Abstract: To help, for example, casino's move further into the hi-tech world of computer controlled gaming, casino managers, with the aid of this device, can control advertised gaming limits and/or promotions for any table located within the establishment. The device can be controlled from a central location, a handheld device and/or can operate as a standalone system. The preferred embodiments include an electronic, computer-controlled system capable of presenting minimum and maximum table game limits, as well as informational messages to casino players. The preferred embodiments also relate to a central controlling computer system and an associated satellite system.

Abstract: A method for providing a product is described in which a selection of a product is received from a customer, a game is selected by the customer, the customer provides his credit card number, the customer plays the game and an outcome is determined. If the customer wins, the credit card is charged a game fee, if the customer loses, the credit card is charged the price of the product. In either case, the product is then provided to the customer.

Abstract: A torque limiting coupling defines a longitudinal axis (17) and has a coupling hub (8) with circumferentially distributed through holes. Transfer elements are adjustably held in the holes. A coupling sleeve (6) has first recesses corresponding to the through holes. A switching disk (9) is arranged relative to the coupling hub (8) between a torque transmitting position and a freewheeling position. The switching disk (9) is urged towards the torque transmitting position. This urges the transfer elements in the direction towards the coupling hub (8). The transfer elements engage, for torque transmission, in recesses of the coupling sleeve (6). Coupling sleeve (6), when a predetermined nominal torque is exceeded, is transferable from the torque transmitting position to the freewheeling position. Second recesses, corresponding to the through holes, receive the transfer elements in the freewheeling position.

Abstract: An assembly structure and manufacturing process of a dual mass flywheel are simplified and its production cost is reduced, by disposing a vibration-reducing unit between first and second mass members. The vibration-reducing unit includes an elastic member producing a tangential elastic force to both the first mass member and a drive plate and a pin joint disposed at each end of the elastic member. The pin joint is abutted by at least one of a guide bracket of the first mass member and an engaging portion of the second mass member.

Abstract: A ball body is guided in a partially cylindrical hole into which a guide ring is inserted to secure it axially and to guide the pivoting movement. The tripod joint is suitable for the displaceable and pivotable driving connection of two shaft ends, in particular in conjunction with drive trains or side shafts of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A compact constant velocity joint includes outer and inner joint members having surfaces to provide articulation of the joint. The surfaces are formed with aligned grooves to receive torque-transmitting balls. A ball retainer is provided axially adjacent the balls, adjacent an open end of the outer joint member to retain the balls in the grooves during operation. The ball retainer articulates on the same center point as that of the outer and inner joint members.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint has an outer race, cage, and inner race where the opening of the cage is sized to be equal to or greater than the minimum projected height of the inner race to allow the inner race to transitionally slide through the opening and rotate within the cage to be installed therein. The lobes of the inner race are thicker than the length of the windows of the cage. All the windows have the same length.

Abstract: A magic trick in which one of two perpendicularly extending subjects vanishes behind a lenticular screen while the other subject remains visible and extends over aligned locations formerly occupied by portions of the one subject. The screen has parallel lenticules. One subject is an upright human figure, living creature or other vertically extending article, printed or live, and adjacent the second subject which is a series of printed horizontal parallel stripes or solid bars/wires forming a background for the first subject. The subjects can form scenery on a stage or be on the inside back cover of a book with the screen mounted across the front.

Abstract: A putting practice and game apparatus is disclosed, which is a simple, cost effective device, which may be portable and is easily constructed for use. The apparatus includes a golf ball backstop, putting post and diskplate attached in a single unit. The golf ball backstop partially encloses an opposing side of a target and is used to stop, corral and retain golf balls in a single location that are putted at the target.

Abstract: A putting training system for practicing putting outdoors on a putting green or indoors on a carpeted surface comprised of a circular toroid putting target which by design has the ability to distinguish between a correctly or incorrectly struck putt with the rule that all putts should be struck with enough force to leave the golf ball approximately seventeen inches past the hole if the hole was not there. The training aid target is visually realistic, 360 degree, three dimensional depiction of a real hole on a putting green. This is accomplished by distinguishing the color of the outer half of the target from the inner half of the target.

Abstract: Any instructional information related to the act of playing the game of golf, provided on a golf ball, by any means, including, but not limited to: illustrations, images, and text, by any method, including, but not limited to printing and/or engraving.

