Abstract: A loading machine includes a drum cam configured to rotate and having a cam path. A first track is positioned proximate the drum cam. A rammer subassembly is engaged with the drum cam and the first track. The rammer subassembly is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position as the drum cam rotates. The rammer subassembly has a first rammer section engaged with the cam path and configured to move longitudinally during rotation of the drum cam. The first rammer section includes a first gear engaged with the first track such that longitudinal movement of the first rammer section causes rotation of the first gear. A second rammer section is telescopically coupled with the first rammer section and is engaged with the first gear such that rotation of the first gear causes the second rammer section to telescopically move with respect to the first rammer section.

Abstract: A loading machine for feeding a receiver includes, but is not limited to, a drum cam that is configured to rotate. The drum cam includes, but is not limited to, a first cam path, and a second cam path. A rammer subassembly is positioned proximate the drum cam. The rammer subassembly includes, but is not limited to, a first member that is configured to engage the first cam path and to move longitudinally with respect to the drum cam upon a rotation of the drum cam, and a second member that is configured to telescopically engage the first member and further configured to engage the second cam path and telescopically move with respect to the first member upon the rotation of the drum cam.

Abstract: A system and method for visual awareness that replaces transparent armor with opaque armor while still providing for clear vision for the occupants of a vehicle. The system and method may include a number of components with at least one partially mirrored surface. A component may have an armored base and a reflective surface or other means for directing light. The components may be arranged in a manner to block the direct path of a threat while still allowing a given optical path through the system.

Abstract: A loading machine for feeding a receiver includes, but is not limited to, a drum cam that is configured to rotate. The drum cam includes, but is not limited to, a first cam path, and a second cam path. A rammer subassembly is positioned proximate the drum cam. The rammer subassembly includes, but is not limited to, a first member that is configured to engage the first cam path and to move longitudinally with respect to the drum cam upon a rotation of the drum cam, and a second member that is configured to telescopically engage the first member and further configured to engage the second cam path and telescopically move with respect to the first member upon the rotation of the drum cam.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a portable computer, or other fragile article, is described. The protective sleeve is specifically designed to be used in conjunction with, and inside of, a larger piece of luggage, such as a suitcase or backpack. The protective sleeve is comprised of a semi-rigid material, such as closed-cell polyethylene foam. The semi-rigid material is preferably covered by abrasion-resistant fabric.

Abstract: A module houses a set of fiber optic interfaces. The module includes a fiber optic interface holder, which is configured to hold the set of fiber optic interfaces, and a shroud coupled to the fiber optic interface holder. The shroud is configured to move relative to the fiber optic interface holder along an axis defined by the fiber optic interface holder such that, when the fiber optic interface holder holds the set of fiber optic interfaces, the shroud (i) protects the set of fiber optic interfaces when the shroud is in a first location along the axis defined by the fiber optic interface holder, and (ii) exposes the set of fiber optic interfaces when the shroud is in a second location along the axis defined by the fiber optic interface holder.

Abstract: A module houses a set of fiber optic interfaces. The module includes a fiber optic interface holder, which is configured to hold the set of fiber optic interfaces, and a shroud coupled to the fiber optic interface holder. The shroud is configured to move relative to the fiber optic interface holder along an axis defined by the fiber optic interface holder such that, when the fiber optic interface holder holds the set of fiber optic interfaces, the shroud (i) protects the set of fiber optic interfaces when the shroud is in a first location along the axis defined by the fiber optic interface holder, and (ii) exposes the set of fiber optic interfaces when the shroud is in a second location along the axis defined by the fiber optic interface holder.

Abstract: An electro-optical connector is described that provides a separable electrical interface for connecting to a circuit board. The optical connection between the fiber and the connector are semi-permanent. Also described is an electro-optical system that transfers signals between two circuit board over an optical fiber where the separable interface within the system is electrical rather than optical. Further described is a fixture with pivoting actuation and retraction for connecting a z-axis pressure mount connector to a circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a plurality of electrical conductors with one portion thereof disposed in a housing and an end of such connector projecting outward from the housing and terminating in a pad disposed perpendicular to the housing disposed portion. The connector is provided adapted for mounting to an ball grid array disposed on a printed circuit board. The pad is coupled to the conductor through a curved interconnect. The interconnect is configured as an inductor to provide a series resonant circuit element for the capacitor effect provided by the pad. The connector has a housing adapted to having therein a plurality of wafer-like modules. Each one of the modules has a dielectric support and an array of signal electrical conductors electrically insulated by portions of the supports. A ground plane electrical conductor is provided. The ground plane conductor is disposed under, and is separated from, portions of the signal electrical conductor by the dielectric member.

