Abstract: An induction system employed in an engine of a small watercraft includes the first intake chamber communicating with the combustion chambers within the engine and a second intake chamber communicating with the first intake chamber. At least one auxiliary air aperture is provided in the first intake chamber so as to allow an auxiliary flow of air into the first intake chamber during, for example, sudden acceleration.

Abstract: A high output 2-cycle engine and a watercraft powered by the 2-cycle engine. The 2-cycle engine includes a crank case having a water jacket, and a cylinder block with a water jacket for cooling the cylinder block. Cooling water is supplied separately to the crank case water jacket and the cylinder block water jacket to increase cooling of the crank case and the cylinder block. The 2-cycle engine may be an air scavenging engine in which fresh air is supplied to the engine through the crank case, and fuel is injected into a combustion chamber by a fuel injection device. The cylinder head and the exhaust manifold of the engine may also include water jackets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virtual slalom course and display which allows a water skier to develop the skill and timing to maneuver through a slalom course without the need for an official course. The apparatus is operable to display to the skier where the virtual slalom buoys are (or where they would be), where the skier is in relation to the buoy, and/or where the skier should be at any moment in time if the skier is to optimally traverse the virtual slalom course. The apparatus includes inputs for the speed of the boat, the dimensions of the desired virtual slalom course (preferably the dimensions of an official slalom course) and the length of the rope in order to calculate the skier's ideal position. Feedback through a rope angle sensor preferably facilitates the display of the skier's actual position.

Abstract: A faceplate of a flat panel display has spacer-insert grooves. One end-side portions of spacers are fixed in the spacer-insert are formed on the substrate of the faceplate in a predetermined pattern. The faceplate with spacer-insert grooves enhances structural support and alignment of the spacers.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are aligned within a host phase of a material that has molecules that will align under a certain influence. When the host molecules become aligned, they cause the carbon nanotube fibers to also become aligned in the same direction. The film of aligned carbon nanotubes is then cured into a permanent phase, which can then be polished to produce a thin film of commonly aligned carbon nanotube fibers for use within a field emission device.

Abstract: An electro-optical device is manufactured by separately manufacturing an electronic component and an optical component and subsequently integrating the electronic and the optical components. Separate fabrication of the two components allows each component to be manufactured using processes which optimize its properties.

Abstract: A structure-forming construction element for a toy log building set, such as those sold under the well known “Lincoln Logs”. The construction element, typically a molding of plastic material, is formed with a plurality of adjacent sockets for the reception and gripping of log elements in parallel, side-by-side relation. In a typical form, the construction element is positioned on a support, and the log elements are oriented vertically in the sockets provided. A second, similar construction element may be placed on top of the upper ends of the logs. Side walls of the sockets can be notched to provide a castellated appearance, such that a structure with vertically spaced construction elements and vertical log elements has the appearance of a castle tower.

Abstract: A gyroscope includes first and second rings positioned orthogonally concentric to one another, an axle mounted for free rotation extending diametrically through the first ring, a rotary disk fixedly attached to the axle, and an engagement structure coaxially aligned with the axle which is fixedly attached to the axle. An apparatus for spinning a gyroscope includes a housing, a compartment within the housing for receiving at least a portion of the gyroscope, and a motor within the housing for transmitting rotational energy to the gyroscope. The apparatus can include a lid having an open position and a closed position, and an electrical contact disposed in the compartment. The electrical contact can be switchable between open and closed conditions. The lid can be configured to urge the gyroscope downwardly into the receptacle and switch the electrical contact to the closed condition when the lid is in the closed position.

Abstract: A singing toy device is disclosed which is well suited for use in water prone environments such as showers and tubs. Specifically, an animal shaped body contains a housing, microphone, switch and battery. The housing and battery are contained within a plastic bag to keep water therefrom. The housing contains two speakers and electrical circuitry within which plays a first recording and then records a child's voice together or separately from the first recording. Subsequently, the second recording is replayed for the child's enjoyment.

