Abstract: A connector has a housing (10) formed with cavities (11) for receiving male terminal fittings (40). Each cavity (11) has a receiving surface (16) substantially normal to an inserting direction of the male terminal fitting (40), and each male terminal fitting (40) has a contact surface (50) substantially normal to the inserting direction. The inserted male terminal fitting (40) is stopped at a front-limit position by bringing the contact surface (50) thereof into contact with the receiving surface (16) in the cavity (11) substantially in the same direction as the inserting direction of the male terminal fitting (40). Thus, the male terminal fitting (40) can be stopped at a proper insertion position.

Abstract: A retainer (40) has left and right pivotally displaceable locking pieces (47) and is held at a partial locking position on a housing (30) by the engagement of engageable portions (50) at the leading ends of the locking pieces (47) with partial locking projections (31) on the housing (30). Thus, even if the retainer (40) is pushed inadvertently, such a push is restricted by the contact of the contact surfaces with the restricting surfaces (37). Pressable portions (55) of the locking pieces (47) can be pressed while holding the opposite side surfaces of the retainer (40) by fingers. This causes the locking pieces (47) to displace pivotally outward and the engageable portions (50) disengage from the restricting surfaces (37). Thus, the retainer (40) can be pushed to a full locking position.

Abstract: A cable assembly (1) comprises an insulative housing (10) receiving a plurality of electrical terminals (12) therein and a metallic shielding (30) attached to the housing. The shielding forms an inner space for accommodating the housing and an adapter (4). The adapter has a connecting portion (41) extending out of an opening (3242) formed at a longitudinal side wall (324) of the shielding. A channel (42) is formed in the adapter such that a cable (5) can extend through the channel and into the space in the shielding to establish electrical connection with the terminals in the housing.

Abstract: A thin connector is assembled on a PCB for signal transmission of an LCD, and has an insulative housing, a plurality of conductive terminals received in the insulative housing, a shell shielding the insulative housing and the conductive terminals, and a metal plate. The metal plate is sandwiched between the conductive terminals and the insulative housing and electrically connects with a grounding circuit of the PCB. An assembling arms upwardly extend from opposite side edges of the metal plate. Each assembling arm has a rear tab for mounting on the insulative housing. Each assembling arm defines a retaining hole at a bottom edge thereof for locking with a mating connector. The metal plate is close to the conductive terminals, so effectively reduces cross talking of the conductive terminals. Moreover, the retaining holes of the metal plate further assure firm engagement between the thin connector and the mating connector.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing and at least one electrical wafer that is receivable in the housing. The wafer has a first edge and a second edge that intersect each other and an array of conductive paths between the first and second edges. Each conductive path has a resistance between the first and second edges that is substantially equal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for providing a strain relief for use in the assembly of an electrical connector on an end of an electrical conductor having at least an outer braided portion, which may be surrounded by an insulating cover. The methods and apparatus disclosed herein provide a low cost approach for installation using minimal tooling, while providing a precise and robust relief that ensures electrical performance.

Abstract: A positioning seat with nests for coils for a connector, the connector has on the top thereof a printed circuit board having a resistance-capacitance (RC) element, the printed circuit board is connected thereon with a plurality of coils for wave filtering and abnormal voltage isolating; the coils are positioned by a positioning device formed from the positioning seat and a lateral connecting plate connectable with the seat as well as connecting in advance with metallic guide needles, the positioning seat is shaped in advance to have the nests mutually spaced away and in an amount same as that of the coils; so that each coil is placed in a nest in advance for using in operation of electric connecting with related members and the printed circuit board.

Abstract: In an electronic component having a frame (11) and a cover (12) coupled to the frame, the cover has a flat plate portion (21) and a reinforcing portion (22) that is bent from one edge of the flat plate portion toward one surface side thereof and extends along such one edge. A plurality of press-fit portions (24) protrude from the flat plate portion towards the one surface side thereof in the neighborhood of the reinforcing portion. The press-fit portions are press-fitted into the frame. The press-fit portions can be formed by applying blanking and bending processes to a portion of the flat plate portion.

