Abstract: Techniques for polishing a wafer (10) include closed-loop control. The wafer can be held by a carrier head (100) having at least one chamber whose pressure is controlled to apply a downward force on the wafer. Thickness-related measurements of the wafer can be obtained during polishing and a thickness profile for the wafer is calculated based on the thickness-related measurements. The calculated thickness profile is compared to a target thickness profile. The pressure in at least one carrier head chamber is adjusted based on results of the comparison. The carrier head chamber pressures can be adjusted to control the amount of downward force applied to the wafer during polishing and/or to control the size of a loading area on the wafer against which the downward force is applied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for polishing a substrate surface. In one aspect, an apparatus for polishing a substrate includes a basin and a polishing head. A carrier is disposed in the basin and has a substrate supporting surface. A retaining ring is disposed on the carrier and at least partially circumscribes the substrate supporting surface. The polishing head is supported above the basin and includes a conductive polishing pad. Embodiments may further include a vent to allow gas to escape through the polishing head. Embodiments may further include an electrolyte supply that flows electrolyte into the polishing head and out through a permeable electrode and the conductive pad to the substrate. Embodiments may also be configured with a polishing head diameter smaller than the substrate supported by the carrier.

Abstract: A carrier head for a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a flexible membrane that applies a load to a substrate. A central portion of the flexible membrane is formed of a first material with a different rigidity than a second material that forms the annular portion of the flexible membrane.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed for improving edge performance in a chemical mechanical polishing process is disclosed. The system includes a wafer head disposed above a wafer, where the wafer head includes a first active retaining ring capable of extension and retraction. Below the wafer head is a polishing belt, and disposed below the polishing belt is a platen having a second active retaining ring capable of extension and retraction. During operation the first active retaining ring and the second active retaining ring can be controlled to provide positional control for the polishing belt, thus adjusting and controlling the removal rate at the edge of the wafer.

Abstract: A continuous CMP process for polishing multiple conductive and non-conductive layers on a semiconductor substrate. The continuous process comprises the steps of: (a) disposing a substrate on a platen; (b) polishing a first layer using both a mechanical means and a chemical means; and (c) polishing a second layer upon adjusting at least one parameter in either the mechanical means, chemical means, or both.

Abstract: A rotary woodworking machine includes a longitudinally extending transmitting shaft having two ends respectively coupled to two rotary woodworking members. A speed ratio varying device is disposed to couple the transmitting shaft to an output shaft of a motor, and includes two pitch-variable first and second pulleys mounted on the transmitting shaft and the output shaft, a belt trained on the pulleys, and a control unit operable to move a movable disc of the first pulley toward or away from a fixed disc of the first pulley so as to vary the radial distances between the belt and each of the shafts, thereby varying the speed ratio of the transmitting shaft to the output shaft.

Abstract: A wheel cleaning device for cleaning and/or polishing a rim or any other exposed part of the wheel during traveling of the vehicle. The device includes a mounting support for securing the device to the wheel axle so as to be in a stationary relationship relative to the wheel and a cleaner having a shaft and a brush. The shaft has a first end rotatably connected to the support for continuous rotation relative thereto about the rotation axis of the wheel and a second end extending radially from the first end. The brush mounting on the second end of the shaft is positioned, configured and sized to contact the wheel. The brush depends downwardly from the support under gravity to continuously rub against the wheel to clean the wheel under rotation during traveling of the vehicle.

Abstract: An abrasive pad for CMP has a substrate and an abrasive layer disposed on the substrate. An abrasive pad for CMP having a substrate and an abrasive layer disposed on the substrate, wherein said abrasive layer has a three-dimensional structure including a plurality of regularly arranged three-dimensional elements having a predetermined shape, and said abrasive layer comprises an abrasive composite containing advanced alumina abrasive grains produced by a CVD method and a binder as construction components.

Abstract: A method of gutting a cephalopod, such as squid, the cephalopod having an outer mantle containing internal organs, and the method comprising retaining the outer mantle at a fixed distance from a central axis while rotating the mantle about the said axis whereby the internal organs are subjected to a centrifugal force sufficient to eject the organs outwardly through an open end of the mantle.

