Abstract: A method for forming a protective coating on an exposed surface of an electronic device, including forming the protective coating on a conductive termination connected to a circuit element in the electronic device, and making a window in the protective coating to expose the termination.

Abstract: A game player is allowed to punch a punching ball and the shape of a captured image is transformed in conformity with the punching force applied to the ball. An image is captured by a camera or memory card reader. The player punches the punching ball, causing the shape of the captured image to be transformed. The larger the acceleration of the punching ball when it is punched, the greater the transformation in the shape of the captured image. The transformed image is displayed on a display unit and may be printed if desired. The player can experience a game more realistic than one in which the shape of a computer-graphics image is transformed.

Abstract: A process of fabricating a circuitized substrate is provided which comprising the steps of: providing an organic substrate having circuitry thereon; applying a dielectric film on the organic substrate; forming microvias in said dielectric film; sputtering a metal seed layer on the dielectric film and in said microvias; plating a metallic layer on the metal seed layer; and forming a circuit pattern thereon.

Abstract: The invention presents an electronic part mounting method capable of appropriately shortening the mounting cycle depending on the situation of the rotary head.

Abstract: An electronic gaming system is disclosed that includes a central computer station, a plurality of peripheral computer stations, and a data exchange network for coupling the peripheral computer stations to the central computer station. The central computer station includes an administrative subsystem, a player's registration subsystem, a game accounts managing subsystem, an information tabulating, storing and searching subsystem, a game recording subsystem, a scoring subsystem, a wagering and betting subsystem, an executive gaming subsystem, an electronic payment subsystem, an information protection subsystem, a secure communications subsystem, and a game selection subsystem. Each of the peripheral computer stations include a subsystem for admitting and registering players with the central computer station and a gaming interface subsystem.

Abstract: In a video game machine, a character's action is scored according to whether or not a game player operates an operation unit at a suitable timing. An action selecting control function urges the game player to select an action. A command specifying control function specifies a command representing a combination of operations to be performed by the game player when a competitor reaches a predetermined distance from a course lip of a half-pipe course and causes a display unit to display the specified combination of operations corresponding to the selected action. A command input determining function determines whether the specified command has been input before the competitor reaches the course lip. An action conducting control function causes the competitor to conduct the selected action when the specified command is input. A scoring control function scores the competitor's action in view of five performance elements.

Abstract: A tool for attaching a connector to an end of a cable by compressing the connector axially and driving it into a tapered cavity uses a light rigid O-frame. The tapered cavity is formed in a pair of die halves which are both pivoted to the frame and which are provided with oppositely mounted handles, allowing the dies to be opened by squeezing the handles together. Two different adjustment means are provided and the tool is provided with a full-cycle ratchet mechanism to ensure complete compression of the connector during each use.

Abstract: A random problem generator selects a formula from a database of formulas, randomly generates an initial condition necessary to solve the selected formula, and generates a question involving the selected formula and the randomly generated initial condition. A random problem generator further randomly selects a cation from a table of cations, retrieves the cation name from the table of cations, randomly selects an anion from a table of anions, and retrieves the anion name from the table of anions. The random problem generator balances the charges of the cation and the anion and determines the subscripts for the cation and the anion. The random problem generator places the cation and anion together to form a chemical formula and the cation name and anion name together to form a chemical name. The random problem generator additionally generates either a question supplying the chemical name and asking for the chemical formula or supplying the chemical formula and asking for the chemical name.

Abstract: A system for mounting circuit components on a circuit substrate, including a circuit-substrate supporting device which supports the circuit substrate, a circuit-component mounting device which mounts, at a circuit-component mounting position, the circuit components on the circuit substrate supported by the circuit-substrate supporting device, and a circuit-substrate carry-out device which receives, from the circuit-substrate supporting device, the circuit substrate with the circuit components being mounted thereon, and carries out the received circuit substrate, the circuit substrate being transferred from the circuit-substrate supporting device to the circuit-substrate carry-out device in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the circuit substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming a polymer insulator is disclosed. The improvement includes the steps of: setting a formed body, having a construction such that a pre-form material is arranged around a rod and end caps are arranged at both end portions of the rod, between an upper die and a lower die, each die having cavities for forming sheds and sheath portions of the polymer insulator; and forming the sheds and the sheath portions of the polymer insulator by means of a compression forming by connecting the upper die and the lower die with compression pressure; wherein the end cap has a shape such that it is accommodated in the cavity for a shed formation.

Abstract: Conductive apparatus having minimized AC resistance. The conductive apparatus comprises a planar rectangular conductor having top and bottom surfaces, and opposed end surfaces that are smaller in dimension than the top and bottom surfaces. Magnetic material is disposed adjacent to each of the end surfaces of the rectangular conductor that is formed in a "C" shape to provide end caps that are symmetrical and enclose the end surfaces and portions of the top and bottom surfaces to overlap the conductor in its corners. A method of fabricating the conductive apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of releasably attaching a ribbon cable to a hardware device. In one embodiment, the method comprises attaching the ribbon cable to a ribbon cable connector having an internal retaining mechanism, coupling the ribbon cable connector to a mating connector on the hardware device, and actuating the internal retaining mechanism so that the internal retaining mechanism engages the mating connector to thereby inhibit the mating connector from uncoupling from the hardware device. The method allows a user to easily and securely attach a ribbon cable to a hardware device.