Abstract: A terminal block in the form of a terminal strip with several connecting sites has first connecting sites for 220/230 volts and second connecting sites for low DC voltage (6 to 15 volts), and the connecting sites can be supplied with voltage individually or in groups, independently of one another. The terminal block is controlled using an integrated control panel and/or using a processor 36 joined to switches (11, 15), the processor being controlled via a USB terminal 20 through cable connection to a computer. The control and display panels (4, 6) may be removed when the computer and processor are used for switch control.

Abstract: The invention is a modular cable termination plug having a conductor divider having an entrant barb and a plurality of divider channels, a load bar having a plurality of through holes and a plurality of slots, and a plurality of contact terminals. Additionally, the invention may include a housing, a strain relief collar and a strain relief boot.

Abstract: A combination connector shell is constructed to include an electrically insulative front housing adapted to hold first terminals, the front housing having two springy hooks and LED insertion slot, an open frame type rear housing, the rear housing having two front hooks detachably hooked up with the springy hooks of the front housing and two bottom hooks, and a terminal holder adapted to hold a circuit board in the rear housing and a set of second terminals, the terminal holder having two hook holes respectively engaged with the bottom hooks of the rear housing.

Abstract: A spring-loaded device is installed into a node housing at a predetermined location. The predetermined location is selected to correspond to another predetermined location into which a stinger may be installed. These predetermined locations on the node housing are selected to further correspond to a predetermined internal location of an RF interface connector. A conducting pin of the RF interface extends through a dielectric between a nail head shaped end, which provides electrical connection with the stinger projection, and an end soldered to a PCB of the amplifier. The amplifier may be installed and the node housing closed before the stinger and spring-loaded device are installed into the housing. This facilitates installation of the stinger into the housing without having to open the housing and remove the amplifier. External threads on the spring-loaded device facilitate installation thereof, but a unique torque is not required therefor.

Abstract: A fabrication system utilizes a protocol for removing native oxide from a top surface of a wafer. An exposure to a plasma, such as a plasma containing hydrogen and argon can remove the native oxide from the top surface without causing excessive germanium contamination. The protocol can use a hydrogen fluoride dip. The hydrogen fluoride dip can be used before the plasma is used. The protocol allows better silicidation in SMOS devices.

Abstract: A PCB connector (10) has a housing (11) with a receptacle (14) that has a rear wall (12). The rear wall (12) has through holes (30) that provide communication between the inside and the outside of the receptacle (14). Recesses (31) are formed at receptacle ends of the through holes (30). Terminal fittings (20) are introduced through the through holes (30) from the outside of the housing (11). Chips (34) produced by the abrasion of the terminal fittings (20) and the inner walls of the through holes (30) stay in the recesses (31) and do not interfere with a mating connector.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle terminal is provided for receiving a mating terminal pin. The terminal includes a front mating end, a rear terminating end and a generally U-shaped base portion between the ends. The base portion includes a base wall, a pair of continuous and solid side walls projecting upwardly from the base wall and a pair of contact arms projecting upwardly from each side wall. The contact arms have opposing contact portions defining multiple contact points on each side of the U-shaped base portion for engaging the terminal pin inserted between the pairs of contact arms.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing (10) and a retainer (40) that can be moved from a partial locking position to a full locking position in the housing (10). Terminal fittings (30) can be inserted into the housing (10) when the retainer (40) is at the partial locking position. However, the retainer (40) locks the terminal fittings (30) when the retainer is moved to the full locking position. Pairs of partial locks (50° F., 50 R) prevent the retainer (40) from moving loosely from the partial locking position toward the full locking position. Pairs of full locks (51° F., 51 R) prevent the retainer (40) from moving loosely from the full locking position toward the partial locking position.