Abstract: A motion display toy, which includes a housing having a top cover and a top center opening at the top cover, two sliding door panels moved to close/open the center opening at the top cover, a telescopic device mounted inside the housing and driven to extend out of the top center opening, an annular rotary member decorated with ornaments and rotated around the top center opening, first drive means controlled by the control circuit to move the sliding door panels, second drive means controlled by the control circuit to move the telescopic device between extended position and retracted position, and third drive means controlled by the control circuit to rotate the annular rotary member.

Abstract: A bow-hunters horn rattling apparatus for attracting deer by making sound like that of deer horns clashing.

Abstract: A durable and desirable foam specialty confetti. A die cutting process may be employed to create a perimeter, exterior cut out on a sheet of foam. The resulting specialty confetti can be ejected into the air numerous times for multiple enjoyment or be collected as a keepsake.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water tower generally having a base portion, a tower support attached to the base portion, and a fluid vessel attached to the tower support and containing a fluid. A buoyant vessel having a first magnet attached is contained within the fluid vessel. A first arm defining a cam slot and rotatably attached to the tower support by a first pivot pin guides a second arm, an end of which is disposed within the cam slot. The second arm is rotatably attached to the tower support by a second pivot pin. A second magnet is attached to a second end of the movable arm. In operation, the first arm is rotated to move a second arm, bringing the first and second magnets into alignment. The magnets create an attraction force which sinks the buoyant vessel within the fluid, giving the water tower the appearance of being full. When the first arm is rotated so magnets are taken out of axial alignment, the attraction force of the magnets is diminished, and the buoyant vessel floats.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus is used for polishing a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer to a flat mirror finish. The polishing apparatus includes a turntable having a polishing surface, a top ring for supporting the workpiece to be polished and pressing the workpiece against the polishing surface, and a transferring device for transferring the workpiece between the top ring and the transferring device. The transferring device includes a stage having a support surface for supporting the workpiece, an actuating unit for moving the stage in a vertical direction, and a guide member disposed radially outwardly of the stage and having a guide surface of an inverted conical shape. The centering of the workpiece is conducted by bringing a periphery of the workpiece into contact with the guide surface, and then the workpiece is transferred from the transferring device to the top ring by raising the stage.

Abstract: A number of transducers are produced on a substrate, the transducers positioned on the substrate in non-linear rows. The substrate is then sliced into rows. Each row is then lapped with a curved lapping plate. Finally, each row is sliced into individual sliders, each slider now having an air bearing surface with non-zero camber.

Abstract: A guidewire position locator and a centerless grinder assembly including a guidewire position locator are disclosed. The guidewire position locator includes a plurality of optical sensors closely arranged to accurately detect the position of an elongate workpiece during machining operations.

Abstract: An abrasive article including (i) a first backing, (ii) a plurality of protrusions attached to the first surface of the first backing and including a grinding aid, wherein the first surface of the first backing is contoured by the protrusions so as to define a plurality of peaks and valleys, and (iii) a coating of abrasive particles adhered to the contoured first surface of the first backing so as to cover at least a portion of both the peaks and the valleys.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and method can polish a surface of an object very precisely at a high speed irrespective of the presence of a local defect on the surface to be polished. By using a multiplex ring-shaped polishing pad, an effective surface to be polished is increased, and very precise and uniform polishing can be performed at a high speed. By using a plurality of polishing pads, having different diameters smaller than the diameter of the surface to be polished, provided with an interval on the same revolution radius on a revolution table, or by using a plurality of polishing pads, having the same diameter smaller than the diameter of the surface to be polished, provided at positions having different revolution radii on a revolution table, very precise and uniform polishing can be performed.

Abstract: Glass surfaces are produced having a highly polished surface by polishing with a glass polishing liquid having a pH approximating the pH of the glass being polished. The method provides highly polished, smooth, highly accurate glass surfaces suitable for use optical filters and solid camera devices and solid image sensors. Phosphate and fluorophosphate glass filters and the like so formed have hair-like surface flaws, if any, of a width of 7 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: A method and a grinding machine for centerless angular plunge grinding a workpiece are disclosed. The workpiece is rotatable about a first axis and has essentially cylindrical sections of different diameter and at least one shoulder located between the sections. The grinding wheel has a conically shaped periphery and is rotated about its axis inclined relative to the workpiece axis by a predetermined angle. The grinding wheel is brought into engagement with the workpiece with at least an axial surface line of its periphery. The grinding wheel and the workpiece are fed-in relative to one another by a predetermined amount of overmeasure. The feeding-in is effected in at least two steps. In a first step the feeding-in is effected essentially in a radial direction. In a second step the feeding-in is effected essentially in an axial direction. In the first step essentially the overmeasure in the area of the cylindrical sections is removed. In the second step essentially the overmeasure of the shoulder is removed.