Abstract: A head removal apparatus (10) includes a pivoting saw assembly (30). A first end of the pivot assembly (30) is connected to the frame (11) and a second end is free to move up and down downstream from the first end. A saw (68) is operatively connected to the second. A guide, proximate the first end, is provided whereby the connecting strip between the head and the carcass is guided toward the saw, whereby the head travels downstream under the pivot arm and raises the pivot arm. The pivot arm raises the saw to the proper cutting height.

Abstract: A coin payout device has a slider with a coin receiving hole for receiving a coin. The slider is reciprocable between a first position whereat the hole is at a coin discharging station and a second position whereat the hole is at a coin receiving station. A rotary coin orienting device is located at the coin receiving station for orienting coins parallel to the hole by a rotary action. A motor drives the slider from the first position to the second position and simultaneously rotates the rotary coin orienting device. In order to prevent damage in the event of jams, the motor is not used to drive the slider from the second position to the first position and instead springs are used.

Abstract: A coin dispensing device provides a housing frame that can be mounted within a predetermined space within a machine that requires dispensing coins in more than one denomination. A plurality of coin hoppers for respectively different denominations of coins can be stacked in vertical alignment within the housing frame for dispensing the coins. A cover member can provide a common passageway connected to the coin hoppers. The coin hoppers can be slid out of the housing frame for servicing and slid back into the housing frame for engagement with a transmission assembly to permit selective driving of a coin hopper dispensing unit from a power source such as a single motor.

Abstract: An integrated exterior inlet/exhaust port for providing two air channels through a wall while only requiring a single hole through the wall.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device and a method for supplying conditioned air for heating and/or cooling from a first environment to a second environment. More specifically, the present invention provides a hose in a container and a retractor. The retractor may have a drive unit with a belt. Protrusions on the hose may correspond with grooves on the belt. The belt of the drive unit may engage the hose and pull the hose from the container. In addition, the drive unit may also retract the hose into the container when the hose is not needed. Further, a linear actuator may release the retractor from the hose allowing the hose to be pulled manually from the container.

Abstract: In one aspect, a modular fan system includes a fan, a plenum member adapted to be mounted to the fan and adapted to be mounted to an enclosure, a gasket adapted to be mounted between the plenum member and the enclosure, a filter adapted to be mounted within the plenum member, and a grille adapted to be mounted to the plenum member. In the system, one or more of the fan, the plenum member, the gasket, the filter, and the grille are both assemblable into a first fan assembly and are alternatively assemblable into a second fan assembly. Another aspect also provides a stand-off collar adapted to be mounted to the enclosure, a first grille adapted to be mounted to the plenum member and adapted to be alternatively mounted to the stand-off collar, and an EMI/RFI shielding grille adapted to be mounted to the plenum member.

Abstract: A cabinet adapted to house electronic and communication equipment therein. The cabinet includes modifiable top, bottom and side walls. Grommets with notches are provided to accommodate passage of wires and cables into and out of the cabinet. The notches function to receive the wires and/or cables and to mitigate passage of air through the grommet. A micro controller is provided for each individual cabinet to both monitor and control variants within the cabinet. The micro controller may be accessed on site with a local operator, or remotely through a memory addressable system.

Abstract: The invention discloses a smoke extraction system 10 provided with an infrared smoke detector 16, infrared thermostat 18, A/C sensor 38 and transition door 20. When the smoke detector 16 detects smoke 32 it sends a signal to the thermostat 18 changing the setting to exhaust mode, at the same time the signal is received by the A/C sensor 38 electronics of the transition door 20, which opens the transition door allowing smoke to be vented to the outside. When the air conditioning unit engages the vent mode, the air is vented through the transition door 20 thereby creating a draft that will remove the smoke 32 and vent it outside. The extraction system can be adapted to a central air conditioning system 12.

Abstract: An openable 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. Then board is provided with a cut substantially in the shape and size of the vent to be covered. An airflow permable debris barrier is attached to the periphery of a first surface of the board. The portion of the board within the cut is removable to enable airflow from the vent as desired during construction, and may be replaced when airflow from the vent is no longer needed. The board is nailed to the subflooring surrounding the vent. The cover may be removed after construction.

