Abstract: According to the present invention, provided is a card connector device in which supporting positions of the individual connection terminals with respect to a header are formed on a straight line without being shifted forward and backward and rigidity of the respective supporting portions of the individual connection terminals increases as the length to the contact portion increases, so that the contact pressure of the respective connection terminals is uniform and the miniaturization of the whole connector device can be accomplished.

Abstract: A card edge connector includes an insulative housing defining a central slot along a longitudinal direction thereof. Two rows of passageways are disposed by two sides of the central slot, respectively. An elongated slit is formed in an outer side of each corresponding row of the passageways. A contact strip includes a elongated strip retention portion retained in the corresponding slit, a plurality of first contacts extending, from an upper portion of the retention portion, laterally into the some corresponding designated passageways. A plurality of discrete second contacts are respectively retainably disposed in the remaining passageways.

Abstract: An adapter and method for converting the data interface hardware of a computer peripheral device. A set of connectors is arranged to mate with the interface conductors of a computer peripheral device that contains the circuitry and firmware necessary to support the use of more than one computer peripheral data interface. Another set of connectors is provided to connect with the interfaces being used by a computer. An indication to the device of which of the supported data interfaces is to be used is provided.

Abstract: An electrical plug has a multiplicity of contact terminals disposed on a wafer that is received within a housing. The wafer or substratum is grooved or channeled between each contact terminal. In this manner, the contacting surface of each terminal is essentially raised from the surface of the substratum. Generally, the groove takes the form of a modified V shape, however, other groove configurations may be utilized. By lowering the substratum surface during formation of the wafer, the contact surface of each terminal becomes elevated from the substratum surface, while remaining at the same height relative to each other. Any misregistration or misalignment of the terminals of the receptacle caused by tilting, twisting or otherwise that would cause an open circuit or poor contact is alleviated by the channel. The misaligned receptacle terminal is allowed to tilt and be received into the channel rather than contacting the substratum surface to be held away from contact.

Abstract: A multi-purpose modular connector having a female housing and a male plug, the female housing defining an open end, a first internal cavity, four interior surfaces, an interior end surface a first contact terminal positioned adjacent to at least one of the four interior surfaces, and a second contact terminal positioned adjacent to any remaining one of the four interior surfaces.

Abstract: A plug assembly for data transmission includes a wiring manifold (36) which controls the position of the conductors between the point where the cable connected to the plug enters the plug and the contacts of the plug. The cable consists of four twisted pairs of conductors AB, CD, EF and GH and the conductors are presented to the plug contacts in the sequence ABCFEDGH. The wiring manifold (36) constrains the conductors to run with the C conductor adjacent the E conductor. Preferably, the D conductor is constrained to run adjacent the F conductor. The arrangement reduces cross-talk induced between the connectors within the plug and leads to a consistent and predictable level of cross-talk which can be reduced or cancelled using suitable components associated with a jack into which the plug is, in use, inserted.

Abstract: A modular jack (1) mounted on a printed circuit board includes an insulating housing (10) having a bottom wall (13) and a pair of contacts (20) received in the housing. A pair of resilient posts (18) extend from opposite sides of the bottom wall. Each resilient post includes an outer section (182) and an inner section (181) with a slit (183) being defined therebetween. The bottom wall also has a tail post (19) downwardly extending from the middle of a rear end thereof, which is configured as a half column.

Abstract: A rear holder 4 is inserted into a housing 3 from a rear end surface 24 at a provisional locking position in which the rear holder 4 is inserted into the housing 3 halfway and an insertion of connecting terminals is allowed, as well as at a sufficiently inserted complete locking position at which the inserted connecting terminals are locked. Within the housing 3, there are formed two rows of terminal accommodating holes 28 each accommodating respective connecting terminals. The rear holder 4 is formed in a substantially plate-like shape and includes a main body 41 which is inserted into slits 29 of the housing 3 and locking arms 45 which are inserted into respective terminal accommodating holes 28. A width of a locking arm 45 is slightly smaller than that of a terminal accommodating hole 28. Windows 37 are formed in the outer wall 21 of the housing 3 such that the terminal accommodating holes 28 are communicated with external through the windows 37.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes contacts each having a contact body that is stamped from sheet material. The contact body has opposite surfaces and a nominal thickness between the opposite surfaces corresponding to a thickness of the sheet material. The contact body has a mounting section that is secured in a housing, and a resilient section that is deflectable upon engagement with a mating contact. The resilient section includes a deformed section wherein the opposite surfaces of the contact body are deformed to produce extremities, and a thickness between the extremities is greater than the nominal thickness of the contact body. The increased thickness increases the stiffness of the resilient section, thereby increasing the spring rate of the contact.