Abstract: A polishing media magazine for improved polishing. The polishing media magazine may include a conditioning element for rapid, uniform conditioning and cleaning of the polishing media. The polishing media magazine may include polishing media having sections of raised elevation to contain the fluid and may include a polishing support platen having features adapted to urge the edges of the polishing media upwards. The polishing media may be roll fed from a supply roll across a support platen and onto a take-up roll.

Abstract: A disk cleaner includes a polishing member which is adapted to be rotated while being engaged with a surface of the disk, thereby to polish the surface of the disk. The polishing member is disposed such that the rotational axis of the polishing member is kept perpendicular to the surface of the disk, thereby to cause the disk to rotate in one direction due to a frictional force between the polishing member and the surface of the disk. The rotational axis of the polishing member is spaced apart from a rotational axis of the disk in the radial direction of the disk, whereby only part of the polishing member engages the surface of the disk.

Abstract: The CMP apparatus including a polishing pad having functional groups charged at an opposite polarity to that of the abrasives in the slurry, on its surface is used, so as to eliminate unnecessary Cu film (Cu wiring) and TaN film (barrier metal film) present outside the damascene wiring, by polishing.

Abstract: A hand held grinder includes a hollow cowl and a vibration absorber mounted in the cowl. The vibration absorber includes a longitudinal through hole defined through center parallel to the axis of the cowl, and a radial through hole defined in the vibration absorber. The radial through hole communicates with the longitudinal through hole. A socket is defined in the vibration absorber and communicates with the longitudinal through hole and the radial through hole. A transmission device penetrates the vibration absorber and forms a pivot pivotally received in the socket of the vibration absorber. The transmission device has a hollow threaded shaft formed on the exterior end and a neck formed on the other end. A main shaft eccentrically connects and drives the transmission device. The main shaft includes an enlarged external end and a shank extending from the enlarged external end along the axis of the main shaft.

Abstract: An abrasive tool includes a rotatable hub from which extends a bundle of plastic abrasive monofilaments. The bundle has a high filament count and each filament includes a substantial amount of abrasive uniformly entrained therein. After the bundle is secured to the hub, the tool is placed in a mold completely enclosing at least the projecting bundle and a foamable elastomer is injected into the mold to produce a light density cellular matrix bond encapsulating the filaments. The preferred plastic for the plastic monofilaments is nylon 6-12 and the preferred elastomer is a low density (2-20 lbs/cu/ft) polyurethane. The cellular matrix bond for the preferred applications upon wear does not produce a liquid phase at even high tool pressures. Radially extending enlarged coolant passages may be formed during the encapsulation and injection process step. The tool may be in disk, cup or twisted stem form.

Abstract: A superabrasive tool such as a superabrasive grindstone (101; 102), a superabrasive dresser (103; 104; 105) or a superabrasive lap surface plate (106) includes a base (20) of steel and a superabrasive layer (10) formed on the base (20). The superabrasive layer (10) includes superabrasive grains (11) consisting of diamond grains, cubic boron nitride grains or the like and a holding layer consisting of a nickel plating layer (16) and a bond layer (17), or a brazing filler metal layer (18), holding the superabrasive grains (11) and fixing the same onto the base (20). Grooves (12) or holes (14) are formed on flat surfaces (19) of the superabrasive grains (11) exposed from the holding layer (16, 17; 18). The holding layer (16, 17; 18) holding and fixing the superabrasive grains (11) so that the surfaces of the grains are partially exposed is formed on the base (20).

Abstract: Accessories for an angle grinder include a disposable rotary sanding disk having quite large shaped ventilating/viewing apertures, for use with a resilient backing plate also having shaped ventilating apertures. The apertures of one or both parts are shaped so that snagging of the apertures on projections from the work surface is minimized and to facilitate air flow across the work surface during use. This air flow helps in cooling the work and ejecting detritus, so minimising clogging effects. The ventilating apertures also facilitate viewing the work to be sanded through the spinning disk during the abrasion process, so that operator feedback is immediate. The holes also give the sanding disk more resilience so that a greater area comes in contact with the work and the disk wears more evenly over its abrasive surface.