Abstract: A vent structure comprises an inlet-connector section, an outlet section, and a transition section between the inlet-connector section and outlet section. The inlet-connector section is at an inlet end of the vent structure and is adapted for connection with an inlet duct from which the vent structure receives a flow of air. The outlet section is at an outlet end of the vent structure and includes an outlet slot that is adapted to direct the flow of air into a room. The transition section has a flared portion that diverges in cross-sectional area as it extends generally toward the outlet section. The transition section has a constricted portion located between the inlet-connector section and the outlet slot. The constricted portion is also located substantially centrally within a plane that is generally perpendicular to a direction of air flow.

Abstract: The present provides a multileveled bonus round having a plurality of random generations, differing average awards and differing levels of risk. The gaming device contains a display that prompts the player to select one of a plurality of pick buttons. When the player does so, the game assigns an award set to each pick button of the display. The game then displays each of the awards in the award sets so that the player can easily recognize the assignments. The game randomly chooses one of the awards from each of the award sets and displays the chosen awards. The player's award for any given level is thus the selected award of the selected award set of the picked or chosen pick button. The awards of the present invention can be an award multiplier, outright base game credits or a bonus round terminator. A bonus round terminator terminates the bonus round.

Abstract: When a user desires to participate a roulette game performed in a game machine, the user participates himself in the game by use of a station of the game machine. Of the users, a user who has declared to be an owner can participate and play the roulette game as the owner. In contrast, a user who has participated the game as a player predict a number determined by a roulette wheel and bet chips. If no winning chips have hit, the chips betted in a layout table are paid to the owner. In contrast, if winning chips have hit, the amount of payout is computed, and the chips are paid to the player. If the amount of chips paid to the player is greater than the amount of chips betted in the layout table, chips are paid to the players from the chips possessed by the owner.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a game involves the player playing against a gaming machine's computer such that a victory by the player in the game grants an award to the player. In one particular game, the player and computer compete to build a structure created from objects. The player and computer alternate turns. The player chooses from a number of icons, each representing a hidden object, with the hope of choosing the tallest object, and the computer randomly selects an object. The player attempts to build a structure above a winning height before the computer's structure reaches the winning height. Along the way, the player is given various options, such as the option to change positions with the computer, the option to buy an object, or other types of options.

Abstract: A roulette game utilizing the existing roulette wheel and layout to enhance the game of roulette. Players make wagers on the conventional layout and using the plurality of token acceptors can place an extra wager to win two separate progressive jackpots.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus is disclosed having a display unit capable of generating video images; a value input device; a player tracking card reader; and a controller. The controller being programmed to read a player tracking card, to acquire player tracking data from a database, and determine if a player is a personal progressive member. The controller also being programmed to evaluate an outcome of a game to determine if the outcome was a qualified personal progressive jackpot win; to increment a credit account for the player by a personal progressive jackpot total if the outcome was a qualified personal progressive jackpot win; to reset the personal progressive jackpot total if the outcome was a qualified personal progressive jackpot win; and to increment the credit account by a contribution amount if the outcome was not a qualified personal progressive win.

Abstract: A game controller for an entertainment system coupled to a game machine body. The game controller comprises a key operation portion, communication interface means for establishing a communication with the game machine body, and storage means in which a plurality of game software programs is stored. A particular game software program is selected from the plurality of game software programs using the key operation portion. A control portion of the game machine body executes the particular game software program.

Abstract: By transmitting function information indicative of functions of a game machine manipulation device CT10, previously stored therein, to a game machine main body 27 with a command from the game machine main body 27, it is possible to retrieve functions of the game machine manipulation device CT10 required for the game machine main body 27 and to set the retrieved functions of the game machine manipulation device CT10 in the game machine manipulation device CT10.

Abstract: A clutching device has a main shaft, a hub, a pushing disk and a transmitting gear. The hub is securely attached to the main shaft and has a shoulder formed on one end of the hub. The pushing disk is securely attached to the hub. The transmitting gear is rotatably mounted on the hub and is sandwiched between the shoulder of the hub and the pushing disk. The transmitting gear has a recess defined in each respective side of the transmitting gear, and two clutch pads are respectively received in the recesses in the transmitting gear and respectively abut the shoulder on the hub and the pushing disk. Accordingly, it is not necessary to replace the transmitting gear when only one of the clutching pads is worn away, such that the cost for maintaining the clutching device in a good operational condition is reduced.

