Abstract: A combination of a casing tube and a closed end unthreaded tubular thread protector that has an inside diameter significantly greater than the outside diameter of the casing tube is described. Further, the thread protector is typically much longer than the threaded portion of the associated casing tube such that a significant amount of axial movement of the protector relative to the casing tube is required to remove it therefrom. The casing protector is most typically comprised of a polymeric material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, that is soft enough as to not damage or mar the threads on the casing in which it is in contact, but stiff enough in the tubular form of the protector to prevent impact loads from being transferred to the threads there beneath.

Abstract: A combination of a casing tube and a closed end unthreaded tubular thread protector that has an inside diameter significantly greater than the outside diameter of the casing tube is described. Further, the thread protector is typically much longer than the threaded portion of the associated casing tube such that a significant amount of axial movement of the protector relative to the casing tube is required to remove it therefrom. The casing protector is most typically comprised of a polymeric material, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, that is soft enough as to not damage or mar the threads on the casing in which it is in contact, but stiff enough in the tubular form of the protector to prevent impact loads from being transferred to the threads there beneath.

Abstract: A molded mat comprises male and female connectors that are configured to exhibit improved connectivity when engaged with connectors of an adjacent mat. A method of molding the mat includes providing specially placed vents in the mold to form the increased density portions of the mat. The mat can also include additional recesses formed in the underside of the mat so that the mat can be cut to a smaller size without losing its ability to connect with other mats.

Abstract: An artificial insemination apparatus for insertion into a cervix of a sow, including a tubular passage member which is helically coiled at a distal end. The helically coiled distal end terminates in an open tip including an opening communicating with a bore of the tubing. The helically coiled distal end is inserted into and is secured by the muscular folds in the cervix, and semen is transmitted therethrough.

Abstract: A computer Input/Output (I/O) assembly including a stand for supporting an I/O device, such as a display or the like. The stand includes a main support member and an auxiliary support member offset from the main support member. A mechanism providing swivel and rotational motions coupled the main support member to a base and another mechanism providing swivel, rotation, and tilt motions couples the auxiliary support member to the I/O device. The total rotational motion provided by the mechanisms is greater than 360.degree..

Abstract: An electronic equipment drawer 20 is aligned with an electrical connector in a tunnel in the horizontal and vertical directions with alignment pins and holes. A screw drive 34 and cam 36 mounted on the drawer engages a tunnel wall and controls insertion into the tunnel to provide proper electrical contact and lock the drawer in place in the tunnel. A bus extender card 25 inserted in a connector 26 centrally located on a mother board 21 is supported by surfaces on a bar 28 extending between end walls 24 of the drawer. The end walls 24 include pairs of channels 31 on opposed walls which support feature cards inserted into connectors mounted on the bus extender card 25.

Abstract: An electronic equipment drawer is aligned with an electrical connector in a tunnel in the horizontal and vertical directions with alignment pins and holes. A screw drive and cam mounted on the drawer engages a surface of an opening in a wall of the tunnel and controls insertion into the tunnel to provide proper electrical contact and lock the drawer in place in the tunnel. Within the drawer a bus extender card inserted in a connector centrally located on a mother board is supported by surfaces on a bar extending between end walls of the drawer. The end walls include pairs of channels on opposed walls which support feature cards inserted into connectors mounted on the bus extender card.

Abstract: A methodology for packaging and grounding electronic devices including distributive data processing systems wherein a Main Processing Unit (MPU) and power supply are packaged within a common housing. The MPU and other electrical components are placed on a common support card or substrate. The substrate is provided with plugs for mating with the power supply and I/O connectors for mating with devices which may be remotely attached thereto. Each connector is fitted with a shielded receptacle that coacts with the common housing to provide EMC shielding for the MPU and other electrical components. The packaging is such that an untrained person may replace the card without compromising the integrity of the EMC shield.

Abstract: In a highly modular terminal, pluggable functional units communicate optically through a closed chamber. Some functional units are logically integrated into the terminal structure while being physically remote. In a supermarket system, bar code scanners and produce scales are examples of physically remote functional units. A circuit for interfacing the remote units to the closed chamber uses a broadcast/concentrator mode of operation. A single optical detector broadcasts the extant chamber signals to all of the remote functional units. Signals from the remote units are logically ORed or concentrated to provide a drive signal for a single optical emitter capable of injecting optical energy into the chamber.

Abstract: A data processing terminal device includes a substantially enclosed optical chamber which serves as a wireless communication "bus" between pluggable functional units such as a controller unit, printer units, display units, etc. Each functional unit includes a transducer having an emitter component for injecting optical energy into the cavity and a detector component for sensing optical energy injected by transducers of other functional units. The energy distribution within the cavity is shaped by elliptic parabolic reflectors, preferably molded integrally with the floor of the chamber structure.

Abstract: A data entry terminal has a base unit and keyboard unit which can be assembled to provide an integrated configuration or separated to provide a distributed configuration. No tools are required. The base unit has a recess with vertical guides and a protruding electrical connector providing an input path to the device electronics. The keyboard unit has complementary guides and a connector which mates with the base unit connector when the keyboard unit is slipped into place along the guides. The terminal is readily converted from an integrated configuration to a distributed configuration by removing the keyboard unit from the base unit, adding an auxiliary cable to carry signals between the keyboard unit connector and the base unit connector and concealing the base unit recess with a filler panel having the same guide structure as the keyboard unit.