Abstract: In a method and device for making an incision in the skin of the belly of a slaughtered animal which is provided with a vent opening produced by cutting out the vent, the skin is processed at a position near the bottom point of the breastbone of the animal, and an incision is made between the vent opening and said position. In order to support the skin during the skin processing operation, a supporting element is fitted subcutaneously through an opening in the skin. In a method and device for processing a slaughtered animal, prior to or during the evisceration of the carcass of the animal, tissue connections are broken between the belly skin and the viscera, in particular between the belly fat situated on the inside of the belly skin and the stomach.

Abstract: Fresh air enters the operator's cab of a work vehicle through a fresh air filter. The fresh air filter is mounted to the operator's cab and is held in place by a door. The door is pivotally mounted to the exterior of the operator's cab, so that the fresh air filter can be serviced from outside the operator's cab. The door is held in place by a latch having a handle that is located inside the operator's cab. The housing is a plastic molded door having integral pivot studs that pivotally engage the operator's cab. The door is provided with a back wall having a first opening located adjacent to the filter and through which fresh air passes to the filter. The door is also provided with louvers for providing a pneumatic path for fresh air to reach the filter. The pneumatic path extends first upwardly from the louvers and then downwardly towards the filter.

Abstract: A system and a process for producing and supplying clean dry air capable of producing and supplying clean dry air more inexpensively and using a smaller production plant and also recycling effectively the clean dry air. The system is provided with a clean room containing a transportation system having a storage, a conveyor, etc., and an equipment; a supply passage for supplying the clean dry air to the transportation system and/or the equipment; and a recycling passage for recycling a used clean dry air used in the transportation system and/or the equipment and exhausted therefrom to the transportation system and/or the equipment. The supply passage is connected to the transportation system, whereas the recycling passage is connected to the storage such that the clean dry air used in the transportation system and that in the storage are recycled to the storage.

Abstract: A feederhouse on an agricultural combine include a pivoting faceplate between the header and feederhouse. The pivoting faceplate position indicia to assist an operator in properly positioning the faceplate. A front drum adjustment mechanism, which use a cam with cam position indicia to properly position the front drum. A stone roll mount plate permitting the proper adjustment of the stone roll relative to the feederhouse floor. A stone roll position indicia and a pointer to help position the stone roll.

Abstract: A method for including a progressive jackpot component in a live casino table game. In addition to playing a live casino table game, each player makes an additional wager at the beginning of each hand that makes the player eligible to win all or part of a jackpot. If during the play of the hand a player is dealt a predetermined arrangement of cards, the player wins a preselected percentage of the jackpot amount. The jackpot is progressive in that unwon amounts of the jackpot carry over to the next hand. Apparatus is provided to receive each gaming token wagered for the jackpot component, to increment the jackpot meter whcih displays the jackpot amount, to decrement the jackpot meter whenever a winning hand is paid and to reset the apparatus for the next hand.

Abstract: A coin-receiving device wherein a control switch AS is integrally formed on an assembly AA provided with a coins-lump insertion part A, so that inserting coins in a lump and following taking coins in the inside are carried out in a continuous series of actions; and the coins-lump insertion part A and control switch AS are handled as a single assembly AA thereby improving workability in assembly and upon exchanging parts.

Abstract: A method of operating slot machines permits a machine to be identified as available for team play. Upon being identified for team play, the machine is grouped with other slot machines and subject to bonus conditions dependent on the team play. Bonus conditions typically including selected bonus outcomes and a bonus time period, during which bonus time period all outcomes of the grouped machines are monitored to determine the total bonus outcomes. If the total bonus outcomes of the team meet the bonus conditions within the bonus time period, then a bonus payout is awarded to all of the players. Players are thus encouraged to participate in a social, team environment with others of the team to win the group bonus. The invention is applicable to all slot machines, including video poker machines wherein the bonus outcomes include selected video poker hand ranks, and reeled slot machines wherein the bonus outcomes include selected reel outcomes.