Abstract: A telescopic tripot universal joint comprises an outer drive member having three longitudinal drive channels which include two opposing concave side surfaces having a parabolic profile, an inner drive member having three radial trunnions having a radially outward facing semi-spherical surface for tiltably mounting a drive ball assembly which has a bearing train disposed radially between an inner ball tiltably engaged to the trunnion and an outer ball having a tread face which directly opposes the concave side surfaces of the drive channels. The parabolic side surface has a radially outward portion having a smaller radius of curvature than a radial inward portion of the parabolic side surface. Moreover, the radius of the inward portion is equal to or greater than the maximum radius of the outer ball thereby assuring the tread face of the outer ball does not bind against the inward portion of the parabolic side surface on the unloaded side.

Abstract: A plunging, constant-velocity, tripode universal joint comprising a first rotary member (30) having three trunnions (31), a roller (34) having a cylindrical bore mounted on a spherical surface (32) on each trunnion so that the cylindrical bore engages the spherical surface and so that each roller can rotate, tilt and slide relative to its supporting trunnion, a second rotary member (40) having three grooves parallel to its rotary axis, each roller being engaged with one of the grooves, the engagement between each roller and track surfaces in its associated groove being at three points such that the orientation of the roller with respect to the second member is determined solely by said engagement and wherein when the joint is transmitting torque each roller (34) is only in contact with the track surface(s) (42, 43) through which the torque is being transmitted.

Abstract: A tripot joint (10) includes a tripot housing (12) having three guide channels (24) receiving three corresponding trunnions (20) of a tripot spider (16). A ball assembly (28) is mounted on each of the trunnions (20) and received in the guide channels (24). The ball assembly includes an inner ball (30), and outer ball (40), and a complement of roller elements (52). The inner balls (30) are slidable axially on the roller elements (52) relative to the outer balls (40). Each ball assembly (28) includes at least one yieldable retainer (58) mounted on the outer ball (40) and projecting into the axial sliding path of the inner ball (30) in at least partial overlapping relation to the inner ball (30). The yieldable retainers secure the inner and outer balls (30, 40) against axial separation prior to joining the ball assemblies (28) with the trunnions (20) and guide channels (24).

Abstract: An amusement ride includes an output member having an anthropomorphic robot arm adapted for six degrees of movement. The ride further includes a passenger station in moveable engagement with said output member, a platform, and optionally a ticket reader.

Abstract: A metal wood-type golf club includes a weight member disposed along the interior surface of the bottom wall. The weight member is sized and distributed so as to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club about a vertical axis extending through the center of gravity as well as lowering the center of gravity of the club head itself. The longitudinal position of the weight member is selected as a function of the loft angle of the club face. The weight member is moved forward for a club having a small loft angle and moved rearward for a club having a high loft angle so that the vertical gear effect about the center of gravity partially offsets the natural backspin of the club to a greater or lesser degree depending on the loft angle of the club.

Abstract: A golf putter is described which may be used as a regular length putter, a mid-length putter and a long putter. A conventional regular length putter has as assembly detachably secured thereto which enables the putter to be used as a mid-length putter and as a long putter as desired.

Abstract: A golf club head (1) having a hollow portion is partly or entirely provided with a PCCP structure (2) excluding its face portion (16). By this structure, a golf club head having an outer body structure which permits the thickness of the head to be reduced without loss in the strength to be provided.

Abstract: A golf club head comprises a ball striking face provided with a central region having a surface hardness Hc and a peripheral region surrounding the central region and having a surface hardness Hp less than the surface hardness Hc.

