Abstract: Candles without conventional wicks have a long-life wick assembly mounted upon them, consisting of a supporting metallic dish that carries a permanent short wick. The wick includes heat conducting elements, which convey heat downwardly from the candle flame to form a pool of molten wax below the dish, into which pool the wick extends. Wick extensions may be used, when a permanent container supports the wick assembly. In the case of free-standing wax candles the shape and construction of the wick-support dish limits the extent of the pool, to maintain the surrounding candle wall intact. The candles are long-burning, and the wick assembly follows down the length of the candle, as the candle is consumed. The metallic dish acts as a heat and safety barrier, to contain the candle flame. An intermediate yoke supports the wick and connects the wick to the dish and limits the rate of heat transfer to the underlying candle.

Abstract: Self ligating orthodontic brackets include a bracket base and a ligation cover which interacts with the base in order to provide ligation of at least one arch wire associated with the base. The orthodontic brackets may include one or more of the following improved features: (1) a film hinge about which a ligation cover may rotate; (2) a bearing spring or other flexible feature associated with the ligation cover to provide active ligation; (3) a ligation cover that has sufficient flexibility and resilience to facilitate locking and unlocking relative to the base; (4) a spring or spring-like feature that provides resistance to rotation of the ligation cover relative to the base; (5) a bracket base and ligation cover formed from different types of plastic materials; (6) two or more initially open arch wire slots that can be ligated by a single ligation cover; or (7) a safety locking feature that holds the ligation cover more tightly to the bracket in response to increased arch wire pressure.

Abstract: A method for for comparing between an orthodontic element's actual position on the surface of a tooth and a proper position comprise monitoring the element, the tooth or both once the element and the tooth are proximal to one another by an image acquisition unit which transmits an image to a screen that displays the image and displaying information on the screen regarding proper position of the element in a manner allowing to compare between the actual and the proper position is disclosed. Further disclosed is a system and device for positioning of an orthodontic element or a marking device having a marking member for marking a position for subsequent placement of an orthodontic element on a surface of a tooth.

Abstract: A light beam hardening apparatus is provided for hardening a material, such as dental material, exposed to light emitted by the light beam hardening apparatus. The light beam hardening apparatus includes a semi-conductor light emitting source operable to emit light in the visible light spectral range of a light strength of at least 200 mW/cm2, a base receptacle for supporting the semi-conductor light emitting source, and a heat conducting connection for conducting heat from the semi-conductor light emitting source to the base receptacle. The semi-conductor light emitting source includes a plurality of light emitting chips or light emitting diodes (LED). The base receptacle includes a plurality of cradles each for supporting therein a respective one of the light emitting chips.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a device for use with denture models comprised of a supporting plate having upper and lower sides, and having at least one opening located on the upper side. An area for receiving retention pins is provided on the upper side of the supporting plate, the opening being located in the area for receiving the retention pins. At least one fitting head is provided where the fitting head is longer than the depth of the opening. A lift off plate is also provided having upper and lower sides and having a surface capable of contacting the fitting head.

Abstract: An anchor apparatus having a threaded post for threaded engagement with bone, and an upper circular receptacle. An angled support having a lower circular base and an upper female prosthesis receptacle is secured within to the implant anchor, the securing being through lower circular base being engaged with and adhered to the upper circular receptacle of the implant anchor. The circular base has a first longitudinal axis and the upper female prosthesis receptacle has a second longitudinal axis forming a mounting angle with respect to one another. A dental prosthesis having a male extension shaped for cooperative engagement with the upper female prosthesis receptacle of the implant anchor is secured to the implant anchor by such cooperative engagement. An alternate embodiment integrates the threaded post and the female prosthesis receptacle into a single member, for a zero degree angle.

Abstract: There are disclosed amphoteric nano-sized metal oxide particles functionalized with silyl esters of a phosphonate and composites thereof with an acrylate-based monomer, including liquid crystal monomers photopolymerizable at ambient temperature. Also disclosed are the method making such functionalized particular by reacting a metal oxide with a silyl ester of a phosphonate in the presence of a non-aqueous solvent and in an inert atmosphere and the method of making the composites wherein the functionalized particles are admixed with an acrylate-based matrix monomer, including liquid crystal monomers photopolymerizable at ambient temperature. Further disclosed is the method of dental repair wherein the composites are applied to a tooth and photopolymerized.