Abstract: An electrical contact for attachment to an insulated wire includes an insulator crimp section (11) having a pair of insulation engaging arms (12a, 12b) which are offset from each in an axial direction of the wire. The insulation engaging arms include facing edges (38a, 38b) which are arranged to contact each other along a spiral track when the insulation engaging arms are press-bonded to the insulation of the wire. Inside beveled surfaces (18a, 18b) and outside beveled surfaces (28a, 28b) serve to guide the insulation engaging arms into position and to facilitate sliding contact between the facing edges (38a, 38b) during the press-bonding. The inside beveled surfaces (18a, 18b) also provide a gap (4B) which serves as a relief area for compressed insulation. As a result of the press-bonding, the insulation engaging arms (12a, 12b) are formed into an integral unit and are strongly fastened to the insulation of the electrical wire.

Abstract: A boat drive system includes a transmission unit, a propeller shaft, and an auxiliary drive unit for driving the propeller shaft in the event of a failure of the main engine and/or the transmission unit. The auxiliary drive unit includes a housing slidably supported by the transmission unit, and the housing carries a motor and a drive sprocket driven by the motor. The drive sprocket is hollow, to enable the propeller shaft to extend therethrough. The drive sprocket includes axially facing teeth which are engageable with axially facing teeth of a coupling sleeve affixed to the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A diver lying prone in the water grasps the invention with his hands and pushes on pedals with his feet. The pedal motion is converted into propulsive force that moves the diver through the water. The diver is free to bend at his hip joints and bend and twist his spine to cause turns, dives and ascents in the water. The preferred embodiment of the propulsion means comprises a simple direct drive of an arm. As the diver operates the pedals the forward end of the arm pivots with respect to the device as the rearward end of the arm sweeps back and forth in the water. A fin is attached to the rearward end of the arm. The fin is fitted with a simple device for controlling the angle of attack of the fin with respect to the flow of water past it.

Abstract: A water jet propulsion system has a flow-through housing with an impeller section, a convergent section having a discharge aperture, and a cup-shaped extension. An impeller is rotatable within the impeller section of the housing. A steering nozzle is pivotably mounted inside the cup-shaped extension for pivoting about an axis. The steering nozzle has an inlet opening with a width greater than its height, a laterally convergent section extending rearward from the inlet opening, and an outlet opening. Preferably the outlet opening of the steering nozzle is generally circular. The steering nozzle has a second section having a passage which is generally cylindrical or slightly convergent. The second section ends at the outlet opening. A support post extends radially outward from the steering nozzle, and a steering arm extends laterally and forward from the support post. A portion of the steering arm extends outside of and overhangs a portion of the cup-shaped extension.

Abstract: A hydraulic tilt device for a marine outboard drive comprising a cylinder and a piston slidably supported in the cylinder and defining a first and a second chambers. A working fluid is contained in both of the chambers. A piston rod extends from the piston through the first chamber. The first and second chambers are joined together by a passage that is opened or closed by a switchover valve. Gasses are also contained for compensating the working fluid and pressuring it in the first chamber. Means is provided for permitting flow of the working fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber when the passage is closed and the second chamber produces a pressure greater than a predetermined magnitude. The gasses are dispensable if a fluid reservoir is provided for compensating the working fluid.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a skeg having an airfoil shape which facilitates maintaining engine control even at high speed but does not adversely affect engine performance. In one embodiment, the skeg includes a fore end, an aft end, and opposing sidewalls extending from the fore end and the aft end. One sidewall includes a camber, or curved surface, and the outer surface of the other sidewall is flat, or planar.

