Abstract: A propulsion system having a low-friction exhaust bellows relative to an engine located in the interior of a marine vessel is provided. The engine has an exhaust discharge member in communication with a propulsion unit, and an exhaust passage having an exterior coupling member flexibly connected to pass exhaust from the exhaust discharge member to the propulsion unit. The interior surface of the passage is configured to provide a relatively smooth surface to the exhaust passing therein.

Abstract: The water trampoline includes a generally doughnut-shaped inflatable tube having an open center area. A mesh rebound member extends over the open center area and is secured around its entire periphery to the tube on the upper surface of the tube member. The attaching/securing elements include a plurality of side-by-side loop elements which extend toward the open center area of the tube from the upper surface thereof and a plurality of side-by-side loop elements which extend from the periphery of the rebound member. A first cord extends through the loop members, alternately between alternate tube loop members and rebound element loop members. A second cord member extends through the loop members through which the first cord does not extend. The cord members are tightened, moving the loop members together endwise.

Abstract: A line throwing device having a throwing basket mounted onto a handle, the throwing basket retaining a float and line, where the throwing basket is provided with a slot extending from the open end of the throwing body toward the handle, such that the line extends through the slot for rapid retrieval and subsequent throw of a thrown float, and where the slot also provides for drainage of the device.

Abstract: A marine protection jacket comprising two front flaps, a fastener on the front, which jacket can be worn over an inflatable lifejacket comprising two lungs arranged on the lateral and front portions of the user's thorax. Both front flaps are interconnected via a piece of fabric forming bellows, whereas the jacket must be slipped on as a jumper, the bellows are arranged inwardly with respect to the fastener and the fastener comprises two fastening members, the first member showing a resistance to forced opening of the flaps that is lower than that of the second member, the first fastening member being arranged toward the upper portion of the fastener and the second fastening member being arranged toward the lower portion of the fastener, the second fastening member enabling to close the jacket up to height corresponding substantially to the lower extremity of the lifejacket in order to avoid compression of the user when the lifejacket is inflated.

Abstract: A plasma display panel including a barrier rib for separating a discharge space thereof into a discharge cell unit and a method of fabricating the barrier rib. The barrier rib is formed by utilizing an electro plating technique. Accordingly, it is possible to shield electrical and optical interference between discharge cells and to improve the radiation efficiency. The barrier rib fabricating method is so simple that it can obtain an improvement of the productivity and a reduction of the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A process of a pixel electrode of a direct-sight type of reflection type liquid-crystal display device is simplified. A pixel electrode 120 of a reflection type liquid-crystal display device is formed of an aluminum film which is formed by sputtering. In forming the aluminum film, moisture is intentionally contained in atmosphere, and also a sample is heated. With this process, aluminum grains grow so that irregularities of &mgr;m order is formed on the surface of the aluminum film. The aluminum film thus formed allows the incident light to be irregularly reflected so that it is in a visually white muddy state. This is suitable to the pixel electrode for the reflection type liquid-crystal display device.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a phosphor ink applying device that can apply phosphor ink in a plurality of lines to an intricately-shaped surface of a back panel of a PDP while preventing phosphor colors mixing. A valve is provided for the aperture of each nozzle of the phosphor ink applying device and the opening and closing of each valve is controlled according to the shape of the portion of the surface to which ink is to be applied. In this way, mixing of colors can be prevented on an intricately-shaped back panel such as that with auxiliary barrier ribs.

Abstract: A revolving structure for built-up toy mainly includes a flat base having round holes provided thereon, flat gear members separately located above the round holes to mesh with one another, disc-shaped stoppers separately located below the round holes, and flat rotating shafts vertically extended through the gear members, the round holes, and the stoppers to project a length from a bottom side of the base. A built-up toy is engaged with a top of each rotating shaft. By turning any one of the rotating shafts at the projected length below the base, the gear members are rotated to revolve all built-up toys connected to the rotating shafts. An interesting dynamic effect is therefore created for the otherwise stationary built-up toys.