Abstract: A multiplication game teaches and enforces basic multiplication tables for players, while providing an enjoyable and competitive activity for the players. The game includes a game board having a rectilinear matrix of playing positions thereon, with at least one peripheral row and one peripheral column including a series of multiplier and multiplicand numbers therealong. A distinct group of playing pieces or tiles is provided to each player. Each group includes a series of numbers comprising the products of the multipliers and multiplicands of the peripheral row(s) and column(s) of the board on the first sides thereof, with the opposite sides remaining blank. The tiles are placed with numbered faces down, and drawn randomly in turn by the players who place the tiles face up on an appropriate position on the board as defined by the multiplier and multiplicand row(s) and column(s).

Abstract: An orthopaedic skeletal joint demonstration aid for demonstrating the fitting to a skeletal joint of additional different versions of an orthopaedic prosthesis in different surgical techniques comprises a first facsimile skeletal part including a main portion and at least one detachable portion which is detachable from the main portion to permit fitting of one part of a prosthesis thereto, and a second facsimile skeletal part including an elongate main portion and at least one detachable portion which is detachable from the main portion to permit fitting of another part of the prosthesis thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable assembly having a universal joint so as to rotate the connector thereof through X and Y directions. Upper and lower housings of the connector is provided with traverse bearings. A front edge of a front rotating arm is provided with assembled traverse shafts. A rear portion of the front rotating arm is provided with a slot in which axial holes are defined. By this arrangement, the front rotating arm and the rear rotating arm can each can rotate freely on a plane thereby provide two dimensional rotations. Conductive wires of the cable routes through the front rotating arm and the rear rotating arm and finally electrically connected to the connector. As a result, a cable assembly with a universal rotational connector is provided.

Abstract: A towing connector is constructed to include a housing defining a receptacle, which holds a U-shaped conducting plate and 6 metal contact plates around the U-shaped conducting plate, a 4-pole female connector mounted in an insertion hole in the housing, first conducting wires respectively connected to the metal contact plates, second conducting wires connecting the 4-pole female connector to four of the first conducting wires, a 4-pole male connector connected to the other ends of the four first conducting wires being connected to the second conducting wires, a front cover and a sealing cap pivoted to the housing and forced by a torsional spring to close the receptacle and the 4-pole female connector, a rear cap and a flexible bellows tube adapted to protect the conducting wires, and a bracket detachably fastened to the housing by screws for mounting.

Abstract: An electrical system (1) includes a number of PC boards (10, 12), a same number of electrical connectors (14, 16), and a half number of extenders (18, 20, 22) provided in sets. Each set includes two PC boards, two electrical connectors mounted onto respective PC boards and one extender located between and engaging with the two electrical connectors. There are extenders that have various heights so that extenders of different heights mating with the electrical connectors establish various distances between the PC boards mounting the electrical connectors.

Abstract: A method and structure for electrically and mechanically interconnecting an array of printed circuit board contacts to an array of module contacts with a plurality of deformable resilient electrical conductors with two ends. Each of the conductor ends are electrically connected to one of the contact arrays. A portion of the conductor may deform longitudinally and laterally responsive to movement of the printed circuit board relative to the module responsive to heating and cooling cycles and mechanical vibrations, while maintaining the electrical connection of the contact arrays. An interposer with apertures extending through the interposer carries the conductors in the apertures and is used to align the conductors with the contacts. A method for excluding a rigid adhesive means from a portion of the resilient conductor is also taught.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a base (4) defining a surface (42) and a number of passageways (41), and a number of contacts (1). Each contact comprises an engaging portion (11) for engaging in the passageway, a medial portion (13) extending upwardly from an end of the engaging portion, a solder portion (12) extending perpendicularly from an opposite end of the engaging portion, an inclined portion (14) extending aslant from the medial portion, and a cantilever (15) extending from the inclined portion. The inclined portion and the medial portion form therebetween a connecting portion having a first line. The first line forms an angle relative to the surface of the base. The inclined portion and the cantilever form a connecting portion therebetween having a second line, the second line forming an angle relative to the surface of the base. A contact portion (17) is defined on an upper end of the cantilever.

