Abstract: A visual display system, such as a flight simulation system, includes a number of display screens and a number of associated video projectors which project predetermined video images on the display screens in response to control signals provided by an operator. In one embodiment, the display screens are circumscribed by an imaginary sphere having a predetermined radius and centered about the design eye of the visual display system. The design eye is generally positioned in a predetermined fixed relation to the operator such that the distortion of the displayed video image is reduced. In another embodiment, the video projectors are mounted in a linear side-by-side relationship on a rear side of the display screens, thereby reducing the overall size of the visual display system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for training of auditory and graphical discrimination in humans is provided. The method and apparatus provides a number of stimulus sets, each stimulus set having a target phoneme, and associated grapheme, and a number of distractor phonemes, and associated graphemes. Upon initiation of a trial, a target phoneme is presented to a subject. A stimulus stream is then prepared that consists of a random sequence of distractor phonemes. Located within the sequence of distractor phonemes is the target phoneme. The stimulus sequence is presented to the subject for identification of the target phoneme within the sequence. Speech processing is used to provide multiple levels of emphasis for enhancing a subject's ability to discriminate between similarly sounding phonemes. The processing is applied to the presentation of the target phoneme and the stimulus stream.

Abstract: An interactive toy employs a plurality of figures which are employed by the user to tell a story. The figures are selected and placed at selected locations on a story board or a book. The selection and placement results in the device telling the story by synthesized speech and other visual communications. The device is also configured in a compact case for carrying and storage.

Abstract: A device and method for teaching children the names of household objects in which a device that includes a recording of the name of the object and a switch to activate play of the recording is attached to an object corresponding to the recorded name in a location where the device is reachable by the child, so that the name of the object will be stated when the child closes the switch, thereby aiding the child in associating the stated name with the object to which the device is attached. The device may include an electronic circuit with a recordable IC in circuit with a speaker, a power source and a switch; and a housing enclosing the circuit. The housing can have a front surface with means to close the switch, and a back surface having an attachment means for securing the housing to the object.

Abstract: A portable dual batter trainer device that includes a collapsible support stand; a trainer top plate assembly secured to the collapsible support stand; and two tethered batting balls suspended from the trainer top plate assembly. In a preferred embodiment the portable dual batter trainer device also includes a removable fabric safety divider securable to the collapsible support stand between the two tethered batting balls.

Abstract: A system for detecting an electrode position for a defibrillator on a manikin includes electrical conductive faces that are provided in hidden positions under the manikin skin in locations that correspond to correct and incorrect positions for placement of the defibrillator respectively, and which constitute the respective halves of a capacitor. The faces are connected to a first and a second oscillator respectively, which oscillators emit two different frequencies. A position indicator may be arranged inside the manikin, which indicator will give notification to the user by the use of light sources, e.g., light emitting diodes that shine through the manikin skin, or by activation of a sound signal. A signal analyzing device judges the correctness of the electrode positions via output from the oscillators.

Abstract: A remote education method and apparatus via an internet which has been widely used as an information network is provided. The remote education method and apparatus via the internet has an open structure which is not influenced by particular hardware or software, such as an operating system or a web browser. A remote education provider can construct a remote education server with a low cost in a minimum amount of time. Also users can easily connect to the remote education server via the internet to receive a remote education service. The remote education server provides an educational program including individual learning progress based on a learning evaluation and a performance management function and performs a discriminative education based on the ability of each individual.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated circuit transistor begins with doping the substrate in the device active areas after field oxide regions have been formed. This dopant helps to reduce short channel transistor effects. A thin layer of epitaxial silicon is then grown over the substrate active regions. A field effect transistor is formed in the epitaxial layer and underlying substrate. The transistor channel region is in the relatively lightly doped epitaxial layer, but the underlying doped substrate layer helps minimize short channel effects.