Abstract: Several features are combined to provide a balanced putter, which assists a player in perfecting a putt stroke during practice and repeating it with the same club during play. The clubhead is substantially symmetric around the shaft and has tapered top and bottom surfaces such that the angle of the shaft relative to the sole of the putter is no more than 80 degrees. The shaft is attached at the center of the clubhead, and the clubhead and shaft are arranged so that the center of gravity of the clubhead strikes the center of the golf ball. The clubhead has a playing surface on one face that is parabolic and can be flat in the extreme. The clubhead has a practice surface on the other face that is curved, preferably elliptical, to assist the golfer in learning the proper stroke. The putter conforms to the Rules of Golf so that the player does not have to change clubs between practice and play. The club may be used for a right- or left-handed stroke.

Abstract: A weight member for a golf club head is made of a WFeNi alloy by a precision casting process. The WFeNi alloy includes wt 15%-40% of iron, wt 30%-60% of nickel, wt 15%-30% of tungsten, wt 1.5%-10.0% of chromium, and wt 0.5%-5.0% of molybdenum. Chromium improves the rust-resisting property of the weight member. Molybdenum reduces the risk of cracks in the weight member during welding. Uniformity of shining finishing of the weight member can be improved by controlling a mixture ratio of nickel to tungsten. Manganese, copper, vanadium, and niobium may be added to improve the mechanical properties of the weight member.

Abstract: A golf ball comprising a cover and a core, and optionally at least one intermediate layer interposed between the cover and the core, wherein the cover, the intermediate layer or both are formed from a blend comprising a silicon-urea copolymer.

Abstract: A golf ball has a large number of dimples (A to D) on a surface thereof. A surface area occupation ratio Y of the dimples in the golf ball is 0.80 to 0.90. A mean curvature R to be a mean value of a curvature r in the sectional shape of the dimple is 16 mm or more. A total volume V of the dimples is 300 mm3 to 700 mm3. A mean occupation ratio y to be a value obtained by dividing the surface area occupation ratio Y by a total number N of the dimples is 0.0022 or more. A sum X of a contour length x of the dimple and the surface area occupation ratio Y satisfy a relationship indicated by an expression (I): X≦3882·Y+1495  (I).

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes and apparatuses for forming multi-layer golf balls, and more particularly to processes and equipment for forming multi-layer golf balls having one or more deep dimples that extend through the outer cover layer and into one or more matching depressions in the layers or components thereunder.

Abstract: A tennis training simulation system is disclosed that improves both reaction time and ground stroke techniques within a limited physical training environment. This training system combines simulated service of a tennis ball from a service line over a virtual net, and delivery of real tennis ball to an awaiting tennis student. In the system of this invention, the tennis ball delivery system includes an automatic tennis ball machine equipped with an array of lights or LED's that simulate the service of a tennis ball from a service line, a simulated trajectory of the tennis ball over a virtual net, and a simulated first bounce of a tennis ball coupled immediately thereafter with real in-flight delivery of an actual tennis ball to an awaiting tennis student.

Abstract: An overhead supported net system including a net and a spaced pair of masts pivotally connected to an overhead structure to pivot about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the net between a stored position and a play position. A pair of braces are connected to the overhead structure and the masts to lock the masts in the play position. The mast terminates short of the floor.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly for a portable basketball goal assembly is disclosed. The anchoring assembly enables the basketball goal assembly to be rigidly attached to a playing surface to stabilize the basketball goal assembly during game play. Each anchoring assembly may include an anchor fitted within an anchoring hole of the playing surface and an anchoring attachment extending through a hole in the base of the basketball goal assembly to engage the anchor. The anchoring attachment can be gripped and rotated by a user to engage or disengage the anchoring assembly. Various bracket arrangements may be used in conjunction with oversized holes in the base to permit significant variation in the positioning and orientation of the anchoring holes. Furthermore, support struts may be attached directly to such brackets to transmit force through a pathway constructed exclusively of high strength material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite baseball bat having a core wherein the core is wound at various angles with continuous fibers. The fibers are impregnated with a resin such as an epoxy resin. The baseball bat can include a core having a barrel portion, handle portion and a longitudinal axis extending through core barrel and handle portions, the handle portion being narrower than the barrel portion; continuous first fibers wound around the core barrel portion at an angle of about 0° to 90° relative to a first plane normal to the longitudinal axis to provide at least one layer of first fibers around the core barrel portion; continuous second fibers wound around the core handle portion at an angle of about 35° to 55° relative to the first plane normal to the longitudinal axis to provide at least one layer of second fibers around the core handle portion; and a resin impregnated on the first and second fibers.