Abstract: A toy building set comprising a plurality of building elements which each are provided with hinge parts, first and second types of hinge parts being shaped complementarily in such a manner that the hinge parts on two building elements may be interconnected releasably so that they form a hinge link between the building elements. The first type of hinge parts is provided with a toothing arranged at a specific distance from the common hinge axis, and the second type of hinge parts comprises a first group which is provided with a toothing arranged at the specific distance from the common hinge axis and a second group of hinge parts which is not provided with such a toothing, said toothings on the first type of hinge parts and on the first group of the second type of hinge parts being directed oppositely to each other in such a manner that they engage each other when the hinge parts are interconnected.

Abstract: A toy construction element having a square body where the square body is composed of four triangular sections. Attached to two of the sections are triangular shaped side arms. Sections having side arms attached are indented as compared to the other two sections by an amount equal to one side arm thickness. These toy construction elements are connected by snaps. Snaps are centrally located on the side arms with the complementary snap housings centrally located on raised body sections. A linear hinge separates side arms from the body. Hinges separate sections of the body.

Abstract: A built-up spinning top includes a turning wheel detachably connected to a fixing plate at a long opening thereof. The long opening has teeth provided along an inner edge thereof to mesh with a tooth gear of the turning wheel. An actuating handle is provided to detachably engage with a disc located at a bottom of the turning wheel, in order to move the turning wheel along the long opening. The meshing of the tooth gear with the teeth on the long opening brings the turning wheel to rotate while being moved along the long opening. Whereby when the spinning top is moved beyond the long opening to separate from the fixing plate, it keeps spinning on a plane surface just like a general spinning top. A user can effortlessly turn the built-up spinning top with the actuating handle to create a lot of fun.

Abstract: This device is a computer numerically controlled (CNC) machine tool such as an edge grinding apparatus. More specifically, the device is a CNC apparatus for processing blanks such as a glass sheet. The device uses a sensor to program the path of the grinding wheel. The device analyzes the position of all like-workpieces placed in the machine and creates offset parameters to accurately process each workpiece in accordance with the initial preprogrammed path.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of semiconductor elements (10), in which manufacturing process a part (50) of a semiconductor body (11) having a silicon substrate (32) from which the semiconductor elements (10) are formed is removed by means of powder blasting. For this purpose, the surface of the semiconductor body (11) is provided with a mask pattern (40). In this manner, for example, discrete diodes (10) are manufactured in a simple and inexpensive way. A drawback of the known method resides in that it results in diodes (10) having non-uniform properties which, in addition, cannot be readily reproduced from batch to batch.

Abstract: A multi-zoned carrier for a chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) polishing device includes a center cell, a middle cell, and an outer cell. Each of the cells are in fluid communication with each other through multiple conduits equipped with flow restrictors. The combination of cells and conduits allows more uniformity and planarity to be achieved during the chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP) polishing process.

Abstract: A pure water reusing system recovers water discharged from apparatuses in which pure water is used, and regenerates the water to produce pure water. The pure water reusing system has a recovering and regenerating apparatus for recovering water discharged from the apparatuses and regenerating the water by removing impurities from the water to produce pure water, and a regenerated pure water supply line for supplying the regenerated pure water to at least one of the apparatuses. The same process is conducted in the apparatuses in which pure water is used.

Abstract: A wafer-polishing head which has an increased flexible membrane life and improved wafer polishing accuracy has a principal head 106 having a lower opening portion 106a with an approximately circular shape. A flexible membrane 2 which is positioned in the opening portion 106a of the principal heal head 106 for closing the opening portion 106a and for holding a wafer W at the underside of an inward peripheral portion 2a of the flexible membrane. A sealed pressurizing chamber 107 is formed by closing the opening portion 106a with the flexible membrane. A pressure regulator is provided for controlling the internal pressure of the pressurizing chamber 107. The flexible membrane 2 is thicker in an outer peripheral portion 2b thereof than in the inward peripheral portion 2a which holds the wafer.

Abstract: A system for conditioning rotatable polishing pads used to planarize and polish surfaces of thin film integrated circuits deposited on semiconductor wafer substrates, microelectronic, and optical system. The system has a pad conditioning apparatus, process fluids, a vacuum capability to pull waste material out of the conditioning pad, self-contained flushing means, and a piezo-electric device for vibrating the pad conditioning apparatus.