Abstract: A method for automatically awarding credits to a player on a gaming machine network adjusted for tax codes. The network comprises a plurality of gaming machines on which a primary game is played, a bonus server implementing the credit adjustment, and a database containing player information such as tax status, country of residence, tax rate, electronic signature, etc. Play is allowed to continue on the gaming machines and any bonus amount won on the machines are detected. If the bonus amount meets a preestablished threshold, currently set by IRS regulations as any award equal to or greater than $1200, then the gaming machine is locked up until the actual awarded amount can be determined. If the player record is complete and the proper tax amount is included, then the bonus award can be adjusted and a withholding calculated to yield a reduced award amount. An authorization signal is sent through the network to the gaming machine that credits the reduced amount to the games credit meter.

Abstract: A method of playing a video wagering game is disclosed. The method includes at least a first and second segment, the method comprising the steps of: placing a wager to participate in a video wagering game; playing the first segment of the video wagering game; continuing play of the first segment until at least one predetermined condition has been met; assigning a payout based on at least one predetermined winning outcome of the first segment; playing the second segment of the video wagering game when the at least one predetermined condition has been met; wherein at least a portion of said payout of the first segment is used as a wager in a second segment video wagering game in which a visually different screen format is used in play of a different game in the play of the second segment; and after play of the second segment video wagering game, a second segment payout is assigned based on at least a predetermined outcome of play of the second segment video wagering game.

Abstract: An input device in which a player moves the whole of the input device and a game processing device for processing a simulated game are disclosed. The input device is modeled on an instrument required for a prescribed action in real-life. The input device includes detecting means for detecting physical quantities corresponding to the movement of the input device as a whole and converting the physical quantities to a detection signal which is output. The input device further includes vibration transmitting means, fixed to the casing of the input device so that vibration is transmitted to the input device, for inducing mechanical displacement corresponding to prescribed instruction signals. The game processing device includes game developing means for developing a game simulating the real-life action and for providing a display indicating that the instrument has received an impact at a time during the game corresponding to a time when the instrument would receive an impact during the real-life action.

Abstract: A gaming guide method including providing first gaming guide information from a television network and second gaming guide information from a computer based communication network, and displaying simultaneously at least a portion of the first gaming guide information and at least a portion of the second gaming guide information. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: An online digital photography game system allows multiple participants in the game by submitting digital photography game entries, where the digital photography game system determines a game winner based on equivalency with a game solution. The digital photography game system allows a user to choose a particular game and to save incomplete game entries. Digital photography games may require an entry fee for participation. Additionally, one or more participants can be rewarded for their participation in the game.

Abstract: An electronic accessory for a game machine, adapted to be externally loaded to the game machine into a corresponding connector formed in the game machine body, that includes a housing having slits in a wall thereof for dissipating heat generated by the electronic components of the accessory. To facilitate dissipation of heat within the housing and to the exterior through the slits, a heat radiation frame or assembly is disposed within the housing and includes at least a first heat radiation part disposed between the electronic components and the housing wall. The heat radiation framework of the preferred embodiment is made from a metal material and is generally L-shaped or T-shaped, including a second heat radiation section or part extending generally perpendicular to the first heat radiation part.

Abstract: The safety coupling comprises a housing (12) made up of a housing capsule (13) and a screwed-on housing cover (14). The torque is transmitted from the input shaft (10) via coupling disks (17, 18) to the output shaft (19). The first coupling disk (17) comprises rollers (23) rolling on a contoured coupling track (25) of the second coupling disk. The coupling track (25) is configured such that the rollers (23) are in exact line contact with the coupling track (25) over their length so that each roller (23) provides full support. Further, a locking device (33) is provided by means of which the turning position, to which the housing cover (14) has been adjusted for determinating the trip moment, can be locked.

