Abstract: Gas laser apparatus comprises a cavity 10 containing a gaseous active medium, and discharge electrodes 11 and 12 between which a potential difference may be applied to produce an electric pumping discharge in the active medium. A reservoir 17 communicates with the cavity to form a sealed enclosure containing the active medium and volume control means 19 are contained in the reservoir 17 to vary the pressure of the gaseous active medium in the cavity.

Abstract: A connector for a light-transmitting cable 13 comprises a body member 10 in which are located a sleeve 11 of elastomeric material and a grip member 12. The grip member is segmented and deformable under radial pressure applied by the sleeve. The ends of two cables 13 may be inserted into the grip member 12 and means 15 are provided for applying axial pressure to the elastomeric sleeve 11 to cause it to extend in a radial direction to exert pressure on the grip member. The grip member 12 then grips the cable 13 at a number of equally-spaced points around its periphery.

Abstract: An electric connector includes a housing having a number of elongated recesses, and a plurality of contacts. Each contact has a terminal portion, two spaced parallel support members extending between the terminal portion and a web, and two contact members located between the support members and extending one from the terminal member and one from the web.

Abstract: A contact for an electric connector comprises a terminal element for connection to an electric conductor and a contact-making portion for connection to an electric circuit. The terminal element comprises two arms 10 and 11 joined by a link portion 12 and together defining a parallel sided notch 13. A double bend 23 is formed in the link portion and a second double bend 24 in one arm to produce a notch of the desired width. The contacting-making element may comprise two leak springs 16 and 17 forming a socket contract. A locating member 18 is also provided to locate the contact in a housing.

Abstract: An electric connector includes a housing (10) of elecrically-insulating material having a base (11) and two side walls (12, 13). These define a longitudinal slot (14) into which a plug member (20) may be inserted. A plurality of projecting walls (16) define a number of transverse openings (15) extending from the longitudinal slot (14), and each of these openings contains an electrically-conducting contact member (17) having a contact portion (18) which may extend into the longitudinal slot (14).Control means are provided comprising a bar (22) located in and movable along the longitudinal slot (14), the bar being supported such that such movement causes the bar (22) to rise and fall in the slot. When the bar (22) is in its uppermost position the contact portions (18) of the contact members (17) are retracted from the longitudinal slot (14) into their respective transverse openings (15).