Abstract: A swing analysis system includes a housing having an upper surface and a ball support mounted to the upper surface. A first array of optical sensors is mounted in the upper surface on a first side of the ball support, and a second array of optical sensors is mounted in the upper surface on a second side of the ball support, opposite the first array of sensors. A third array of optical sensors in mounted in the upper surface, with the sensors positioned around the ball support. A controller is coupled to each sensor of the three arrays of sensors for receiving output signals therefrom. The controller monitors the output signals for change in state events and creates data files containing a sequence of events with associated timestamps. The computer is programmed to use the data files to calculate swing path angle, club head speed, club head angle, club head lateral alignment with respect to the ball support, and club head height of an implement (e.g., a golf club) swung over the housing.

Abstract: A strengthened triangular shaped glass putter head made by a specific shape dependent fusing and annealing process using 90 COE or 96 COE soda lime glass. The putter head has smooth surfaces or is patterned with individually colored bas-relief design decorations. The putter head may be colorless, single colored, multi-colored, or semitransparent to opaque in appearance. The putter head is sufficiently strong to play a more rigorous putting-based golf game.

Abstract: A putter head is provided with a plane, flat golf ball engaging surface which extends between opposite ends of the putter head. Mounted in a recess formed in the putter head rearwardly of its face is an adjustable sighting line support having in its upper surface an elongage sighting line which registers at one end with the face of the head, and extends rearwardly therefrom. The support is mounted for limited adjustment about an axis that extends parallel to and is spaced rearwardly of the face of the putter head. In one adjusted position the sighting line extends at right angles rearwardly from the putter face in a manner similar to conventional putter sighting lines. However the support is mounted for limited rotational movement for up to at least 10° either clockwise or counterclockwise about its pivotal axis thereby to cause the sighting line to be secured in any one of a plurality of different angular positions other than 90° relative to the face of the putter head.

Abstract: An iron club head includes a body including a loop portion defining a compartment therein, a striking plate mounted to a front face of the loop portion, and a gasket mounted between the striking plate and the loop portion for providing a regular flat outer surface. In another embodiment, an iron club head comprises a body, a striking plate, and a gasket. The body includes a stepped portion and a notched portion together defining a compartment therein, a lip being formed outside the stepped portion. The striking plate is mounted to a front face of the loop portion and retained in place by the lip of the body. The striking plate includes a protruded portion embedded in the notched portion of the body. A gasket is mounted between the protruded portion of the striking plate and the notched portion of the body for providing a regular flat outer surface.

Abstract: In connection with a golf ball comprising a core, an intermediate resin layer, and a cover, the invention provides a mold defining therein a spherical cavity for molding the resin layer. The mold is divided into a pair of mold halves each of which has at least three segments which are removably assembled to define the spherical cavity, each of the segments being provided on its cavity-defining surface with at least one projection. When the core is placed in the mold cavity, the projections support the core in place. The resin layer having perforations can be effectively molded and readily removed from the mold.

Abstract: A golf ball construction is provided having a solid core composition of a rubber having between 0.05 to 0.50 percent by weight of an additive selected from the group of titanium, tungsten, and combinations thereof, the additives providing an improved core composition having increased durability.

Abstract: A dummy for practicing hockey checking composed of a base, an upper body, and a mechanism for controlling the dummy's motion. The generally cylindrical base has a foundation, an upwardly-extending column, and is weighted. The weight can be a solid weight or a removable material, such as sand or water, in a hollow container in the base. The upper body core is a column that slides onto or into the base column. A torso and a head is composed of a hard but resilient material. Rolled foam arms optionally have bendable wires for retaining the arms in a desired position. The upper body is covered with standard hockey clothing and equipment and a stick is secured to the gloves. The height of the dummy is adjustably by sliding and locking the base and upper body columns relative to each other. The undersurface of the base is smooth or has wheels or knobs in order to easily slide along the playing surface.