Abstract: An effective reduction of vibration overshoots is intended to be effected in a drive shaft, which is configured as a hollow shaft (8), with simple means at the particular vibration maximum (vibration antinode). A vibration absorber (2) is arranged within the hollow shaft (8) and includes a damping mass (absorber mass) (4) and an elastic coupling element (6). The absorber mass (4) is operatively connected to the inner wall of the hollow drive shaft (8) via the elastic coupling (6). The absorber mass is configured to be rotationally symmetrical and axially symmetrical and has, at its center, a constriction (12) for accommodating the elastic coupling element (6). For use as a drive shaft (hollow shaft) (8), which is built in in the vehicle transverse direction, and for use as a drive shaft (8) (cardanic shaft configured as hollow shaft) which is built in in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A personal water slide has a first series of tubes which cushion the impact of a user launching her/himself onto the extended plastic surface. A second series of tubes each having a diameter at least twice the diameter of the tubes in the first series are positioned along the lateral periphery and help reduce the tendency to slip off the sides of the water slide. An optional third series of tubes permit a hose to be connected thereto and pin hole openings in these tubes form an arched spray which wets the surface of the slide. A flap may extend from each end of the extended plastic surface to permit attachment of two lengths of water slide and attachment of various accessories.

Abstract: A pocket pool or billiard rack that incorporates in its rearmost side outwardly and angularly extending lever portions that permit upward rotation of the billiard rack upon the application of downward pressure with the thumbs or other fingers prior to removal of the billiard rack from about the balls in the ball racking operation. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, cut outs or reliefs are provided in the interior walls of the billiard rack below the points of contact of the billiard rack with the balls to further facilitate the rotational removal of the billiard rack from about the balls.

Abstract: A portable net device for stopping the flight of projectiles such as golf balls comprises a coilable main member and a coilable base member respectively formed in closed loops, a main sleeve substantially covering the coilable main member wherein the main sleeve has a top hole and a main node cross-opposing the top hole, a fabric portion radially extending from the main sleeve for flexibly stopping the flight of projectiles such as golf balls, a base sleeve substantially covering the coilable base member wherein the base sleeve has a bottom hole and a base node cross-opposing the bottom hole, and a means for supporting the main member at a substantially erected position.

Abstract: A golf training aid designed to give a golfer a multi-sensory practice experience by providing sound, smell and a visual measure of how the club struck the ball at impact. The invention uses cap strips placed in the club face starting with the largest size and then smaller size as accurate as he improves. The device includes using a thin paper body with an array of tiny explosive charges disposed across the surface that includes an adhesive for attaching the invention to the club face while permitting its removal when the shot has been taken. The golfer can visually determine where the ball impacted the club face after the shot. The golfer also hears an explosion at the time of impact along with a olfactory response from the caps exploding. The golf training aid is very inexpensive to use, and the devices can be saved to see the pattern of hitting from the golfer.

Abstract: A golf ball hitting platform for practicing a variety of golf shots having a base upon which a golfer stands and interchangeable teeing panels at the teeing area, including a fairway teeing panel, a rough teeing panel, a bunkerboard teeing panel, a bunker tray teeing panel and a special fairway panel for use with sloped platform settings. The platform also includes training attachments including a knee brace, a shank preventing upright wall, a swing limiter to limit the length of the golfer's backswing and a swing plane guide to insure a proper take-away and define an inside plane of the swing path. Elevating blocks allow the platform to be oriented to simulate a variety of slope conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having little unevenness in physical properties. The present invention relates to a multi-piece solid golf ball comprising a center, an intermediate layer formed on the center, and a cover covering the intermediate layer, wherein the intermediate layer is composed of one or more layers mainly containing a rubber component, the rubber component for the intermediate layer has a Mooney viscosity of 25 to 40 ML(1+4)100° C.

Abstract: A urethane top coat prepared by combining a polyol and a blend of an aliphatic diisocyanate and an aliphatic/aromatic polyisocyanate copolymer is provided, along with a method for its use as the top coating for a golf ball. The inventive top coating demonstrates an increased rate of curing compared to other top coatings having similar abrasion resistance and color retention qualities.

Abstract: A playing field for playing where the field includes marked sidelines, goal lines and cross-lines at a distance from the goal lines. The playing field includes a total of four goal structures, rather than the conventional two goal structures and thus there are two goal structures located along each goal line spaced from each other along that goal line. The overall soccer field complies with the international regulations governing the dimensions of the field and of the goal structures, however, a new and different game with enhanced excitement is possible with the use of the additional goal structure located along each goal line.