Abstract: An electrical connector (1) for connecting a land grid array (LAG) chip with a printed circuit board (PCBA) includes a housing (10), and terminals (110) received in passageways (101) of the housing. The housing has a base (100) and sidewalls (102, 104), the base and the sidewalls cooperatively defining a space therebetween for retaining the LAG chip. Two sidewalls each define recesses (1021), thereby forming projections (1020). When terminals are installed near the projections, a carrier strip (11) connecting the terminals is bent so that connecting sections (111) of the carrier strip are received in corresponding recesses. The connecting sections are cut off, and the carrier strip is removed. The recesses enable the carrier strip to be manipulated so that sufficient space is made available for cutting off of the connecting sections without interfering with the sidewalls. The projections provide precise fitting positioning of the LAG chip in the space.

Abstract: A board-to-board connector assembly (1) is for electrically interconnecting two circuit substrates. The connector assembly includes a first electrical connector (2) having a first housing (20), and a second electrical connector (4) having a second housing (40). The first housing includes a pair of first end walls (24) and an island (26). The second housing includes a pair of second end walls (49), and a cavity for receiving the island of the first connector therein. Each second end wall defines an opening (492) in a portion thereof distal from a main body of the second housing. Each second end wall also defines a recess (494) adjoining an outer main face thereof. When the first and second connectors are connected or disconnected at a slight angle relative to each other, interference therebetween can be eliminated.

Abstract: An electrical connector system includes a first connector having at least one receptacle contact and a second connector having at least one pin mated to the at least one receptacle contact. The pin may have a stem and a tip attached to the stem. The pin tip is designed to prevent misalignment of the pin or “pin side track” when mated to the receptacle contact and the mating forces that result from side tracking. In order to prevent this side tracking, the pin end may have a first flat side, a second flat side, a first side which connects the first flat side to the second flat side; and a second side which connects the first flat side to the second flat side. The pin tip flat sides minimize or reduce the likelihood of side tracking. The pin tip may also have other sides which are designed to prevent side tracking. For instance, the end of the pin tip may also be flat.

Abstract: A battery connector includes a number of connector blocks (1) each including an insulative housing (10) and a terminal (3) retained therein. The insulative housing has a mating face (11), opposite sidewalls (14) and a pair of slabs (16). Each sidewall and a corresponding slab define a passageway (17) therebetween. A pair of apertures (18) is defined through the sidewalls communicating with the passageways. The terminal includes a fixing portion (31) and a contact portion (30). The fixing portion includes a base section (32) and a pair of limbs (33) extending from the base section engaging with the passageways. Each limb forms a protrusion (331) thereon engaging with the aperture. The contact portion protrudes beyond the mating face to engage a terminal (50) of a rechargeable battery (5).

Abstract: A low-profile circuit board mounting and connecting scheme employs a conductive standoff having a shoulder, a stem and a head. A circuit board to be mounted on the standoff defines a clearance hole opening into a channel. The clearance hole is sufficiently large to clear the head of the standoff, and the channel is sufficiently wide to clear the stem but not the shoulder. A conductive clip has two resilient prongs. The clip is mounted to the circuit board so that the prongs are disposed along either side of a portion of the channel. The prongs are able to move toward and away from each other in a plane that is parallel to the plane of the circuit board. The prongs engage the head to make an electrical connection when the stem is moved to the end of the channel.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a memory module includes a body having two standing pivot seats and two fasteners pivotally connected to the two pivot seats respectively. Each standing pivot seat has two recessed guides and two through pivot holes communicating with two recessed guides. Each fastener has a front and rear wall. Each front and rear wall has a protruding detent and a pivot pin. The protruding detents and the pivot pins correspond to the two recessed guides respectively. The pivot pins are inserted into the two through pivot holes when the fastener is mounted in the standing pivot seat so the fastener can pivot in the standing pivot seat to easily mount the memory module. In addition, the protruding detents press against the two recessed guides to hold the position of the fastener in the standing pivot seat, so the fastener can securely hold the memory module.