Abstract: A device for grinding clothing teeth and wire, or for cleaning cylinders, in a textile machine includes a grinding part having an elastic layer and grinding elements embedded throughout the elastic layer. The elastic layer is formed into a shape for being pressed against the clothing teeth, wire, or cylinder of the textile machine, and is formed of a material such that the elastic layer is worn by the clothing teeth, wire, or cylinder. In this way, the underlying embedded grinding elements are exposed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically rinsing and scraping bi-valve mollusks and the like. The mollusks are placed into a perforated drum that is rotated by a motor, the drum having a plurality of agitation protrusions for churning, lifting and dropping the mollusks so they become frictionally engaged with one another and the plurality of abrasive elements contained therein thereby effectively scraping off any barnacles or other like debris. Jet streams of water are emitted to shower the mollusks during operation and a housing assembly that maintains the perforated drum therein also forms a basin that retains the effluence and creates an agitating, churning bath to facilitate cleaning. The front panel of the housing assembly is hinged to a bottom plate thereof and has two perpendicular side panels extending therefrom to form a chute for unloading the mollusks in an orderly manner into a bucket or other like container.

Abstract: A coin processing device (1) comprises a first sorting component (35) disposed downstream from a coin detaining component (30), for sorting into a return passage (70) and a coin storage component (91) any coins A that have been temporarily detained by the coin detaining component (30), and a second sorting component (51) disposed downstream from the first sorting component (35), for sorting into the coin storage component (91) and a cashbox any coins A that have been sorted into the coin storage component (91) by the first sorting component (35).

Abstract: The air conditioning installation has air treatment and distribution means in a housing with air outlets on an upper face. De-icing and central aeration ducts are in an oblong diffusion unit above the upper face of the housing and under the upper fascia of the dashboard. This upper fascia has a diffusing surface in excess of 1.5 dm2 and preferably in excess of 2.5 dm2. In an embodiment, the diffusing surface is produced by multiple perforations.

Abstract: A vehicle with a ventilation system that includes a chassis and vehicle body. The vehicle body is mounted on the chassis, and has a floor, a ceiling, a front section, and a back section. The front section includes control instrumentation and an adjacent driver seat. The front section further defines a vent opening and has a duct mounted on the ceiling. The duct extends from the vent opening, and has at least one air portal structured and arranged to direct air over the driver seat. The duct includes a main passage and projections, which are partially defined by sloping walls so as to provide a region of less constrictive air flow as compared to an intake passage. The intake passage extends upward from the vent opening to inhibit moisture from entering the main passage, and the projections and slope of the intake passage serve as a conduit to drain away any moisture that does manage to enter the main passage.

Abstract: In an air passage opening/closing device for a vehicle air conditioner, a driving member is disposed to apply driving force for a reciprocating movement of a film member to at least one position of the film member, and a guide member is provided in an air-conditioning case to guide the reciprocating movement of the film member. The film member has a flexible performance to move in a bend path, and has a rigidity to be moved along the guide member when pushing force from the driving member is applied to the film member. Thus, the air passage opening/closing device using the film member has a simple structure without a film-winding mechanism.

Abstract: An air vent apparatus for blocking light is provided for devices requiring a light source for generating light, such as a presentation projector, an arc lamp, a laser device and the like. The improved air vent apparatus employs a stacked chevron design to minimize the restriction of the flow of air through the air vent while blocking the escape of direct light. In one embodiment of the present invention, the stacked chevron is symmetrically disposed in the air vent housing of the device. In another embodiment of the present invention, the stacked chevron is asymmetrically disposed in the air vent housing so that a vane of the chevron extending towards the interior of the air vent is substantially perpendicular to the air vent housing and substantially parallel to the source of the flow of air.