Abstract: A self-regulating reverse boost valve assembly for installation within the hydraulic pump of an automatic transmission is disclosed. The present reverse boost valve assembly operates in conjunction with the pressure regulator valve to control line pressure generated by the hydraulic pump boosting line pressure in relation to engine torque. The present reverse boost valve assembly includes an internal check valve mechanism that is actuated whenever torque signal fluid pressure (proportional to engine torque) exceeds a predetermined level. When the internal check valve mechanism is actuated, the excess torque signal fluid pressure is diverted via an internal exhaust channel to the transmission sump. Thus, any drastic rise in main line hydraulic pressure or high line pressure in reverse gear, which can result in broken direct clutch drums and/or broken transmission cases, is prevented.

Abstract: A differential gear includes a main gear wheel rotating on an imaginary axis and having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, a first output device, the first output device having a first sun gear pivoted to the first side of the main gear wheel for free rotation on the imaginary axis and a first output shaft extended from the first sun gear along the imaginary axis, a second output device, the second output device having a second sun gear pivoted to the second side of the main gear wheel for free rotation on the imaginary axis and a second output shaft extended from the second sun gear along the imaginary axis, and a first planet gear set, the first planet gear set having a first planet gear pivoted to the first side of the main gear wheel and meshed with the first sun gear, a second planet gear pivoted to the first side of the main gear wheel and meshed with the first planet gear, and a third planet gear pivoted to the second side of the main gear wheel and meshed with the second sun ge

Abstract: A family of power transmissions has a plurality of family members each of which have three planetary gearsets, each having three members, and six torque transmitting mechanisms. An output shaft is continuously interconnected with at least one planetary member. An input shaft is selectively interconnected with respective planetary members through at least two of the torque transmitting mechanisms. One member of the second planetary gearset and one member of the third planetary gearset are continuously interconnected, and another member of the third planetary gearset is continuously interconnected with a transmission housing. The remaining torque transmitting mechanisms provide selective interconnections between two planetary members or between a planetary member and the housing, the input shaft, and the output shaft. The torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engaged in combinations of four to establish at least seven forward speeds and one reverse speed.

Abstract: A vehicular power-transmission control system comprises a continuously variable transmission CVT, which transmits the output of an engine E to wheels, a starting clutch 5, which controls the transmission of power in the continuously variable transmission, an electrical motor generator M, which can assist the engine in rotational drive, and a hydraulic pump P, which is connected to the output shaft of the engine. When the vehicle, which has come into a halt with the engine consequently stopped in an idling elimination control, is to be restarted, the power-transmission control system controls the electrical motor generator to rotate the output shaft of the engine, to which fuel supply is not allowed, thereby to drive the pump. Thereafter, when the starting clutch receiving a hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic pump starts its engagement, the power-transmission control system starts the operation of the engine.

Abstract: An exercise treadmill is disclosed which includes various features to enhance user operation and to reduce maintenance costs. These features include handlebars with an upwardly curved center section and outwardly flared side portions along with pivoting rear legs for the treadmill frame. The control panel features include snap-in user trays and an overlay covering the numerical key pad along with an auxiliary control panel having a subset of user controls that are larger and more easy to use than the same controls on the main control panel. Maintenance enhancing features include the provision for access panels in the treadmill housing and a belt lubrication system that uses a priming pulse to clear the wax spraying nozzle. For injection molded parts such as the control panel, structural strength is enhanced by utilizing gas-assist injection molding to form structural ribs. Another feature includes pre-glazing the treadmill belt.

Abstract: An improved weight exercise apparatus having an interlocking grip bar and rotationally removable weight plates. A weight plate is attached to a socket on the grip bar and can be interlocked with additional weight plates using a simple insert and twist motion. The grip bar does not extend beyond the attached weight plates making the apparatus ergonomically friendly and aesthetically pleasing. The invention restricts the movement of interlocked weight plates to limit rattle-type noise typical of loose weights on a barbell and includes a latching mechanism to prevent a weight plate from being accidentally disconnected.