Abstract: A retainer mount hole (10) is open in a connector housing (1) from its bottom surface over to its opposite side surfaces, and a retainer (35) is pushed obliquely from a partial locking position to a full locking position. On the other hand, each terminal fitting (25) is provided with a projection (28) and a stabilizer (29) at the side of the projection (28). When the retainer (35) reaches the full locking position, both the projection (28) and the stabilizer (29) are engaged with the retainer (35). The projecting end of the rear end of the stabilizer (29) is pointed, thereby forming a biting portion (56). When a wire (31) connected with the terminal fitting (25) is pulled backward, the biting portion (56) bites in the retainer (35) to prevent the retainer (35) from returning.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and disconnecting an electrical path includes a split tine socket that is formed of a high yield strength conducting material or metal and which includes a plurality of tines. Each tine functions as a two stage spring to supply a normal force that urges the tine toward the center of the socket. Each tine includes a first stage that has a smaller inside diameter and is therefore thicker than an adjacent second stage. The outside diameter of both stages includes a taper so that the tines are nearly cylindrical when fully mated with a pin. The second stage includes a reverse taper whereby it has a larger inside diameter proximate the first stage than at an opposite end proximate a tip, which ensures that physical, and therefore electrical, contact with the pin will occur at the tip of the tine. The first stage is in electrical contact with a socket contact portion that is typically crimped or soldered onto a wire. A plurality of sockets are typically included in a connector.

Abstract: A suspension system for an amphibious vehicle is able to be locked in either a lowered or in a retracted position according to whether the vehicle is on land or in water, respectively. The suspension system includes a main suspension arm pivoted to a vehicle hull at one end thereof and has a rotably mounted road wheel thereon at an opposite end thereof. A moving mechanism operably attached to the pivoted main suspension arm enables the arm and the road wheel to be retracted relative to the hull. An upper suspension link is operably and pivotally connected to the road wheel end of said main suspension arm and has a pivoted joint intermediate its ends. The upper suspension link is operably engagable with a suspension position locking mechanism in both the lowered and retracted positions.

Abstract: The present invention includes a propshaft assembly that has a propshaft connected to a transmission and an axle and a center support that attaches the propshaft to a vehicle. The center support permits the propshaft to move vertically during operation of the vehicle. The present invention also includes a method for damping the natural bending resonance of a propshaft where the propshaft is connected to the underbody of a vehicle with a center support. The center support may be adapted to permit the propshaft to move vertically in response to vertical movement of an axle attached to the propshaft. Alternately, the center support may be adapted to selectively fix the vertical position of the propshaft when the propshaft is approaching its natural bending resonance frequency.

Abstract: A water floatation board includes a pair of curved side fins for an increase in holding power of the board when in the matter, and without increasing drag during board use. Each curved side fin has a concave surface that faces a centerline of the board, and a convex surface that is opposite of the concave surface. The inner and outer surfaces merge to form leading and trailing edges, and a fin tip. The use of the concave surface allows the fin area to increase without an increase in fin depth, thus providing greater holding power without increasing drag.

Abstract: A method for fabricating the cathode plate of a carbon nano tube field emission display uses a photosensitive paste and etchable dielectric material to fabricate the cathode plate. The method combines photolithography process and etching process to fabricate a cathode electrode layer, a dielectric layer, a gate layer, and a carbon nano tube emission layer. Packing this cathode plate structure with a conventional anode plate together can form a carbon nano tube field emission array. The distribution of the electric field is uniform and the alignment at post-process is made easy.

Abstract: An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) manufacturing method includes: a step of forming a columnar spacer for maintaining a gap between a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) substrate and a CF (Color Filter) substrate into which a liquid crystal is to be injected; and a subsequent step of performing under-pressure hole sealing processing which determines the gap finally, as applying an under-pressure hole sealing load value of 0.15-0.60 kg/cm2.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus having a multipart, separable needle that can be easily repaired should the needle becomes distorted or damaged.

Abstract: There is provided a rotary aircraft and launching assembly that includes a launching platform, a hub, and a plurality of blades. The launching platform has a funnel-shaped portion. The hub has a cone-shaped portion for being supported by the funnel-shaped portion of the launching platform during at least a launching of the rotary aircraft. The plurality of blades extends generally outwardly from the hub for generating lift.

Abstract: An artificial eye suitable for realistic use in dolls that replicate human beings, animals, and other creatures such as dinosaurs, aliens, monsters, and the like. The artificial eyes, according to some embodiments of the present invention, have a one-piece eyeball and lid that are integrally molded. The integrally molded eye and lid of the present invention reduces the part count of the eye when compared to conventional two-piece eye/lid combinations, which lowers the cost of production by eliminating high cost, labor intensive secondary operations. Furthermore, the process used to create these high-quality artificial eyeballs is a high volume, low cost operation. Each embodiment of the present invention has one or more of the following elements: a bowl-shaped member, an eyelid integrally molded with the bowl-shaped member, a pupil visible through the bowl-shaped member, an iris-like member visible through the bowl-shaped member, and an attachment member to attach the artificial eye.

