Abstract: A connector for forming a fluid flow pathway by connection with a reciprocal connector. Both the connector and reciprocal connector include a fluid flow blockage partsheathed within an axially compressible sheath part. A first bearing surface receives an urging force to retract the blockage part axially along the sheath part. A terminal end of the sheath part defines a second bearing surface containing a fluid flow opening with the fluid flow blockage part retractably therein. A first chassis part includes a first catch part. A second chassis part includes a second catch part and a third bearing surface spaced from the second catch part along the second chassis part. Retraction of the blockage part forms a fluid flow pathway not sooner than immediately when the openings meet to allow fluid transfer the openings avoiding fluid leakage between connected connectors.

Abstract: An electrical connector backshell assembly may include at least one cable containing at least one electrical wire that is protected by a shield, at least a portion of the shield being separable from the at least one electrical wire. The backshell assembly also may include a housing defining an opening configured to receive the at least one cable and a termination area electrically coupled to the housing. The separable portion of the shield may be urged into contact with the termination area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for viewing multimedia-based information in accordance with user controls for the speed and direction of the multimedia presentation. Different techniques for presenting multimedia data items are disclosed. User controls provide control for speed and direction in accordance with a user selection device being in a particular location. When a user device is within the defined area, the speed and direction control are turned on. When the user device leaves the defined area, the speed and direction are turned off.

Abstract: A system for browsing multidimensional information includes a digital data storage circuit 48 that stores the multidimensional information in a database and a digital logic circuit 44 that imports, manipulates and outputs the multidimensional information in the database in accordance with a mapping model maps each dimension of multidimensional information space to a location in abstract physical space, and a user interface 70 interactively accepts input from a user and, using the mapping model, renders a graphical representation 78 of the multidimensional information space. The graphical representation 78 is responsive to input of user-initiated restrictions on the multidimensional information space by effecting corresponding visible manifestations in the graphical representation 78.