Abstract: A computerized sensor system for monitoring a ball game played with a game ball by several players on a court or field includes a game monitoring computer containing a sensor signal identifying and processing program; a central receiver for receiving sensor signals and relaying the sensor signals to the computer; a score display mechanism operationally linked to the game monitoring computer to display information sent by the computer; a ball transmitter secured to the ball broadcasting a ball sensor signal; a player sensor/transmitter transmitting a player sensor signal to the central receiver identifying the team of the given player and sensing the presence of the ball transmitter within a detection radius; and court or field sensors secured relative to the court or field and correspondingly positioning above the court or field for monitoring the location of the ball and of a player having the ball.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a basketball goal assembly. The goal assembly includes a mounting bracket having opposing side plates. A first pair of opposing pivot holes are co-axially defined in the side plates to define a pivot axis. A rim assembly has a basketball goal rim and an attachment bracket. The attachment bracket also includes opposing side plates. A second pair of opposing pivot holes is defined in the attachment bracket side plates. The second pair of pivot holes are co-axially aligned first pair of pivot holes along the pivot axis. A pivot bar extends through the first and second pairs of pivot holes. The first end of the pivot bar terminates in a portion with a diameter larger than the diameter of the pivot holes, and the second end of said pivot bar terminates in a portion with a diameter larger than the diameter of the pivot holes. Preferably, at least one end of the pivot bar is cold forged in place.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-purpose racket. The multi-purpose racket includes a striking blade and a shaft. The striking blade includes a hollow substrate consisting of first and second flat sheets and a plurality of partition walls successively arranged between the two flat sheets to form a plurality of cells in the substrate. In this striking blade, a hard layer is attached to the outer surface of the first sheet of the substrate for allowing a user to strike a ball strongly. A sub-layer is attached to the outer surface of the second sheet of the substrate and acts as a cushion. In addition, a soft layer is attached to the outer surface of the sub-layer and has a plurality of densely packed hook members over its whole external surface. The racket of this invention allows a user to strike various kinds of balls.

Abstract: A tennis racket comprises a frame; a shaft connected to the frame at one end thereof; a grip into which the shaft is inserted at the other end thereof; and a pair of lightweight metal pieces attached to the shaft. The frame and the shaft are formed from fiber-reinforced synthetic resin, the pair of lightweight metal pieces has a U-shaped section and extends from inside the grip at a connecting portion with the shaft and along both sides of the shaft.

Abstract: A device for changing the drive belt in a machine having power transmitted by a trapezoidal flexible drive belt, a circular adapter plate for attachment to the terminal end of the shaft having the pulley having the spring means having an attachable compressor with a bail and a connector yoke, the connector yoke being shaped approximating a semi-circular flattened annulus, the inner radius being sized to fit about the adapter plate carried on the shaft, the outer being sufficiently larger to provide the necessary strength and provide for the attachment of the bail; the bail being pivotally attached to the yoke and having a planer graspable handle and an offset bearing pad, the bearing pad extending outwardly from the plane of the bail and affixed proximate the pivotal attachment to the connector yoke forming the “L” shape of the bail, the bearing pad further being adapted to engage the extension of the movable sheave of pulley with the spring means.

Abstract: A drive unit (20) particularly suited for a motor vehicle 1 which is driven by a plurality of axles, which drive unit (20) comprises a primary drive source for solely driving a first driving axle (2), and a secondary drive source which, together with the primary drive source, via a superposition drive, serves to drive a second driving axle (3). The drive unit comprises a superposition drive (14) which comprises a first input shaft (17) for establishing a driving connection with a primary driveshaft, a second input shaft (18) and an output shaft (19), and an electric motor (15) with a rotor and a stator constituting the secondary drive source whose one part (rotor, stator) is connected to the second input shaft (18) of the superposition drive (14) and whose other part (stator, rotor) is connected to a further rotating member of the superposition drive (14).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a vehicle automatic transmission having a hydraulically operated frictional coupling device operable to effect a shifting action of the automatic transmission, and an accumulator connected to the frictional coupling device, the apparatus including an accumulator-back-pressure learning compensation device operable to effect learning compensation of a back pressure of the accumulator such that an actual value of a rate of change of a rotating speed of a selected rotary element of the automatic transmission, which rotating speed changes as a result of the shifting action, approaches a predetermined target value, and an accumulator-back-pressure control device operable to control the back pressure, on the basis of an output of the accumulator-back-pressure leaning compensation device, whereby a shifting shock of the transmission can be reduced.