Abstract: An activewear garment includes a removable bra portion, so that the amount and size of bra support can be easily adapted to the wearer. The activewear garment includes a back band which, when coupled to the bottom band of the bra portion, forms a continuous band around the chest of the wearer. The back band and the bottom band are formed of material having substantially the same elasticity. When the bra portion is fastened in the garment, an integral bra is formed wherein the back band of the garment also serves as the back band of the integral bra.

Abstract: An impact resistant woman's brassiere includes two fabric breast cups, each having pockets attached to a plurality of straps to secure the brassiere to a person's torso with a plurality of one or more removable shock absorbing removably insertable pads of high tensile strength polymer material having shape memory along with a plurality of disbursed air-filled bladders. The insert pads include a scattered plurality of vent holes, with fasteners attached to the fabric breast cups in order to anchor the pads within the pockets. Optionally, a pair of underwires are secured onto the lower portion of the breast cup. The material used for the pads is typically urethane. In addition, two or more pads may be inserted into each breast cup to enhance protection and simulate a greater bust size.

Abstract: A brassiere cup has two fabric layers, a layer of soft material between the two fabric layers, a foam cup-bottom support made of a material harder than the soft material layer and situated between the two fabric layers adjacent the soft material layer. The brassiere is made, in part, by taking a first pre-laminated sheet of a first fabric layer and a first foam layer and forming a flute in the first foam layer, placing the foam cup-bottom support in the flute, and taking a second pre-laminated sheet of a second fabric layer and a second foam layer and moulding the second foam layer against the first foam layer, encasing the foam cup-bottom support between the first and second fabric layers.

Abstract: In a method of grinding a component such as a cam, a reduction in the finish grinding time is achieved by rotating the component through only a single revolution during a final grinding step and controlling the depth of cut and the component speed of rotation during that single revolution, so as to maintain a substantially constant specific metal removal rate during the final grinding step. The headstock (12) velocity can vary between 2 and 20 rpm during a single revolution of the cam during the final grinding step, with the lower speed used for grinding the flanks and the higher speed used during the grinding of the nose and base of the cam. Using a grinding machine (10) having 17.5 kw of available power for rotating the wheel, and cutting a grinding wheel in the range 80-120 mm diameter, typically the depth of cut lies in the range of 0.25 to 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A system includes a measuring station for positioning an eddy current probe proximate to a substrate in a substrate holder. The probe can produce a time-varying magnetic field, in order to induce eddy currents in one or more conductive regions of a substrate either prior to or subsequent to polishing. The eddy current signals are detected, and may be used to update one or more polishing parameters for a chemical mechanical polishing system. The substrate holder may be located in a number places; for example, in a substrate transfer system, a factory interface module, a cleaner, or in a portion of the chemical mechanical polishing system away from the polishing stations. Additional probes may be used.

Abstract: A method of polishing a surface of a glass, ceramic, or glass-ceramic substrate to minimize the waviness, waviness variation, and average surface roughness of the surface, whereby the substrate is usable for a magnetic or magneto-optical (MO) data/information storage retrieval medium, comprising sequential steps of: (a) performing a primary polishing of the substrate surface in a first polishing apparatus, utilizing a first polishing slurry containing particles of a first abrasive; (b) transferring the substrate to a second polishing apparatus; and (c) performing a final polishing of the substrate surface in the second polishing apparatus, utilizing a second polishing slurry containing particles of a second abrasive, the particles of the second abrasive being smaller than the particles of the first abrasive.

Abstract: A polishing apparatus and a polishing method which can reduce the amount of consumption of the polishing agent and scratches caused on the object to be polished due to an increase of the particle size in the polishing agent. The polishing apparatus has a polishing head which is provided with a polishing agent receiving unit, a holding means for holding an object to be polished in a holding recess, a contact portion which is positioned at the periphery of the holding recess, a feed port for feeding the polishing agent from the polishing agent receiving portion into the closed space, a vibration imparting means for imparting vibration to the polishing agent, and a valve means provided with a valve for opening and closing the feed port.

