Abstract: Connector tips for paired fiber optic strands are protected from damage by a tip protector held in position with one or more flexible members that are disposed to cover the connector tips with the tip protector in an unflexed position and to flex to expose the connector tips by moving the tip protector. The flexible members, such as a pair of extension springs, are coupled to the paired fiber optic strands with a clamp that holds the flexible members on opposing sides of and parallel with the fiber optic strands to provide structural support to the fiber optic strands. Bending of the flexible members from parallel alignment with the fiber optic strands removes the connector tips from a recess of the tip protector. The flexible members are biased to return to the parallel alignment so that the tip protector is biased to return to a position that covers the connector tips.

Abstract: Connector tips for paired fiber optic strands are protected from damage by a tip protector held in position with one or more flexible members that are disposed to cover the connector tips with the tip protector in an unflexed position and to flex to expose the connector tips by moving the tip protector. The flexible members, such as a pair of extension springs, are coupled to the paired fiber optic strands with a clamp that holds the flexible members on opposing sides of and parallel with the fiber optic strands to provide structural support to the fiber optic strands. Bending of the flexible members from parallel alignment with the fiber optic strands removes the connector tips from a recess of the tip protector. The flexible members are biased to return to the parallel alignment so that the tip protector is biased to return to a position that covers the connector tips.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling a heat-generating component according to which a body member is placed over a portion of a heat sink so that flanges on the body member engage the component. The body member is forced away from the heat sink so that the flanges force the component and the heat sink into intimate contact.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling a heat-generating component according to which a body member is placed over a portion of a heat sink so that flanges on the body member engage the component. The body member is forced away from the heat sink so that the flanges force the component and the heat sink into intimate contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically disconnecting a plug-in connector. A cord has a first end connected to the connector and has a second end extending from the connector. A catch member is attached to the second end. A fixed member includes an opening which is sized to permit the cord to move through the opening and to restrain the catch member from moving through the opening. As a result, movement of the connector away from the fixed member moves the cord through the opening until the catch member engages the opening, so that further movement of the connector is limited.

Abstract: A modular component receiving structure (10) includes a guide structure (25) for guiding a modular component (12) into a proper installed position and for ensuring that the module is handled properly during installation. A drive arrangement including a threaded drive opening (32) may be included with the guide structure (25) for use in applying a proper installation force to move the memory module (12) into a proper installed position. The drive arrangement facilitates the use of a rotary tool to apply the installation force.

Abstract: A flow rack including a frame with a plurality of elongated channels attached to the frame. Each channel includes two spaced apart sides and a base wall extending between the sides. A plurality of rollers is movably mounted in each one of the channels. A portion of each roller extends above the respective channel at a first height. A reverse flow stop is pivotally mounted within each channel for movement between a stop position and a flow position. Each stop includes a stop arm. A weighted portion is attached to each stop for automatically biasing each stop to the stop position whereby the respective stop arm extends above the respective channel at a second height, greater than the first height. When the stop is in the flow position, the stop arm extends above the channel at a height equal to or less than the first height.

Abstract: An option card retainer (10) includes a first elongated leg member (14) and a second elongated leg member (15). The two leg members (14, 15) are aligned with their upper ends connected by a bridge structure (16). The first leg member (14) includes a first clip structure (18) at its lower end and the second leg member (15) includes a second clip structure (19) at its lower end. A biasing device (20) is located beneath the bridge structure (16) between the first and second leg members. The retainer (10) is fastened over an option card (11) with the biasing device (20) compressed between the bridge structure (16) and a top edge (26) of the option card with the clip structures (18, 19) in a gripping engagement with an underside of the option card connector (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring tubular products from one mill to another including a connecting table having the shape of a reverse curve. The table includes a base and two spaced apart walls attached to the base defining a passageway between the base and the sidewalls. A diverter is associated with the connecting table to divert metal product in a hot working state from a first conveying table onto the connecting table leading to a second conveying table. The connecting table preferably is associated with a welding and forming mill and a stretch reducing mill.