Abstract: A communications system conduit for transferring data between various user hand held devices and a processing device comprises an interface module, a data conversion module and a plurality of access ports. The interface module of conduit comprises a USB hub which provides data in USB format to a plurality of data converters residing within data conversion module. The output of the various data converters are provided as access ports. The conduit and the processing device are integrated to form a Web-based multi-media kiosk designed for use as a “virtual sales agent” within retail shopping environments. The individual data converters convert a data stream from USB format into various data formats including FireWire IEEE 1394, USB, Bluetooth, Infrared, Ethernet RJ45, RJ11 Telephone standard, and RS232 data formats. The user is provided with multimedia menu screens to allow the user to select data transfer for a particular hand held device.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly according to the current invention comprises a receptacle and a right angle header for connecting two or more printed circuit boards. A composite action beam is located in the receptacle and has a movable end and a fixed end. During an initial phase of the pin insertion cycle, the movable end of the composite action beam deflects so as to minimize the force necessary to insert the pin into the connector housing. During an intermediate phase of the insertion cycle, the movable end contacts an inside wall of the connector and the composite action beam functions as a two-end supported beam. The composite action beam supported at both ends exerts sufficiently high normal force against the inserted pin so as to retain the pin in the inserted position. Thus, the composite action beam reduces insertion force without compromising normal retention force once the pin is inserted.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly according to the current invention comprises a receptacle and a right angle header for connecting two or more printed circuit boards. A composite action beam is located in the receptacle and has a movable end and a fixed end. During an initial phase of the pin insertion cycle, the movable end of the composite action beam deflects so as to minimize the force necessary to insert the pin into the connector housing. During an intermediate phase of the insertion cycle, the movable end contacts an inside wall of the connector and the composite action beam functions as a two-end supported beam. The composite action beam supported at both ends exerts sufficiently high normal force against the inserted pin so as to retain the pin in the inserted position. Thus, the composite action beam reduces insertion force without compromising normal retention force once the pin is inserted.

Abstract: A magnetron having a rising sun anode includes a slot which is extensive in a plane transverse to the axis and in which a tuning member is located. The tuning member may be moved inwardly and outwardly to control the frequency of the magnetron output radiation, the member being arranged such that it can intercept the anode cavities by a variable amount to change their resonant characteristics.

Abstract: Plastic foam materials having a high degree of structural integrity, cell network uniformity and small cell size are obtained from (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylonitrile by incorporating acrylamide as a comonomer additive within certain ranges of concentration. Incorporation of the latter together with conventional additives normally used in preparing foams from the principal monomers helps to avoid preliminary precipitation during the polymerization process, and the gradients in the polymer microstructure which frequently result and cause internal stresses and weaknesses in the ultimate product.

Abstract: Plastic foam materials having a high degree of structural integrity, cell network uniformity and small cell size are obtained from (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylonitrile by incorporating acrylamide as a comonomer additive within certain ranges of concentration. Incorporation of the latter together with conventional additives normally used in preparing foams from the principal monomers helps to avoid preliminary precipitation during the polymerization process, and the gradients in the polymer microstructure which frequently result and cause internal stresses and weaknesses in the ultimate product.