Abstract: A signalling beacon which includes a global positioning system receiver, operable to determine a geographic location of the signalling beacon, a radio frequency transmitter operable to transmit a radio frequency signal, a radio frequency receiver operable to receive a radio frequency signal, a processor, operable to read the geographic location from the global positioning system receiver, to compile a data message containing the geographic location of the signalling beacon and to transmit the data message as a radio frequency signal via the radio frequency transmitter and a waterproof case for housing the global positioning system receiver, the radio frequency transmitter, the radio frequency receiver and the processor.

Abstract: A support device (8) for a rib (14) between a floor (18) and a roof (16). The device includes an expansion means (10) and a pair of resilient members (12a, 12b). Each of the resilient members (12a, 12b) have a proximal end (27a, 27b) adapted for connection to the expansion mean (10) and a distal end (28a, 28b) curved away from the expansion means (10) and adapted for engagement with the floor (18) and roof (16) respectively. When the device (8) is positioned towards or against the rib (16) and the expansion means (10) is activated to drive the members (12a, 12b) apart, the member's distal ends (28a, 28b) are driven substantially vertically into engagement with the floor (18) and the roof (16) and a portion of the device (8) is driven substantially laterally (32) into abutment against the rib (14).

Abstract: A multiposition optical connector 2 and a mating header 4 are disclosed. The connector includes a plurality of ferrules 10 for terminating individual plastic optical fiber cables 6. An alignment fixture 100 is used to precisely align each ferrule relative to the other ferrules and relative to peripheral mating surface protrusions 52 on a molded alignment plate 12. The ferrules are ultrasonically bonded to the alignment plate. True positioning for multiple fibers located in the multiposition connector relative to active optoelectronic devices 90 located in the header can be achieved when the connector and the header are mated. A previously assembled harness assembly using the optical connector 2 and a hybrid electrical and optical connector 202 is suited for use in making multiple connections to products, such as automobiles, in which the final assembly is completed in an assembly line.

Abstract: A multiposition optical connector 2 and a mating header 4 are disclosed. The connector includes a plurality of ferrules 10 for terminating individual plastic optical fiber cables 6. An alignment fixture 100 is used to precisely align each ferrule relative to the other ferrules and relative to peripheral mating surface protrusions 52 on a molded alignment plate 12. The ferrules are ultrasonically bonded to the alignment plate. True positioning for multiple fibers located in the multiposition connector relative to active optoelectronic devices 90 located in the header can be achieved when the connector and the header are mated. A previously assembled harness assembly using the optical connector 2 and a hybrid electrical and optical connector 202 is suited for use in making multiple connections to products, such as automobiles, in which the final assembly is completed in an assembly line.

Abstract: A header receptacle (10) which is protected against moisture and both conducted and radiated electromagnetic interferences. A flange (12) has a cured in place first sealant (20) disposed on the back side (14) of the flange wherein the first sealant (20) covers an opening in the center portion (16) of the flange (12). A metal shield (21) covers the first sealant (20) and is in electrical contact with the flange (12) by a conducting adhesive (18) which also adheres the metal shield (21) to the flange (12). An electromagnetic filter (26) is mounted adjacent to the metal shield (21). A plurality of spaced-apart male terminals (25) pass through the filter (26), the metal shield (21) and the first sealant (20). Each male terminal (25) is joined to the filter (26) to prevent exit/entry of electromagnetic interferences. A housing (30) is disposed on the center portion (16) on the front side (13) of the flange (12). The housing (30) contacts the first sealant (20) and forms a waterproof seal therebetween.

Abstract: A two part cylindrical connector having resilient collet fingers on one connector engagable with a cylindrical ridge on the other connector are disclosed. An outer shiftable sleeve secures the collet fingers in engagement with the cylindrical ridge when the shiftable sleeve is in an extended position. The shiftable sleeve is spring loaded relative to an inner core. The shiftable sleeve is assembled to the inner core with the spring between inner core and the shiftable sleeve. The inner core is then rotated relative to the inner core until anti-rotation surfaces on the interior of the shiftable sleeve and the exterior of the inner core engage to prevent further rotation. When these anti-rotation members engage, the springs are positioned so that they are confined between the shiftable sleeve and the inner core.

Abstract: A modular electrical connector assembly consisting of a plurality of components which can be assembled in a number of different configurations is disclosed. Each connector consists of an outer body (100, 200) and an inner body (300, 400). The inner and outer bodies are separately and independently keyed and each mates with a corresponding inner or outer body in only one configuration. The inner body is keyed by providing distinct cross-sections for intermating posts (310) and cavities (410). The outer bodies (100, 200) are latched together by a plurality of collects (202) on one connector (200) which are held in engagement with a cylindrical ridge (130) on the other connector by a spring loaded shiftable sleeve (150). Keys (142) on one connector are received in keyslots (212), between adjacent collets (202) on the other connector. Conductors (30) in distinct and corresponding ordered arrays can be interconnected and the circuit patterns need not be changed in order to provide for connector modulatity.

Abstract: An extension cord of flat cable, particularly for undercarpet use, comprising a strip of insulated conductors located in a stiffly flexible sleeve-form shield strip mounted at opposite ends in rigid outlet supporting housings with the conductors terminated to leads of the outlets. At one end of the cable, both the shield strip and the conductor strip are fixed to the housing preventing relative longitudinal movement, while, at the other end, only one of the strips is fixed to the housing, the other strip being free to move relatively longitudinally during a change in the extension cord from reeled to flat condition, Thereby avoiding straining the terminations or buckling the cable. In one example, the shield strip is fixed to the housing and the individual conductors of the conductor strip are connected to leads of the associated outlet by flexible metal bands bowed perpendicularly to the plane of the strip.