Abstract: Axial positions of two driven external gears 66 making up each of a plurality of paired-gear groups 67 with respect to an input shaft 62 are made identical, and a different paired-gear group 67 is arranged by being offset in the axial direction of the input shaft 62. Therefore, only two driven external gears 66 making up the paired-gear group 67 are present at an identical axial position of the input shaft 62. Consequently, even if the diameters of these driven external gears 66 are made large up to the very limit, these driven external gears 66 do not interfere with each other. Accordingly, it is possible to readily enlarge the reduction ratio based on the driving and driven external gears 65 and 66.

Abstract: A motor power train which includes a reducer for amplifying motor drive torque, a differential device with a clutch mechanism and a differential gear unit to allocate the drive torque to wheels, and a casing for housing them. The reducer includes a first shaft as an input shaft; a second shaft to which the drive torque is transmitted form the first shaft; a first reduction gear set with a first gear on the first shaft and a second gear on the second shaft; and a second reduction gear set with a third gear on the second shaft and a fourth gear provided on the clutch mechanism of the differential device. The fourth gear and a large-diameter portion of the differential gear unit are offset in axial position without overlapping.

Abstract: A differential with a differential action limiting mechanism includes a differential mechanism D for distributing the drive force of an internal combustion engine inputted into a differential case 28 to a left-hand axle shaft 13 and a half shaft 11 which continuously connects to a right-hand axle shaft for output therefrom and friction clutches 44L, 44R for limiting differential rotations of the left-hand axle shaft 13 and the half shaft 11 relative to the differential case 28. An actuator A for generating an engagement force for bringing the friction clutches 44L, 44R into engagement is provided outside a housing 14 for accommodating therein the differential case 28, whereby an engagement force generated by the actuator A is transmitted to the friction clutches 44L, 44R via the half shaft 11.

Abstract: A family of multi-speed power transmissions included in powertrains having an engine and a final drive, wherein each transmission family member includes three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish a reverse drive ratio and six forward speed ratios between an input shaft and an output shaft. The torque-transmitting mechanisms include three rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms and two stationary type torque-transmitting mechanisms. The three planetary gearsets include two continuously connected links between members of the first two planetary gearsets and one continuously connecting link between the second and third planetary gearsets. Each of the planetary gearsets may be either of the single pinion type or of the double pinion type of planetary gearset.

Abstract: A family of power transmissions, which are utilized in a powertrain, include three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are either five rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms or four rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms and one stationary type torque-transmitting mechanism. Each of the three planetary gearsets all include three members represented by a sun gear member, a ring gear member, and planet carrier assembly member. The planet carrier assembly member may be of either the single pinion or double pinion. In each of the family members, at least four of the planetary members are interconnected continuously with either another planetary member, the input shaft, the output shaft, or a stationary housing of the transmission. At least four of the planetary members are noncontinuously interconnected with another planetary member, the input shaft, the output shaft, or the stationary housing.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members each include three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms. One of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is a stationary type torque-transmitting mechanism, or brake, and the remaining four of the torque-transmitting mechanisms are of the rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms, or clutches. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one member of the planetary gear arrangement and an output member that is continuously connecting with another of the planetary gear members. At least one other planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing.

Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission including input and output disks rotatable about a common first axis, and power rollers interposed therebetween and supported on trunnions to rotate about a second axis. The trunnions are displaceable along a third axis extending perpendicular to the second axis and pivotally moveable about the third axis. A link connects the trunnions. A link support supports the link to allow the displacement and pivotal movement of the trunnions. A pin extending parallel to the first axis and a pin guide having an open end cooperate to support the link so as to swing about the pin and offset along the third axis. The pin is disposed on one of the link and the link support, and the pin guide is disposed on the other. Upon mounting the link to the link support, the pin is radially inserted into the pin guide through the open end.

Abstract: An engine control system for hybrid vehicles, so as to smoothly switch the driving operation from the cylinder-deactivated engine operation, in which at least a part of the total number of cylinders of the engine is deactivated, to the all-cylinder-activated engine operation while considering the driver's intention. When the vehicle is decelerated, the cylinder-deactivated engine operation is performed and regeneration using the motor is performed. The system includes a cylinder deactivation release determining section for releasing the cylinder-deactivated engine operation when an engine speed decreases to a reference engine speed with respect to the cylinder-deactivated engine operation; and a brake operation detecting section for detecting whether a brake pedal is depressed.

