Abstract: Methods and systems for locating objects are disclosed. An electronic tag is attached to an object before storing the object. The electronic tag is identifiable by a unique response code. The response code and information pertaining to the object are recorded and the object may then be stored. To locate the object, the response code is entered into an interrogator. The interrogator sends a signal that causes the tag to emit a sound. The system thus allows for random storage of objects and is also useful for locating misplaced objects.

Abstract: In a hermaphroditic biconic connector (20), an optical fiber cable (24) extends through a cap (46) into a tapered passageway of a flanged bushing. Optical fibers extend from the cable through a bore in a wedge (65) having a truncated conical shape and being received in the bushing. Portions of a strength member system (28) of the cable in the form of non-metallic filamentary strand material are captured between a wall which defines the tapered passageway and an outer surface of the wedge. The surfaces between which the strength members become locked are substantially smooth to avoid damage to the strength members. Forces applied to the cable and hence to the strength members cause the wedge to be seated further in the bushing. Also, the included angle between diametrically opposite lines on the surface of the wedge that lie in a plane that passes through the longitudinal axis of the wedge enhances the locking features of the connector.

Abstract: Two plugs each comprises a pair of plastic guide plates with inner sides in which are formed duplicate groove patterns each consisting of parallel V-sided spaced grooves running through the plugs and divided into a central set of smaller "fiber" grooves and a pair of larger "pin" grooves on opposite sides of and spaced from the pin grooves. The two plates in each plug are disposed with their respective groove patterns registering with each other across a transverse gap such that the fiber grooves define a set of fiber channels extending through the plug from its rear to an end face on a front nose on the plug, the pin grooves defining a pair of pin channels having front openings rearward of such end face. Optical fibers from a ribbon type cable extend through the fiber grooves to the front of the nose.

Abstract: In a hermaphroditic connector (20), an optical fiber cable (24) extends through a cap (46) into a tapered passageway of a flanged bushing. Optical fibers extend through a bore in a wedge (65) having a truncated conical shape and being received in the bushing. Portions of non-metallic filamentary strength member (28) of the cable are captured between surfaces of a wall of the tapered passageway and the wedge which are substantially smooth to avoid damage to the strength members. Forces applied to the cable cause the wedge to be seated further in the bushing. The included angle between diametrically opposite lines on the wedge surface that lie in a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the wedge enhances the locking features. The fibers also extend through a retention nut (70) which is turned threadably over a portion of the bushing and each fiber is connected to a plug (94) mounted adjacent to an end of the connector with one plug being received in an alignment sleeve (130).

Abstract: In an optical fiber connector (20), an alignment sleeve (66) for holding two conically shaped portions (30-30) of plugs (24-24) each of which terminates an optical fiber (25) includes two conically shaped cavities (68,70) communicating through a common plane (72). A peripheral end portion of at least one end of the sleeve is provided with a notch (86). The notch is adapted to receive a key (43) which projects from a plug as the plug is inserted into the sleeve cavity. This locks the plug in the sleeve and prevents unintended rotation of the plug relative to the sleeve which could abrade opposing end faces of the fibers when a threaded cap in which the plug is mounted is turned into a coupling housing (57) which supports the sleeve and which already has another plug mounted therein.

Abstract: A duplex optical fiber connector (20) includes a housing (21) having a cable entrance end and a plug end. At the cable entrance end, an optical fiber cable (23) which includes two individually buffered optical fibers (25--25), strength member yarn (29) and a plastic jacket is routed into a flanged end of a bushing (45) having a tapered passageway therethrough. The bushing is supported in a base (22) of the housing. The jacket is removed from the portion of the cable which extends from the cable entrance end to the plug end and the yarn is positioned between two conformable, truncated conically shaped, substantially smooth surfaces which define the passageway of the bushing and a truncated conically shaped wedge (50) which is received in the passageway. The wedge includes a bore through which the optical fibers extend. This locking arrangement in which the yarn makes no retroflexed turns is self-enhancing when tensile forces are applied to the cable.

Abstract: A solderless in-line connector has a U-shaped slotted contact member, with the slots extending the length of the respective upright portion of the member and into the base portion. This contact member geometry results, upon insertion of a wire into the slot, in elastic torsional as well as bending deformation of the contact member, which in turn permits accommodation of a wide range of wire sizes in a low profile connector. Further desirable features of the connector are the possibility of installation without use of special tools, and the possibility of sequential contact formation. The connector can advantageously be used for splicing small pair count cables, but it can also be adapted for making half taps.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector comprising a fiber terminus piece with a longitudinal bore through which a bare fiber is inserted. The fiber terminus piece with an appropriately prepared fiber therein is held coaxially aligned with a mating terminus piece. The fiber terminus piece comprises, on its mating face, a "pedestal," typically having truncated-cone shape, extending outwardly from the plane of the face, with the fiber terminating within the face of the pedestal, whereby the area of potential contact between the mating terminus pieces is substantially reduced. The pedestal material advantageously is somewhat compliant, of compressive modulus between about 10.sup.4 and 10.sup.6 psi at 25.degree. C., preferably between about 10.sup.5 and 5.10.sup.5 psi. The novel geometry results in improved performance, as compared to prior art connectors having flat mating faces. Disclosed are also connectors comprising advantageous means for transferring axial loads from a cable strength member to the connector body.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a foldable card table, or the like, providing a convenient horizontal surface for drinks, snacks, etc., which is out of the way of the normal table playing surface. The attachement includes a rigid tongue which is designed to be interposed between the table top and the frame, and which serves to support a tray extending out from the edge of the table, preferably at the corner. One embodiment comprises a one-piece attachment having a rectangular tongue at one end, and providing an elliptical or semicircular tray surface at the other end, with a raised edge around the external periphery of the latter. In one variation, a slit on the inner edge of the tongue is designed to accommodate obstacles, such as bolts, between the top and frame at the table corner. In other embodiments, the tray is hinged to the external end of the tongue; and the tray portion is designed to fit over the table corner for storage purposes.