Abstract: Connector assembly (2, 3) includes internal and external connector housings (7, 15) matable with each other. The assembly includes a cam projection (3A) provided to one of the internal and external connector housings. The assembly includes a lever (8) provided rotatably to another one of the internal and external connector housings. The lever defines a cam channel (13) for guiding the cam projection therein to mate the internal and external connector housings with each other. The assembly includes a false-assembly preventing structure (3Ba, 3Bb S1, S2) operative to prevent false-assembly of the internal and external connector housings at an initial mating. The lever is rotatable to push the cam projection to space the internal and external connector housings off.

Abstract: A low-cost shield connector 1 connecting smoothly with a mating connector includes a connector housing 20, a terminal 21, an inner housing 22, a spacer 23 and a lance 42. The connector housing 20 is formed into tubular shape. The terminal 21 is joined to a shield wire 29. The inner housing 22 receiving the terminal 21 is received in the connector housing 20. The spacer 23 to be mounted in the inner housing 22 prevents the terminal 21 from coming off from the inner housing 22. The lance 42 formed integrally with the inner housing 22 is locked in the connector housing 20.

Abstract: A printed circuit board and a printed circuit board zero force connector are configured such that the printed circuit board zero force connector is properly actuated automatically by an attachment provided on the printed circuit board when the printed circuit board is plugged into and removed from the printed circuit board zero force connector.

Abstract: A method and system couples first and second circuit boards, such as a daughterboard coupled to a motherboard, in a parallel configuration by aligning connectors disposed on each circuit board's surface, inserting a retention post from the first circuit board through an opening in the second circuit board, and compressing the circuit boards together with a retaining member that couples at adjustable points of the retention post and presses against the second circuit board at the connectors. For instance a bow spring accepts a threaded retention post and has arms extending from a raised portion so that the arms align with the connectors. A compressing force applied to the bow spring by a thumbscrew tightened on the threads is spread substantially evenly to each connector so that the connectors insert into each other along the retention post axis.

Abstract: A zero insertion/extraction force integrated circuit socket including an insulating socket having multiple pivot arch recesses and an L-shaped driving member having a driving section. The driving section has multiple pivot arch shaft sections which are respectively rotatably engaged in the pivot arch recesses. The integrated circuit socket further includes a slide cover having multiple driven faces. The driving section has multiple driving cams which respectively slidably contact with the driven faces for driving the slide cover to slide between a separation position and a contact position. The pivot arch shaft sections of the driving section and one of the driving cams are spaced from each other without connecting with each other. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the driving section is smaller, while the strength of the driving section is greater.

Abstract: A locking electrical connector is provided including a connector shell extending along a longitudinal axis, an outer contact held in the connector shell and having a mating end formed with retention beams that are deflectable radially outward from the longitudinal axis, and a collar located about the outer contact and the connector shell being slidable along the longitudinal axis relative to the connector shell between locked and unlocked positions. The collar has a blocking surface that is positioned to align with and block radially outward deflection of the retention beams when the collar is in the locked position. The blocking surface is moved, when the collar is in the unlocked position, to a position at which the collar permits radial outward deflection of the retention beams.

Abstract: This invention provides a tray-style memory card connector comprising of a base and a main body that can slide smoothly on the base. The base has a plug structure on one end, which has a guide groove on each side. There is a retracting structure on the base, and when it is pressed down, the main body will separate from the base. There is a container on the said main body to contain a memory card. At each side of the container there is a groove. A slide rail is mounted between the groove and the guide groove. In this way, the main body can slide smoothly on the base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wire connector for connecting two or more wires of same or different wire gauges. The wire connector has a body, a first set of fingers, a second set of fingers, and a resilient means for keeping the first set of fingers and the second set of fingers in contact with one other. Each finger in a set has an end which serves as the connection point between the connector and the wires that are inserted. Each set of fingers extend from the body along a plane such that the ends of each set are in contact. Each finger also has a spring urge characteristic such that the finger will apply a resulting tension bias upon an object which causes the finger to move. Thus, wires of different gauges are inserted and held in the connector because the opposing fingers from each set provide an individual spring urged fit to each wire. Each set of fingers may be configured to extend at an angle relative to the plane, inwardly toward the body.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly receives exposed ends of an electrical wire, and includes a foldable body with complementary first and second body portions and components for securely mounting a third body portion in the assembly using a single fastening screw, and for mounting the exposed ends to electrical contacts of an electrical connector device attached to the third body portion and securely mounted in the folded and assembled body portions. The components on the body portions include posts, ribs, and bridges for relieving strain on the electrical wire in the assembly, and other ribs and interlocking components prevent the electrical connector assembly from allowing the wires, the electrical connector device, and/or the third body portion from being removed from the folded and assembled electrical connector assembly.