Abstract: A swiveling electrical connector is described. A male assembly has three conductors electrically isolated from each other. A first one of the three conductors in the male assembly includes a cylindrical surface. A female assembly has three conductors electrically isolated from each other and a receptacle for receiving the male assembly. A first one of the three conductors in the female assembly has a clip assembly extending therefrom for contacting the cylindrical surface of the first conductor in the male assembly. A locking mechanism is coupled to the female assembly for locking the male and female assemblies together when the male assembly is inserted into the female assembly thereby providing electrical contact between the male assembly conductors and the female assembly conductors.

Abstract: Detachable attachment base for a BGA (Ball Grid Array), CGA (Column Grid Array), LGA (Land Grid Array), or flip-chip type integrated circuit and comprising a support (7) traversed by openings (13). A metal pin (3) is inserted in each of the openings (13). One end of each pin is intended to be placed in electrical contact with at least one path (8) of the printed circuit, while the other end is intended to be placed in electrical contact with a connection finger (6) of the electric component mounted (1) or of the other printed circuit. The pins are held longitudinally only loosely within the openings (13), between two springs (4 and 40) permitting the pins to move slightly. The pins may be composed of a rod (3) or of a spring (3′). The springs (4 and 40) may be replaced by a rubber mat containing parallel electric wires. A radiator (35) holds the integrated circuit on the base.

Abstract: An expansion device is provided having two expansion cards interconnected. While the first expansion card of the expansion device conforms to the footprint requirements of the PCMCIA, the second expansion card ranges in size. The expansion device integrates into the overall configuration that conforms with PCMCIA card architecture. A connector releasably attaches the two expansion cards together. Once attached, the expansion card acts as a slave card to the master PC card. Alternatively, the first expansion card can be used by itself as an expansion device. Guide pins are provided for guiding the attachment of the expansion cards. The guide pins, in addition, provide an electrical ground from the PC card to the expansion card. An adaptor is also provided with the expansion device for providing an electronic interface between a host computer and a transmission media line.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals and a pair of board locks. The terminals include upper terminals and lower terminals each having a contact end, a securing portion and a solder tail. The solder tail of each lower terminal is substantially perpendicular to a circuit board and soldered to soldering sites located on a lower surface thereof using Through Hole Technology. The solder tail of each upper terminal is substantially parallel to the circuit board and soldered to soldering sites located on an upper surface thereof using Surface Mount Technology.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electric appliance for personal use such as a dry shaving apparatus, a hair cutting machine or epilator, having a housing to accommodate an electric motor, a storage cell charging circuitry, at least one rechargeable storage cell designed to be connected to the electric motor, and a connector compartment in which a connector equipped with connector pins is pivotally mounted, wherein the connector pins are movably carried in a connector housing surrounding the connector pins, wherein the connector housing with the connector pins therein is arranged for pivotal movement out of and into the connector compartment, and wherein, with the connector in a position in which it is pivoted out of one of the broad sides of the housing, provision is made for the connector pins arranged side by side parallel to said broad side to be movable out of and into the connector housing by means of an actuating element movably disposed in the interior of the connector housing.

Abstract: A connector having integrally formed walls and a cover enclosing wire receiving ends of terminals. The connector has openings along an edge which have resilient grommets installed therein. Each of the grommets includes a central web which is slit to allow wires connected to the terminal ends to be moved laterally into the center of the grommet and be conformably received therein.

Abstract: A signal adaptation plug has a stage with a plug formed on one side and has at least an accommodation groove. A rotatable cover plate hinges on the stage and is situated on one side of the accommodation groove. A terminal assembly is composed of several pin terminals and is installed inside the stage. The pin terminal forms a first contact part and a second contact part at the accommodation groove and the plug of the stage. The first contact part of the pin terminal emerges from the gap groove of the contact surface of the stage. When the plug and the socket are not compatible, the cover plate is erected slantingly on the stage. The plug is plugged slantingly between the accommodation groove and the cover plate. The plug of the signal adaptation plug is then plugged on the socket. The signal adaptation plug of the present invention is integrally formed and has a small volume, the manufacture and assembly is thus simple and convenient. The production cost is also reduced.