Abstract: An electrical connector having a plurality of electrical conductors with one portion thereof disposed in a housing and an end of such connector projecting outward from the housing and terminating in a pad disposed perpendicular to the housing disposed portion. The connector is provided adapted for mounting to an ball grid array disposed on a printed circuit board. The pad is coupled to the conductor through a curved interconnect. The interconnect is configured as an inductor to provide a series resonant circuit element for the capacitor effect provided by the pad. The connector has a housing adapted to having therein a plurality of wafer-like modules. Each one of the modules has a dielectric support and an array of signal electrical conductors electrically insulated by portions of the supports. A ground plane electrical conductor is provided. The ground plane conductor is disposed under, and is separated from, portions of the signal electrical conductor by the dielectric member.

Abstract: A self retained pressure connector is provided that includes a spring action contact surface at a first end and a compliant interference fit contact surface at a second end. The compliant interference fit contact is supported within a conductive hole in a printed circuit board and the spring action surface contact provides an electrical connection to a conductive element disposed on a second surface. The conductive element may, in alternate embodiments, be a surface pad on the second surface or a second self retained pressure connector rotated ninety degrees from the first self retained pressure connector. A differential self retained pressure connection is also described in which a dielectric material is used to electrically isolate a first half of the connector from a second half of the connector.

Abstract: An electro-optical connector is described that provides a separable electrical interface for connecting to a circuit board. The optical connection between the fiber and the connector are semi-permanent. Also described is an electro-optical system that transfers signals between two circuit board over an optical fiber where the separable interface within the system is electrical rather than optical. Further described is a fixture with pivoting actuation and retraction for connecting a z-axis pressure mount connector to a circuit board.

Abstract: An improved protective case for a portable, or laptop, computer is described. In particular, a protective case designed such that the computer may be kept therein during transport, storage, or use, is described. The protective case provides flexible hinge means to accommodate opening and closing the computer and case while the two remained attached to each other. The protective case contains means for protecting the computer from damage that may result from physical shock. The protective case provides for convenient access to all four sides of the portable computer, where necessary user interfaces, such as cable connectors, accessory ports and disk drives, are typically found, when the protective case is open, and protection therefor when the protective case is closed.

Abstract: Electrical connectors are provided with shield units each having a plurality of shields joined by a bridge. Preferably the shield units are mounted in a base stiffened by means apertured to carry mounting ear means.

Abstract: Electrical connectors are provided with shield units each having a plurality of shields joined by a bridge. Preferably the shield units are mounted in a base stiffened by means apertured to carry mounting ear means.

Abstract: Electrical connectors are provided with shield units each having a plurality of shields joined by a bridge. Preferably the shield units are mounted in a base stiffened by means apertured to carry mounting ear means.

Abstract: A fluid pump has an integral filament-wound housing bonded to internal parts of the pump. The pump housing is made of composite material (such as fiberglass strands coated with epoxy resin) wound about an adapter, pumping members and an output flange. Once hardened, the housing, adapter, pumping members and output flange are permanently bonded together to form a unitary structure. Pump efficiency is greatly enhanced because the pump housing forms a fluid-tight seal between (a) pumping members and (b) between pumping members and the housing and further prevents rotation of the pumping members in response to torque forces during pump operation.

Abstract: Electrical connectors are provided with shield units each having a plurality of shields joined by a bridge. Preferably the shield units are mounted in a base stiffened by means apertured to carry mounting ear means.

Abstract: An exercising equipment unit is provided in which a cabinet of rectilinear form having the appearance of a conventional piece of furniture when not in use, has mounted therein an articulated body support platform having an inner section pivotally connected to the interior of the cabinet, a center bench section hingedly attached to the inner section, and an outer section hingedly connected to the center bench section. The platform sections are dimensioned to fit along the back top and front of the interior of the cabinet when in stored condition and may be extended to a horizontal position raised above the floor. The platform sections are narrower than the cabinet to provide space on either side for the installation of exercising equipment. A foot pedal assembly may be mounted on the inner end of the inner section of the body support platform.

Abstract: A manually operated dump truck is provided with front wheels which are located and mounted on the bottom of the truck, as for example, on swivels, so that they are selectively movable from a forward position substantially in advance of the center of gravity of the truck, which is the position selected when the truck is being loaded or used as a conveyance, to a position more closely adjacent the center of gravity when the truck is to be dumped thus reducing the amount of energy required to tip the truck forwardly in a dumping action. Manually controlled latching means is provided to maintain the wheels in the forward position.