Abstract: An agricultural harvester is provided with a grain tank affixed to its main frame for storing therein processed crop material. The volume of the grain tank can be extended by an extension assembly comprising a first pair of mutually opposed panels and a second pair of mutually opposed panels. The panels are movable between a lower, inoperative position and a higher, operative position in which the panels substantially increase the volume of the grain tank. The movement of the second pair is controlled by the movement of the first pair of panels. The panels are provided with locking mechanism for keeping all panels in their operative position and which are disposed to become engaged and to secure the extension assembly in the extended position when the first pair of panels moves the second pair of panels to their operative position.

Abstract: It is a method of communicating amongst a network of networked computing entities to provide feedback to a user representative of a group social behavior comprising and providing a uniform data structure for each said computing entity which defines group social behavior simulation and the data structure comprising interaction rules and initial conditions. The interaction rules are comprised of fixed and variable elements. The initial conditions are comprised of fixed, variable and random elements—modifying the variable elements of the interaction rules and the initial conditions responsive to interaction of the networked computing entities and exhibiting feedback of the group social behavior simulation to the user of at least one of the computing entities.

Abstract: Gaming machines are disclosed having a basic mode defining a plurality of reels and a bonus mode defining a plurality of stations about a game board (e.g., MONOPOLY board) traversable by a token identifier. The disclosure describes a plurality of play features for the basic and/or bonus modes including (1) a feature allowing the player to select a game token; (2) a feature allowing the player to predict and wager on landing position(s) of the token identifier; (3) a feature allowing the player to obtain deferred-execution instruction(s) which are exercisable by the processor to override later-issued instruction(s) otherwise to be executed by the processor; (4) a feature in which movements of the token identifier are determined according to movement tables corresponding to the various stations of the game board; (5) a feature in which escalating bonuses are awarded for reaching a designated bonus square (e.g.

Abstract: First, a process of moving an object such as a train is executed. Then, the influential ranges of virtual winds that are correlated with the object in advance are moved with a movement of the object. Based on the moved influential ranges of the virtual winds, it is judged whether each particle object is influenced by the virtual winds. The position of each particle object for which a judgment has been made that it is influenced by a virtual wind is determined in accordance with the direction of the influential virtual wind. Particle objects that have contacted the object are deleted. The object and the position-determined particle objects are drawn in a frame buffer. An image drawn in the frame buffer is displayed on a display screen.

Abstract: Virtual gaming is provided at a remote location on-site or off-site of the casino premises using live multimedia video or restricted pre-recorded video from autonomous randomly selected live casino games. The restricted pre-recorded video could be obtained from prior casino security video or from closed regulated tournament video recordings. The multimedia video source is at a casino and provides video signals depicting a number of various legally-authorized live casino games. An accounting subsystem manages the compensation, credit accounts, and authentication for a remote player. A communication distribution hub connects the multimedia video source and the player accounting subsystem to a remote player station. The remote player station includes an appropriately secured display for displaying to a remote player the multimedia video signal depicting the legally-authorized live casino game or a pre-recorded legally randomized casino game.

Abstract: A system and method for providing an automated gaming service to one or more players can be implemented in a computer-based environment allowing automated computation of wagers, payouts, and other gaming parameters. The automated gaming system can be implemented in an Internet or other network-type environment such that various players can access the automated gaming system from remote locations, thus establishing a virtual gaming environment. Player accounts can be established and players can be granted access to the system and to their accounts. The accounts can be set up as debit-type accounts, whereby a player funds or replenishes his or her account in advance of wagering, using a credit card or other payment technique. Various gaming environments or formats can be established to provide flexibility in implementing the system and handling various games or other events. The system can use a pari-mutuel or guaranteed-payout gaming formats, among others.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine in which mini games of different contents can be sequentially played in a slave machine, and one mini game can be selected out of the plurality of mini games on the side of the slave machine, and then, can be played. In the game machine comprising a main unit for reading a program stored in an external stprage so as to allow a game to be played therein and a slave machine being configured in a portable manner independently of the main unit and having a function of transferring data to or from the main unit, the slave machine enabling mini games as games for the slave machine to be individually played by using programs for the mini games transferred from the main unit and needed for playing the mini games, the plurality of programs for the mini games are transferred as a unit of data from the main unit to the slave machine.