Abstract: The present connector is a lever fitting type connector 20 that, by rotating a lever (2), a male connector (1) can be inserted and fitted into a fitting hood portion (4) of a female connector portion (3), while a lock arm 11 disposed in the lever (2) can be engaged with a lock portion (21) formed in the fitting hood portion (4). The lock arm (11) is composed of a flexible arm portion (12) and a lock-arm-(11)-side securing projection (13) formed in the flexible arm portion (12), whereas the lock portion (21) is composed of a reduced thickness plate portion (22) formed in the inner wall (4a) of the fitting hood portion (4) and a fitting-hood-portion-(4)-side securing projection (23) at least part of which is projected from the reduced thickness portion (22) and also which can be engaged with the lock-arm-11-side securing projection (13).

Abstract: A circuit board ejector includes a handle portion and a hook portion, the handle portion including a manually operable portion. The manually operable portion includes a plurality of ridge portions and a raised lip portion to allow a user to apply a load to the manually operable portion to position the circuit board ejector into a locked position.

Abstract: The present invention provides three fungal cellulases, their coding sequences, recombinant DNA molecules comprising the cellulase coding sequences, recombinant host cells and methods for producing same. The present cellulases are from Orpinomyces PC-2.

Abstract: An apparatus which is capable of connecting a first digital device to a modem or to a second digital device includes a cable having at least two wires therein, one wire for transmitting data and one wire for receiving data. A symmetrical plug having at least two prongs terminates the cable such that a corresponding prong on the symmetrical plug receives signals from one of the at least two wires in the cable. The symmetrical plug is operable in at least two orientations. Specifically, the symmetrical plug mates to a corresponding socket in the first digital device in a first orientation and mates to the corresponding socket in the first digital device in the second orientation.

Abstract: An assembly for use with a compact fluorescent lamp includes a socket and an adapter. The socket includes a housing having a top surface and a recess extending downward from the top surface toward the bottom end of the socket. The recess is shaped and dimensioned to receive the starter housing of the compact fluorescent lamp. Provided on the top surface are a plurality of spaced apart holes, each hole being positioned to receive one of the terminal pins of the fluorescent lamp. The adapter is designed to connect the compact fluorescent lamps having different types of base configurations with the socket. The adapter includes a base from which a starter housing and a plurality of terminal pins extend downward. The starter housing is positioned to be telescopically received by the recess of the socket. The starter housing is surrounded by the terminal pins that are positioned away from one another in order to be inserted in the spaced apart holes of the socket.

Abstract: A communications infrastructure connector system comprises a pair of engageable hermaphroditic connector units. Each unit can house a plurality of connectors which mate with corresponding connectors of the other unit. Each unit has a handle comprising a pair of eccentrically mounted pivot arms. On movement of the handles of the two connector units towards one another, an arcuate portion each handle comes into contact with the same portion of the other handle. The eccentric mounting causes the two connector units to be forced apart.

Abstract: An electrical contact element 1 includes an elongate terminal lug 6 on a first end of the electrical contact element and a substantially rectangular contact zone 5 disposed on a second end of the electrical contact element. The contact zone 5 is laterally offset relative to the terminal lug 6. A U-shaped intermediate region 8 is disposed between the contact zone 5 and the terminal lug 6. The U-shaped intermediate region is connected to the contact zone 5 via a connection arm member 10 on one end thereof and is connected to the terminal lug 6 via a radius zone 12 on the other end thereof. The U-shaped intermediate region includes an upper leg member 14, an intermediate leg member 15, and a lower leg member 16. A plurality of connection zones shaped as radii or circular curved portions Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 are formed between the rectangular contact zone 5, the connection arm 10, the upper leg member 14, the intermediate leg member 15, and the lower leg member 16, respectively.

