Abstract: A universal serial bus (USB) receptacle with which and from which a standard USB plug and a special USB plug are selectively matable and removable along a predetermined direction. The standard USB plug is in accordance with a USB standard so as to have a standard shell. The special USB plug has a special shell so as to have a different structure from the standard shell. The USB receptacle comprises a detector. The detector has a contact portion. The contact portion is arranged at a position where the standard shell does not arrive when the standard USB plug is mated with the USB receptacle. The special shell is connected to the contact portion at the position when the special USB plug is mated with the USB receptacle.

Abstract: The watch striking mechanism (1) includes at least one gong (11) fixed to a gong-carrier (12) and at least one hammer (2) for activating the vibration of the gong. The striking mechanism includes a first magnetic element (20) in the form of a moving micro-magnet, which is arranged on a striking portion of the hammer, and a second magnetic element (21) in the form of a fixed micro-magnet, which is arranged in one part of the gong. The second magnetic element is at least partly opposite the first magnetic element and is capable of generating a magnetic field of opposite polarity to the magnetic field of the first magnetic element. In a striking mode, said hammer may be driven in the direction of the gong to activate the vibration of said gong via a magnetic impulse due to the repulsion force of the two magnetic elements.

Abstract: The column-wheel (1) for a chronograph includes: a ratchet (2) provided with a plurality of teeth (3) the shape of which defines the direction of rotation of the column-wheel; a superstructure coaxial to the wheel and having n>=3 order rotational symmetry, the peripheral part of the superstructure forming n columns (10) parallel to the wheel axis and arranged substantially along the periphery of the ratchet (2), each column including an outer part, the cross-section of which is substantially shaped like a truncated triangle with a base substantially parallel to the circumference of the wheel and a front side (12), called the leading edge, and a back side (13), called the trailing edge, extending from the base towards the interior of the wheel. The column-wheel is characterized in that said cross-section is asymmetrical, a first angle ? between the leading edge (12) and the base (14) being smaller than a second angle ? between the base and the trailing edge (13).

Abstract: Implantable medical devices include headers having various features such as a modular design whereby the header is constructed from a series of stacked contact modules. Additional features include a feedthrough where pins exiting a housing of the implantable medical device extend into the header to make direct electrical connection to electrical contacts present within the header where those electrical contacts directly engage electrical connectors of leads inserted into the header. Other features include electrical contacts that are relatively thin conductors on the order of 0.040 inches or less and may include radial protrusions where the radial protrusions establish contact with the electrical connectors of the lead. Furthermore, electrical contacts may be mounted within the header in a floating manner so that radial movement of the electrical contact may occur during lead insertion.

Abstract: A vacuum valve includes a hermetically sealed vessel having an insulative cylinder, an end plate at a movable electrode end, and an end plate at a fixed electrode end. The vessel accommodates a movable contact and an opposed fixed contact. The movable contact is supported through a bellows allowing the contacts to open and close while maintaining an air-tight (hermetic) seal. The bellows used in at least one embodiment is a seam type bellows without metal plating. Nickel plating layers are formed on the end plate at movable contact end and on a cover, which are joined to the bellows. The ends of the bellows are soldered with the end plate and the cover using a silver solder at the solder joints.

Abstract: A compact power adapter comprises an electric circuit, a casing and two electrically conductive AC prongs. A first portion of the casing contains the electric circuit. A second portion of the casing extends from a side of the first portion and has a generally cylindrical shape and size receivable in a car cigarette lighter. The second portion has two recesses and electrical contacts that receive electrical energy when the second portion is received in the car cigarette lighter. The AC prongs are receivable in an AC power outlet, and are rotatably coupled to the casing to rotate between a first position where the AC prongs extend from the casing approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the generally cylindrical shape of the second portion and a second position where each of the AC prongs is received in a respective one of the recesses of the second portion.

Abstract: An electrical connecting element is described, designed to be welded or soldered onto an electrically conductive component of a window pane. A body of the electrically connecting element has an electrically conductive foil with a thickness between 1 and 500 ?m and intermediate means that serve as shock-absorbing means between a stiff section of the body and the window pane.

Abstract: A sensor part is provided with a printed circuit board that is made of resin and formed with a pair of electrically conductive metal patterns. Each of the pair of electrically conductive metal patterns includes: a first pattern part connected to a pair of electrodes of a temperature sensor; a second pattern part connected to a pair of conductive wires; and a connection part making a connection between the first and second pattern parts. The connection between the pair of electrodes of the temperature sensor and the first pattern part or between the pair of conductive wires and the second pattern part is made with the use of Dotite or solder.

Abstract: A cutting tool adjustment system comprising a body in the form of a cartridge (10) adjustably carrying a cutting tool (10a), adjustment means (17; 23; 29; 39) mechanically adjustably engageable with the body for positionally adjusting a cutting edge of the cutting tool (10a), and means (19, 20; 30, 31; 34, 35) electronically engageable with the body aid including power supply means for powering display means (21; 28; 36) for indicating the adjustment of the cutting edge position.

Abstract: The decoding of a lock, such as a pin tumbler type of lock, is completed by utilizing a method that includes the insertion of a key blank or other material with one or more reference indicators on a modifiable surface, into a keyway of the lock. The key blank is inserted until a stopping resistance is detected. Such a resistance occurs when a pin of the lock reaches a shear line position. After such a position is reached a marking is made on the key blank and a measurement is made. The measurement is compared to markings on a novel decoding template to determine the depth of a cut that should be made on an uncut key.