Abstract: This invention relates to modular connector structures that are shaped to receive the edges of printed circuit boards and that have contacts spaced a unit distance apart so that they can engage, separately, each of the contact pads, or fingers, spaced apart by the same unit distance along the surfaces of the boards. In particular, it relates to connector structures that have conversely shaped interlocking parts at their ends to interlock end-to-end with similar structures to form a substantially self-supporting connector that can have any desired number of contacts, each spaced an integral multiple of the same unit distance from all of the contacts on all of the modules.

Abstract: An easily manipulable, high mechanical advantage latching-actuator apparatus for high pressure gas cylinders is provided which employs a single, bidirectionally rotatable operating collar for latching, on-off gas valve operation, and delatching, so as to facilitate gas therapy and cylinder replacement by patient users. In preferred forms, the apparatus includes a slotted valve body affixed to a gas cylinder, along with a separate actuating assembly including a rotatable operator and a reciprocable valve actuator; locking tabs are secured to the operator, and a cam mechanism is used to couple the operator and the valve actuator. Rotation of the operator in a latching direction serves to first move the tabs into latching engagement with the body slot, whereupon, after further rotation of the operator in the same direction past an intermediate "off" position, the valve actuator is cammed into an "on" position for opening the valve carried by the body, thus permitting gas flow from the cylinder.