Abstract: An attachment and connection structure of an electrical equipment unit is provided. The electrical equipment unit is provided with a connector. When the electrical equipment unit is inserted into a unit receiving portion, the connector 21 can be connected to a mating connector of a unit receiving portion at the same time. A guide wall is formed unitarily on the connector, and a guide receiving portion for receiving the guide wall is provided to the unit receiving portion. The mating connector is disposed in the vicinity of the guide receiving portion. The guide wall also serves as part of the outer walls of the connector. The guide wall protrudes from the both sides and the front edge of the connector. After the guide wall is engaged with the guide receiving portion, engagement of both connectors starts.

Abstract: The connector includes at least a terminal accommodating cavity for receiving a receptacle terminal of a rectangular hollow beam. The receptacle terminal has an electrical connection portion including a resilient contact tongue. The terminal accommodating cavity has a pin terminal insertion opening. Furthermore, a distortion preventing member extending from said pin terminal insertion opening is provided in the terminal accommodating cavity. The distortion preventing member is constructed to prevent distortion of a pin terminal even when the pin terminal is incorrectly inserted in a slanting direction through the pin terminal insertion opening into the receptacle terminal. The distortion preventing member has a rising wall rising from a bottom wall of the terminal accommodating cavity. An extended wall is provided to extend from a free end of the rising wall into the terminal accommodating cavity.

Abstract: A cable connector assembly and a method of fabrication thereof provides for easy and accurate electrical connection of flat cables having narrow pitch. Multiple conductors of a flat cable (15) are exposed by stripping near the end of the flat cable (15) to expose portions (18) of the conductors after which the flat cable (15) is placed nearly parallel against the surface of the printed circuit board (90) and the exposed portions (18) are soldered to conductive pads (93) on the printed circuit board (90). To other parts of the printed circuit (90), contacts (25,26) having contact sections (30) for the contacts of a matching connector are connected. This makes it possible to provide for the connection of all conductors of the flat cable (15) to appropriate circuits of the printed circuit board (90) to which contacts (25,26) are connected.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly is provided for interfacing between a component frame and a printed circuit board. The assembly includes a board connector for mounting on a surface of the printed circuit board and a frame connector mounted on the component frame. The connectors are mated in a mating direction generally perpendicular to the printed circuit board. Complementary interengaging tongues and grooves are provided between the frame connector and the frame and extend generally perpendicular to the mating direction for interengaging the frame connector with the frame. The tongues and grooves are of different sizes to polarize the frame connector relative to the frame. Latches are provided between the frame connector and the frame for holding the connector interengaged with the frame.

Abstract: An electrical appliance such as a lamp (1) includes attachment means adapted for mounting on a member (50) of the grid of a suspended ceiling. The attachment is in the form of a clip (5) which, in common with the preferably PTFE-coated wires (11) of the lamp, is thin enough to pass between the flange (52) of the ceiling member and the ceiling panels. This avoids having to drill into the ceiling grid and allows flexibility in the positioning of the lamp.

Abstract: Apparatus for operatively coupling a plurality of electronic devices each being of the type that includes a plug-in power adapter to an a.c. power supply. A power strip is plugged into an a.c. outlet. The power strip includes a plurality of female receptacles longitudinally aligned at a surface of an elongated housing. The power adapters are fixed to an elongated surface of a bracket by means of relatively-short shuttle conductor cords. The shuttle cords are interconnecting, at their opposed ends, to the receptacles of the power strip and the male plugs of the power adapters which are held in place, adjacent one another, affixed to the surface of an elongated bracket.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing simple and effective attachment of a lamp holder base to a mounting plate includes providing in the mounting plate an opening having a wide opening portion and a relatively narrower opening portion, which together define at least one mounting tab of the mounting plate, the mounting plate further having an outer surface and a latch edge portion; providing on the lamp holder base an elongated body and a latch member, the elongated body including at least one mounting channel having a base surface and an inclined surface which define a first channel opening and a second channel opening, the inclined surface terminating at the first channel opening to define a pivot edge, the latch member including a latch surface region; inserting the elongated body in the wide opening portion until a cross section of the mounting plate is generally aligned with one of the first channel opening and the second channel opening; moving the mounting plate in a direction such that the at least one m

Abstract: An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a number of contacts received in the housing and boardlocks. The housing defines a bottom mounting face and at least two apertures in the bottom mounting face for retaining the boardlocks therein. By choosing boardlocks of different overall height, the bottom mounting face of the housing can be spaced above a circuit board a desired height.