Abstract: In order for an operator to perceive a lock completion of the mechanical connection between a connector of an ultrasonic probe and a socket of an ultrasonic diagnostic equipment main body, the following structure is provided. In the ultrasonic diagnostic equipment, the ultrasonic probe includes a connector portion having a lock mechanism (a cam shaft penetrating a connector, a conductive movable contact/lock pin projecting from the cam shaft, and a connector lock releasing handle), and an ultrasonic probe main body. The ultrasonic diagnostic equipment main body includes a socket having connection hole H for connecting the connector, a locking confirming contact points for conducting by being in contact with the movable contact/lock pin as the connection with the connector being mechanically locked, LED for illuminating under conduction, and a safety circuit for allowing for starting scanning when conducting.

Abstract: A cable connector assembly (10) includes an electrical connector (12), a printed circuit board (14), a cable (16) and a plurality of power wires (18). The electrical connector has a housing (24) and a plurality of signal contacts (26) and power contacts (28) mounted in the housing. The cable contains a plurality of center conductors (160) each electrically connecting with a corresponding signal contact. The printed circuit board is received in the housing. The power contacts and the power wires are respectively electrically mounted on the printed circuit board to provide power transmission therebetween. A cover (22) is designed to over-mold the structural connection portion of the electrical connector, the printed circuit board, the cable and the power wires. The cable connector assembly is finally assembled on a panel (20) by a pair of screws (80).

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly for flexible flat cable used for electrically connecting a plurality of contacts and a flexible flat cable. The electrical connector assembly includes a housing in which the contacts and the flexible flat cable are inserted; and a housing lock to be freely rotatably engaged in the housing and press the flexible flat cable for the holding in such a manner as to bend the flexible flat cable. This permits the flexible flat cable to be prevented from slipping off and also permits it to be kept in its connected and held state even when used in an environment subjected to vibration and external force.

Abstract: A lamp shaft of a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) lamp fixing in a wire connection casing composes a fixing base and an inserting shaft. The fixing base is coupled and secured to a through hole on the lateral side of a wire connection casing. An inserting shaft is inserted into the through hole of the fixing base. By rotating the inserting shaft, the embedding member and the slanted elastic plate are driven to press tighter and tighter with each other and forces the embedding base to be securely fixed onto the fixing base. Such arrangement can reduce the transportation and storage amount of material since the wire connection casing and the inserting shaft can be detached and disposed separately. Furthermore, when the user carries the lamp, he/she does not need other tools for assembly, and it attains the function of facilitating the user's DIY assembly.

Abstract: A power connector (1) includes an insulative housing (2), a first conductive contact (5) and a second conductive contact (6). The insulative housing includes a receiving space (3) defined inwardly from a front surface of the housing and an inner portion (22) bounded on its sides by the receiving space. Each contact includes a main body (51, 61) assembled in the rear wall of the housing and a plurality of mating portions (53, 63). The mating portions are assembled in the housing and partly exposed in the receiving space. The mating portions of the first conductive contact are arranged on an outer circle. The mating portions of the second conductive contact are arranged on an inner circle inside the outer circle.