Abstract: A small planing watercraft including a hull, a propulsion unit mounted on the hull and a high RPM-high output engine for driving the propulsion unit, wherein the engine includes at least one intake valve and an intake valve timing control system for advancing the opening and closing of the intake valve when the watercraft is operating below a predetermined speed corresponding to a velocity at which the watercraft transitions from non-planing to planing motion. The engine may also include a long air intake passage for low-speed operation and a short air intake passage for high-speed operation, with an air intake control valve in the short air intake passage that is closed when the watercraft is operating below the predetermined speed. The engine may also include an exhaust control valve for constricting the exhaust passage, and a system for at least partially closing the exhaust control valve when the watercraft is operating below the predetermined speed.

Abstract: A system for floating hydrocarbon production systems such as a FPSO that requires a remote mooring terminal for transferring fluids to shuttle tankers. The system includes a single point mooring buoy, such as a CALM floating on the sea surface. Mooring legs anchor the CALM buoy to the sea floor. A submerged Flowline Termination Buoy (FTB) is supported by tension members from the CALM, but with no direct support from the sea floor. A submerged weight is suspended by the FTB and the CALM buoy. The submerged flowlines from the FSPO are supported by the FTB. Flexible hoses fluidly connect the flowlines to the CALM buoy.

Abstract: A land and water flash flood detecting and warning system includes a buoyant waterproof casing. A detachable tether is externally fixed to the casing and a distal end of the tether is attached to an anchor to secure the casing in place on land. Accelerometers mounted internally to the casing are configured to measure short-range and short-term positional information of the casing when the casing is in water due to flooding of the land. A radio transceiver coupled to the accelerometers transmit the positional information to land based receiving stations to indicate a flooding condition.

Abstract: A mounting and retrieval system for wakeboards includes a pair of opposed pads for receiving the feet of a wakeboarder thereunder. The pads are mounted on subframes which facilitate the longitudinal and pivotal positioning of the pads. A strap extends over one of the pads to secure a foot of the wakeboarder while the opposite foot is being engaged with the opposing pad. A retrieval cable extends from a spring loaded reel mounted on one of the subframes which normally retracts the retrieval cable while facilitating extension thereof to facilitate a fall from the wakeboard.

Abstract: A rescue mission is initiated by deployment of an unmanned water surface vehicle some distance from a location at which an overboard person may be in distress. The water surface vehicle is self-propelled under signal responsive or remote manual control for directionally guided travel toward the distress location, at which a raft stored in the vehicle is ejected and inflated so as to floatingly support thereon the person to be rescued. The deployed raft is then moved from the vehicle for delivery to a rescue location.

Abstract: A method of forming an electroluminescent device, including the steps of forming a first charge carrier injecting layer for injecting charge carriers of a first polarity, forming an organic charge carrier transport layer over the first charge carrier injecting layer, the transport layer having an electronic and/or optical property which varies across the thickness of the transport layer, forming an organic light emissive layer over the transport layer, and forming a second charge carrier injecting layer over the light emissive layer for injecting charge carriers of a second polarity.

Abstract: A bubble making apparatus. The apparatus is a manually workable device having a pair of open limbs joined at a junction. A V-shaped wand, with a pair of limbs that are joined at a normally open angle alpha in a spring like, or alternately a pivotable fashion. Upon manual compression, the limbs are urged apart to a pre-selected angle. A flexible, absorbent cord is affixed at locations on each of the limbs. The flexible cord is brought together to form a bubble-making loop. A portion of the flexible cord is located to enable the user to vary the size of the bubble-making loop. The flexible and collapsible nature of the loop permits use of a long narrow container for bubble solution, which requires less bubble-making solution than a rigid wand of comparable effective diameter. This collapsible feature also facilitates the creation of and the “closing-off” of large bubbles.

Abstract: A doll includes a doll body supporting a head upon which a substantially blank featureless face surface is formed of a washable material. A stencil mask is configured to be received upon the face surface and defines a faceplate generally conforming to the blank face surface. The faceplate defines a plurality of shaped apertures located upon the faceplate to correspond to the general locations of facial features. A plurality of feature stamps, each having shaped flanges corresponding to the aperture shapes of the faceplate apertures support feature image stamps which may be passed through the apertures to imprint upon the face surface of the doll.