Abstract: A cable connector having a system for high-speed signal transmission comprises an insulative housing, a plurality of data transmission terminals, and the system for high-speeding signal transmission. The system for high-speed signal transmission comprises a plurality of high-speed signal terminals, a grounding plate, an insulative spacer, and a ferrule. The insulative spacer has a front face and a rear face and defines an elongate slot extending therethrough, a pair of grooves being defined in the front face and being in communication with the slot, and a plurality of passageways being defined on opposite sides of the slot for receiving the signal terminals. The grounding plate defines a pair of teeth laterally projecting from opposite side edges thereof so that as the grounding plate is extended through the slot of the insulative spacer, the teeth fit into the grooves of the space. The ferrule clamps a plurality of metallic braids of connected coaxial cables to the grounding plate.

Abstract: Disclosed are a waterproof connector and a method of assembling the same. The waterproof connector is equipped with an inner housing having formed therein a plurality of the terminal accommodation compartments, a seal housing connected to the inner housing in such a way as to be freely movable relative to the inner housing in a direction intersecting the axial direction of an electric wire substantially at right angles thereto, and an outer housing into which the inner housing and the seal housing are freely detachably fitted. In one wall portion of the seal housing opposing the terminal accommodation compartments, electric wire insertion-through-holes are formed. On an inner side of the one wall portion that oppose the electric wire insertion-through-holes, rubber plug accommodation recessed portions are formed.

Abstract: An improved structure of a interface card panel of a compact PCI system is disclosed. Wherein the panel of an interface card is assembled by welding an inner layered plate and an outer layered plate. The thickness of each layered plate is only half of the standard plate. The through holes of the inner layered plate have a radius only sufficient for receiving the screw rods of the fixing studs on the two ends of a D type connector, while the through holes for the outer layered plate have a radius sufficient for receiving the whole fixing studs, so that the fixing studs will completely pass through the outer layered plate, while the bodies thereof press the rim of the holes of the inner layered plate. Thus, other than the fixing points on the buckling bodies on the two ends thereof. By the fixing studs of the D type connector, a large fixing force is formed on the middle of the panel, and meanwhile, the strength of the panel is improved.

Abstract: An electrical jack includes an insulative housing containing contact elements therein for engaging with a mating plug. A shielding casing encloses the insulative housing. A grounding member is received in a slot defined in the insulative housing and extends beyond the housing for being electrically grounded. The shielding casing has an extension received in the slot for physically contacting the grounding member thereby grounding the shielding casing. The shielding casing has a resilient flap for being engaged by a grounding member of the mating plug thereby further grounding the shielding casing. The resilient flap is deformed by the mating plug for ensuring proper contact therebetween.

Abstract: Conductor Coupling or Control Interface incorporating a convexo-concave coupling labyrinth separator for separation from electromagnetic waves, comprising essentially: coated components as part of a conductor assembly or control interface, including, for example, conductor pin or contacts of a plug or socket assembly, switching or pushkey elements of a control interface, devices of acoustic power converted from electric power, those of electric power converted from acoustic power, those of optic power converted from electric power, and those of electric power converted from optic power, one-piece or assembled coating or covering components composed from insulator, closed (core filled), retiform or porous (hollow-set) metal or otherwise material impervious to electromagnetic penetration, whereof one or more section is treated curvatured, convex or concave, or in bent elbow, or in oblique bend, otherwise labyrinthine configured, suitably coupled with insulation to form a means of isolation, thence coupled by me