Abstract: A composite data set which includes a plurality of data to be read out when a new scene of a video game has started, the respective data names, and an index to be used for reading out the data in a separated manner, is recorded on a plurality of consecutive sectors on a CD-ROM. The composite data set is read into a RAM as a single data unit in a single data reading operation. The individual data of the composite data set are read from the RAM by specifying the respective data names.

Abstract: A coupling assembly adapted to connect an engine directly to a transmission, comprising in combination a flywheel adapted to be connected to the engine. A modified transmission plate for connecting the transmission to the flywheel is provided. The modified transmission plate has a plurality of connection ports that contain alternatively at least a first torsional dampener and at least a second torsional dampener that are positioned within the connection port. The first torsional dampener has a first indentation hardness that is less than the second indentation hardness of the second torsional dampener. The first torsional dampener is adapted to dampen engine idle vibrations and the second torsional dampener is adapted to dampen engine acceleration vibrations. Whereby, the first torsional dampener and the second torsional dampener reduce the emission of torsional vibrations between the engine and the transmission.

Abstract: A coupling between a drive and a driven shaft includes a rigid tube to which are attached in axially spaced apart relation at least two flexible rings of elastomeric material; the outer periphery of each ring is attached to a flange of a connecting hub with each hub mounted or connected to one the shafts; in one form the tube is split axially and is adjustably attachable to the periphery of the rings.

Abstract: A fitting for the tool ring in a nail machine, or a tool ring, said fitting having means for receiving and securing at least one holding jaw in the fitting, and a support face that enables the fitting to abut on a support face which is complementary to the support face of the fitting; and means for clamping the fitting onto the complementary support face; and wherein the fitting has at least one clamp face which is arranged opposite the support face; and wherein the means for clamping the fitting on the tool ring comprise a first element configured for abutment on the clamp face and past the support face and for engaging with an element on a tool ring included therefor.

Abstract: An elevated wooden racetrack includes a wooden racetrack surface having a plurality of floor boards laid flat to form at least one straightaway, and at least one banked curve, each floor board of the plurality having two lengthwise, substantially parallel, spaced apart sides. A racetrack support frame has a plurality of vertical support posts anchored on suitable land and a plurality of support members connected thereto for supporting the wooden racetrack surface above ground.

Abstract: Skiing facilities, which supply artificial snow onto the ski slope floor to form a ski slope, the skiing facilities, comprises a movable ski slope floor provided in a part of the ski slope floor along a width direction, a movable floor driving mechanism, which is provided under the ski slope floor, for driving the movable ski slope floor in up and down directions, a cover member, which is provided under the ski slope floor, for covering a gap generated between the movable ski slope floor and the ski slope floor when the movable slope floor is driven, and a cover member driving mechanism, which is provided under the ski slope floor, for closing a gap generated between the movable ski slope floor and the ski slope floor by driving the cover member.

Abstract: An insert shim for use in adjusting the size of a finger hole in a bowling ball, the finger hole being formed by a substantially cylindrical wall, and having a closed bottom end and an open top end, and having a standard insert positioned therein. The shim is a semi-rigid member having first and second axes, the first axis being linear and the second axis being arcuate. When inserted in the finger hole between the cylindrical insert and the cylindrical wall, the shim bending to substantially conform to the cylindrical wall of the finger hole. The shim may also be self-adhering and include adhesive means for releasably securing the shim to the cylindrical wall of the ball finger hole.

Abstract: A golf cup retaining system for use with artificial putting greens. The golf cup retaining system includes a retaining tube positioned in the ground at a selected area of the artificial green. An anchor plate secures with the upper portion of the retaining tube to secure it against lateral movement. Flaps of artificial carpet extend into the upper opening of the retaining tube and the golf cup is positioned against the carpet and into the retaining tube. The carpet acts to secure the cup in position while the cup acts to retain the carpet about the opening into the retaining tube in a taut and smooth condition.