Abstract: Spaced-apart blocks are interconnected by planar sheets. Thus, different configurations for the toy building blocks can be obtained. A simple geometric shape can be provided which is capable of interlocking in different directions and is capable of a choice of framing pieces. Retrofit interconnecting elements can be provided which facilitate the addition of planar members to the construction.

Abstract: A toy device is disclosed having a base (11), a main portion (12) and an elongated supply tubing (13) extending between the base (11) and the main portion (12). The main portion (12) includes a support in the form of an inflatable ball (17) and an equatorial, annular array of water jets (18) coupled tangentially to the ball (17). Each water jet (18) has a water line (19) extending therefrom to a central hub (20) in fluid communication with tubing (13).

Abstract: A toy (2) has a housing (4) at least a part of which is light translucent, a resiliently-mounted light-reflecting member (20) including a plurality of light-reflecting facets, and a light source (40) directed at the light-reflecting member so that a light pattern is reflected onto the housing.

Abstract: An electronic figurine has at least one appendage, a means for displaying electronic images in relation to a virtual character, and a circuit board. The circuit board is programmed to generate images of the virtual character including facial expressions, symbols, virtual activates, games and animated sequences. The electronic figurine further includes means for activating pre-programmed responses when a user interacts with the appendages or orientation of the figurine. Moreover, the electronic figurine may also include various audible sounds and responses that may also be activated and interacted with by a user interacting with the physical figurine.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polishing apparatus comprising: a polishing table having a first axis and a counterweight provided on the polishing table. The polishing table is adapted to be subjected to a circular orbital motion in which the first axis of the polishing table is rotated about an orbit center axis while the orientation of the polishing table is kept substantially constant. The counterweight cancels a centrifugal force generated by the circular orbital motion of the polishing table.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for polishing a work wherein polishing liquid is supplied to a polishing pad, and a relative movement is carried out between the work and the polishing pad with pressing the work on the polishing pad, wherein the work of which press pressure was set to 0 to terminate polishing is released from the polishing pad within 45 seconds after the termination of polishing. When plural works are simultaneously polished, preferably only the work to which press pressure was set to 0 to terminate polishing is released from the polishing pad, and polishing of the other works is continued, which are released from the polishing pad after press pressure thereto is set 0 one by one.

Abstract: An improved and new process for separating a substrate from a wetted polishing pad in a CMP apparatus has been developed. Following CMP the polishing pad is wetted with a low surface tension liquid and the substrate is moved across the surface of the polishing pad to cause the interface between the substrate and the polishing pad to be wetted with the low surface tension liquid. The force required to cause separation of the substrate from the polishing pad wetted with said low surface tension liquid is reduced by a factor of about 10 to 30% and the breakage of fragile semiconductor wafer substrates during the unloading operation is markedly reduced. Suitable low surface tension liquids are water at a temperature between about 50° C. and 80° C., or solutions of water with long chain surfactants, such as poly-acrylate, poly-vinyl alcohol, butanol, pantanol or isopropol alcohol.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus is used for polishing a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer, and has a sensor capable of continuously detecting the thickness of an electrically conductive layer. The polishing apparatus includes a polishing table having a polishing surface, and a top ring for holding and pressing the substrate against the polishing surface to polish the surface of the substrate. A sensor such as an eddy-current sensor is disposed below the polishing surface of the polishing table for measuring the thickness of a conductive layer formed on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for polishing and chamfering a rare earth alloy including the steps of: preparing rare earth alloy work, feeding the rare earth alloy work, ball media, a liquid medium, and spacer particles (in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by volume of the liquid medium) into a container, and subjecting the rare earth work to polishing by vibrating the container.

Abstract: A surface of an electrolytically dissolvable material, e.g., an electrolytically dissolvable metal, is smoothed by a two-step electrochemical process wherein a the surface to be smoothed and a counterelectrode are contacted with an electrolyte and an electric current is passed between the substrate and counterelectrode, with the substrate as the anode. In a first step relatively large asperities on the substrate are reduced in height by maintaining a macroprofile regime by using a pulsed electric current with short pulses. In a second step, small asperities and the remainder of the large asperities are reduced or removed by maintaining a microprofile regime by using a pulsed current having longer pulses or a direct current.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for planarizing a circular disc-type semiconductor wafer or other substrate. The method includes the steps of pressing a retaining ring surrounding the wafer against a polishing pad at a first pressure; pressing a first peripheral edge portion of the wafer against the polishing pad with a second pressure; and pressing a second portion of the wafer interior to the peripheral edge portion against the polishing pad with a third pressure. The second pressure may be provided through a mechanical member in contact with the peripheral edge portion; and the second pressure may be a pneumatic pressure against a backside surface of the wafer. Desirably, the pneumatic pressure is exerted through a resilient membrane, or is exerted by gas pressing directly against at least a portion of the wafer backside surface.