Abstract: In a method of shifting a vehicle transmission from an old ratio to a new ratio, the output torque of the transmission is managed by controlling the engine torque and/or the transmittable torque of the main clutch, and by also controlling the transmittable torque of at least one of the gear-shifting clutches of the transmission.

Abstract: There is provided a valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine which is capable of reducing an aftershock subsequent to a deceleration shock, for which the execution of cleaning operation is responsible, and increasing the frequency of execution of the cleaning operation. The valve timing control system controls valve timing for opening and closing intake valves and/or exhaust valves by changing the cam phase of each intake cam and/or each exhaust cam relative to a crankshaft. A cam phase-varying device varies the cam phase by rotating a camshaft relative to the crankshaft. An ECU determines whether or not the engine is performing a fuel cut-off operation in which supply of fuel to the engine is stopped during deceleration. The ECU performs cleaning by forcibly driving the cam phase-varying device within a predetermined cam phase range when a predetermined delay time has elapsed after the deceleration fuel cut-off operation is started.

Abstract: A starting block apparatus comprising a first generally tubular-shaped member, a second generally tubular-shaped member slidingly engaged within a radially disposed channel extending through the first member, a first generally C-shaped sleeve secured to a pin extending out of and slidingly engaged within an axially disposed slot in the first member, a generally tubular, T-shaped coupler having a lower leg removably secured over the outer end of the second member, a second generally C-shaped sleeve removably secured along the length of the upper portion of the coupler, and a pair of foot platforms having an outer surface structured for engagement with a runner's foot and an opposite inner surface structured for mating engagement with the first and second sleeves. A plurality of removable spikes are positioned at spaced apart locations along the first and second members, to maintain the apparatus in a stationary position on the track or ground.

Abstract: A hand therapy system having a glove including a compressible substance coupled to a palm portion providing resistance to the closing motion of the hand and one or more elastic members spanning from the compressible substance to respective ones of one or more finger portions, the one or more elastic members provide resistance to the opening of the hand. Also included are a means for providing a signal proportional to the movement of the digits of the hand while opening and closing and a means for providing a signal proportional to the pressure applied by one or more of the digits of the hand on the compressible substance. A controller is coupled to the means for providing a signal proportional to the movement and the means for providing a signal proportional to the pressure and also a computer coupled to the controller via a computer link.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resistance type exercise device that uses frictional forces between members to provide resistance for a variety of different exercises. In operation, when a pull cord is withdrawn from the exercise device, a cord wheel converts the translational movement to rotational motion. A brake lever contacting a brake drum fixedly attached to the cord wheel provides a friction resistive force to the rotational motion. A recoil cord causes the recoil cord 900 to stretch and wrap around a bearing lug, placing the recoil cord in tension. The potential energy stored in the tensioned recoil cord is used to rewind the cord wheel and restore the pull cord back to its at rest position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wellness apparatus consisting of elastic material in which vibrations can be stimulated. Weights can be added to the ends of the object to allow different exercise purposes. The apparatus is provided for the fitness, wellness, leisure sports and aerobics field.

Abstract: An exercise machine for conditioning muscles of the lower body, abdomen and torso utilizes dual elastic cord resistance to force exerted on a moving platform which rides on rollers set in tracks on the frame. When used suspended with adjustable straps from door hook attachment, user leans back against vertical moving padded platform and exerts downward pressure in a deep knee bend motion and up again. When used horizontally on the floor user mounts machine on all fours with shins on platform and arms extended towards opposite end of machine with hands around grips of adjustable bar assembly. Movement is gained by extending and contracting lower body while moving platform back and forth. Also, user may kneel on a pad which may be located just beyond and facing the machine. With hands securely gripping platform handles user may exert force and move platform to other end of machine by extending torso over said machine.

Abstract: A balancing device has a base and an inflatable flexible portion wherein the center of the inflatable portion is higher than the edges. The device is used by placing the base on the floor and standing and moving on the bladder.

Abstract: A former allows rectangular tubes of material to be quickly formed for creating bags having rectangular cross sections. The former provides a transition between a round former and a rectangular former so that the material used to form the bag is initially wrapped into a tube around a round former so that the material does not tear on the corners of the former. The round tube of material is then drawn down over the former of the invention to change the round tube to a rectangular tube that may be formed into the bag.