Abstract: In a small connector, male and female terminals with high reliability of locking can be easily unlocked. A connector housing 10 has a housing body 11 and a cover body 25 mounted on the housing body 11. A hinge 13 is provided to join the bodies integrally. A locking bar 30 for locking a female terminal 35 is formed suspendingly, through an opening 23 of a terminal receiving chamber 12, on an operating flap 28 formed along the same plane of the cover wall 26 by slitting the cover wall 26. A pressing portion 30b is formed at the top end of the locking bar 30 for abutting on a free end 41b of a spring contact piece 41.

Abstract: An electrical connector comprises a plurality of conductive chicklets jointly defining at least a mounting surface adapted to face a motherboard, and a contacting surface adapted to face a daughterboard. Each chicklet defines at least a waveguide extending between the mounting and contacting surfaces. A plurality of differential pair terminals are dielectrically supported within the waveguides and having contacting ends extending beyond the mounting and contacting surfaces so as to electrically couple the motherboard and the daughterboard.

Abstract: A card connector includes a base and a row of first upper terminals. The base has a top surface and a bottom surface and is formed with a card slot for receiving an electric card. The card slot has an insert port from which the electric card may be inserted. The upper terminals are arranged on the base. Each upper terminal has a contact positioned within the card slot for elastically contacting the inserted electric card, a pin extending out of the bottom surface of the base, and an extension connecting the contact to the pin. Each contact is convex toward the bottom surface of the base. Each contact is elastically biased toward the top surface of the base when contacting the electric card. Each pin extends out of the bottom surface of the base from a side opposite to the insert port of the card slot.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supporting and skidproof structure of car lighter plug, which comprises a plug body having an insertion portion, an elastic conducting post matched at the front end of the insertion portion, a plurality of elastic conducting sheets protruding out of the sidewall of the insertion portion, and a support unit disposed on the plug body. The support unit has a support component, which can be controlled to make outward spreading or inward retraction. Thereby, the car lighter plug can be supported and firmly positioned in a car lighter insertion hole, and will not skid or sway, hence achieving good electric connection.

Abstract: A jack in a telecommunications system for receiving a plug therein, the jack including a housing having an aperture for receiving the plug, a sled having a mating side and a non-mating side, the mating side generally disposed to be accessible from the aperture by the plug, a first plurality of contacts wrapped around the sled so as to extend from the non-mating side of the sled to the mating side of the sled, the first plurality of contacts being accessible by the plug on the mating side of the sled when the plug is inserted into the aperture, a second plurality of contacts wrapped around the sled so as to extend from the non-mating side of the sled to the mating side of the sled, the second plurality of contacts being accessible by the plug on the mating side of the sled when the plug is inserted into the aperture, and a shield disposed generally between the first plurality of contacts and the second plurality of contacts on the non-mating side of the sled.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a plug-type connector for simultaneously connecting several coaxial cables, with said plug-type connector comprising a first plug part that is arranged on a first component and contains several first coupling elements in a first housing which are respectively connected to one of the coaxial cables, as well as a second plug part that is arranged on a second component and contains several second coupling elements in a second housing which are respectively connected to one of the coaxial cables. The two components can be separably connected to one another such that the plug parts become inserted into one another in a connecting direction.

Abstract: A connector has a housing (10) with retainer (40). The retainer (40) is formed with second securing portions (50) for locking terminal fittings (30) from behind and a front wall (42) for holding the terminal fittings (30) at their front-limit positions by bringing the terminal fittings into contact therewith from behind. Thus, a distance along forward and backward or longitudinal directions between the front wall 42) and the second securing portions (50) does not vary even if the retainer (40) should shake with respect to the housing (10). This prevents the terminal fittings (30) from making loose movements in the inserting and withdrawing directions with respect to the retainer (40).

Abstract: A generally U-shaped clamp may be used to connect a charging cable to a terminal of a storage battery to be charged. The clamp includes an elongated main body portion having a longitudinally extending axis and spaced ends. The clamp further includes a first elongated leg member connected to the main body portion at one of its ends. The first leg member extends away from the main body portion in a direction transverse to the axis and has a clamping end segment disposed in laterally spaced relationship to the axis. The clamp also includes second elongated leg member connected to the main body portion at the opposite end thereof from the first leg member. The second leg member also extends away from the main body portion in essentially the same direction as the first leg member and the same has an electrically conductive cable connector carrying end segment disposed in laterally spaced relationship to the clamping end segment of the first leg member.