Abstract: Provided are a wafer polishing method in which, in single side polishing, covering a wafer holding surface (one side surface) with a protective film, a wafer polishing surface (the other side surface) is polished, so that the wafer holding surface can be prevented from being etched and contaminated by a polishing agent; a wafer cleaning method in which the protective film that remains behind on the wafer holding surface after polishing can be efficiently removed, and a waste cleaning solution is easily treated; and a wafer protective film that sufficiently covers the wafer holding surface in polishing but is effectively removed in cleaning.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for planarizing a microelectronic substrate. In one embodiment, the apparatus can include an elongated polishing pad that is moved over a platen either between or during the planarization cycles, and a support pad that is moved along with the polishing pad. The support pad can be an elongated member that extends between a supply roller and a take-up roller, or can include a continuous member that extends around the spaced apart rollers. The platen can also be movable along with the support pad and can be supported by fluid jets, rollers, or a rotating bladder. Cleaning devices and/or milling devices can treat the surfaces of the polishing pad, the support pad and/or the platen to reduce the likelihood for contaminants to become caught between these components as they engage with each other.

Abstract: An ergonomic sander handle for clamping onto a sanding device so that the ergonomic handle can be comfortably gripped by a worker and used to apply the sanding device to a surface, is provided. The ergonomic handle includes an elongate body, a clamp head and a bearing. The elongate body is typically a cylindrical aluminum tube with padding for easy and comfortable gripping. One end of the elongate body is attached the clamp head that attaches to the sanding device. The other end of the elongate body is attached to the bearing which may include a pair of roller balls. To sand a surface, the worker grips the elongate body in a power grip (without significant wrist flexion or deviation) and applies pressure to urge sanding device and the bearing onto the surface. The power grip minimizes loads on the wrist and hand which reduces the likelihood of musculoskeletal trauma.

Abstract: Generally, a method and apparatus for polishing a substrate is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for polishing a substrate includes a polishing material having a fluid disposed thereon. The polishing material has a plurality of elements extending from a backing. The fluid that fills the entire volume between the elements comprising the polishing material has a viscosity between about 100 to about 10,000 centipoises. The fluid allows generation of a hydrostatic force that ensures the full and completed envelopment of fluid surrounding the fixed abrasive elements when polishing, thus substantially reducing the deformation of the elements, resulting in extended polishing material life.

Abstract: A knife ring machining tool for machining chips, with a knife ring comprising a crown of knife packets as well as two carrier rings carrying the packets, which rings are arranged on the ends of the knife packets. Each knife packet includes a knife that is inclined against the radial direction and whose cutting edge faces inward, with a rotor arranged coaxially with the knife ring and surrounded by the latter. The rotor includes a plurality of rotor blades that carry strip-shaped cleaving knives on the outer ends, which knives for their part run parallel to the rotor axis and extend over the width of the rotor. Each cleaving knife is fastened by screws to the associated rotor blade, while each screw connection comprises a wedge element that tapers outward in radial direction in a wedge shape, as viewed in a section vertical to the rotor axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polishing slurry reclamation system. In one embodiment, the polishing slurry reclamation system comprises a polishing apparatus having a polishing platen and a fluid delivery system positioned to deliver a slurry or a rinse to the polishing platen, a recovery drain adjacent the polishing platen, and a fluid diverter associated with the platen and configured to deflect a selected one of a slurry or rinse emanating from the polishing platen to the recovery drain.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus has a feed reel for feeding a polishing tape wound thereon and having a polishing surface, a take-up reel for reeling up the polishing tape from the feed reel, a presser for pressing the polishing tape between the feed reel and the take-up reel against a surface, to be polished, of a workpiece, and a motor for rotating the take-up reel. The feed reel, the take-up reel, and the presser are housed in a cartridge, which is detachably held by a cartridge holder.