Abstract: An improved waterproof socket adapter which consists of an insert holder, a housing, leaf copper conductors, a cover, a power cable and u shaped copper tabs et cetera, the insert holder has a waterproof partition and a key arranged inside it, and cord profiled grooves with ribs provided behind and between pinholes on its front side; the housing has internal sliding and guide slots provided for fitting a key on the cover and the waterproof partition inside the insert holder respectively, and a front key-way arranged for engaging the key on the insert holder; besides, a bottom gap is provided on the front side of the housing and in its vertical wall there are cord profiled grooves and a key-way provided, the cord profiled grooves have several ribs arranged in them respectively; for the key of the insert holder has its vertical extension integrated with the waterproof partition, two cords of the cable may be separated positively without any short circuit when the insert holder and the housing is assembled togeth

Abstract: To improve the connection possibilities offered by a socket for receiving mobile equipment, provision is made for the socket to accommodate a pressure connection plug and an insertion connection plug simultaneously. The two plugs have complementary profiles in order to enable them to be received simultaneously in this way.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch housing has a dielectric plastic body, an electrical device secured to the body, a plurality of electrical conductors each at least partially imbedded in the body and each having an end forming a terminal adjacent the device, and a plurality of connectors on the device each is elastically deformable and bearing elastically on a respective one of the terminals. Each terminal fits in a predetermined direction with the respective connector. The connectors are deformed elastically transversely to the installation direction when fitted with the respective terminals. Thus as the device is fitted to the body, its connectors are automatically joined to the terminals.

Abstract: A receptacle and printed circuit board combination for receiving a telecommunications plug and achieving electrical connection between the plug and the printed circuit board is provided. The combination occupies a minimum required amount of space and requires a minimum amount of material. The combination comprises an insulating housing, a plurality of electrical contacts, and a printed circuit board, wherein the housing and circuit board form a plug receiving opening. The printed circuit board has a cut-out portion for receiving the receptacle. Preferably, the receptacle further comprises two latches extending from a bottom surface of the housing for mounting the receptacle on the circuit board, wherein the cutout portion of the circuit board receives the peg. In certain preferred embodiments, the housing further comprises two ledges, each extending from a sidewall of the housing.

Abstract: An isolation displacement connector includes a housing, a base circuit board installed in the housing, a terminal holder mounted on the base circuit board, and a set of terminals respectively installed in the terminal holder and inserted through the base circuit board, the base circuit board having transverse rows of metal contact holes and longitudinal rows of metal contact holes, and conductors and sine wave circuits symmetrically arranged on top and bottom side walls thereof and respectively connected to the metal contact holes to reinforce induction strength and noise preventive power.

Abstract: A premold body forms an assembly to receive male conductors for molding into a plug. The plug to be used with a female receptacle outlet such as for 120 volt AC current. The body firmly holds blades or blades and a ground pin. By using the premold support the assembly may be assembled automatically, saving time and money in cycle time. The assembly may then be simultaneously crimped to more than one wire. The assembly is more reliable holding the conductors against being dislodged or having wild strands, particularly when molded into an outlet plug. The assembly saves labor and material cost and provides greater reliability over the prior art.

Abstract: A contacting apparatus comprising: a contact element support and fixedly mounted in said contact element support at least one contact element, wherein A) said contact element comprises: a contact cusp portion, a mounting section adapted to be enclosed by said contacting element support, and a contacting portion, said mounting section forming a step adapted to be located within said contact element support; and B) said contact element support being designed such, that it encloses said contact element only in locations where a load is generated by a contacting force exerted onto said contact cusp portion.

Abstract: A novel press-fit electrically-conductive contact member, as, for example, an electrically-conductive metal pin, characterized by a conforming section which has an elastically-deformable region which acts as a spring and which is adapted to engage a substrate hole in a press-fitting relationship. The conforming section comprises opposed beam members configured to accommodate a considerably larger hole tolerance yet still provide sufficient retention force to stabilize the pin during a soldering process that such substrates may typically undergo. The beam cross-sections are configured to allow them to occupy a side-by-side position. Contact members with the conforming section can be manufactured by a wire-forming process in which end-to-end connected pins are formed as a continuous strip needing no excess material for carrying the pins, nor are any air gaps formed between the pins, and thus the finished continuous strip of pins can be wound up on a reel.