Abstract: A no-crimp electrical connector for connecting a stranded or solid wire or conductor in the lower gauges electrical wire to an end terminal. It includes a conductive end terminal having an integral bullet-shaped wire-splaying end, and an end terminal end, a hollow, internally threaded, female connector member secured to the conductive end terminal and houses the bullet-shaped wire splaying end, and a male connector member having an externally threaded surface for threaded engagement with the internally threaded female connector member, the male connector member having a throughbore, the throughbore having a first portion which is conically shaped to define a wire clamping space for wire ends splayed by the bullet-shaped end upon relative rotation between the female and male connection members. The female connection member can be conductive and made integral with the conductive end terminal.

Abstract: The invention discloses a retractable rudder device attached to the water jet nozzle of a watercraft. In a non-deployed condition, the rudders are latched in position and completely out of the water stream underneath the craft. When deployed, two rudders aligned with the axis of the steering nozzle, are rotated into position via springs and cables. The rudders pivot independently of each other, and will retract if contact with an underwater object is made or the craft is beached. A cable system connected to a control unit lowers the rudders into the deploy position. The cable system is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder using fluid pressure from the jet pump. The deployment rate can be varied by altering the fluid pressure in the hydraulic cylinder, and is a function of boat speed. Deployment of the retractable rudder system is determined by an electronic control system.

Abstract: An improved tilt piston stroke control arrangement that employs a stroke control valve that controls the tilt stroke by closing a hydraulic conduit at a predetermined stroke position to thus shutting off the feed of hydraulic pressure to the tilt cylinder. Thus, the stroke control valve can be provided in any position in the associated hydraulic circuit. This increases the degree of freedom for layout and makes it possible to achieve a compact layout.

Abstract: A drive shaft support structure for a boat for preventing water from penetrating a boat body via a cylindrical portion through which the drive shaft passes. The cylindrical portion extends inwardly from outside the boat toward the engine. A support portion for supports a rubber dampered bearing body, which rotatably supports the drive shaft on the engine side. The rubber dampered bearing body includes a rubber damper portion and a rubber cylindrical portion formed integrally with the rubber damper portion and extending toward the cylindrical portion. The rubber cylindrical portion and the cylindrical portion are directly connected. The rubber dampered bearing body supports the rear end of a cover for a coupler for connecting an output shaft of the engine and the drive shaft.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved engine control system that eases watercraft operation. The watercraft includes a propulsion device, such as a jet propulsion unit, and an engine that powers the propulsion unit. The engine control system is configured to limit engine speed under certain conditions.

Abstract: A small watercraft engine having a lubrication system including a lubrication oil reservoir. In an upper portion of the reservoir, a breather assembly is mounted which aids in separating liquids from vapor traveling therethrough. A lower surface of the baffle arrangement includes at least one aperture which allows vapor from the main portion of the lubricant reservoir to pass upwardly into the breather arrangement. A skirt extends downwardly around the aperture so as to aid in preventing liquid lubricant from passing through the aperture.

Abstract: An oil system for a two-stroke outboard marine engine is disclosed. The oil system includes an oil system housing having an inlet, an outlet, and an oil return. The housing includes an oil filter base to receive a replaceable oil filter thereon. The oil is routed in a closed loop that includes an oil reservoir, the inlet to the oil system housing, through the replaceable oil filter, and is then returned to the oil reservoir. Periodically, a solenoid opens the closed loop system to divert oil to the two-stroke engine, at which time a remote vent valve is activated to allow air to enter the oil reservoir to displace the dispensed oil.

Abstract: A device and method that simplifies maintenance for inboard motorboats. The device and method allows an individual to safely flush the engine of a motorboat by maintaining precise pressure control and a constant supply of liquid to the engine circulating pump. More specifically, the device and method eliminate the danger of damaging the boat's engine on account of excessive or insufficient pressure at the boat's coolant water circulating pump by maintaining appropriate pressure and flow to the cooling pump of an inboard motor boat.