Abstract: A rotary honing tool includes a rotatable body member mounted on a shaft and having attached rotatable honing arms as well as a band or collar fitted about the body. The collar is engaged with the body by means of a lug on the collar fitted into a channel on the outside face of the cylindrical body. The collar may be rotatably displaced to control radial extention of the honing arms.

Abstract: A sausage encasing machine has a computer and a casing diameter sensor located on a frame downstream of an exit end of a meat stuffing tube. The sensor is connected to the computer to transmit casing diameter data to the computer as the casing is being sensed. The computer is programmed to sausage diameter parameters, and the computer is programmed to signal a machine power system to cease operation whenever the computer detects that the casing diameter exceeds the predetermined parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a portion of fat from meat cuts involves placing a meat cut on a longitudinal conveyor, pressing sensor probes into the meat cut to measure the relative thickness of fat and the location of lean in the meat, and then withdrawing the sensor probes from the meat. An electronic signal is transmitted from the sensor to a controller along with an encoder signal to determine the depth from the outer lower surface of the meat cut through a layer of fat in the meat to a layer of lean in the meat. Data taken from the foregoing step determine the desired position of the blade, which removes the appropriate amount of fat to be removed from the meat cut.

Abstract: A process for separating the hollowed body of a poultry carcass into a lower half body including the thighs and part of the back, and a upper half body including the breast inclusive of the ribs and the remaining part of the back, including a first process step in which the hollowed body is cut from the roots of the thighs through the tail ends of the ilia while the hollowed body is transferred in a suspended state without cutting the keel, and a second process step in which the sinews and connective tissues are cut at the side of the hipbone and the thighs are ripped off with high yields. Apparatus for the first step includes a conveyer line 20a, a peritoneum cutting part 11, a 90 degree reversing part 12, and a poultry carcass severing part 13.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting baitfish employing a non-symmetrically arcuate biasing member for angularly articulating a baitfish against a plurality of blade surfaces. In certain embodiments, apparatus having an improved lever arm with increased mechanical advantage.

Abstract: A coin dispensing assembly with an improved coin transport surface facilitates a sliding movement of coins within a hopper through the use of a low friction wall surface for contacting the coins as they move towards a coin feed mechanism. The wall surface can have protrusions of a substantially smaller size than the coin which are arrayed to provide minimal contact with the coin surface. Alternatively, a plastic liner can be fastened to the wall of the hopper assembly and can include graphite particles on its surface for contacting the coins. The graphite particles will have a substantially higher hardness than that of the coin, thereby preventing scratching and the formation of metal particles within the hopper.

Abstract: A two-way hingeless ventilator for ventilating an enclosure through a wall thereof has a frame defining an opening therethrough. A closure member is disposed against an outer side of the frame and is alternately swingable relative to the frame between open and closed positions at opposite sides of the opening. A tensioning rod is fixed on the frame and extends between opposite sides of the opening. An actuating member extends from an inner side of the closure member through the opening and intermediate ends of the tensioning rod. A positioning slot is defined in the actuating member through which the tensioning rod passes in a tensioned condition to apply a closing force to the closure member. The positioning slot has a central position defining a closed position of the cover member and opposite side slots extending away from the central position.

Abstract: A ventilator (10) has a housing (12) including an apertured wall portion (14) an exterior weather hood (16) and a cover portion (18). A rotatable flap (42) is pivotally mounted to the apertured wall portion (24). The cover portion (18) contains a reticulated foam filter (120). The cover portion (18) is removable from the apertured wall portion (14) for servicing or replacement of the filter (120).

Abstract: An openable screened floor vent cover for use in preventing debris from entering a floor vent during construction is comprised of a board having a length and width larger than the vent to be covered. The board is provided with a cut substantially in the shape and size of the vent to be covered. A screen is attached to the periphery of a first surface of the board. The portion of the board within the cut is removable to enable air flow from the vent as desired during construction, and may be replaced when air flow from the vent is no longer needed. The board is nailed to the subflooring surrounding the vent. The cover may be removed after construction.