Abstract: A power port terminal formed by stamping from a blank of conductive material comprises a contact receiving socket portion (12) and an integral mounting portion (14). The socket includes a web with a plurality of beams (20) thereon. The inner surface of the beams on the bends thereof define a substantially continuous cylindrical contact surface at a predetermined point along the reference axis of the terminal. The contact surface has a predetermined constricted dimension (36) measured in a plane perpendicular to the reference axis, this dimension being the most constricted dimension along the reference axis of the terminal. The terminal is thereby able to accommodate a pin of any desired axial length. The trailing mounting legs (46) thereon, that in the preferred instance, extend generally perpendicular to the reference axis of the terminal. Latch tabs (38) may be provided on one or more of the beams.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a trolling motor, comprising a foot operable control assembly with a rotatable plate operationally connected to the trolling motor so that the rotational motion of the plate will rotate the trolling motor to steer the boat. In one embodiment, the means to activate the trolling motor speeds are operationally connected to the trolling motor and placed in a circle around the rotatable control plate. In another embodiment the operator can place a chair on the rotatable plate to steer the boat and activate the trolling motor speeds with his foot. In still another embodiment the control assembly has a rotatable shaft with a chair attached to steer the boat and the trolling motor speed control means are operatively connected to the trolling motor and placed remotely from the control assembly so that the speed control means are accessible to the foot of an operator.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing vibration on a ship with at least two drive shafts by determining and utilizing an optimum angular offset which corresponds to a minimum vibration level. The apparatus comprises a servo-control circuit for servo-controlling the angular difference between the two shafts to a reference value. A calibration circuit determines the optimum angular offset between the shafts corresponding to the minimum vibration level. A control circuit responds to a control signal by actuating in succession the calibration circuit and then the servo-control circuit, wherein the optimum angular offset is set to the reference value.

Abstract: An ETV-type pump jet having a stator housing with an attachment for minimizing the mismatches between the velocity and direction of the exhaust gas stream flowing out of a stator vane outlet and the velocity and direction of boat and pump jet motion. In one embodiment, a multiplicity of exhaust ducts are attached to the external surface of the stator housing, each exhaust duct being positioned to be in flow communication with the exhaust gas outlet of a respective hollow stator vane. Exhaust gases exiting the exhaust outlets are redirected by the inner surfaces of the ducts to flow in parallel with the rotor shaft axis. In another embodiment, a circumferential exhaust skirt made of sheet metal is substituted for the exhaust ducts. The exhaust skirt surrounds the stator housing and redirects the exhaust gas stream to be substantially parallel with the surrounding water flow.

Abstract: A seal system for a motor cover of an outboard motor includes a resilient hollow tubular seal member for providing a substantially water impervious seal at a joint between the motor cover and an adjoining housing member of the motor and wherein the seal member is pressurized with air to expand in the joint.

Abstract: A protective cover and method for protecting a boat propeller shaft and gears within a lower gear housing of a boat includes a cone-shaped casing having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top, and an open bottom. The inner and outer surfaces have an edge in common in which two notches are formed and extend along the inner and outer surfaces. The notches are spaced 180° apart from each other and are aligned with and placed around the skeg and upper frame of the lower gear housing of the boat so that the propeller shaft and gears are covered. The casing is retained on the lower gear housing by an elastic band.

Abstract: A four cycle power personal watercraft having an improved crankcase ventilating and induction system. The crankcase ventilating system ensures that the crankcase gases will be passed to the combustion chambers to eliminate unburned hydrocarbons from escaping to the atmosphere. However, the system is also designed so as to preclude separated lubricant from passing into the induction system and also to prevent water from entering the engine through the induction system or the ventilating system.