Abstract: A grinding wheel for polishing, which comprises a grinding substrate and diamond-containing resin fibers implanted in the substrate in a form of a brush.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for planarizing a substrate surface with reduced or minimal defects in surface topography. In one aspect, a method is provided for processing a substrate including positioning a substrate comprising at least first dielectric material and second dielectric material disposed thereon in a polishing apparatus, polishing the substrate with a first polishing composition having a first selectivity, and polishing the substrate with a second polishing composition having a second selectivity greater than the first selectivity.

Abstract: In a slurry solution for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) of a semiconductor wafer, an abrasive particle is provided having a central body and a plurality of extensions from the central body of the abrasive particle. The plurality of extension hold a center of mass of the abrasive particle a distance from the semiconductor wafer during the CMP process. The extensions extend 3-dimensionally from the central body, with the length of one extension being about 30 nm. The extensions reduce attractive forces acting on the central body allowing the abrasive particles to be removed from the semiconductor wafer during a post-CMP cleaning process.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward inline lapping of magnetic tape. The lapping process is performed inline with one or more other magnetic tape manufacturing processes. In this manner, the number of times the magnetic tape is un-spooled and then re-spooled can be reduced. Consequently, the amount of handling of the individual tape pancakes can also be reduced, thus avoiding damage to the edge of the tape, or other damage associated with tape pancake handling.

Abstract: A process for machining a wafer-like workpiece between two plates, in which material is abraded from the workpiece under the influence of an auxiliary substance supplied and of a pressure acting on the workpiece. In this process, the pressure on the workpiece is significantly reduced and then increased again at least once during the machining of the workpiece, and the supply of the auxiliary substance is reduced as the pressure is increased.

Abstract: The invention provides a polishing system comprising (a) an abrasive, a polishing pad, a means for oxidizing a substrate, or any combination thereof, (b) a conducting polymer having an electrical conductivity of about 10−10 S/cm to about 106 S/cm, and (c) a liquid carrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surface finishing pad for fitting to a base plate of a surface-finishing machine. The Surface finishing pad includes a retaining disc for attachment to the base plate. The retaining disc contains engaging means for engaging a mounting pad onto which one or more surface finishing discs may be attached. The mounting pad includes retaining disc engagement means complementary to the mounting pad engagement means, wherein an interference fit between the retaining disc and mounting pad engagement means provides for the mounting pad to be releasably fitted on to the retaining disc. In use, the mounting pad is retained on the retaining disc as a result of the interference fit between the retaining disc and mounting pad engagement means.

Abstract: A grinding device comprising a motor (2) driven drive shaft (4) projecting from a housing (1). The drive shaft (4) passes through a bearing unit (5). A tool receptacle (8) is provided at a free end (7) of the drive shaft (4) for removably attaching a tool (9), in particular a grinding wheel. A suction hood (11) abuts the housing (1) and encloses the free end (7) of the drive shaft (4). The suction hood (11) comprises a suction space (12) opening in a direction facing the tool receptacle (8) side. The suction space (12) has a separator wall (13) between the tool receptacle (8) and the bearing unit (5) to prevent contamination of the bearing unit (5). The wall divides the suction space (12) into a dirty space (14) that opens facing the tool receptacle (8) and an adjacent driver space (15) that opens to the opposing side.

Abstract: A handsaw capable of cutting a glass bottle includes a band-like handsaw substrate which is obtained by cutting a steel strip at a predetermined length, a blade portion of hard abrasive applied, by deposition, to at least one edge of the band-like handsaw substrate in the width direction, and a grip portion which allows the band-like handsaw substrate to be manually held. A method for manufacturing a handsaw capable of cutting a glass bottle, and a method for reusing empty wine bottles are also disclosed.