Abstract: A stand up bag having a flat bottom is formed from a weldable material. The bag includes a seam that closes the bag's bottom wall. The seam is welded flat so that the bag is free of protruding elements. A method for manufacturing the bag includes the step of overlapping the leading edge of a tube and welding the overlapped edge to form the flat, welded seam that allows the bag stand on end in an open condition. The apparatus for manufacturing the bag includes a former that may be moved between retracted and expanded positions with an actuator. The former holds the lower portion of the bag in an expanded position while clamp plates form the overlap seam. A bottom welder is used to weld the overlap seam while the clamp plates hold the bottom of the bag against a portion of the former.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing cutout material that is at least partially severed from a web has a vacuum passage for drawing a vacuum, and a vacuum inlet plate connected to the vacuum passage. The vacuum inlet plate has an inlet edge defining at least part of an opening into the vacuum passage. The inlet edge has first and second angled edge portions that converge at first and second angles relative to the machine direction, respectively, to meet at a vertex portion. The vertex portion constitutes the rearmost portion of the inlet edge relative to the machine direction.

Abstract: A method of making packages having a reclosable zipper closure by a vertical form fill and seal process. The method includes providing a pocket in a film web into which a zipper closure is positioned and attached. The film web is folded and sealed to form side panels and seams, which result in a package. The pocket provides an internal tamper evident-structure for the package. An external tamper evident-structure can be provided between the distal ends of the mating profiles of the zipper closure.

Abstract: Multi-section print material, such as a newspaper, is folded so as to enable inserts to placed at any location or at multiple locations within the half fold. Several sections are stacked onto one another with one of the signatures offset in the transport direction by a given amount. When the stack is subsequently half-folded, the protruding signature forms a lap which enables an insertion device to automatically insert at the lap position. The system may be operated in straight operation or collect operation. In one embodiment, the sections are transported in two web paths where they are cut into signatures. One of the web paths is delayed so that its signature arrives at the half fold gripper or pin cylinder slightly later than the signature from the other web path. The subsequently formed half fold has the trailing edge of the later-arriving signature protruding by a given lap amount that enables the downline inserter to insert at that position.

Abstract: A method of folding a gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises the following steps: first, the gas bag is unfolded between a base and an opposing surface. A spacing is provided between the base and the opposing surface, which corresponds to a height of a housing into which the gas bag is to be inserted after folding. Then, a folding funnel is provided which comprises one end having a large cross-section and one end having a small cross-section, the large cross-section being larger than or equal to a cross-section of the gas bag when unfolded between the base and the opposing surface, and the small cross-section corresponding to a cross-section of the housing; beginning with its large cross-section. Finally, the folding funnel is placed over the unfolded gas bag and moved relative thereto such that the gas bag is pushed together on the base by the folding funnel to the small cross-section.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for concentrating and recovering pathogens from a fluid other than blood are disclosed. The method includes concentrating the pathogens contained in the fluid by continuously feeding the fluid through one or more flexible chamber(s) and subjecting the chamber(s) to centrifugal forces. The concentrated pathogens may be re-suspended by shaking the chamber(s).

Abstract: A crystallized glass is provided. A &bgr;-quartz solid solution or a &bgr;-eucryptite solid solution is precipitated as a main crystal. The crystallized glass has a crystallization degree not less than 70 mass %, a crystal grain size not more than 0.5 &mgr;m, substantially no gap or crack occurring at boundaries of crystal grains. The crystallized glass also has a thermal expansion coefficient being negatively greater than −10×10−7/° C. within a temperature range of −40° C.˜100° C., a hysteresis of the thermal expansion coefficient within the temperature range being not more than 10 ppm, and a temperature dependence of the refractive index being not more than 13×10−6/° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are a low-dielectric-constant glass fiber having a glass composition comprising, by weight %, 50 to 60% of SiO2, 10 to 18% of Al2O3, 14% to less than 20% of B2O3, 1% to less than 6% of MgO, 2 to 5% of CaO, 0.5 to 5% of TiO2, 0 to 0.3% of Li2O, 0 to 0.3% of Na2O, 0 to 0.5% of K2O and 0 to 2% of F2, the content of MgO+CaO being 4 to 11% and the content of Li2O+Na2O+K2O being 0 to 0.6%, and a glass fiber fabric made of the low-dielectric-constant glass fiber.