Abstract: A golf putting practice device (10) having a ball tray (16) that can be pivoted from the normally flat position for ball retrieval to fold substantially upright against the body of the main housing (12) for compact storage or transport. A spring-powered flipper device (28) is pivotally mounted between the base (14) and main housing (12) top and horizontally disposed along the rear face of the ball tray (16) to return the ball to the person making the putt.

Abstract: A flexible, transparent, water-resistant, tubular-shaped rain shield for covering and keeping a golfer's hands, glove and golf club grip dry while using the golf club during the course of play in the rain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club head casting provided with an internal perimetral welt about the club face. During the club head casting process, the thermomechanical behavior of the casting allows differential cooling across the club face. The face cools at a different rate than the welt, thereby allowing the exterior surface of the face to be maintained in a generally convex shape. Thus, a close-tolerance casting that conforms to preselected face tolerance specifications may be produced.

Abstract: A golf ball having a plurality of dimples formed in its surface is characterized in that the sum of dimple trajectory volumes each obtained by multiplying a dimple volume by the square root of a dimple diameter is 580-750, and the ball has a diameter of 42.67-42.97 mm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward more durable golf ball cores and more durable golf balls. The golf balls of this invention comprise a cover and a core wherein the core may further comprise a center and one or more layers of a mantle disposed between the center and the cover. The core, the mantle or the layers of the mantle, comprise a mixture of one or more thermoset rubber materials and at least one compatible, modified, non-ionic polyolefin. The non-ionic polyolefin that is modified may be a homopolymer, copolymer, terpolymer, block copolymer or a mixture thereof that is present at about 0.5 to about 10 parts per hundred of the thermoset rubber material used in the core or core layer.

Abstract: Golf ball compositions for use in ball covers and intermediate layers incorporate a specified block copolymer and are essentially free of ionomeric material. The compositions are outside the scope of those previously considered suitable for use in ball covers and intermediate layers. When used in ball covers, the composition provides for improved ball performance with respect to spin rate, feel, and durability. When used in ball intermediate layers, the composition provides for improved ball performance with respect to spin rate and distance. Also, a method for making a golf ball includes preparing a composition essentially free of ionomeric material including the specified block copolymer, and then incorporating the composition into a golf ball.

Abstract: A golf ball includes at least a core, an inner cover, and an outer cover. The inner cover completely encloses the core, and the inner and outer covers are of different colors. A portion of the inner cover penetrates the outer cover and is exposed to the outside on the surface of the golf ball. The exposed portion serves as a mark portion on the surface of the golf ball.

Abstract: A method for making a bamboo made golf tee has the steps of preparing an elongated rod, preparing a cylinder, trimming one end of the elongated rod to make the elongated rod have a sharpened end, trimming a periphery of the cylinder to make the cylinder to have a tapered end, defining a central hole in the cylinder and securely attaching the other end of the elongated rod in the central hole.

Abstract: A conical tee for a golf ball having a top nominal diameter opening in which the golf ball is seated and the bottom larger opening which is placed on the ground, the conical wall spanning the two openings being of a selected length so that the golf ball as foreground and a wall length of 1⅜ inch seen as background provide a bull's-eye target to the golfer which contributes to a better striking of the golf ball.

Abstract: A goal shot training system for dividing the plane of goal into a plurality of zones for targeting shots on the goal. The goal shot training system provides a system for training shots on a goal of the type having a pair of laterally-spaced, substantially vertically oriented upright members and a substantially horizontally oriented cross member extending between the upright members, with the upright members and the cross member defining a goal plane. The system comprises a first strap for suspending from the cross member of the goal for dividing the goal plane into horizontally-separated zones and a second strap for extending between the upright members for dividing the goal plane into vertically-separated zones. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a pair of the first straps and a pair of the second straps are included.

Abstract: A basketball backboard and hoop apparatus including a basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and a support structure, wherein the support structure further comprises a rotatable member, and a support arm, wherein the support arm supports the basketball backboard and hoop assembly, and further wherein the support arm is attached to the rotatable member, wherein a rotation of the rotatable member rotates the basketball backboard and hoop assembly along a horizontal plane or along a plane having an angle of inclination about a horizontal plane from a non-use position to an in-use position.