Abstract: An eviscerating member for processing a cluster of viscera of a slaughtered animal comprises two jaw parts to be moved at least partially into and out of the body cavity of the slaughtered animal. The jaw parts can move with respect to one another between an open position, in which a first jaw part is situated at a distance from the second jaw part, and a closed position, in which the first jaw part and the second jaw part substantially clamp onto part of the cluster of viscera. The eviscerating member also comprises a support mechanism supporting the jaw parts, and an actuating mechanism moving the jaw parts with respect to one another between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting-up of fish, fish fillets and the like in slices etc., comprising a feeding unit which comprises a device for the feeding of fish/fillets, the feeding unit conveying the fish/fillets to a cutting unit which cuts the fish/fillets in slices, and a unit which comprises a device for the collection and processing of data, the collection and processing device comprises a device for the registration of the length of the fish/fillet in the feeding direction and/or the weight of the fish/fillet, and in that the feeding unit comprises a plane on which the fish/fillet is placed and fed forward, the plane forming a settable and adjustable angle to the horizontal plan, a device for the automatic adjustment and setting of the angle as a function of the length and/or the weight of the fish/fillet, and also a gripping device which comprises a device for the handling of the slices from the area in which the cutting takes place.

Abstract: A shackle assembly for transporting a poultry carcass suspended by its legs along a processing path and over a weighing scale for weighing the carcass. The shackle assembly includes a trolley support, a trolley mounted to the trolley support for engaging the weighing scale, and a bird carrier for suspending a poultry carcass by its legs. A telescopic connector system joins the trolley support to the bird carrier and suspends the bird carrier from the trolley support. A cam-actuated turning system is mounted to the trolley support and operatively connected to the bird carrier for rotating the trolley support and the bird carrier in unison.

Abstract: In an air passage switching device, a flexible film moves to traverse an air passage of an air duct, thereby switching and controlling a communication state of the air passage. A thickness t of the film, a glass transition temperature Tg thereof and a radius of curvature r thereof are set so that a relationship expressed by a formula of t≦(0.00578×Tg0.448×r0.333) is satisfied and a bending stiffness of the film is set equal to or higher than 1 &mgr;N·m2. Accordingly, the film can be restricted from being buckling-deformed and from being damaged. As a result, an air leakage amount from a clearance between the film and the air passage due to the deformation can be effectively restricted.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus is disclosed that bridges the entertainment gap that currently exists between skill-based video game entertainment and the traditional formats of video games of chance. The present invention as described herein, provides a three dimensional software “world” as the gaming environment, and, through the incorporation of human interface devices, provides the player with the feeling of control experienced when playing a skill-based video game, while maintaining the random outcome requirements of standard video games of chance. In certain circumstances, the present invention may actually provide an element of control over the game outcome, but it is the feeling of control—not necessarily actual control—that provides the unique entertainment value. The present invention also provides a two-way video gaming apparatus for accommodating a plurality of players.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for operation a gaming device and preferably a bonus round of said device, whereby the game provides the player an initial sequence which results in a successful or unsuccessful outcome. If the player obtains a successful outcome, the player may use an award provided by obtaining said successful outcome. In a subsequent sequence wherein the player can selectively keep an award or attempt to sequentially exchange or trade up to a point or award total that enables the player to obtain a final and desirable ultimate award. The player preferably knows the existence of the ultimate award, and the present invention preferably discloses or reveals the value of the player's currently held or currently obtained award. The game can also reveal the value of the intermediate award steps as the player decides to go for the ultimate award or settle for the currently held award. The game preferably provides a consolation award to a player upon an unsuccessful exchange.

Abstract: The inventions herein relate to novel games of chance and apparatus and methods for their play. In one embodiment, a multi-level game of chance is played by presenting the player with multiple options, where there is at least one positive option and at least one negative option. By way of example, at each level the player selects one of four boxes, where two have a monetary amount, and one has a strike. Optionally, the fourth box may comprise a ‘mystery box’, which requires a decision within a decision. When presented with the mystery box, the player may elect to open it or not. If they do not open it, game play resumes at the existing game level. If they open it, one of multiple options is presented, including a positive option and a negative option. In the preferred embodiment, the positive option could include: a multiplier of the winnings of the player, e.g., a double of the money in the player's account, or the updating of the safe level for the player.

Abstract: A bonus scheme for a gaming device which involves the disclosure of various values to a player in increments. The player selects one or more locations, and the game discloses a value to the player. The game discloses this value partially, then pauses and then makes another partial disclosure. The game repeats this incremental disclosure until the entire value is disclosed, until a predetermined amount of time elapses or until some other predetermined event occurs. This type of bonus scheme increases player excitement and enjoyment.