener element at the intermediate member with the fastener element being configured to receive a fastener to secure the intermediate member to the body attachment plate. The fastener element may include one or more securing elements to impede or limit movement of the fastener insert relative to the intermediate member.

Abstract: An RF connector suitable for high frequency applications is provided. The main body of the connector has an external groove. A sleeve is provided at least partially slidably overlying the main body and having a recess at least partially corresponding to the external groove in the main body. A biasing mechanism biases against the main body and the sleeve and is preferably disposed in the external groove and the recess. The biasing mechanism exerts biasing force in a longitudinal direction of the connector to maintain the relative longitudinal position of the sleeve with respect to the main body. Because of the overlap of the sleeve and the main body acting in conjunction with the biasing mechanism, the sleeve is maintained in a stable, straight configuration, and signal loss or degradation is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention includes installing a computer network (51) in a building (24) by coupling together a hub (50, 350) and a number of network adapters (100, 400) together with previously installed cabling. Data signals are transmitted from the adapters (100, 400) to the hub (50, 350) within a first frequency range and converted to frequency-converted data signals within a second frequency range for transmission back to the adapters (100, 400). The network (51) interfaces to an ethernet bus (37) through each of the adapters (100, 400).

Abstract: A coaxial connector suitable for high frequency applications is provided. The main body of the connector has an annular groove. A bayonet sleeve is provided at least partially slidably overlying the main body and having a recess groove at least partially corresponding to the annular groove in the main body. A biasing mechanism biases against the main body and the bayonet sleeve and is preferably disposed in the annular and recess grooves. The biasing mechanism exerts biasing force in a longitudinal direction of the connector to maintain the relative longitudinal position of the bayonet sleeve with respect to the main body. Because of the overlap of the bayonet sleeve and the main body acting in conjunction with the biasing mechanism, the bayonet sleeve is maintained in a stable, straight configuration, and signal loss or degradation is minimized.

Abstract: A system is disclosed including a reconfigurable logic circuit having programmable logic, a first memory, and a second memory. The first memory stores a number of logic designs each operable to configure the programmable logic. Also included is a computer coupled to the reconfigurable logic circuit that concurrently executes one or more application programs and an interface program. The application programs generate a number of requests to utilize the reconfigurable logic circuit and the interface program responds to the requests by opening a number of coexisting program interfaces. These interfaces each correspond to an instance of one of the logic designs stored in the first memory. The reconfigurable logic circuit is responsive to the interface program to provide a number of interface buffers in the second memory that each belong to a corresponding one of the interfaces and are each operable to store data passing between the computer and the reconfigurable logic circuit.

Abstract: A microwave coupler device for connecting a first stripline conductor on one level to a second stripline conductor on another parallel level is described. The device includes a resiliently deformable electrically conductive member (preferably a metal-filled elastomer) for electrically contacting first and second stripline conductors within the device. There is provision for applying a longitudinal compressive force on the first and second stripline conductors compressing the resiliently deformable electrically conductive member between them. In certain embodiments the interconnected striplines can be rotated with respect to one another.