Abstract: A gambling game includes the steps of preparing a plurality of gaming cards with an indicia of identification, and a plurality of gaming symbols on a face of the card. The indicia of identification is recorded within a data base of a central computer system. The gaming cards are then distributed to a plurality of remote gaming sites, where they are distributed to a plurality of remote gaming card dispensing machines networked to the central computer system. Participants can purchase for a predetermined amount of money, the gaming cards from the remote gaming card dispensing machines. The purchase requests are communicated over the network by the central computer system, if approved the remote gaming card dispensing machines will issue a gaming card to the participant. A first set of symbols is generated and communicated over the network to a plurality of displays.

Abstract: A method for behavior modification and memory enhancement utilizing a central processing unit, comprising compiling a symbolic profile of a subject participant, interpreting the subject participant's stored symbolic constructs, instructing the subject participant using virtual reality means, evaluating and recording physiological parameters of the participant and delivering symbolic containers to the participant; and delivering symbolic prescriptions to the subject participant for behavior modification and memory enhancement. The methodology allows for accessing and recognition of stored memory symbolic constructs by isolating symbolic quests embodied within multiple multimedia virtual reality events, and delivering the multimedia virtual reality events to a user by artificial intelligence and multi-media means, applying the symbolic constructs to the user.

Abstract: A football training and evaluation apparatus has a frame, a contacting element, and a force transferring member connected to the frame and the contacting element. A measuring-signaling element is connected to the force transferring member and is adapted to measure the force subjected on the force transferring member in response to an impact force subjected onto the contacting element and deliver a signal "S" responsive to said measurement. A visual signaling apparatus is connected to the frame and adapted to be actuateable and moveable in response to actuation.

Abstract: A package for a device includes a substrate having a common voltage plane and a mounting region. The device is mounted to the mounting region. An electrically conductive dam structure is disposed on the upper surface of the substrate circumscribing the perimeter of the mounting region. The electrically conductive dam structure is coupled to the common voltage plane. An electrically insulating encapsulant at least partially fills the pocket defined by the substrate and the electrically conductive dam structure. The electrically insulating encapsulant contacts the electrically conductive dam structure. An electrically conductive encapsulant overlies the electrically insulating encapsulant and is coupled to the electrically conductive dam structure.

Abstract: A method is described for changing between jobs in a device for slitting a web (N) into a plurality of lengthwise strips (L1, L3, L5, L1', L3', L5') with two series of slitting tools (25, 25B). At the moment of the job changeover, the tools of a first series are moved from a slitting position to an inactive position and the tools of the second series are moved from an inactive position to a slitting position. The passage from one position to the other is delayed for one of the tools of each series in order to generate two slit lines (L3', L5) extending into the job changeover zone (CA), and these lines are subsequently joined up by a transverse slit (L9). (FIG.

Abstract: A hand-held game that includes a plurality of input devices, an audible output device, and a controller coupled to each of the input devices and to the audible output device. Preferably, each of the input devices require a different mechanical action for action, such as a pressure switch, a pull switch or a rotational switch. The controller outputs a first command signal to the audible output device that relates to a first selected input device. The controller then outputs a second command signal to the audible output device relating to a second selected input device when the first selected input device is actuated within a predetermined period of time. When the first selected input device is not actuated within the predetermined period of time, or when an input device other than the selected input device is actuated in response to the first command signal, the controller outputs an error command signal to the audible output device.

Abstract: Multiplayer card games capable of being played online using a communications network are provided. The card games are solitaire-related in that card plays are made to foundations using a number of different card piles. In one embodiment, each player uses a client that includes computer hardware and software for displaying the card layout for that player. The cards of the players of the same multiplayer card game, except for foundation cards, are different. Client and server software are utilized in controlling card plays to the foundations and regulate card movement as displayed using the computer screens of the clients. Certain card plays are disabled for a particular player until validation thereof is received using the server. Indication is provided on a particular player's screen related to the disabled card play. When the same card is played to the same foundation close in time by two or more players, a determination is made as to which player played first using the server software.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for lacing stator coil windings and leads is provided. Lacing of the stator coil windings and leads is performed during an automated process which occurs while the stator is situated on a pallet which is moved by a conveyer belt through a manufacturing facility. The pallet includes an inner ring and an outer ring rotatably disposed therein. The inner ring supports the stator and allows the stator to be rotated during lacing. The outer ring is rotated at the same rotational speed and direction as the inner ring and includes a plurality of clips for releasably securing leads of the stator. The pallet further includes a lead lift assembly which is movable in a substantially vertical direction. Upon introduction of the pallet to a lacing station in the manufacturing facility, a vertical positioning device engages the lead lift assembly from beneath the pallet and raises the assembly to a predetermined height.